"Director: William Gereghty"

• Stargate SG-1: Season 4 | DVD | (31/03/2003) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £59.99

  It wasn't until the beginning of Stargate SG-1's fourth season that fans knew to take the Replicator threat seriously. The spidery nasties had only seemed like one of many new enemies introduced in previous years. But when the one seemingly omnipotent backbone of the galaxy was asking Earth for help, clearly we were in real trouble! In fact, the team's list of enemies expanded and got far more complicated this year. Proving without a shadow of a doubt that this is science fiction, the Russians reveal they have their own Stargate program and ask the Americans for help. This twist allows for exploration of all the political machinations occurring behind the scenes of the SG-C, all of which appear to stem from the embittered Senator Kinsey (Ronny Cox). There were quite a few Earth-based stories in the year, but not all the new enemies were originally local. Willie Garson comically guest-starred as Martin, a geekily suspicious guy with too much knowledge of the Stargate. More sinister was an old flame of Daniel's turning into something far more painful than an old wound (thanks to an ancient Egyptian curse). Thankfully, the writers hadn't forgotten the importance of one-off storylines too. In "Upgrades" the team learns a lesson in abuse of power. In "The Other Side" (featuring DS9's Rene Auberjonois) they learn about blind trust. In "Scorched Earth" a dangerous claim for a planet's ownership means they learn to value Daniel's contribution to the group dynamic. If only this last lesson were learned better, season 5 might not have ended up as muddled as it did. --Paul Tonks

• Stargate SG-1: Season 2 | DVD | (27/01/2003) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £59.99

  The success of the first year meant that Stargate SG-1's second series could afford to spread its wings. In only the second episode, Carter is temporarily possessed by a good Goa'uld. This immediately allowed for both any amount of quick fix inside knowledge as well as story off-shoots, now that the show was bent on franchise longevity. There appeared to be information overload (splinter group Tok'ra, Earth's second Gate, Machello, endless Apophis encounters), as the finely interwoven threads of alien histories and inter-relationships were developed. But thankfully, SG-1 never lost sight of the need for great individual stories. There was a planet of Native American Indians; a planet on the edge of a Black Hole; a planet of aliens sensitive to sound. Even a planet run by Dwight Schultz! Better still, they found time to have fun with their universe, too. "1969" remains one of the best comic romps the series has enjoyed, and is a near-perfect self-contained time-travel story to boot. The team of actors had obviously bonded early on in the first year. It may be a bit of a military faux pas that there is only ever four of them leading every major explorative expedition, but the limited number of principals is actually something else the show has always had in its favour, allowing quality screen time to be spent on each of them from the outset (although Richard Dean Anderson would probably rather not have spent an entire episode impaled by a spike). --Paul Tonks

• Stargate SG-1: Season 1 | DVD | (21/10/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £49.99

  Like the very best of SF TV, Stargate SG-1 began very simply. Of course it had the benefit of a movie preceding it--in which the alternate universe, its rules and its characters were largely established--so this premiere season was therefore able to concentrate on good storytelling. In 1997 not every new show was obsessed with securing a syndication-guaranteed franchise (same goes for Buffy debuting the same year), instead one-off episodes were the way of things, exploring interesting scenarios and conundrums. Naturally there were allusions to the feature film, but most were subtle and inspired. For example, a trip to retrieve the trapped professor who'd worked on the Gate decades ago was an unusual way of tying up loose ends. Some groundwork was laid for continuation should the show be renewed into an ongoing series. Knowing that these elements were pure wishful thinking at the time makes the tapestry of System Lords and the interlinks with our history and mythology all the more enjoyable in revisiting the show from its beginnings. With Richard Dean Anderson, leading the team in a far more charismatic and empathetic way than Kurt Russell in the movie, the series also benefited from some spot-on casting that instantly won audiences over. Special effects and use of studio sets may be less dazzling in these initial shows, but its solid grounding in old-fashioned SF won for the show a loyal audience. --Paul Tonks

• Stargate SG-1: Season 3 | DVD | (24/02/2003) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £59.99

  With a well-established framework of back-story and an increasing list of adversaries, the third series of Stargate SG-1 was the place where casual viewers began to fall away. Unless you were taking notes it was becoming ever harder to stay on top of the Goa'uld history and their constant scheming. Fortunately by now a solid fanbase had appeared worldwide--with clubs, conventions and Web sites galore--so the ratings didn't slip even while ancient gods kept appearing and reappearing. Daniel Jackson could always be trusted to illuminate any relevant myth or legend (or find them in five minutes on the internet), while Carter's memory download from last year supplied the necessary ties with the rebellious Tok'ra. Away from the story arc the show's all-important stand-alone tales gave some thorny old subjects a new SF spin, including organised religion, the use of children in the passing on of knowledge, and leading an alternative life. O'Neill's sarcastic wit went into overdrive this year and Teal'c could be relied upon for a sneer or fish-out-of-water joke. Further comic relief came from Sam "Flash Gordon" Jones and Dom DeLuise, but perhaps the funniest thing of all was the wig Carter would apparently be wearing in an alternate universe. --Paul Tonks

• Stargate SG-1: Season 6 | DVD | (02/02/2004) from £19.99   |  Saving you £40.00 (200.10%)   |  RRP £59.99

  The biggest change for Stargate's sixth season was its move to the Sci-Fi Channel. Financial rescue or genre haven from cancellation? Whatever the behind-the-scenes politics, the departure of Daniel Jackson (actor Michael Shanks) the previous year most certainly contributed to the need to run a tighter ship somewhere. With the addition of his replacement, Jonas Quinn, the new show dynamic (hinted at by the new title theme tune) meant far more convoluted arc-stories and less individual focus. One of very few solo spotlights came from Christopher Judge writing his own show, when "The Changeling" saw Teal'c act out a life as a fireman. One reason for being a fan favourite was its cameo from still-alive-after-all Daniel Jackson. There'd be several more through the year, culminating in a finale that tested how much attention you'd been paying to that all-important back-story. Other kooky cameos included Dean Stockwell in one of the many spotlights on the energy resource n'quadria, Ian Buchanan as one of the devilish Replicators (and hopefully the end of that plotline) and regular spots from John DeLancie, Ronny Cox and Tom McBeath as the Earth-bound series baddies. More pertinently, we also saw Byers from The X-Files (Bruce Harwood) as a scientist involved with the Antarctic Gate. Lest we forget, there are other portals on Earth. Is that an already planned spin-off on the horizon? --Paul Tonks

• Stargate-SG 1 Season 8 | DVD | (27/02/2006) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £59.99

  The Stargate is an intergalactic gateway developed by an ancient civilization that links other planets from other solar systems to ours. Boasting incredible special effects sequences rapid-fire pacing and awesome scenes of alien warfare Stargate SG-1 is your gateway to pulse-pounding sci-fi action! All the exciting adventures from the eighth season of the sci-fi series with a plethora of extra features. Episodes Comprise: 1. New Order (Part 1) 2. New Order (Par

• MacGyver - Series 6 - Complete | DVD | (22/03/2010) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £34.99

  Braver Than Most - Smarter Than The Rest When all else fails...call in MacGyver to save the day. Richard Dean Anderson stars as TV's most uniquely likeable hero. He can improvise his way out of any trap and outthink any enemy. And in the sixth season he faces his toughest obstacles. How will MacGyver outwit a serial killer an unstoppable assassin and an enemy agent who endangers a friend's life? In every exciting episode the problems are deadly...but the solutions are pure adventure.

• MacGyver - Series 5 - Complete | DVD | (13/07/2009) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £34.99

  Part boy-scout. Part genius. All hero. Using his brain in place of a gun secret agent Angus MacGyver relies on his knowledge of science to save himself and others from jeopardy. Deploring the promotion of everyday violence MacGyver refuses to carry weapons and instead designs life-saving tools out of household staples like paper clips and duct tape. Richard Dean Anderson portrays a likeable hero of strong principals and intellect in this clever series which successfully ran for seven years (1985-1992) and continues to remain a beloved cult favourite.

• MacGyver - Series 4 - Complete | DVD | (29/01/2007) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £44.99

  Part boy-scout. Part genius. All hero. Using his brain in place of a gun secret agent Angus MacGyver relies on his knowledge of science to save himself and others from jeopardy. Deploring the promotion of everyday violence MacGyver refuses to carry weapons and instead designs life-saving tools out of household staples like paper clips and duct tape. Richard Dean Anderson portrays a likeable hero of strong principals and intellect in this clever series which successfully ran for seven years (1985-1992) and continues to remain a beloved cult favourite. This collection features all the episodes from season 3 of MacGyver. Episodes Comprise: 1. The Secret Of Parker House 2. Blood Brothers 3. The Outsiders 4. On a Wing And A Prayer 5. Collision Course 6. The Survivors 7. Deadly Dreams 8. Ma Dalton 9. Cleo Rocks 10. Fraternity Of Thieves 11. The Battle Of Tommy Giordano 12. The Challenge 13. Runners 14. Gold Rush 15. The Invisible Killer 16. Brainwashed 17. Easy Target 18. Renegade 19. Unfinished Business

• Stargate SG-1 :Series 8 - Vol. 41 | DVD | (30/05/2005) from £5.57   |  Saving you £14.42 (258.89%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Join Colonel Jack O'Neill and the SG-1 team as they return for the latest exciting season of stargate SG-1. Continuing it's blend of sharp wit and cool adventure with award winning special effects Stargate delivers all the action adventure you desire as the crew battle against old foes and face new dangers in amazing but ever more hostile worlds. Episodes comprise: Gemini: The Replicator Carter that Fifth created contacts the SGC and tells them that she wants to be destroyed. She also tells them that Fifth has made all Replicators immune to the disrupter. But does she have an ulterior motive? It's Good To Be King: Hoping to warn Harry Maybourne of Goa'uld attacks SG-1 arrives at his last known whereaboutto find that he as been appointed king of a primitive people and that he believes he possesses writings by a time-travelling Ancient predicting these events. The team is skeptical that is until they discover what appears to be a time machine... Full Alert: Amidst allegations that the American administration has been compromised the Russian miliary goes on high alert. When Jackson visits the Russian defence headquarters he learns that they have recently apprehended an American assassin whom Jackson recognises as former US Vice-President Robert Kinsey...speaking like a Goa'uld!

• Stargate SG-1: Season 6 (Vol.29) | DVD | (23/06/2002) from £5.96   |  Saving you £17.02 (573.06%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Sight Unseen: SG-1 returns through the Gate with a strange energy-emitting device and soon see mysterious discorporeal buglike creatures... Smoke And Mirrors: When SG-1's old 'friend' Senator Kinsey is assassinated O'Neill becomes the lead suspect with indisputable evidence against him; a surveillance camera that took his picture and the murder weapon in the lake near his cabin where he was purportedly fishing... Paradise Lost: Colonel Maybourne tells Jack of a planet once inhabited by the Furlings. On closer inspection it seems Maybourne has an alternative agenda... Metamorphosis: A Russian SG team brings back one of Nirrti's test subjects who self-destructs after testifying she is working to produce a perfect human a ho'tar. SG1 and the Russians go to the planet and find disfigured natives who claim Nirrti to be their saviour!

• Stargate S.G - 1: Season 4 (Vol. 16) | DVD | (29/10/2001) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  The 1994 film Stargate was originally intended as the start of a franchise, but creators Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin were distracted celebrating their Independence Day. Episodic TV treatment was the natural next step. In the roles of Colonel Jack O'Neill and Dr. Daniel Jackson respectively are Richard Dean Anderson and Michael Shanks. They're joined by Captain Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping) and guilt-stricken former alien baddie Teal'c (Christopher Judge) to form the teacher's pet primary unit SG-1 With a seemingly endless network of Stargates found to exist on planets all across the known universe, their mission is to make first contact with as many friendly races as possible. Chasing their heels at almost every turn are the "overlord" Goa'uld--the ancient Egyptian Gods who are none too chummy after the events of the original film. The welcome notion of a continued plot thread sees offshoots that follow the reincarnation of Daniel's wife, Sam's father literally joining a renegade faction of the Goa'uld, and Jack in an unending quest to out-sarcasm everyone. There's something of The Time Tunnel to the show's premise, but amid a dearth of derivative look-a-likes, Stargate has held its own with stories that put the science fiction back into TV sci-fi. On this DVD: "Scorched Earth" presents the kind of moral dilemma Star Trek: The Next Generation often explored. The SG-1 team aren't exactly hampered by a Prime Directive, but searching questions are asked when they discover two civilisations attempting to colonise a world simultaneously. This is a great episode for seeing the friends disagree over personal principles, and features some stunning FX. "Beneath the Surface" refers to several things at once. The team are literally in an underground environment; enforced slave labour is taking place without the general government's knowledge; memories have been suppressed. But most tellingly for this season's story arc, Jack and Sam are free to express their secret love for one another."Point of No Return" is light relief after several episodes of angst and continuity. Willie Garson guest stars as Martin, a worryingly well-informed conspiracy theorist. It's a chance for the team to interact with the real world for a change and leads to several hotel room luxuries, such as the sci-fi classic The Day the Earth Stood Still for Jack and a vibrating bed for Teal'c! "Tangent" puts Jack and Teal'c in the worst kind of danger. Two years on from the capture of Goa'uld gliders (The Serpent's Lair), Earth scientists have developed their own. It all goes horribly wrong through a trap laid by old nemesis Apophis, and strands the two men in space with out enough oxygen to reach safe harbour. --Paul Tonks

• Stargate S.G -1: Season 2 (Vol. 4) | DVD | (29/05/2000) from £6.52   |  Saving you £13.47 (67.40%)   |  RRP £19.99

  The 1994 movie Stargate was originally intended as the start of a franchise, but creators Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin were distracted celebrating their Independence Day. Episodic TV treatment was the natural next step. Since neither Kurt Russell nor James Spader would be able to commit, it gave the producers licence to tinker with the cast and the universe they'd explore. Replacing the roles of Colonel Jack O'Neill and Dr. Daniel Jackson respectively are Richard Dean Anderson and Michael Shanks. They're joined by Captain Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping) and guilt-stricken former alien baddie Teal'c (Christopher Judge) to form the teacher's pet primary unit SG-1 With a seemingly endless network of Stargates found to exist on planets all across the known universe, their mission is to make first contact with as many friendly races as possible. Chasing their heels at almost every turn are the "overlord" pharaohnic Goa'uld--the ancient Egyptian Gods who are none too chummy after the events of the original film. The welcome notion of a continued plot thread sees offshoots that follow the reincarnation of Daniel's wife, Sam's father literally joining a renegade faction of the Goa'uld, and Jack in an unending quest to out-sarcasm everyone. There's something of The Time Tunnel to the show's premise, but amid a dearth of derivative look-a-likes, Stargate has held its own with stories that put the science fiction back into TV sci-fi. Returning to the planet from the original Stargate movie, Daniel catches up with his lost wife and painfully discovers her "Secrets". Teal'c gets stung by a giant insect in "Bane", and O'Neill is crippled in "Spirits". The best is saved to last on this volume in "The Tok'ra (Part I)". Sam's estranged father is dying of cancer, but her obligations sway her toward saving a member of the Goa'uld renegade Tok'ra who is also dying. Although the resolution may seem apparent a mile off, the series takes one of many brave steps in not chickening-out at the last moment. --Paul Tonks