I just bought the "complete series" of BSG, and just want to let it be known....There is no reason to buy the "feature film" dvd version, because it's all included in the "complete series". In fact, the "complete series" has many more scenes not on this version. The only thing that makes this worth buying is the excellent picture quality. It looks MUCH better than the new "complete series" version does. Surprisingly, Universal didn't seem to clean up the episodes as much as they could/should have. I watched the 2 side by side, and noticed this in NOT true widescreeen either. It seems the top and bottom portion of the screen were blacked out purposely to make it appear widescreen. If you compare the 2 versions, you'll notice you see the exacts same things on the left and right side of the screen.

There are actually three different versions of this, the pilot movie for Battlestar Galactica.
#1 The first version was a full length movie that tested in Europe and Canada in 1978. This version has never been released in the USA.
#2 SAGA OF A STAR WORLD is the pilot version that runs in a 3 hour
time slot. It is the same as the #1 version but the ending was altered so that Count Baltar 's life is spared by the Cylon Imperious Leader. An added epilogue shows the arrival of three new Cylon Basestars, a "new" Imperious Leader, Baltar alive and the first appearance of Cylon Lucifer.
It premiered on US TV in 1978. It is available in the DVD box set. (The one with the Cylon head on it)
#3 (This version) Is the theatrical version that played in US theatres the summer of 1979 and was available on VHS for most of the 80's and 90's.
It is a much shorter version of #1. Several lengthy sequences, most notably the attack on Caprica, have been removed or shortened. It is in stereo and is letterboxed on DVD(but does not have a very wide picture) and features the original ending in which Baltar is beheaded (off camera) by the Cylons. It does not include the epilogue and is notable for moving along at an almost jaringly fast pace. Basically they just took the scissors to a print of #1. Only of interest if you must have the stereo sound.
And in response to those reviewers who never watched Galactica until now. WHAT KIND OF SUPER DORK WATCHED BUCK ROGERS AND V, BUT NEVER SAW BATTLESTAR GALACTICA???!!!!!!!

I would like to say first and foremost that BATTLESTAR GALACTICA is a fine movie. It tells a really good story of the last survivors of the human race after the destruction of their twelve differing home worlds by an evil robotic race known as the Cylons. Lorne Greene stars as Adama, commander of the last surviving warship Galactica who is charged with leading his people to the safety of the legendary planet Earth.
This 1978 pilot was filmed for television and shown, followed by the descision to run it in theatres. As many have pointed out on this page, this film is not presented in true widescreen format, but rather sports black bars at the bottom and top of the picture which actually cover some of the original footage. You must keep in mind that this movie was NEVER filmed in widescreen to begin with, seeing that it was made for television. Several sequences and character moments are dropped from this cut as well to shorten the film to the more traditional running length. Universal is not cheating anyone here. Instead, they are presenting the version of the film as it appeared in theatres, altered in format and shortened in length to fit the theatrically wide movie screens we are so accustom to!
Ultimately, I would recommend "The Complete Epic Series" to anyone who fondly remembers BATTLESTAR GALACTICA before advising them to purchase this movie version of the film. Basically, this is for the major fans only, who may be interested in seeing what the film may have looked like in widescreen (as close as you will ever get to it in this case) and for those interested in comparing the two differing edits of the overall story. I would, however, recommend this version of the film for anyone who has never seen the show before. This is a good way to get the feel of what the series is about without spending too much money!

It may have been made in an attempt to cash in on the success of "STAR WARS", but "BATTLESTAR GALACTICA" has withstood the test of time to become one of the best sci-fi films ever made. The story is gripping and, at times, funny. The cast, especially the leads (Richard Hatch, Dirk Benedict, and Lorne Greene) are all perfect in their roles. The effects, while somewhat dated, are still great to look at. Who can forget the awesome destruction of Caprica? The awesome ships and costumes? The Cylons? All of these elements, and many more, make this one awesome film to behold. A must see for any serious fan of science fiction. Don't listen to those who say that this is nothing but a "STAR WARS" ripoff. They don't know what they are missing! Do yourself a favor-BUY THIS DVD TODAY! Also, there is currently underway an effort to get "BATTLETAR GALACTICA" brought back as a new series or movie. With your help, we can see that this great show finally gets to realize its full potential.