DVD review: Battlestar Galactica: Blood and Chrome An entertaining retrospection

The sci-fi genre is in the midst of a resurgence. It’s been the going through a slight renaissance of late. After audiences have gotten a taste of movies like Looper, Total Recall, and Dredd they are clamoring for more. Theses films have spearheaded the way and helped to spark the interest of the masses and return the genre to its lofty heights. In an attempt to capitalize on the new interest in science fiction.
Battlestar Galatica: Blood and Chrome is a mildly entertaining glimpse into background of one of the Galactica’s greatest heroes. It’s an enjoyable retrospection that is comprised of choice and sacrifice. It recently debuted on home video. It is based on the version of the television show that ran for four season on the sci-fi channel. It was based on the 1970’s classic television show created by Glen A. Larson. Blood and Chrome’s story takes place some begins 10 years after the beginning of the war and revolves around one of the central figures in the “Galactica” universe, William “Husker” Adama, and his introduction to the war against the Cylons. The film stars Luke Pasqualino (The Apparition), Ben Cotton (30 Days of Night: Dark Days), Lil Bordan (Cherry), and Ty Olloson (Rise of the Planet of the Apes). It originally aired on the sci-fi channel in February.
Blood and Chrome doesn’t have a lot of the space opera aspect. The film does have a lost of big space battles and the Vipers that everyone loves are really in it much. A few quick glimpses of the Galactica and a couple of confrontations in space and that’s it. The bulk of the film is truly about Adama and his maturation process. In spite of being a sci-fi based tale, the story has a very human feel to it. It shows a good story of courage that gives fans a long overdue glimpse into the process that made Adama the great leader that everyone came to know.
One of the biggest detractors is that despite this being a prequel, it doesn’t offer much insight into the war or the events leading up to the series. It doesn’t offer any new perspective on the series nor does it give any new perspective on William Adama. The lack of true confrontation with the Cylons is another clear hindrance. They don’t make that much of an appearance other than the quick glimpses during a battle or a scene here or there. The movie is less about the conflict with the Cylons and more about the maturation of Adama.
Battlestar Galactica: Blood and Chrome is a decent watch. It works well for those who seen and those who haven’t seen the series. The feels just like another episode of the series and not a TV or DVD movie. The film moves along well but it far too cliché. Using the often told hothead who becomes a great leader has been overused to the point of being entertaining and this particular usage of that archetype offers even less. A few great moments of entertainment but no where near enough to warrant the purchase of the DVD. Catch it on TV or maybe Netflix. If you’re a fan of the series then you may be a little disappointed as this is just another day at the office. If you’re new to it then this is not the movie to hook you on the franchise. Blood and Chrome was laced with great potential but it is regrettably wasted.

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