Looking ahead to Moonbase Junior's next visit I was planning on watching Battlestar Galactica with him.
First issue is age rating. He's only six and can't handle all PG's, which I assume it would be.
Second issue is format. I looked it up and it appears to be a TV series. I thought it was a film. There's also mention of some episodes bundled up as films. Then there's a modern remake at the back of my mind.
I'm confused. Can anyone explain?
Also, is it any good?
Battlestar Galactica was a 70's tv series but some episodes were made into compilation movies and did get theatrical releases in some places. The Modern remake is a far superior show. Not sure either or suitable for the young though.
ReplyDeleteBattlestar Galactica was a 70's tv series but some episodes were made into compilation movies and did get theatrical releases in some places. The Modern remake is a far superior show. Not sure either or suitable for the young though.
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing one of the compilation movies Kevin mentioned at a movie theatre prior to the tv run of the original series back in the Seventies.
ReplyDeleteThe original series I believe is all good for watching together. Little Boxey and his robo-daggit Muffit make it very relatable to child viewers.
With the modern and much darker tv remake, as great as it is for an adult viewer, I would wait for another six years at least.
You wouldn't want him watching the remake from the 2000s (and he wouldn't like it anyway). I would watch the show with him. It's fun in a similar vein to Star Wars. The second season ("Galactica 80") was re-written as a much lower-budget show, and is awful.
ReplyDeleteI'd stick to much more child friendly stuff like The Iron Giant, WALL-E, Oban Star Racers etc. Maybe sneak in Last Starfighter, E.T, etc. Studio Ghibli animation is great too - Nausicaa, Ponyo and My Neighbour Totoro.
ReplyDeleteBuck Rogers in the 25th Century is a safe bet, much more space opera and fun and although by the same company, a lot more child friendly.
ReplyDeleteI watched the original Battlestar Galactica series in the 1970s. The original TV pilot movie was released theatrically. I think it was also later split in to a two-part story for screening as normal TV episodes ?
ReplyDeleteA lot like Star Wars, with the evil Cylone robots. Nothing beyond Star Wars or Doctor Who, that I recall. Why not watch the pilot on your own, to see if it is suitable ?
According to the British Board of Film Classification website, the film was originally rated U for cinema release in 1979. It was later raised to PG. The current advisory note says 'Contains mild horror, violence, and sexual innuendo', which seems a bit harsh.
The modern remake was terrible - I gave up after about two episodes.
I'd say the original 70s/80s series is 'family viewing' and OK for a six year old with parents or guardians present. It's like a childish Star Wars.
ReplyDeleteThe 2000s remake, however, is far more adult, and is maybe suitable for older kids or teens, not 6 year olds.
Oh, and is it any good ?
ReplyDeleteFor children , sure, but I was in sixth form, or at college, when I saw it and thought it was a naff version of Star Wars (which, at that age, I thought was too childish anyway).
The original Battlestar Galactica was made to capitalize on the popularity of Star Wars, so it's on the same level. If you like SW and Buck Rogers in the 25th century, you'll like it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your advice guys. Its helped me a lot. Not sure Junior can handle a TV series at Moonbase. We'd have to watch an episode every day for ages and he only comes for a few days at a time. He does love 80's sci fi though like ET, Short Circuit, Flight of the Navigator and Batteries Not Included. he has seen Star Wars A New Hope and Empire at home with his folks too. Maybe we'll have a go at episode 1 of the old Battlestar series and see what he thinks this summer.
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't seen it, you may want to be aware that the "First Episode" is a 3 part episode.
ReplyDeleteThat 3 hour bit was released as the Theatrical Movie.
Cheers Scott.
Delete