Customer Reviews

Battlestar Galactica: Downloaded: Inside the Universe of the critically acclaimed TV series

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Although there are some significant differences, this volume is essentially a repackaging of the first two volumes of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE OFFICIAL COMPANION, covering the first two seasons. There is nothing in BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: DOWNLOADED to indicate that it is the first of two volumes, but I think it is safe to assume that there will be a second volume to encompass Seasons Three and Four and the two movies RAZOR and THE PLAN. The text of the new book isn't 100% the same as the first two. Parts have been rewritten and other parts merely adapted. But all in all the contents of the first two books and this new one are essentially the same. The difference? The new book is far more attractive, with a host of new photos and illustrations.

So should you get this if you already have the first two books? I suppose it depends. I am happy that I got it. It may be pretty much the same book, but it is a far more attractive one. It is also a far larger than the original series. The price is quite a bargain, far less than the cost of the first two books. If you don't own the original official companions, then I definitely recommend this one over those.

I indicated that the content was essentially the same. They start with a general explanation for how the television series was conceived and cast and how the production got underway. The bulk of the book consists of an episode-by-episode summary, with side notes about one or another aspect of the show. The book ends with a summary of many of the major characters on the show.

This official companion focuses on season 1 and 2 of the highly praised series, as well as taking an in-depth look at the 3-hour miniseries that started it all.

The first thing you'll notice when you get your hands on this book, is just how gorgeous it is! Really. I wanted to handle it with care so as to not mar it's beauty. From the thick glossy paper, to the full color images, to the red Cylon pulse that runs across the top of the pages, this book is as shiny as a centurion soldier!

Downloaded opens with a section called Battleplan, which talks about changes that were made from the original version of the show and why, and also explains things like casting choices and character names. There are so many gems of information in this section - like how they (wisely) decided to add lower ranking officers to the main cast of characters in order to allow them portray different walks of life and character interactions.

The bulk of the book is made up season 1 and 2 episode guides, which far surpass any episode guides I've found online. Each episode gets 2 pages consisting of an episode description, notes and thoughts from the writers of the episode, as well as insights from actors featured in the episode. And a gorgeous full page, full color image accompanies the information for each episode!

Interspersed among the episode guides is a wealth of information with features such as Character Profiles, Visual Effects, Costume Design, Production Design, and the Music of Battlestar Galactica. One of the features that I particularly enjoyed is From Mini-series to Series - an in-depth look at how the show went from a successful mini-series to become the new Battlestar Galactica series. The section on the mini-series is packed with interesting information, as are the many character profiles... Did you know that Jamie Bamber was a fan of the original series? Or that Katee Sackhoff found it "exhausting but fun" to play Kara's emotional turmoil?

Even with all that excellent information and so many stunning photos, I have to say that my absolute favorite aspect of Downloaded are the "Surveillance: Additional" sidebars. Almost every page in the companion book has a sidebar or inset that gives us some little-known insider tidbit of information. Geek goodness on every page!

With its loads of information, abundance of cast and crew commentary, and amazing collection of beautiful photos, I can't imagine any fan of Battlestar Galactica will be disappointed in Battlestar Galactica - Downloaded.

This is by far the best series guide i have.Vibrant with color ,informative and a good sized book.Only wish the remaining two seasons would get the same treatment eventually.

"Downloaded" is an excellent reference source for the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica TV show.

- Each episode from the first two seasons of the show is covered, as well as the mini-series that launched it all.

- Full color pictures are featured for each episode.

- Main character backgrounds are also included, interspersed throughout the book.

- Production notes are also included in the sidebars, adding to the rich details.

This is a high quality reference book, and I'd recommend it to the die hard BSG fan and a Science Fiction fan in general just looking for more information about the series.

Fantastic look into the making of season's 1 and 2 of one of the best TV shows ever. Haven't been able to put this book down. I highly recommend it to any big BSG fan.

I hate when publishers do things like this! I already have volumes 1-3 and the 4th is on order.

I am glad I read that this book is mainly volumes 1 & 2. I love BSG but I do not feel any need to throw my money away on an item like this.