'Battlestar Galactica' Blasts Off on HD DVD

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has announced it will bring the original Sci-Fi Channel mini-series and complete first season of 'Battlestar Galactica' to HD DVD in one elaborate box set this holiday season.

The acclaimed cult TV series (now in its fourth and final season on the Sci-Fi Channel) will make its highly-anticipated next-gen bow on December 4.

Featuring the original 2003 mini-series, the full pilot episode and the complete first season of the show, Universal will roll out the high-def red carpet for 'Balltlestar,' in a six-disc set brimming with supplements.

In addition to audio commentary with creator Ronald D. Moore (and guests) on the complete mini-series, pilot and nine additional episodes, extras include more than a half-dozen featurettes, multiple deleted scenes, a still gallery and the "Encyclopedia Galactica," an interactive guide including ships, characters, colonies and flight training manual.

Also exclusive to the HD DVD release will be a picture-in-picture video commentary on the entire mini-series, featuring Moore, cast and crew and additional making-of footage.

Tech specs include 1080p/VC-1 transfers of the mini-series and each episode in 1.78:1 widescreen, plus Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround and Dolby Digital-Plus 5.1 surround audio options.

Universal has set a suggested $99.98 for the set.

As always, you'll find full specs for 'Battlestar Galactica' linked from our HD DVD Release Schedule, under December 4. Watch for box art to be revealed in the coming weeks.

(Thanks to Brendan for the tip!)