HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

What better and cooler Xmas tree ornament than a Colonial Viper!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL 'SAGA OF A STAR WORLD' READERS WORLDWIDE! SEE YOU IN '17!

CLASSIC IMAGE: DO I KNOW YOU?

He may not be Starbuck and he may be on Earth rather than in space, but THE A-TEAM's ever adaptable Templeton "Faceman" Peck certainly recognises the silver armoured machine man walking around the Hollywood film studio. Yes, its the great nostalgia image from the hit five-year running Stephen J. Cannell and Frank Lupo created action series made at the same UNIVERSAL home as GALACTICA, and which truly made Dirk Benedict an international name after his prior success playing Starbuck.

THE A-TEAM is now available in its entirety in super remastered UK Blu-ray from FABULOUS FILMS/UNIVERSAL, and its as enjoyably bonkers, action-packed and lively now as it was when it first aired. I recommend it with my Nostalgia Hat firmly placed!

PLAN MAKERS AND RISK TAKERS! 'THE A-TEAM' SMASHES ONTO COMPLETE SERIES UK BLU-RAY

Opening titles: A-Team Intro High Quality - YouTube

Get it here: The A-Team - Complete [Blu-ray]: Amazon.co.uk: George Peppard, Mr. T, Dwight Schultz: DVD & Blu-ray

Other classic UNIVERSAL series available from FABULOUS FILMS: 'FABULOUS' CLASSIC TV BOX SETS OUT FOR CHRISTMAS!

CLASSIC IMAGE: READY FOR THE MISSION!

A top model perhaps best known for her work on the US soap DYNASTY, the truly gorgeous Leann Hunley gets ready for blast off in her Colonial Viper, in a scene from Lost Planet of the Gods Part One. Miss Hunley would reappear as the same character later in the season, with the episode The Man With Nine Lives.

CLASSIC IMAGE: "OH FRACK!"

Someday's you miss one, and Starbuck's experiencing that frustration whilst rushing to join his friends in the escape elevator to the Carillon Casino, after failing to hit a Cylon warrior, in this great still from Saga of a Star World.

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE MYSTERIES OF KOBOL!

Apollo, Serina and Adama continue their exploration of the lost homeworld of Kobol- where life originally sprung- in a scene from Lost Planet of the Gods Part Two, of which a small second unit went out and filmed scenes in Egypt specially for the story, with local people playing the three characters- Serina actually played by a young boy!

GALACTICA 1980: CONQUEST OF THE EARTH (UK STYLE!)

It sure looks like Galactican warriors Troy and Dillion are on their own as the Cylon attack on Earth, 1980, begins, in the exciting UK movie poster art for CONQUEST OF THE EARTH eventually used for the CIC Video rental release back in the day. Great art- I just wish the cobbled together from three episodes "movie" had ultimately been better!

If anyone has a better quality scan of this image, please get in touch.

CLASSIC IMAGE: VIPER FIRE FIGHTERS!

Apollo, Starbuck and Sheba get ready to launch their adapted Vipers to help save Galactica's fire-stricken Alpha landing bay, in a scene from Fire in Space. With only one full size viper created for the series, the front viper cockpit for Apollo is the back projection simulator cockpit, whilst Sheba's distant craft is a life-size cut out with the actress behind it.

CLASSIC IMAGE: AN EVENING FOR EVERYONE!

Boxey and Muffey enjoy the cabaret and social air of the Carillon Casino, before the chaos and danger begins, in a scene from Saga of a Star World.

CLASSIC IMAGE: BOOM - BOOM BOOMER!

Herb Jefferson, Jr. takes a well deserved break from shooting Cylons and blowing up their capital city world of Gamoray, during filming of the classic two-parter, The Living Legend.

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE EAGLE HAS LANDED!

Missing it by seconds, Apollo and Starbuck fail to catch the mysterious signal revealing Earth's real-life landing on the moon, in the memorable finale scene to the last episode of the original series, The Hand of God.

CLASSIC IMAGE: TECH HEROINE!

A tribute to the classic series wouldn't be the same without a tribute to the ever gorgeous Maren Jensen, whose character of Athena remains as popular and beloved as ever.

CLASSIC IMAGE: DIRECT COMMUNICATION!

The Cylon Commander in charge of the Carillon garrison (note the special insignia under his chin) informs the Imperious Leader of the Human Rag-Tag fleet's full immersion into the Ovion's casino complex. Now, the massive Cylon attack force is on its way from Borallus, preparing to exterminate their enemy once and for all, in this deleted scene from Saga of a Star World which originally had the voice of the alien leader scarily realised by film and TV icon Ted Cassidy.

CLASSIC ART: STARLIGHT GALACTICA!

One of the all-time great space ships of sci-fi television, looking majestic and battle ready as always out amongst the stars, in this great art by David Moss, possibly linked to Richard Hatch's sadly unrealized (apart from a great trailer) The Second Coming.

CLASSIC IMAGE: INSIDE A RAIDER...

Inside their Raider vessel, part of a war cry of a thousand craft, three Cylon Centurions continue their brutal sneak attack on the Colonial Battlestars, in this great image from Saga of a Star World.

CLASSIC IMAGE: BREAKING THE CHAINS!

Adama impresses on his new skilled "recruits" the importance of their mission to destroy the pulse weapon on Arcta, in this important scene from part one of Gun on Ice Planet Zero.

CLASSIC IMAGE: LAUNCHED WHEN READY!

A solitary Colonial Viper blasts out from one of the Galactica's launch pods and into space- either into a long patrol or into fierce combat, in a classic image from the series.

CLASSIC IMAGE: A NEW FILM ODYSSEY!

The theatrical version of Saga of a Star World makes an impact in UK cinemas and launches Dirk Benedict and Richard Hatch as stars to watch out for, on the cover of the popular FILM REVIEW magazine of May 1979.

With thanks to Graeme Wood for the image. Twitter address for his incredible magazine cover archive collection: @woodg31

CLASSIC ART: COMRADES IN BATTLE

Matt Busch's talents in bringing Classic BATTLESTAR GALACTICA characters to vivid life are once again showcased here, with Apollo and Starbuck against the Cylons, in this great 2000's art.

Matt Busch | "The Rock Star of Illustration" -Real Detroit Weekly

CLASSIC IMAGE: DANGEROUS DAYS!

On the Galactica bridge, Adama and Tigh receive some disturbing information from Lt. Omega about the planet Terra, in a tense scene from Experiment in Terra.

CLASSIC IMAGE: CAPRICAN DELIGHT!

A former James Bond girl, now a fantasy space heroine, the truly delicious Jane Seymour poses for a lovely portrait image on the Carillon Casino set, for Saga of a Star World.

CLASSIC IMAGE: SPACE COMBAT MOVES!

A Colonial Viper ascends into space after having discharged a volley of energy fire at a Cylon enemy, in an effects shot used often during the original series run.

CLASSIC IMAGE: A DIFFERENT KIND OF STREET CROWD!

Going out into the nighttime cityscape of Gamoray, a group of Cylon Centurions and robotic civilians have no idea what's going to happen to them, in the second part of The Living Legend. A scene filmed on the UNIVERSAL backlot/office areas.

CLASSIC IMAGE: SOUR STARBUCK!

Normally, Starbuck would be happy to have any beautiful woman throw themselves into his arms, especially if its Athena. But today, things are different- having watched lots of friends die and the annihilation of thousands of people on four Colonial Battlestars by those dreaded Cylons, our hero is understandably feeling both angry and a little sick to the stomach of the thought that his home vessel would desert him and his comrades on the space battlefield! A tense moment from Saga of a Star World.

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE CHIMP AND THE DAGGIT!

Despite her training, life can't have been comfortable at all for poor Evie the Chimp during filming of the early half of Galactica's singular season, but her on screen performance as the beloved and loyal Muffit the Daggit was always first rate, and her popularity with younger fans swiftly assured.

The History of the Daggit Costume | Battlestar Galactica

CLASSIC IMAGE: PEELING OFF...

Boomer is ready for battle against an approaching Cylon patrol, as his wingman Starbuck peels off, during the action opening to The Young Warriors..

CLASSIC ART: SOMEWHERE OUT THERE...

On a distant world, our iconic heroes of Apollo and Starbuck stand ready in the face of Cylon galactic dominance, in this lovely art from talented artist Chris Scalf.

Art of Chris Scalf

CLASSIC IMAGE: PLASTIC FANTASTIC!

Sadly, they were never able to give the KENNER STAR WARS figures of the late seventies a run for their money, but over time these classic GALACTICA figures from MATTEL have nonetheless become very desirable collectors items.

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE DEVIL'S SERVANT!

Baltar's right hand Cylon, Lucifer, voiced by the inimitable Jonathan Harris, gets a new red wardrobe from the series mid-point, though his sarcasm and humour to his human leader remains as consistent and enjoyable as ever!

CLASSIC IMAGE: NEVER CROSS A MEDTECH!

Cassie tries to steer young Boxey away from potential vices inherited from the Colonial Warrior Viper pilots- their love for gambling and ambrosia, especially Starbuck's, in a fun scene from The Lost Warrior. 

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE SERPENT RETURNS...

He may have saved him from a throttling from Commander Adama, but that doesn't mean Apollo won't blast the traitorous Count Baltar for one wrong move, as the enemy of humanity makes his devilish reappearance in Lost Planet of the Gods Part Two.

CLASSIC IMAGE: A VESSEL IN THE UNIVERSE!

A formidable vessel and protector for Humanity: the last Battlestar, Galactica, heads ever on in its journey across the galaxy- a time period approaching forty years very soon...

CLASSIC IMAGE: AN APOLOGY ACCEPTED

Happily for us caught off guard whilst changing from her slinky zero-gravity bodysuit, Athena (Maren Jensen, looking stunning as ever) receives a welcome apology from Starbuck for his earlier harsh words, in a sequence clearly shot during the later filming of Lost Planet of the Gods (filmed alongside the moment with all the shuttle cadet girls in their bodysuits, prior to Viper training) and inserted into the syndicated three-part version of Saga of a Star World.

CLASSIC IMAGE: WELCOME TO ARCTA!

Awake from his crash-landing on the snow world of Arcta, Viper pilot cadet Cree launches into an attack on an incoming Cylon patrol, but soon sees his weapon letting him down in the sub-zero temperatures, during this scene from Gun on Ice Planet Zero, Part One.

CLASSIC IMAGE: NEW HOPE, BUT NEW DANGERS?

Colonel Tigh outlines the problems of their undermanned ships in the Rag-Tag fleet, many of their people - literally half the population- now descending to the Carillon Casino. The first signs of a trap- are brewing in Adama's mind, from Saga of a Star World.

CLASSIC IMAGE: TARGETS!

A Cylon Raider begins a pulsar barrage attack against the Galactica, as one of the mighty vessel's automatic gun turrets prepares a response, from Saga of a Star World.

CLASSIC IMAGE: TIME TO PAR-TY!

Thanks to a wily Lt. Greenbean, Giles and the Galactica pilots prepare to celebrate Captain Apollo's nuptials in alcoholic style, in a fun moment from Lost Planet of the Gods, before they all end up in cryogenic pods from a potentially lethal virus!

UK fans of Larry Manetti will be pleased to hear that his pre-GALACTICA appearances in the 1976-78 World War II fighter pilot ensemble drama BAA BAA BLACK SHEEP are now available on complete series DVD, from UNIVERSAL/FABULOUS FILMS. Its a series that has other notable GALACTICA guest stars and behind the scenes contributors, including James Whitmore, Jr., and Donald Bellisario.

Review here: MISFITS OF THE AIR! 'BAA BAA BLACK SHEEP's FIGHTER SQUADRON COMES TO UK DVD SKIES!

Get the DVD set here: Baa Baa Black Sheep - The Complete Series [DVD]: Amazon.co.uk: Robert Conrad, Simon Oakland, Dana Elcar: DVD & Blu-ray

CLASSIC ART: BACK TO THE 'TOMBS OF KOBOL'!

Protecting themselves and the secrets of the Thirteenth Tribe, Apollo and Starbuck shoot back at attacking Cylon Raiders in this great art by David Schleinkofer for the original 1980 Berkley Books adaptation of Lost Planet of the Gods as The Tombs of Kobol, which would be reprinted by TITAN BOOKS UK in 1988, at about the time the series was back in TV reruns.

CLASSIC IMAGE: PROBLEMS WITH CORE COMMAND!

Their arrival on the food-starved Gemini freighter causing a whole load of additional problems, Lt. Boomer manages to keep his cool despite his frustration, in a memorable scene from Saga of a Star World.

BEHIND THE SCENES: THE MINI PILOTS!

The incredible work of the model makers of the original GALACTICA pilot is perfectly showcased in this image- notably their incredible attention to detail with scale pilots busts for the Vipers.

Check out the great website from the late, great model maker Grant McCune and his legacy: McCune Masterworks | Bespoke Electro-Mechanical Art Pieces - Limited Edition Gifts

CLASSIC MERCHANDISE: THE VHS YEARS!

Remember the days of VHS? Well, Classic GALACTICA soon proved a worthy addition to the ranks of film and TV releases back in the nineties (and in Hi-FI sound too!), at a time when such things were done on a single episode basis in the US, as exemplified here with The Long Patrol. The UK releases were different by the late nineties, with two on each release.

CLASSIC IMAGE: SHEBA'S SADNESS...

The beautiful but unhappy Sheba has to come to terms with the return of the ex-socialator Cassiopeia back into both hers and her father's life, in this memorable scene from The Living Legend, Part One.

CLASSIC IMAGE: STARBUCK AND THE ROBOTS!

Hector and Vector the robots from the feature length episode Greetings from Earth (shown as a two-parter in its original UK 1981 premiere on London's Thames Television) may not have been the greatest thing to have happened to the original GALACTICA, but everyone behind the scenes loved working with Ray Bolger and Bobby Van, especially Dirk Benedict, seen here with the droids in an important story moment.

CLASSIC IMAGE: SPRINGING THEIR TRAP!

A massive Cylon attack squadron bears down on the Colonial Rag-Tag fleet, in a great effects shot by APOGEE for Saga of a Star World.

CLASSIC IMAGE: UP CLOSE TO EVIL!

Caught at a vulnerable moment- his friends missing, others behaving strangely, Apollo slams the enigmatic and dangerous Count Iblis against a bulkhead, watched by a looming Adama, in a memorable moment from the excellent War of the Gods Part Two.

FROM THE ARCHIVE: "EXIT 'STAR WARS'... ENTER 'BATTLESTAR GALACTICA!"

One of the earliest press clippings for BATTLESTAR GALACTICA that I ever collected, from the British Daily Mirror Newspaper of Thursday, November 9th, 1978, heralding the upcoming film/series to overseas shores, hot on the heels of STAR WARS success, in a genre that had been re-ignited to commercial success by George Lucas.

Fuller version of the above.

CLASSIC IMAGE: A BREATHER BETWEEN BATTLES!

I don't know whether this was from an episodic deleted scene or just a posed publicity still, but Dirk Benedict and Herb Jefferson, Jr. always made such a great pairing on Galactica as Starbuck and Boomer, their on/off banter and humorous bickering a particularly notable and fun part of the original pilot.

If anyone has this image in better size and quality, please get in touch.

CLASSIC IMAGE: ALL ALONE IN THE NIGHT!

A great shot of the Galactica in deep space, as Apollo, Starbuck and Sheba get ready for strafing runs to help put out the massive fires within its Alpha landing bay, during the heady events of Fire in Space.