The five year arc of the series was laid out in a very specific manner, following the story of the old races that ruled the galaxy leaving their wars behind and putting the next generation in charge. When you put it that way, it sounds a bit like what the Elves are up to in The Lord of the Rings , something J. Michael Straczynski used for inspiration. Regardless, there were more than a few things in Babylon 5 that never quite added up.
Babylon 5 was the fifth in a series stations meant to be places of peace. The first four stations were either destroyed or mysteriously disappeared, a mystery that gets solved later in the series.
But one of the weird things about the show is the scope of Babylon 5. It's an incredibly massive station, so much so that it seems to get bigger to suit the story. That's not necessarily a bad thing but it can be hard to get a handle the actual size of Babylon 5. More than the size, it's the power that comes with it considering it's importance as a massive symbol in the galaxy.
The first of the First Ones, Lorien plays a big role in the war against the Shadows. On the planet of Z'ha'dum, John Sheridan finds Lorien the hard way, by jumping into a pit and dying. Lorien uses his substantial power to resuscitate Sherdian and grant him 2o more years of life. To return to Babylon 5, Lorien uses a ship to transport both him and Sheridan there. But after they arrive, the ship just leaves, presumably to head back to Z'ha'dum.
What happens to it after that is never really explained. Londo Mollari is the Centauri ambassador on Babylon 5. G'Kar is the Narn ambassador. The thing about them is these two species hate each other after the Centauri attacked and devastated the Narn homeworld.
The animosity is palpable, to the point that Londo has had visions of G'Kar killing him. But by the fifth season, the water is under the bridge and all the hatchets are buried in what feels like a very quick turnaround. But Copeland feels Warner Bros. So Copeland approached the studio and said that they would "shoot in a widescreen format, and we'll compose for , but frame for It wouldn't be perfect, but it would look pretty good.
The reason that the show was never given the proper Teranex treatment was, according to Copeland, "because they didn't wanna spend the money. Copeland believes that the two things that killed Babylon 5's second life were the fact that the show wasn't produced in-house by Warner Bros. That cash would have potentially been recouped simply through more DVD sales or potentially even a Blu-ray release. Copeland added that the relationship between the production team and Foundation Imaging broke down over an incident halfway through the third season.
That was the point where we -- at Babylonian [Productions] -- sat down and thought 'if he does this once Copeland's account is, however, disputed by those who knew Thornton.
Well, there's a Change. Otherwise, not a lot, because restoring a TV show is a pricey process that won't happen unless there's some guarantee of a return. Shows like Star Trek and The Next Generation were considered big enough properties to justify expensive restoration process.
With streaming services destroying the physical media market, second-tier shows aren't likely to be seen as a good investment these days. The TNG remaster, for instance, cost millions of dollars that it was hoped would be recouped for the Blu-ray release.
But since the show is already available on Netflix, it's hard for folks to justify dropping hundreds of dollars on yet another physical media release. Since the original data has -- apparently -- been lost, it would take some time to recreate the images, although fan projects do exist that could speed that up. Even so, it's not likely that Amazon or Netflix would be willing to drop that sort of cash to fix Babylon 5's quality issues. Folks, I'm getting a lot of questions like this I don't work with or for Amazon, and I have had zero contact with them about this current run.
I know only as much as any of you do. If you have questions about this run, please address them to Amazon. There have, however, been attempts by fans to try and fix the problems that Warner Bros. Hunt around on UseNet long enough and you can find people still sharing fan-made HD versions of Babylon 5 that have tried to fix the issues with the DVDs.
They're hard to download these days, but some lucky people may be able to help you out. The show's creator, J. Michael Straczynski, asks not to be contacted in private but does answer questions on his public Twitter. His pinned tweet says that he has had no contact or involvement with the show's arrival on Prime Video, saying "I know only as much as any of you do.
Babylon 5 is on Amazon Prime streaming now. Sadly the quality is My scan and convert jobs from the DVDs are sharper, even at the upscaled display size. If you have Amazon Prime, one of my favoritest sci-fi shows ever has been added, Babylon 5. It's a derpy upload: the transfer is low quality with scratches, the CGI looks not too good because of it, and the pilot movie is the not good cut The show is one of the greatest ever!
You should take straczynski up on his offer for ways to up the quality. It deserves some love. On May 17th, Straczynski did offer a message of hope for fans of the series would require little to no effort on both Warner's and Amazon's part. In a five-tweet thread , he said that part of the production's deal with the studio required finished episodes of the show to be delivered on film.
That means that there is a , theoretically pristine -- or at least better-quality than we currently have available -- version of the show sitting in a warehouse.
The transfer would still not be pure high-definition, but it would have far fewer jarring transitions than what's currently available. John Copeland confirmed this, saying "They [Warner Bros. Sadly, despite Straczynski offering to oversee the transfer pro-bono, it doesn't appear that either the studio or Amazon got back to him.
When I asked him on an update for the story, he simply said:. It followed in the tradition of great science fiction sagas; like the Foundation series, the Lensmen saga, and the Lord of the Rings. But, it was not about special effects and strange aliens; it was about the characters, their relationships, and their growth through the events of the story. Characters came and went, but they were rarely throw-aways. The writing was first rate, most of it coming from series creator Joe Straczynski.
He wrote most of the episodes for the first two seasons, and all but one episode for the final three seasons. His dialogue is superb, even if he was forced to use "hell" far too much. Network restrictions forced some taming of language, but it was a minor distraction. The alien races were all distinct. On Star Trek, you had a tendency to make the aliens, and their ships, look pretty much the same. On B5, each race had a distinct look, mode of dress, and design aesthetic.
Mimbari ships did not look like Centauri or Narn ships; and nothing looked like the Vorlon or Shadow vessels. There were degrees of technology, with some races more advanced than others. There were cultural and religious differences, as well as political clashes. The series bore a closer resemblance to reality.
Star Trek is a more utopian view of the future, which is fine, and reflects a certain viewpoint. B5 takes the view that mankind will grow in the future, but never fully escapes his prejudices and fears. Earth may achieve racial unity, but when outsiders appear, fear brings up man's worst traits. But, there are those who rise above and try to bring a better universe. B5 is about dealing with our fears and weaknesses and striving to move beyond them.
Star Trek presented an idea of infinite diversity in infinite combinations, and B5 presents a similar message; but in a different fashion. Despite it's much smaller budget, B5 was able to present a fully realized universe. Through ingenuous use of virtual sets, to CGI space scenes, they were able to present a complete world.
The CGI is rarely distracting and always in service of the story. These actors bring tremendous gifts to their characters, and their work is stunning. Katsulas brings tremendous power to the speaches of G'Kar, and deep thought to the complex character.
Furlan evokes wisdom and compassion, as well as a fiery passion when pushed too far. Jurasik fills Londo with humor and pathos, strength and weakness, light and darkness. Londo is the tragic figure of the show.
The other actors more than hold their own with these powerhouses, with Bill Mumy and Stephen Furst given a chance to move beyond their cult status Lost in Space and Animal House, respectively. Mumy's Lenier is a thoughtful and inquisitive figure, who is torn between duty and love. Furst's Vir begins as a scared, bumbling figure, who grows into a tower of strength by the end of the saga. It's these secondary characters who set Babylon 5 apart from other sci-fi shows. Mild Spoilers- The show is filled with memorable moments; in visuals, dialogue, performance, comedy, drama, and romance.
My personal favorites are the first appearance of the Shadows, any scene with Bester, the techno-mages, the arrival of Delenn's fleet, when the station is attacked by Earth; the battle with Shadow forces, Sheridan's interrogation and torture, the final battle to free Earth, the goodbyes, and the warmth of the final episode.
I was especially moved in "Objects at Rest", when Sheridan salutes the station, while Capt. Lockley salutes his ship. The music and the performances evoke great emotion. It brings a smile, and reduces you to tears at the same time.
It is a fitting farewell to all involved. Babylon 5 was that special series that grew beyond its humble beginnings. It was dismissed as a Star Trek rip-off by some, ignored by many. No one believed that you could tell a five year story on television. In the words of Joe Straczynski, "Faith manages. RiffRaffMcKinley 7 October Despite the low quality of its pilot movie "The Gathering," "Babylon 5" came back with five whole years of powerful storytelling and pure awe with the possible exception of Season Four, its creative slump.
So when B5 rolled down the track in , it didn't look promising-- it would either be television's whipping boy, or it would vanish along with BSG. Neither came true. Not only did B5 complete its intended run a planned continuous story over five seasons , it won over the cynics and the critics. And deservingly so-- the writing, direction, acting, and special effects never failed to wow again, barring season four, which is still preferable to most things.
As the winds of change constantly blew across the storyscape, the vastly talented team behind the show adapted in ever-suitable patterns that helped make this one of the greatest dramas of all time. Though it is no longer with us, it remains a show worth viewing. Someone should pick this up for syndication, letting the rest of the world discover the visionary genius that once ruled TNT.
It truly feels like something beyond a mere TV series but much more like a novel. Written exactly like a novel, with a beginning, a middle and an ending, Babylon 5 is truly something unique in US television. Easily the best science fiction US TV series ever made I would rate Battlestar Galactica as the second best, Star Trek works on a lower level : its level of complexity and emotional depth is easily superior to anything else.
Truly a work of art, but flawed, of course, as the low budgets and the huge number of episodes produce more flawed art than films. Space opera's just don't get any better than this. After a ropey start, it has to be said - series one is pretty disposable apart from maybe 5 episodes - this really kicks into gear. The story is a familiar one: Good versus an ancient evil that has started to stir. Brief glimpses of the sinister vessels of The Shadows stir the tension, ably assisted by some truly wonderful CGI effects - check Londo's reflection as he watches the destruction of the Narn homeworld for proof of this.
Intricate and intelligent, with oodles of religious quasi-philosophising and more politics than you could fit into a cabinet, this is gripping stuff. Note: Season 5 I have not seen at all. Tell a lie, I watched the first two or three, but they were so god damn awful I gave up. Similarly with the specials. Ultimately, the heart of the show is seasons two through four which are spectacular. The rest can be readily ignored. After tons of recommendations from friends about this show, I decided to rent the DVD's and give it a watch.
It took some time and I almost didn't see it thru because of the cheesy 90's special effects, but somewhere along the way I started to see what others love so much about it. Babylon 5 is one of those rare finds. An adult oriented mix of futuristic warfare, social commentary, and spirituality that tells the epic story of the future of mankind. Unlike many other sci-fi shows that hit the reset button at the end of every episode and take the characters back to where they began, B5 develops the characters with purpose in every episode, slowly unveiling their destiny to the viewers.
Even in the weaker episodes, and there are a few, there is almost always some significant character development going on. B5 struggled to survive in it's tiny niche, and by watching the DVD extras it's clear that the cast and staff took great pride in that. Still, ultimately it might have been good for the show that they existed in a small venue, because I doubt that this kind of long term vision would have survived in a larger market. As it stands, watching B5 is a bit like reading a decent novel in the scope and reach of the story being told.
For those interested in the bottom line, B5 is a tremendous, epic story that explores the conflict between the need for order and the desire for self determination. Character development happens in nearly every episode, but many of the one episode story arcs are utterly forgettable. Most of the special effects look poor by modern standards, but that's to be expected. Straczynski's introduction of many spiritual elements was well ahead of its time in popular media, and would not be seen again for nearly 10 years until Battlestar Galactica, although his touch is a bit more heavy handed than BSG.
It may be a matter of taste, but I prefer the subtle touch of the almighty in BSG to the overt mysticism Starczynski offers.
The 5 season arc is very well done, but chafes a bit with the season 4 to 5 transition due to the fact that the show's producers thought they were getting canceled at the end of 4 and hurried along a few plots too quickly.
In the catalog of sci-fi, Babylon 5 stands nearly alone as a series that explored the future of humanity in an intelligent and meaningful fashion and survived long enough to complete its story. If you are a fan of sci-fi, this show is for you. Its very rare that a television show comes along that is both quality genre and outstanding to the masses. Babylon 5 is one of those rare shows.
This is simply the finest television serie ever produed. Its thought provoking plots,five year story arch,superior acting and award winning scripts put even Stark Trek TNG to shame.
B5 is about belonging. Its about Life,Death,and The quest for connection. Its a story that is emotionally, as well as intellectually stimulating.
Season 1 through 3 were superior to the final 2 seasons ,but even they were better than any other show Ican remember. They alsong with the supporting cast and quality guest actors made the show special. No amount of talent was wasted,each actor had his rightful connection to the plot. After 5 years of the show it was hard to see it end. This is a show that must be seen to be understood. Start with season one and keep watching. The more you watch the more you want.
Babylon 5 was a rare show that cannot be compared with any other. Starbuck 14 April Babylon 5 is probably the most sophisticated Science Fiction series ever produced. The storyline is so complex that it needed the whole first season to finally get into gear.
But then, it was the ultimate Science Fiction experience. It was a brilliant mixture of classic space opera, intergalactic politics and mystic elements. Not to forget the excellent soundtrack. And all the different characters from various alien races. Dreams, prophecies and allusions added to that so that in the end we had a huge masterwork where you had to see every episode to get the whole greatness of the story.
Unfortunately, after the famous "Shadow War" was over in the middle of season 4, creator J. Straczynski was left without some of the key elements of his success, the mystic part Shadows and Vorlons and the main story arc.
The result was a far from satisfying finale of season four even more unsatisfying because Straczynski did not know if there would be a fifth season until AFTER finishing season four and a totally disappointing season five, where the creator obviously had grown wary of his own child and bored us to death with countless slimy love and goodbye scenes.
There still were some good episodes, but as a whole, it was far from its old quality. My recommendation: Stop watching the show after the Shadow War, or at latest after season four. This way, you will be spared the disappointment and you are guaranteed to see an ultimate Science Fiction adventure. Paynebyname 15 September I recently decided to plough through the sci-fi series, Babylon 5. I remembered how much I loved it when I was younger but sometimes you have concerns that when you re-visit something from the past, it might not be as good.
Seeing it all the way through 22 episodes per season and 5 seasons was a fantastic and enjoyable experience that reminded me what a fine show it was. It was always written as being five seasons long and thus although there are plenty of good episodes that can stand on their own, there is a long story arc running through the entire series. Little things hinted at or mentioned early on can be developed at later stages. Hence there are characters you grow to love and enjoy and get to see evolve over time.
The show was one of the first to use CGI a commodore Amiga as it turns out to create the special effects and in the first season, they are certainly clunky. It was the early to mid 90's and the budget wasn't massive. But again over time and as you become more connected with the story, the characters and the action scenes, you didn't really notice. You've got some great writing with humorous, poignant, dramatic or touching scenes and some stellar acting particularly Peter Jurasik and Andreas Katsulas who respectively play Londo and G'Kar with actors genuinely breathing life into the development of their characters.
There are moments of wonder, sadness and sacrifice, intriguing 'reveals' and some wonderful music that I believe first launched me down the road of appreciating the slow builds of Hans Zimmer and others. Seasons 1, 2 and 3 are excellent but unfortunately the 4th series feels a little rushed because, unfortunately, it was. From having always pitched the show as five seasons long, the studios told the writer, J Michael Straczynski, that he had to wrap it all up in season 4.
Hence he was forced to neatly tie it all up but at a rather quicker pace than what had followed in the previous series. Frustratingly, towards the end of filming of the 4th series, another studio picked up the show to give JMS a 5th series. This meant that after bringing many story strands to a close, he had to re-invent or massage some of the remaining ones. It was a real shame and always provided a "what if" question of how good season 4 and 5 could have been had it not been under that kind of pressure.
It made the 4th series feel crammed full of stuff and in turn the first third of the 5th series feel a little 'light'. The 'what if' is further compounded because along with 2 and 3, the 4th season is still an absolute belter.
I know I pay glowing tributes to most of the things that I like but I have to say that this series is something very special. For me it exceeds Quantum Leap, Firefly and even the final series of Angel.
To consistently deliver that kind of quality and quantity is something that deserves far more credit than it actually receives. As JMS once said, it's a show that really is for the devoted fans and that's because it's not something that you can pick up and put down as maybe you could with the Star Trek's or similar.
You have to pay attention to what is going on but are then hugely rewarded for doing so. There are just so many standout episodes from all of the series that it's hard to pick a favourite.
The one where the Earthforce ships attack B5 is immense but then so are the ones involving the Shadows, particularly the series 3 finale. I do know that the very last episode was wonderfully handled. It tied everything up neatly, leaving you with a great feeling of resolution.
There were no loose ends and although it had finished you didn't feel cheated. You did however feel saddened that it had to end and the final story was crushing in it's emotional weight. I know I shed a tear. I'm sure you've ascertained that I thoroughly enjoyed the show and have to say that it in my opinion it is the finest series to have ever appeared on television. Rewatching the episodes reminded me how how uninteresting and boring this show was when it was in production.
This is a soap opera in space with second-rate, unimaginative scripts and slow-moving stories with bland and predictable pay-offs. Most of the time is spent in angst-ridden overly-long conversations, everything has a fake feel to it, and there is very little to feed the mind.
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