This boxed set contains the final season of the popular sci-fi program, which originally aired from 1994 through 1998. Despite the fact that the show continually bounced from time slot to time slot, channel to channel, it managed to acquire a rather sizeable fan base. I never actually sat and watched the program until I reviewed this set, and I found myself at a disadvantage to those already familiar with the concept and characters. But those who already have the previous four boxed sets will certainly love this. Babylon 5 isn't in the same league as Star Trek - The Next Generation, probably the best sci-fi series ever, but it's intelligently written, fairly consistent in quality (which most genre series can't claim), and is brought to a satisfying conclusion in one of the best series finales I've ever seen.

It ain't likely that anyone interested in this boxed set are unfamiliar with the show's concept, but just in case...Babylon 5 is a massive space station where various species and races seek refuge. It is considered neutral territory, meaning that all hostilities cease while at the station. Over the course of the program's five seasons, Babylon 5 ends up being the headquarters for the Alliance, several races who've banded together for unified strength, and must adhere to the newly written Declaration of Principles. By the fifth season, John Sheridan (Bruce Boxleitner), who was once captain of the station, is appointed President of the Alliance. Taking his place as captain is Elizabeth Lochley (Tracy Scoggins), who is introduced in the first episode of the season. One of the later plot developments this season is the revelation that Lochley and Sheridan were once married. Other situations introduced this season include a race of peace-loving telepaths, the threat of war with the Centaurians, the relocation of the Alliance's headquarters, surprising betrayal by some key characters and the eventual decommissioning of the station itself (which may bring tears to longtime viewers of the show). The subtitle of Season 5 is "The Wheel of Fire," and no, I don't know what the hell its supposed to mean. Maybe it would mean more if I'd seen other season episodes, which brings me to one of my few criticisms of the show: how much one will get out of this set depends heavily on their familiarity with the series. While each episode tells its own self-contained story, many of the developments and twists are based on story arcs which may not have been visited for several episodes (or even seasons). That's because all five seasons of Babylon 5 are, for lack of a better term, chapters in an ongoing saga. Thus, the casual sci-fi enthusiast may be initially baffled by what's going on. The show is very well written (mostly by creator J. Michael Straczynski), but there are no characters as intriguing as those in any Star Trek series, and depending on which character is the focus of a particular episode, the interest level sometimes wanes a bit. The best episode by far is the series finale, "Sleeping in Light," which is surprisingly low-key and poignant, featuring terrific and touching performances by the ensemble cast.

Whatever one's assessment of the show's content, one must give a hearty "Yay!" in appreciation for the fact Babylon 5 is one of the first TV programs to play around with the widescreen format. All 22 episodes in this set are presented in matted widescreen, which really adds some epic scope to the show. The CGI effects look great much of the time, at least by TV standards. The transfer isn't perfect, though; there are several scenes with heavy and distracting amounts of grain, usually those which involve FX and actors together. The soundtrack, rendered in 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround, is great. It's crisp and clean, with no hissing or distortion.

Since I never viewed previous boxed sets, I've got no base for comparison, but I'm sure fans of Babylon 5 will really dig the extras included here. Three of the episodes, including the finale, offer audio commentary by cast members or series creator J. Michael Straczynski. Other features include some fun short documentaries, such as "Digital Tomorrow," which delves into the program's CGI effects, and "Beyond Babylon 5," which focuses on the impact of the show and its fans. As a novice, I particularly appreciated "The Universe of Babylon 5," an interactive feature which offers further exposition of specific new characters and species - if you're new to the series, I'd actually recommend watching these first, as they help explain a few things individual episodes don't. Rounding out the extras are deleted scenes, episode previews, a gag reel and an intro by Straczynski.

Similar Programs: Star Trek - The Next Generation, Star Trek - Deep Space Nine, Andromeda Babylon 5 fans are likely to love this final boxed set of the series. The transfer is good (you gotta love any show presented in widescreen), and there's a bunch of fun extras. All others whom are curious are advised to start with Season 1 and work their way forward so as not to be lost. This is a solid DVD boxed set from Warner Home Video.