Space Above and Beyond - The Complete Series (1995)

Above and Beyond ordinary Television

Having been some time since I first saw this series, I am startled by just how good it is. First rate writing, acting, and set/production values all combine to equal stellar viewing. (Pun intended) Got it for a super duper price too. Best TV sci-fi since ST Next Gen. Network TV's cover is blown; now we know they can do great SciFi. So where is it? Certainly not on SciFi channel. But it lives on in my living room, so it's all good. August 9, 2008

It's no Firefly

I purchased this set after recently "discovering" Firefly, which I thought was superb. If only this show had been created after the Starship Troopers movie and Firefly, I think the writers and directors would have realized how much more they could do with the show. In the end, the characters aren't as intriguing or endearing as Joss Wheadon's characters. The potential was there, but definitely not realized - it's obvious why the show was taken off the air.

I trudged through the entire season and found the show only started becoming entertaining during the last few episodes. The scripts are atrotious, plagued by one-dimentional main charaters, cliche-laden dialogue and plot holes you can drive a truck through.

The overarching storyline is that humans are at war with an advanced alien race. While the viewer is to assume millions of humans are involved in the offensive against the aliens, the story is narrowly situated on a five-man squadron and their CO. Somehow the team evolves from being rookies guarding supply lines to an elite, higly regarded commando squadron over the course of a few episodes, which doesn't make much sense as they don't seem to be involved in any major combat. These five seem to consistently be on their own in what one would assume would be an enormous war. I'm sure these plots kept CGI and extras costs down. Regardless, the writing could've greatly benefited from a grander scope, or at least creating a few dozen more CGI spacefighters so it's not five moderately competent pilots saving the human race.

The special effects/CGI are subpar to what the Star Trek franchise was creating at the time (not a Trekkie, just using it for reference). The actors, while no-names, are all good, though I think better writing and directon could've benefitted their performances.

If you're looking for another "one season wonder" like Firefly, this isn't it. July 19, 2008

Could be better could be worse

I caught several episodes of this short lived series and loved it. I had never seen the pilot and, while I believe Sci-Fi picked it up for a short run I still missed most of it.

I like the way the characters developed through the series and the writing, while a little corny in places was generally well done and played by the actors. I like the fact that this wasn't a "Starship Troopers" rip-off but a gritty and human look at people in real situations and the problems we face and are able to overcome without coming back and walking through cheering throngs to have the Princess give you a big medal for saving the Universe and everyone lives happily ever after. Soldiers are heros and "do what they do" and go home to live the rest of their lives with that experience. They train, fight, and grow as a unit and come to trust each other implicitly regardless of shortcomings and backgrounds.

What I didn't like was the presentation and packaging. Basically I think someone had these on tape, hooked it to a DVD recorder and let it rip. There were no additional goodies in the menus and the packaging was mediocre at best.

That said it was well worth what I paid just to be able to watch the whole series through again. I just wish they hadn't cancelled it so soon. July 17, 2008

Great return to the 90s!

I've been waiting so long for this DVD release after watching some of the series back when it was first shown in Australia. What I saw, I enjoyed back then, but I saw only a minority of the episodes. This boxed set allowed me to enjoy ALL the episodes. It's a real disappointment that the series was never continued beyond the first season; there was so much potential for a great sci fi series. June 4, 2008

Not as great as I remembered

Overall this is worth watching.
I find it tough to watch in 4:3 format (it really makes it feel old and it hard for me to fall completely into the action when watching on a 16:9 screen)
I had slight trouble with the first dvd getting it to play during the final chapter of the first episode. All other dvd's have had no problem.
The play quality on my dvd player is not perfect. I think its because my player is not a region 1 player (its multi-region). Basically there is a slight stutter every hundred frames or so, which makes panning shots very choppy.
I am still happy with the purchase however as I did not see all the episodes the first time around, and in Australia there were no re-runs. May 21, 2008

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