THE GATHERING is the full-length pilot epsiode of the popular science-fiction series. See how it all started in the late 23rd century at the Babylon 5 space station, a neutral space station located between many rival space empires. The project's future is placed in jeopardy after the new commander becomes the key subject in the .. Read more
| Starring | Michael O'Hare, Tamlyn Tomita, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan |
|---|---|
| Director | Richard Compton |
| Genres | Sci-Fi/Fantasy |
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THE GATHERING is the full-length pilot epsiode of the popular science-fiction series. See how it all started in the late 23rd century at the Babylon 5 space station, a neutral space station located between many rival space empires. The project's future is placed in jeopardy after the new commander becomes the key subject in the assassination of the mysterious alien ambassador.
| Starring | Michael O'Hare, Tamlyn Tomita, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Blaire Baron, Paul Hampton, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas |
|---|---|
| Director | Richard Compton |
| Studio | WARNER HOME VIDEO |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 30 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Sci-Fi/Fantasy |
| Language | English |
| Hearing-impaired | English |
| Subtitles | English |
| Released | DVD: 08 Apr 2002 Production year: 1993 |
| Format | DVD |
Despite this being the Babylon 5 pilot, it would be a mistake to introduce anyone to the series with this made-for-TV movie. Neophytes will be turned off by the terrible music and creaky acting, and would be much better jumping into the series proper.
However, people already enamoured to the B5 story will be able to look past the flaws, and appreciate the rather good story covering the first days of the station's service. The fact that this ties neatly and intelligently into the major season one arcs will be all the more enjoyable for long-term viewers who happened to have missed this.
The last of the Babylon stations is the focal point for ambassadors and diplomats to meet, where they can negotiate, and find peaceful solutions to their problems. As the last of the alien ambassadors arrive, and is taken ill under suspicious circumstances, the very purpose of B5 could be unravelled before its work has begun.
Unlike most Sci-Fi films, the human race is somewhere near the bottom of the food chain (for a change) with regards to technology, age and wisdom. The make-up and special effects are outstanding, and the acting convincing. The story is easy to follow, and gives a good account of the human strengths and flaws, that plague us today. Theres precious little else on the disc, (that I watched) however, in the way of extras, except an install option (PC only) that crashed. Surprisingly, theres nothing to promote series either. I can only assume this was made before anything else. I would recommend watching Babylon 5: In The Beginning first. Although this isnt really necessary, it would give you the background of B5s purpose more clearly.