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So, the first of the Babylon 5: The Lost Tales, Voices in the Dark has been released in the US. Even though Finland had a very rapid Babylon 5 fandom, there hasn’t been that much expectation for them. Possibly due to Babylon 5: The Legend of the Rangers tv-movie that I still haven’t managed to finish watching. Mostly because it sucks worse than the vacuum of space in the Alien films.

This time however, I not only managed to watch the whole thing, but I have to admit that I liked it. Sure, Voices in the Dark has it’s problems, but it felt like the good old B5 I stayed up watching all those years ago and didn’t get enough sleep before school. Actually, it had much of the same problems, they just seemed more obious now when the quality of TV productions is a lot higher in general than in the early 90’s.

Let’s start with the format. Now, Voices in the Dark isn’t really a fish nor a bird, it’s a chimera, containing a bit of both and looking mighty odd. It’s two 45 minute episodes wrapped into one 90 minute dvd movie. There isn’t any real connection between them, exept for a thematic one, but they aren’t separated either. So if you watch this as a movie you’ll be scratching your head. Just take it as two episodes watched together.

There were entire scenes contaning nothing but exposition in dialogue, the sets were cheaper than ever and even though the CGI was done by the same company as Galactica, well, let’s just say that Energia would have delivered better quality for less cash (so JMS, if you’re reading this and not completely pissed at the LotR bashing, give us a call…).

Then again, I found it very refreshing that the two stories in the film didn’t rely on visuals or action. Instead there was a lot of long, poetic speeches and pondering between moral choises - the things that B5 did best. And unlike the rather misleading trailer lets you believe, this time there was no ancient evil threatening to drown the whole galaxy in darkness. Instead there was humor and some self-consious put-ups of certain elements of the show.

So, all in all, it was fun watching B5 again, I especially liked the ideas in the first part, consentrating on Lochley, while the second part about Sheridan felt more complete and polished. I’ll be waiting for the upcoming parts.

In Europe the DVD is released in September and for once it’s not too expensive. Play.com offers pre-order for 15.49e. At least for me that’s a price I’m willing to pay even for nostalgias’ sake. Compare that with, for example, the HD releases of original Star Trek clocking in $217 per season. Well, I guess if you have money to buy a HD player and a TV you can afford expensive box sets as well.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 31st, 2007 at 11:08 and is filed under Arvostelut, English posts, Films, Opinions, Scifi. You're welcome to comment below, or link to this post. The comments are not moderated, but behave or Santa will smack you with a shovel.