Stars: Michael O'Hare, Tamlyn Tomita, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Blaire Baron, Paul Hampton, Peter Jurasik, Andreas Katsulas

Director: Richard Compton

Summary: Babylon 5 becomes the last place in space for peace talks. As five leaders of different solar systems get together, an assassination attempt is made... can Sinclair save the Universe...?

THE GATHERING is the full-length pilot epsiode of the popular science-fiction series. See how it all started in the late 23rd century at the Babylon 5 space station, a neutral space station located between many rival space empires. The project's future is placed in jeopardy after the new commander becomes the key subject in the assassination of the mysterious alien ambassador.

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"The Gathering", the feature-length pilot episode for Babylon 5, still ranks amongst the best of introductions to any TV science fiction show. In 1993 there was just nothing else to compare with its wall-to-wall CGI effects backed up by eye-popping architectural and interior production design, costumes, alien make-up and hairstyles. A couple of flat performances let down an otherwise intriguingly cast ensemble, but these problems would vanish in the series. Here, character introduction and development was refreshingly left to fend for itself within an elaborate narrative structure that kicked-off several plot threads at once. Creator Michael Straczynski ambitiously starts proceedings with a multi-layered mystery concerned with the nature and destiny of the soul. Political shenanigans, trigger-happy action stereotypes and wavering physics linger in the viewer's memory, but the tantalising tale told by smooth Commander Sinclair (Michael O'Hare) about the "hole in his mind" makes the strongest impression. Considering how convoluted the show's mysteries would become, "The Gathering" remains an essential starting point.

On the DVD:Babylon 5: The Gathering is presented here in its 1998 Special Edition version. However, nowhere on the packaging is this stated. In fact, the back-cover credits are incorrect: apart from anything else, this version features a new score by Christopher Franke and not Stewart Copeland's original. Special effects and sound quality are also superior to the original version, even if still only presented in 1.33:1 ratio and two-channel Dolby.--Paul Tonks

Aspect Ratio:	1.33 Full Screen
Main Language:	English
Region:	Region 2
Special Features:	Interactive Menus, Scene Access
Subtitles:	English
Year:	1993
Release Date:	April 8, 2002
Runtime:	90 minutes
Certification:
Catalogue Number:	D 016396
Keywords:	Babylon, General, Fiction, Science, Horror, Gathering, Sci, Fi
Genre:	Science Fiction