Great news for fans of the beloved science fiction series, Babylon 5! Not only is an animated feature-length film in the works, but the entire series is also set to be released on Blu-ray. This special 30th-anniversary release will include all 110 episodes of the show’s five-season run, as well as its pilot TV movie, “The Gathering.” Show creator J. Michael Straczynski took to Twitter to express his excitement, stating, “YOU WANTED IT, YOU ASKED FOR IT, AND IT’S FINALLY HAPPENED!”
Babylon 5, created by J. Michael Straczynski, follows the story of the inhabitants of a 23rd-century Earth Alliance space station. This station is established with the purpose of mediating peace among five powerful empires. Originally aired in the 1990s, the show was praised for its complex characters and intricate storyline. However, its initial production quality left something to be desired, with a mix of acted scenes and poorly rendered CGI frames.
To address this issue, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment released Babylon 5 Remastered in 2021. This version of the series was made available to stream on HBO Max (at the time) and as a digital download on platforms like iTunes and Amazon. In the remastering process, the original camera negatives were scanned in 4K and downscaled to HD. The episodes underwent a thorough clean-up and color correction, resulting in a significant improvement in visual quality. Additionally, the CGI sequences were upscaled to HD, giving viewers a chance to experience the show in its original 4:3 aspect ratio.
Now, with the upcoming release of the Blu-ray edition, fans can enjoy Babylon 5 in even higher quality. The Blu-ray release will be “fully remastered in HD,” though it is not specified if it will be the same 2021 remaster or a more recent update. The complete Babylon 5 series on Blu-ray is available for pre-order at a price of $100. Fans can secure their copies now and can expect the release in the US and Canada on December 5th.
The announcement of the Blu-ray release has created a wave of excitement among Babylon 5 fans. After years of waiting and hoping, their favorite show will finally be available in a format that showcases its true visual potential. The remastering process has breathed new life into the series, allowing both long-time fans and new viewers to immerse themselves in the rich world of Babylon 5.
In addition to the Blu-ray release, fans have even more to look forward to with the upcoming animated feature-length film. Details about the film are still scarce, but the fact that it is being developed by the show’s original creator, J. Michael Straczynski, is undoubtedly promising. The film is expected to further expand upon the intricate universe and storylines established in the series, providing fans with new adventures and insights into their favorite characters.
The combination of the Blu-ray release and the animated film marks a significant milestone in the enduring legacy of Babylon 5. The series has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the science fiction genre and has garnered a dedicated fan base over the years. With its compelling storytelling and memorable characters, Babylon 5 continues to be celebrated as one of the most influential and beloved science fiction shows of all time.
As fans eagerly await the release of both the Blu-ray edition and the animated film, they can take solace in the fact that their enthusiasm and support for Babylon 5 have not gone unnoticed. The realization of these projects is a testament to the enduring power of the show and its ability to captivate audiences even decades after its initial airing.
In conclusion, Babylon 5 fans have reason to rejoice as the beloved series is set to be released on Blu-ray. This announcement comes hot on the heels of news about an upcoming animated feature-length film. The combination of these exciting developments ensures that fans will have ample opportunities to dive back into the captivating world of Babylon 5. Whether through the high-definition experience of the Blu-ray edition or the new adventures offered in the animated film, Babylon 5 continues to captivate and inspire fans around the globe.
