In 1978, Universal Studios and Glen A. Larson launched a movie in Canada that was destined to make such an impact on sci-fi fans' lives that it is a favorite even today. No, I'm not talking about Star Trek or Star Wars, I'm talking about Battlestar Galactica. The movie outdid Star Wars at the box office in Canada. Released in the U.S. in 1978, Galactica was shown in Senserround, a technique that was perfected by Universal Studios. The movie starred Lorne Greene of Bonanza fame, hunks Richard Hatch and Dirk Benedict, renounced Shakespearian actor John Colicos, and the beautiful and talented Jane Seymor.
The story was that of a race of humans who was forced to take to the stars in order to survive after a devestating attack upon the 12 planets they lived on by their arch enemy, the Cylons. In their ancient records, there was mentioned a Thirteenth Colony who took to the stars long ago.....a colony that was known as Earth.
As the rag tag fleet flees from their deadly enemy, the only existing battlestar, Galactica, would defend them. In every sort of space vehicle that could fly, the people came, now under the guidance of their military leader and only surviving member of the Council of the Twelve, Commander Adama.
The people endure many hardships as a race of displaced beings. Food is short and thoughts are of home - destroyed.
Will they find their safety on Earth? Well, they will have to shake the Cylons, who are right on their tail...find enough fuel and food to sustain their existence....and actually discover exactly where Earth is.....(unfortunately, no one knows).
The characters in the movie, Adama, the wise leader; Apollo, his loyal son and valient warrior; Athena, Adama's beautiful daughter; Starbuck, the rogue and best friend to Apollo; Boomer, the great pilot and loyal friend...Jolly, Tigh, and last but not least...Baltar, the traitor of the human race who sold his own people down the tubes for power - trust me, he gets his...
Battlestar Galactica did so well in the theater, it inspired a television series that only lasted for one season. Unexplained by higher-ups, the series was cancelled and Galactica was scrapped. However, fans will not forget the story....the mythology...the characters that thrilled them.
Today, a Galactia star, Richard Hatch, works to revive the movie and bring it back twenty years after the fact.
It's a great movie with stunning special effects and a good character-driven plot and story line.
(If you would like to know more about the movie and series....and especially about the revival...check out our archives and Second Coming page.)
Actors Richard Hatch and Jack Stauffer work on a new trailer.