When Stargate: SG-1 was canceled after its tenth season back in 2007, the major battle that SG-1 fought with the Ori was left unsettled. The fate of the universe appeared to be doomed at the hands of the Ori, those pious purveyors of peril, who were on a ruthless crusade to either convert everyone in their path to their narrow-minded cause, or kill those who dare to defy them (it seems the Ori have a little problem with people who exercise their free will). Yet fans of Stargate: SG-1 who were left hanging by the unresolved ending of the series can now rejoice, for Stargate: The Ark Of Truth is here. A direct-to-DVD movie that’s written and directed by series-runner Robert C. Cooper, it finally reveals the final chapter of this epic struggle.
The film focuses on the search for the Ark Of Truth, a powerful device that was
created by an ancient civilization to battle the Ori many eons ago. When used on
the Ori, the Ark Of Truth is supposed to eradicate the brain-washing that the
Ori have placed on their fanatical followers--in a sense, it makes them see the
truth: which is that their leaders are not gods, but really nasty folks who do
not deserve to be worshipped. If this sounds too much like a magical fairy-tale
cure, bear in mind that SG-1 still has to find it first, and that’s easier said
than done. Writer/director Cooper wisely keeps the team very busy in an
imaginative, fast-paced adventure that truly has an epic feel.
The same cast from the ninth and tenth seasons of Stargate are back, and they’re
all superb. With his Cameron Mitchell character, Ben Browder proves that he’s a
worthy successor to original team leader Jack O’Neill, while Amanda Tapping’s
Samantha Carter is still as engaging as ever. Mitchell and Carter share a relaxed
working relationship in Ark where they pass the baton of command back and forth
to each other with the ease of a pair of close friends. Michael Shanks and
Claudia Black once again show off their great, comic chemistry as Daniel Jackson
and Vala Mal Doran, respectively. And Christopher Judge shines once more as
Teal’c, the brave warrior who literally crosses hell and high water in Ark for
his friends.
Beau Bridges gets some of the best lines in the film during a confrontation with
an Ori who demands nothing less than the complete surrender of earth, and even
Gary Jones’ Sgt. Harriman is back where he belongs at the controls of the
stargate. As mentioned before, the film has a more epic feel to it than the
weekly TV show, thanks to the overall story, as well as the more cinematic
lighting and camera work. And the special effects have really stepped up to the
plate this time, giving us several jaw-dropping moments, such as the impressive
scene where an entire starship and her crew are being dematerialized as it goes
through a super-stargate in deep space.
The special features on the single disc include a commentary by writer/director
Cooper, actor Christopher Judge, and director of photography Peter Woeste.
There’s also several making of featurettes, and a very funny featurette that
shows the SG-1 cast and crew meeting the fans at the 2007 Comic Con in San
Diego, California. The viewer also has the option of watching a special prelude
before the film. This prelude shows clips from the last two seasons of SG-1 that
brings the viewer up to speed on the storyline. Much like how Battlestar
Galactica: Razor was a special event made just for its fans, so too is Stargate:
The Ark Of Truth. If you’ve never seen an episode of SG-1, then this film
probably isn’t for you. But for fans of the show, Stargate: The Ark Of Truth
will be as welcome as a visit from some old friends.
--SF
