Review of Battlestar Galactica (1978) by Matthew S — 08 May 2014

Star Wars was a hit and every Hollywood studio was looking to cash in.

Universal decided to invest in veteran television producer Glen A. Larson's Exodus in space. This is the shorter, tighter, more focused, plot driven 125 minute version of the 139 minute television pilot. Hideously expensive to produce, Universal, always a very practical studio, assembled the theatrical version ahead of the series debut and tested the waters in Canada, before releasing it worldwide. There is the germ of a great idea present in the film's beginning and a likeable cast with a easygoing chemistry do have charm. Shame about the chimp in a suit dog, sorry, daggit and the obvious reuse of effects shots. Signs of the terrible, heavy handed cutes and over reliance on spectacle over character development that would doom the series. Director Richard Colla has a strong eye, avoiding the pitfalls of television cinematography. He shoots wide and slowly reframes shots rather then the usual patchwork of close ups that make up televsion of this period. The lighting is suitably dark and moody, in keeping with the tone of the piece. While this film is not a patch on Ronald D. Moore and David Eick's 2003 treatment of the same material it is an entertaining ride, enlivened by Stu Philip's outstanding score. Hands down the production's highlight.