Babylon 5: The Lost Tales (2007) User Reviews (63)

A Conservative Start -- But Looking Forward To More

[LL-9 · 7/10 · 3 August 2007]

***The Short Verdict***

It's definitely made on a tight budget, but if you're a fan of Babylon 5 -- whether hardcore, or simply someone who enjoyed the series-long story arc while it was on -- I think you'll enjoy this if you pick it up.

***To Elaborate***

I loved B5 for its series-long story arc, and for the breadth and depth of its storytelling (the new Battlestar Galactica wasn't first in that regard), but I don't own the DVDs and I haven't watched an episode in years. It didn't matter. This disc gives you enough right off the top to remind you of what you should know, and to get you back in the groove.

If you're completely unfamiliar with B5, you should consider buying the boxed DVD sets, and then pick this up. :-)

***The Good***

It's essentially two stories in seventy-two minutes and it shows as a labor of creative love.

Babylon 5 Creator/Writer/Director Straczynski's trademark sharp writing (and humor) are in full evidence. The acting is solid, even from lesser players. Boxleitner (Sheridan) has improved as an actor with age, in my opinion. He's subtler in many ways; less "showy".

The visual effects are beyond what I expected for this sort of Direct-To-DVD project. Very nice, and well-used. Since there are no commercial breaks (hooray!), shifts in the story are most often signalled by a quick cut to an exterior shot.

The visual effects detail is markedly better than on the original show. When I heard that this (projected) series would be using CGI green-screen for certain backdrops, I sort of cringed inwardly -- we've all seen how wrong that can go -- but, to my surprise, it was well done, particularly in the crucial aspect of "light-matching". In one setting, you can sort of notice that the background and foreground lighting don't precisely match, but for the most part, I was surprised and impressed by how well the CGI backgrounds were implemented.

For the B5 fan faithful, there are extras on this disc: "making of" segments; interviews; and even memorial spots where creator and cast reminisce about the two actors in the ensemble cast who have passed on since the series ended.

***The Not-So-Good***

Creator Straczynski has said up-front that this whole direct-to-DVD distribution model for an SF series is a big experiment/gamble. He's also said that their budget (at least, if and until this proves to be a successful distribution format) is significantly less than what a regular, network-produced SF show would get.

To their credit, you don't see any "cheapness" here. I've seen cheaper-looking shows done by the Sci-Fi network in the US, for example. As above, the CGI visual effects are first-rate -- more than I ever expected.

The major way the lesser budget shows through is in the lack of physical sets. A lot of scenes take place in corridors, or smaller rooms. The C&C (Command and Control -- i.e. the "bridge") of the Babylon 5 station is mentioned, but we never actually go there.

Given the fact that this release is a "pilot project", I can understand the creators wanting to put their finite budget where it would have maximum effect, rather than spending money on building a bunch of standing sets which might potentially never be used again, should this distribution model fail, and we see no more episodes.

If this distribution model does prove a success -- and I hope it does -- I would expect to see at least a few standing sets built. I mean, how many times can station commander Colonel Lochley have meetings in her quarters, before it all starts to seem a bit odd? Still, what the episode lacks in physical substance, they cover with good lighting, inventive camera work, and solid editing. The score is orchestral and professional.

The only other place in which the lack of budget shows through is that both stories in the episode are very character- and dialogue-centred.

If you're looking for ferocious fights, with exploding scenery, and stunt people flying everywhere, it's not in this installment. We get some brief space-based CGI "blowin' stuff up real good", but nothing with live actors in fake peril.

The two stories here are all about character, and Straczynski's sharp dialogue. In fact, the first story in the pair is positively philosophical in tone -- bringing in topics like God, the devil, heaven and hell into the mix.

The actors are universally solid, so I found both stories interesting -- but if you're the kind of viewer who loses interest unless somebody's getting punched in the face, or something's on fire, this episode probably isn't for you.

***In Conclusion***

I hope this DVD sells well enough to deem its distribution model a success -- not only so we can see more Babylon 5, with (hopefully) bigger budgets thanks to profits -- but so that it opens the door for other quality direct-to-DVD series of this type. I can't be the only one who'd like to see a little more Firefly, for example.

For that reason, I'd say buy this if you're interested. Send a tangible message that you like the distribution model, as well as the specific content, in a way that renting or pirating the DVD won't do.

Will we see more Babylon 5 this way? Time will tell -- but I certainly hope so.

Not bad but I expected more...

[Shadowbummer · 6/10 · 28 July 2007]

I've just seen it and have to say it's a little disappointment... :( As a Babylon 5 fan I expected more - maybe it was the mistake and that was the reason why I didn't enjoy it so much... The first storyline was interesting, however the empty corridors of the station didn't feel like the plot took place on the Babylon 5 station. There is no Babylon 5 atmosphere at all. :(

I didn't like the 2nd storyline... the creators wanted to make it interesting, like a new beginning, a possible 'new future threat' with the centauri Vintari. The plot took place on the new Valen class ship, but the scenes were empty. The scene with the big black room with only 2 chairs, Sheridan and the ISN reporter was so... I can't find the word... simple. I know Sheridan mentioned that the Minbari were minimalists well made.but... bah! I didn't like the whole scene.

On the plus side... the CGI was incredible, the few shots in space were very well made and the music was wonderful as well. The modified 'Sleeping in Light' theme at the beginning of the film was very good.

It was nice from the creators that in the story they say that Franklin and G'Kar are traveling together beyond the Rim. That was nice.

At the bottom line, it was not so bad, however B5 fans expect more for sure. I just hope that if another B5 DVD film is made, we will see more characters in it, like Delenn, Mollari or Garibaldi. Faith manages...

Minimalist, but provoking

[OzBuckBear · 7/10 · 1 August 2007]

The new Babylon 5 'movie' was long publicised as separate but related episodes, so I knew what I was getting in for. I had little idea of what to expect of the story lines, and was pleasantly surprised to hear that Straczynski had included his trademark discussion of religious possibilities and ethical dilemmas. His understanding of spiritual matters is incredibly deep for a professed agnostic with atheist tendencies. Moreover, his dissection of moral possibilities leaves one thinking long after viewing. With revised CGI and full use of digital backgrounds, the presentation is generally quite impressive, although it is obviously still a developing area. The script writing, like the sets design, is generally minimalist - partly through cost restriction, but also well placed in the storyline (many scenes put me in mind of Intersections in Real Time). The Lost Tales was not disappointing, and makes for quality viewing. Although more could definitely have been achieved with more budgetary and casting freedom, but Straczynski has made an enjoyable time's viewing. The stories do not contribute largely to the expansion of the B5 universe, but do give tantalising hints of the post-series state of the universe.

Half Brilliant

[rainmonkey · 7/10 · 19 August 2007]

Babylon 5 is sorely missed, and this chance to walk the halls of Brown sector again is greatly appreciated. However, Brown sector is known for its foul odor. Babyon 5 Voices in the Dark suffers from both the best and worst of the epochal television series that predated it. Moments of brilliance are interwoven with corny, pedantic dialogue that almost leaves one with a foul aftertaste. However, in pure Babylon 5 tradition, there is enough brilliance to override the bad, leaving Voices in the Dark as a worthy addition to any B5 fan's DVD library. The first story, involving a bizarre decision to employ the services of a Priest for an exorcism, fails to make the grade as a good B5 story. It's JMS at his worst, which is odd. He's usually very good at making stories work logically, yet, there is no reason for Lochley to jump to the conclusion of an exorcism. In a universe that has seen the likes of the Shadows and Vorlons, many deep space creatures have been encountered that employ similar abilities as "the prisoner". The priest, brilliantly acted by lan Scarfe, delivers the most rational, and well written dialogue in the first half, making Lochley look a little off her rocker. Moreover, why does JMS always rush to the Christian Bible when dealing with Spirituality? There are a myriad of faiths on Earth that have terrifying demonic spirits in them, and to be honest, the whole "Omen" thing has been done to death. It smacks of writing in a closet. Finally, I would have wished the Priest would have interrupted Lochley's boring soliloquy near the end with "Okay. We get the idea." Talk about hammering a point to death. Fortunately, Tracy Scoggins handles the plodding dialogue expertly, and it is wonderful to see the character back in action, despite Lochley's religious irrationality. Fortunately, the second story, involving Sheridan's run in with Galen the Technomage is much more up to the quality of JMS at his best. We have a very tough moral decision forced upon President Sheridan, and he handles it in true Straczinsky fashion: If someone gives you two options, both of which you hate, do your damndest to find a third. And he does in a way that justifies both Galen's dark demeanor and Sheridan's brief but frightening detour from the moral high ground. Bruce Boxlietner is a delight as Sheridan, and he breathes life into a role that is dearly missed. Peter Woodward Shines as Galen, perhaps one of Straczynski's best and most complicated characters to emerge from the B5 universe. I was so relieved when the second story played itself out. It was emotionally satisfying in all the right places, and balanced out the weaker first half. The special effects are great, save for an obvious, painfully long CGI shot in the hang bay when Father Cassidy disembarks. Having a fixed perspective shot, to incorporate live action elements without moving the camera, is an old trick held over from the Matte Painting days. This ranks as one of the worst because the background is too detailed. Less is more (see the final shot of Raiders of the Lost Ark). Here, they tried to get as much movement in the shot as possible, without moving the camera (which would have required expensive motion control cameras on the green screen set). The result is a visual noise that distracts the viewer from the centre of action. At the end of the day what we have here is a great addition the B5 library, despite its obvious faults. The fans want more B5 and they will get it here. The casual viewer will have some work to do, however. Just as watchers of the original series had to endure the first season's horrible acting, so to will the casual viewer be required to do with the first half of this DVD. I am hoping for more stories from the B5 universe because there are many left to tell.

WHO Are You ?

[parmrh · 7/10 · 2 August 2007]

As a fan of "Babylon 5" I could go at this from several angles; as some others have done, I could express disappointment at not seeing more of the characters and situations that made B-5 so intriguing expounded upon in this new entry...

I could focus upon the pleasure at re-visiting this Universe in any form, no matter what limitations...

Then again, I could go another direction....

Well, certainly I would like to see more characters revisited, more stories told, and more of...EVERYTHING. But, all of that takes TIME. Hopefully, this new entry will succeed financially, and create that time for more stories to be told in the future (and about this future) in this format.

Bottom Line: I believe that the best standpoint is to NOT focus upon what is NOT there and appreciate what IS.... while hoping for what MAY BE.

Bad plot for first story. OK plot for second. They have a bit of work to do, but I still like it.

[gopever · 7/10 · 1 August 2007]

I think that the three things I loved most about Babylon 5 were: 1. The epic story arcs.

2. The profound philosophical examination of the human condition.

3. The characters whom I came to know and love, and consider to be my friends.

Babylon 5: The Lost Tales: Voices in the Dark did an exceedingly good job of meeting thing-I-loved number 2, kind of met number 3, and hardly met number 1.

Voices in the Dark had two plot lines (as I'm sure anybody who had been greatly anticipating it knows.) The first one dealt with a maintenance worker who was possessed by a demon. Seriously, that's what it was. OK, so I was ticked off a little (meaning I was banging my head into the floor) by the plot... But then again, it carried a lot of philosophical meaning, and I think, that if I had paid attention to that alone and forgotten about the plot, I would have enjoyed it much better.

The second plot involves Galen warning President Sheridan that a certain Centauri would grow up to be ultimate-mojo-interstellar-Hitler. Like the first, it also did a good job of having interesting philosophical/ethical dilemmas, though the plot line has much more potential... Assuming they make another one of these, which I kind of hope they will. Despite the slightly unsatisfied feeling I got at the end from underdevelopment of the second plot line (though I'm sure that they will develop it more later on...)I enjoyed it much better, and the second story has some awesome special effects that look REALLY cool.

However, the thing that I think would make it feel more like the old show I loved is to get more of the characters. One of the major things that made Babylon 5 good was not characters developing on their own, but characters developing through interaction with other characters. They can't do a lot of that anymore with only three of the original main characters...

So JMS has a little work to do... is it worth seeing the next one? I think back to the beginning when we see Babylon 5 again for the first time in years. It'll be a while before it's back to that which I once loved, but I look forward to the beginning of beginning it again.

Disappointing, but better than no Babylon 5 at all

[Scrooge-3 · 4/10 · 8 August 2007]

The two stories on this DVD are essentially radio plays with minimal effects thrown in. The stories are mostly two, or occasionally three, characters conversing. The content of those conversations consist of some religious mumbo-jumbo and some musings on the nature of free will versus destiny. Not horrible, but we expect more from JMS. The sets are spartan and the CGI is frankly a bit crude, and only three of the series regulars are featured—obviously, there was very little budget allocated to this production. The DVD extras are only for die-hard Babylon 5 fans (well, that could also be easily said for the movie itself). Let's hope that this sells well enough for Warner Bros. to green light more "Lost Tales" with bigger budgets. With the success of Battlestar Galactica, Heroes, and other SF television, it seems there should be a market for a quality return of Babylon 5.

A successful attempt to re-ignite the franchise

[razandfall · 8/10 · 4 August 2007]

While the exceptional original series has stopped for almost ten years, here the Babylon 5 universe comes finally back in direct-to-DVD.

Alas! Don't expect a sensational return, it's more a "test" to show that Babylon 5 is still viable on screen. Here, of all the original cast remains only Lochley and Sheridan. These two rather aged well, on the other hand the new CGI gave a heck of youthfulness to the ships and to our good old station which are both wonders to behold.

Because of his openly religious theme - I've always believed Straczynski was an atheist -, the first story hasn't quite convinced me. However, it's rather dramatically well-rounded, thanks in particular to the great dialogs written by Straczynski's fine and sensitive nib.

The transition between the two stories is magnificent, stamped with the melancholy of passing time and the infinity of space, both illustrated by beautiful pictures. We thus understand that the goal of The Lost Tales isn't to cause a stir, but rather to revive little by little the memories buried by time and bring them up to date. We can also notice the subtle tributes to Richard Biggs and Andreas Katsulas, deceased not long ago, who are "Out there somewhere, beyond the Rim".

Thus begins Sheridan's story, lightweight, during an interview marked with humor. But like usual, on him will fall a prophecy he must face alone, with difficult choices to make. The story takes its time, detached from Hollywood standards. In view of the amount of dialogs, we can feel that Straczynski kept control 'till the end. Questionings, qualms, and dreams filled with beautiful SFX follow one another in a dramatically efficient story, although far from the epic scale of the show. The conclusion too fall a little flat.

It doesn't matter, it wasn't Straczynski's goal to do something spectacular. His goal was to bring the franchise back to life and let the door open to future wonders, and as far as that is concerned, The Lost Tales is a success.

B5 the miniseries?

[mrhex · 7/10 · 29 July 2007]

I was both skeptical and somewhat worried how Babylon 5: The Lost Tales - Voices in the Dark would be. I was however after watching it quite pleased. As far as i understand this will be a continued production if sales go well and people are interested in it. If so we might see several titles of this in a near future, in the spin off "The Lost Tales". This should be seen as a Episode in a series/miniseries(?), as it kinda leaves you hanging a little feeling that you miss something in the end. If you watch this expecting a movie you will not be pleased. In fact the only reason i rated this 7/10 and not 8 or higher was that i would have liked to see some of the other races, how the universe looks 10 years "after". The drak, And what hold they have on the centauri. Perhaps will this come in later episodes, i very much hope so. i gave it a 7 because, it had some very nice CGI effects. Some which i have myself never before seen. it opens up for some interesting future content in the B5 universe. And Galen is a character that alone gave it 3 extra in the ratings. Masterfully portrayed by Peter Woodward, breathing in some mysticism into this production.

****Spoiler warning***** Voices in the dark, starts off with a worked on B5 falling ill with what can be described as demonic possession, a priest from earth (Father Kelly(Alan Scarfe)) comes to B5 by request of Colonel Elizabeth Lochley(Tracy Scoggins). Meanwhile President Sheridan (Bruce Boxleitner) are leaving Minbar en-route to B5 for a 10 year anniversary of the Earth-minbar alliance. While sleeping Galen(Peter Woodward) visits his dreams and show him a Apocalyptic view of a might be future, and present a way to stop this. President Sheridan must now choose if he should listen to Galens warnings and follow his advice. Or find another way. ****** End of spoiler ****

I just hope they do better next time

[Markwins · 3/10 · 2 August 2007]

I am a big Babylon 5 fan and was really looking forward to this DVD release. I am sorry to say that I was disappointed, The Legend of the Rangers is no longer the weakest in the series. All things considered I really want this DVD release to do well so they will make more but I feel it will not be winning any new fans and will probably be disappointing a lot of old ones. Visually It was beautiful and the special effects were very well done, but that's just not enough. Both of the stories were on the weak side and some of the acting I'm sorry to say was weak as well. And I really need to ask: with such a big universe and expansive B5 mythology where did these story's come from and why did they have a last minute feel to them? With so much depending on them, I just expected more. Also why split the DVD into two too short stories rather than one long one? What motivation does this DVD give anyone but the most die hard B5 fan to go out and buy the next DVD release.

Not a Blockbuster, but Very Enjoyable

[Stormin1775 · 8/10 · 31 July 2007]

My expectations were not high and I was not disappointed. It was a nice return to a place I've missed these past few years. While it wasn't a total B5 experience and I realize that will never be possible with the passing of Richard Biggs and Andreas Katsulas, I found these "short stories" to be enjoyable.

I especially enjoyed the second story with John Sheridan and the Prince.

The new effects were awesome. This was well worth the less than $20 I paid and I'll gladly pay for others should JMS decided to continue with more of these direct-to-DVD presentations.

I've missed that place all alone in the night. It was good to be back in that place, if only for a short stay. The name of the place is Babylon 5.

Thanks JMS.

I'm a huge B5 fan but...

[whisper555 · 6/10 · 31 July 2007]

This movie is basically a 2 completely unrelated part story.

The 1st thing you will notice is that the 2007 CGI is a hell of a lot better than 1994 CGI that is for sure, or more importantly you get a hell of a lot more bang for buck these days.

As for the stories themselves, 1 is like a reverse Twilight Zone episode, and the other is a reverse Terminator.

In some respects it was great to see characters that have wised up a bit and not having to be put through the usual torture of characters being in the dark while we are screaming at the screen, "Its the guy in the black hat you doofus!!" metaphorically speaking, you will see what I mean.

The other thing to note is the complete lack of actors compared to the series and other movies, and small sets when CGI wasn't used, money I guess, but who knows? In the end I'm sort of in 2 minds about this movie. It was great to see some more B5 stuff come out, but with Andreas Katsulas & Richard Biggs passed away, the story lines get somewhat limited without 2 characters that were major parts of the show, unless they were recast, and I can see JMS being burnt at the stake if he tried to do that, not by me though, but the stories in the movie would have been solid episodes on their own, but as a movie, well it was not really a movie, just 2 episodes that JMS wasn't able to shoot before, tacked them together, and called a B5 movie, which is probably where the disappointment really lies.

I wonder how many other people will feel this way?

Substandard effort calls in the supernatural.

[nadir-12 · 3/10 · 10 March 2008]

Two stories are presented in this made-for-TV (or, to be precise, DVD) movie.

The first offers possibly the most bewildering turn for Babylon 5 yet in which a station staff member is possessed by a demon. Now this is not your typical telepathic parasitic alien feeding on the fears of the station residents by pretending to be a satanic apparition. No, it's played out as an actual real demonic possession, fire and brimstone and all. This is made clear by constant references to supposed Catholic dogma. Thus all suspension of disbelief goes out the airlock by the end of the mini-story as it slides from science fiction to unabashed occult.

Apart from two or three extras doing their best to make the station look populated (it is hard to *mill generally about* with such low numbers, believe me), the only 'series' character to appear here is Lochley (Tracy Scoggins). She's joined by a possessed gentleman (Bruce Ramsay hooked up to a voice synthesiser that invites weak quips about his voice finally dropping) and Father Cassidy (Alan Scarfe acting well in the face of extreme silliness), a Catholic priest who, as tradition dictates, has his faith and values tested.

There is a logical conundrum to provide the suspense but unfortunately said conundrum is solved by a leap of logic that defies believability. Worse, Lochley talks us through it in a clumsy 'Light Bulb Moment' monologue that is embarrassingly unconvincing.

Speaking of monologues, although JMS was famous for giving Sheridan lengthy speeches at the drop of a hat, nearly all the dialogue in this first story is via horribly over-extended uninterrupted slabs of wordage. The result is stilted, unnatural and, frankly, boring. It almost gets to the point of being funny (but, sadly, not quite).

At the conclusion the demon is vanquished back to earth (to, we assume, be safely exorcised by Father Cassidy) and Lochley re-finds her religion (we are told this in another epically long monologue cum epilogue), presumably becoming a good church going Christian.

The second story leaves the realms of The Exorcist and reintroduces Galen (Peter Woodward), a Technomage who has a habit of talking in vague platitudes. We find the earth is about to be blasted into picturesque ruins (some very nice CG effects here). As if the aborted Minbari invasion, president Clarke's scorched-earth stunt, the Shadow planet killer and the Drakh plague weren't enough trouble for one world. Anyway, what follows is basically Galen trying to persuade President Sheridan to kill someone to save the planet. The twist on the story is highly improbable and Galen could have achieved his aims more simply and reliably by just being direct. Peter Woodward is a good actor and his character is still fun even if his motivations and actions don't make a lot of sense here. Bruce Boxleitner plays Sheridan very well and in the same slightly quirky way he did in Call To Arms. Of note: the accent on the young Centari Prince (Keegan MacIntosh) is a painful mimicry of Londo's. Peter Jurassic did Londo's unique pseudo-European accent with aplomb (he invented it after all) but Keegan sounds like a high-school production of The Merchant of Venice gone horribly wrong. All in all it's a silly by-the-numbers story but still much better than the first.

Lost Tales is a little better than B5 in the special effects department. Considering the huge leap forward in CG rendering technology over the last ten years, this is to be taken for granted. There's a very good city scene but the new cruiser version of the White Star looks stylistically... well... awful. Pet gripe: the background nebula of the TV series, actually touched up Hubble space telescope images, are now generic looking swirls that look much worse.

Quantum-space is a new and improved version of Hyperspace that is both faster and, err, a different colour but otherwise an identical plot device which allows characters to move from one location to another... which makes you wonder why JMS bothered. Superfluous, at odds with the established universe and it has a silly name too! Surely this is an example of typical B-movie making where irrelevant details get extensive coverage while large plot holes are left unattended?

A new telemovie could have explored any number of very interesting loose ends that were left at the end of Babylon 5 season 5, so why produce a couple of second (third, fourth...) rate stories that are weaker than 95% of the original TV series?

A minimalistic mixed bag

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 26 January 2008]

This DVD consists of two new episodes of the Babylon 5 series--both set a decade after the final episode of the series. The first stars Tracy Scoggins and is a strange but decent segment about demonic possession. While it's far from great, it was interesting and is worth a look. The second is a much better episode which reunites Sheridan (Bruce Boxleitner) with Galen (Peter Woodward). The theme of this one is the morality of committing a murder in order to save countless lives--sort of like if you could time travel back to kill Hitler as a child. Unlike the first episode, this one was a bit more exciting and offered an interesting moral dilemma.

When this straight to DVD release came out, I knew it had some major strikes against it since almost all the original characters from Babylon 5 were not in this two episode release. Richard Biggs and Andreas Katsulas had to be absent (this is alluded to, obtusely, in the film) since they recently died--a very valid excuse indeed and something I couldn't blame the production staff for occurring. But the rest of the cast were no where to be seen and this was a great pity. I assume that years after the last episode it just must have been a logistical nightmare to try. I also read that most of the props and uniforms from the series had been lost and stolen, so making the film was a major chore and logistical nightmare. Despite all these shortcomings, the overall product is surprisingly good and very watchable to fans of the series.

Three out of Five Stars

[webmaster-2691 · 6/10 · 6 August 2007]

I am sad to say that mediocrity was the call of the day for this direct to DVD release. The first episode was the worst television I've seen in a very long time. Indeed, this segment didn't even rise to the level of the worst episode of "Star Trek: Voyager" and this is a phenomenal accomplishment that would have even made Ed Wood blush.

There were glaring continuity problems, right from the beginning, most notably the scene in the overused CGI landing bay, where commentary was made about going through customs. An odd scene, given that I've never encountered an airport where customs was on the airplane tarmac. While the CGI special effects were superb, some of the shots were wanting. Poor use of green-screen was obvious and can be attributed to the Director, not the FX department. Of all things, I think it was the CGI modeling which was the most fantastic technical aspect of the show. Unfortunately, special effects were done so at the expense of the shows sets.

One need only look at the interior shots, the sparse and baron looking sets, poor use of props, and the plain and desolate floors where the show was filmed, to find this episode wanting. It was so obvious that we were on a sound stage it ruined one's ability to get into the scene. More care should have been taken by Unit Production Manager to to make sure the set designer had the materials he needed to make the scenes look believable. At the very least the director should have shot them more tightly to hide the fact that the floors were baron and the room they were filming in looked like someone's garage.

JMS, who made the mistake of actually directing, demonstrated conclusively that writers should not direct. Executive Producers should not direct, either. It is a well known fact that when Creators, Producers and Executives micro-manage a project to the point of jumping into the Director's chair, their selfish choice always hurts the production. The incredibly poor directing scene in this film is proof of said axiom. JMS's attempted to hide his inability to direct a scene, by simply tilting the camera back and forth... over, and over, and over again, was enough to give the audience motion sickness. If you get car sick, this is not the show for you.

Straczynski was obviously going for some sort of dark and creepy "horror movie" feel in this pedantic re-dress of the Exorcist and failed miserably in the attempt. Worse, and I think this was the ultimate failure of this production, was that all this effort to make it look creepy simply made it look corny and amateurish. An even bigger problem can be found in the dialog, which was stilted and hackneyed.

The unyielding and excessive number of "Voice Overs" was bordering on the criminal. Their excessive use made the whole episode feel like highlights of a real story, rather than an actual episode and made one feel like they were watching a live-action comic book than a film or feature. To say that this episode was "disappointing"... doesn't quite seem to cover it.

The second episode on the DVD was far better than the first. "Over There" felt much more like the real Babylon 5 seen in the 1990s. Use of dialog, sets, and the on-screen environment was far superior then what had been seen before. Quantum Space seemed like a radical departure from what was seen in the original series and is sure to send sci-fi fans into an uproar.

The sets in this story looked much better then those in the fist episode titled "Over Here." I think this is due in large part to the fact that we were aboard an alien ship, not the more human Babylon 5 which fans know backwards and forwards. The Minbari's minimalist stance erased any doubts for this episode and, frankly, I think the set work here simply looked fantastic, demonstrating a wonderful use of color, shapes, patterns and both positive and negative space.

Loved it.

Budget constraints were an obvious problem but, an even bigger problem was the amateur-hour directing by series creator J. Michael Straczynski. This film cost roughly $3.5 million but, by the look of it, the show only looks like it cost about one-million dollars to produce. Not a good sign. I find it quite unfortunate that the disastrous mistake of the Executive Producer seizing the Director's chair was ever made. A better director could have made this DVD "LOOK" like they'd had a budget of $10 million.

"Over Here", the Lochley story, got 1.5 out of 5 stars.

"Over There", the Sheridan story, got 4.0 out of 5 stars.

If anyone should read this, I advise you to ONLY watch "Over There" and never, ever, EVER click on the other one.

Ever.

It will significantly reduce the level of disappointment you will endure by making this purchase.

Great come back

[to-45 · 7/10 · 30 October 2007]

It was nice too nice to see B5 again. I was expecting more aliens, and spaceships. More of the old B5 seasons. Maybe a bit more action, but the story was good anyway.

No new spaceships but, the new effects are really great! And that I was really expecting. But I have to be honest that I wasn't expecting them to be so good. Really impressive work.

Hope to see it on Portuguese TV anytime soon. Usually watching it on cable without subs makes me lose some parts of the story;)

I really hope to see more shorts movies or who knows a new season. Congrats to all B5 crew!

Babylon has LOST its charm

[dreamflower530 · 5/10 · 28 May 2008]

The Lost Tales could never have really lived up to fan expectation. Two major actors have since passed on and no network or studio would be intelligent enough to fund such a scifi fan favorite.

Understandably, the effects and budget were minimal. However, the writing was also minimalist. Not a good thing. It felt as if the whole idea could have been better produced, directed and written by the fans. It's a shame that JMS and company couldn't have showcased their obvious talent better.

I was a huge fan of B5 and now am NOT of Lost Tales. There was just so much that could have been done better. I can't recommend this one to any fan of the franchise.

New life for Babylon 5

[msmoot1-1 · 9/10 · 31 July 2007]

I was looking forward to this for a long time, and fortunately, was not disappointed. It's very different from the series, as there isn't a complicated plot arc, nor is there an epic tale of good versus evil. There are 2 short, fast stories.

The first story, with Lochley, reminded me of old sci-fi short stories that I used to read when I was little. It was an interesting take on religion in the future and differed somewhat from the way I saw it in the series. While not what I expected, it was still fun and thought provoking.

The second story with Sheridan and Galen was more traditional B5, but felt a little rushed in how it developed. Still, it was entertaining and had the humor and edge that I loved from the series. It's still a heroic tale about the effect one man can have, but its not epic.

Throughout the movie, the visual effects were mindblowingly better than the original. The station was glorious, the battle scene gorgeous, and the new designs were true to the original flavor while still being different.

There are some flaws, but nothing really made me cringe (except for one piece of techno babble).

I wish it had been better, I really do.

[musterion · 6/10 · 27 August 2007]

A bit of a disappointment. I think JMS was getting back into the characters, and essentially wrote the same story twice. A command character must make a moral decision, a character pushes strongly and deceptively in one direction, and another character is there to be a foil. The elements are switched around a little bit, but still really the same story. I hope it sells well enough to have Mr. Garibaldi back in the next release. Somehow, also, i'd like to see something Ivannova. It was nice to see Galen back in the mix.

Somehow, also, I'd like to see "The Big Machine" on the planet below folded back into the mix. I'm trying to think of some other threads that were dropped. The telepath war of course comes to mind. I don't think that G'Kar would be essential to that.

The SFX were nice, but they really was never the point of B5.

In a movie, not saying anything is worse than saying something bad.

[siderite · 5/10 · 17 July 2008]

Babylon 5 was a nice little story that was stretched too long. It could have been either more developed or transformed into a two season series. But even so it was enjoyable, being so much more serious than other sci-fi series of the time. However the follow-ups and movies stunk to high heaven (pun intended).

In this ridiculous simulacrum of a film, the first hour is a boring story about devils trying to escape to the heavens by hitching rides in human bodies. A priest is torn between the duty to exorcise a demon and the fact that the demon nicely asked for the exorcising. Well, we can't be nice to devil folk, can we? In the next hour a completely unrelated story about a possible attack on Earth by a Centauri prince 30 years into the future. Sheridan has to kill the future "Hitler or Genghis Khan", now just a boy dreaming to have fun. Again, a complete bore.

Is there some point where Sheridan will finally be merged with Gandalf into a single creature and all these awful add-ons to B5 will end in a blaze of stupidity?

A rather good story

[Cico_Katrev · 10/10 · 31 July 2007]

As one of the biggest fans of the original series I was expecting this DVD with quite the interest and it was very good despite that it felt little short. Don't get me wrong both stories have the same old feeling of the old series and touch very good themes about religion,dreams and hard choice,but two stories for 70 minutes is very short for some development!Of the were actually connected with one another this will be a very very good one!All the actors did fine especially actor Keegan MacIntosh as the prince regent!It reminded me of Londo,but a young one obviously!JMS has used some very good director original work and it seems he grows up like a director!I am really waiting for future episodes of these DVD series! For final I would say that every fan of the show must watch it and everybody who is not fan yet should watch the all series!

The new B5 TV movie

[Magellan Grey · 7/10 · 22 August 2007]

I found the Lost Tales to be very interesting. Unfortunately, it left me hanging. There are great openings for continuation of the two stories that appear in the movie, but there were not enough meat on the bones to satisfy the watcher. I loved the idea of Londo sending the regent prince to B5 to be with Sheridan. Mr. MacIntosh's performance is wonderful. Beautiful to watch. I wanted MORE out of the segment. The first half of the movie is about a worker becoming possessed by fallen angels. A novel idea for the B5 universe. The idea that the fallen tried to seduce a human priest and Colonel Lockley (she got a promotion... good) to send the possessed out into space so that they can escape their earthly prison. The idea that they were "seeded" amongst the stars in the void awaiting human venture into space is a different approach. Unfortunately, again, I WANTED MORE. I was unfilled. Oh well. I hope JMS will take this up and expand upon what he introduced before more of the cast dies. I loved the reference to GKar and Dr. Franklin "exploring beyond the Rim" together. It was a very nice touch honoring them since the two men passed away.

Lifeless rebirth of an excellent series

[chrisklecker · 4/10 · 28 August 2007]

If one were to approach Babylon 5 The Lost Tales without watching the original series or even any of the movies, they wouldn't be lost in the plot, but as a seasoned and loyal fan of this series I found The Lost Tales to be a monumental waste of time and almost close to an embarrassment.

The opening sequence throws the butterflies in your stomach into a dizzying whirl. The characters fly onto the screen in what I felt to be the most inspired title sequence since Season 5 (funny how each season's title sequence gets better) and some of the greatest music from Christopher Franke since the series' finale. However, once we finally dock with the Babylon 5 station and gawk at the tremendous size of the docking bay we are suddenly confined to quarters. In the original series there was a sense of size to the station. Here the station feels like a two bedroom apartment. We were confronted with a chorus of fascinating characters. Here the characters are few and they are all cardboard cutouts. What was once a thriving station seemed as if we are now watching everything after hours.

Then comes the dialogue. JMS again proves his writing abilities are a cut above the rest however I found both plot lines to be rather dull and soulless. The first episode about demonic possession contain an interesting philosophy, but was soon crushed by Lockley's solution to the riddle that was presented to her and the priest. A simpleton plot found within a simpleton station. This rather minimalist approach to B5 was further annunciated by the second plot line. Are the actors so old as to remove any energy from the series? One has to admit that a lot of life from B5 was ejected the minute Season 5 started, yet, after watching The Lost Tales, Season 5 seems about as energetic as the rest of the series.

Granted JMS gave nods to all characters not present and even gave a rather nice nod to Biggs and Kastulas, to go on with a series about characters when you have only two main characters from the show seems like a rather pointless venture, especially when The Lost Tales moves laterally. The plot lines don't even bring up unanswered questions from the original series except for perhaps Prince Vitari, the late emperor's son from Season 4.

The Lost Tales is a grand idea in need of a few Red Bulls. Perhaps Copeland should just start a whole new series rather than straight to DVD movies. Introduce a new cast. Come up with a 5 year arc, with a few of the unresolved arcs from the last series. However rather than start 10 years later, why not start 15 years? That is, concentrate on David Sheridan as the main character, even though he is supposed to be 15 at the time. It seems from the original series, resolutions start to happen at around this time. David's 16th birthday is arriving, Centauri is about to be liberated, the IA could be shown as struggling and about to be crushed by the Drak. The telepath war about to take full force. Complete isolation from Earth due to the Drak Plague as a nod to the unfinished Crusade. So much material can be gone through and so much more could be accomplished. At this junction, I would be more excited to hear about this sort of series than the next installment of Lost Tales.

Not the B5 Episode or Movie You're Used to Seeing.

[KoshNaranek · 6/10 · 10 October 2007]

Most reviewers here seem to be expressing extreme disappointment with Babylon 5: The Lost Tales - Voices in the Dark. These reviewers EXPECTED Babylon 5 as if the show had never shut down in 1998. They expected something of that level, and that is the problem, EXPECTATIONS. Well folks, a lot of the stuff needed to make something like that (the sets, CGI, wardrobe and props, etc.) NO LONGER EXISTS at Warner Brothers. It is GONE (destroyed, lost or sold off, respectively). Combine that with JMS wanting only to do some small short stories in an anthology format, NOT long arcs right now, AND Warner Brothers OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE TIMIDITY (always in TEST-THE-WATERS mode) when it comes to allocating money to ANY new Babylon 5 project, especially a new material Direct-to-DVD venture, and this is what you get. Given all of the above, I do not think JMS and Co. did a bad job. Not great, but not bad either. However, what B5 needs is a huge shot in the arm, something to revitalize that universe, and this low budget DVD of two 36 minute B-stories, with Warner Brothers still not deciding whether there will be more, isn't it.

And no, the G'Kar and Franklin tribute/mention does NOT cause a continuity problem.

Spoiler for the B5 TV series below.....

In 2271 (Babylon 5: The Lost Tales - Voices in the Dark (2007)), G'Kar and Dr. Franklin and Londo are alive. "Beyond the rim" has two meanings:

1. Death and the afterlife.

2. The Rim of Known Space - the limit of what has been explored thus far. Beyond that limit lies the unknown.

JMS used this as a double entente, and gave a nod to Andreas Katsulas and Richard Biggs in the sense of meaning #1, and in the story used it in the sense of meaning #2 regarding G'Kar and Franklin going exploring.

2262 - G'Kar and Lyta leave B5, and go off on their adventures together.

2264 - G'Kar and Lyta come back. Lyta to see Garibaldi.

2264 - The Telepath War. Lyta and Lennier die. (Crusade Writer's Bible)

2265 - Legend of the Rangers To Live and Die in Starlight. G'Kar is there.

2267 - Dr. Franklin is on quarantined Earth, due to the Drakh plague. Crusade begins.

2268 - The cure to the Drakh plague is found in year 2 of Crusade.

2271 - Would have been Crusade's 5th year. B5-TLT-Voices in the Dark DVD

2278 - Londo & G'Kar die (In the Beginning).

2281 - Dr. Franklin is on Minbar, for the last get together before John Sheridan dies in Sleeping in Light.

So, the little tribute to Andreas and Rick doesn't ruin ANYTHING.

And BTW, this is **NOT** the worst B5 ever. That dubious distinction belongs to the B5 Legend of the Rangers pilot "To Live and Die in Starlight" (a.k.a. TLaDiS). I gave the B5-TLT DVD 6 stars, and was being charitible in giving TLaDiS 2 stars.

Finally, some new B5 to watch

[vake · 6/10 · 1 August 2007]

It's been 5 years since we saw anything new from the B5 universe, and 9 years since the original series ended.

These are two small stories that feel like they've been found from the script archives and dusted off for fans to see. As such they're not the greatest episodes of B5 ever, but they would definitely hold their own among seasons 1, 2 and 5. And with the updated CGI, B5 has certainly never looked better. The somewhat low budget does seem apparent at some points, such as the lack of people on the station, but that doesn't make or break these stories. The new title sequence is excellent, and Chris Franke's music sounds even better than in the series.

A must-buy for fans, so we can look forward to more adventures on DVD, and perhaps even the eventual feature film at some point.