Studio: Tcfhe/mgm Release Date: 01/13/2009 Run time: 900 minutes Rating: Nr

Replicators and Wraith. ZPMs and hyperdrives. Good guys, bad guys, and guys who could go either way. They’re all on hand for the fourth season (originally aired in 2007-08) of Stargate Atlantis, still one of television’s finest sci-fi shows. There are a number of new developments in the course of this 20-episode run. The first is the departure of leader Dr. Elizabeth Weir (Torri Higginson), who’s gone from the team by the third episode, replaced by Col. Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping, who will be familiar to Stargate SG-1 fans after her long stint on that now-defunct series); seems Weir’s body contains “nanites,” the elements that make up the “sentient machines” known as the Replicators, which leads to her making a supreme sacrifice on behalf of her fellow humans. (Speaking of the Replicators, these bad boys are so formidable a threat to the entire known universe that even the Wraith--the cat-eyed, white-haired, weird-skinned, vampire-like Johnny Winter lookalikes who feed on humans--fear them, resulting in a rather fraught, on-again-off-again alliance with the Stargaters. Unfortunately, the Replicator-Wraith showdown, which could have made Godzilla v. Megalon look like a game of tag, isn’t exploited to nearly the degree one might have wished for.)

Meanwhile, the team’s personal lives are examined more closely this time, as Teyla (Rachel Luttrell) becomes pregnant, dreadlocked beefcake dude Ronon (Jason Momoa) considers rejoining his original tribe, irreverent hero Lt. Col. John Sheppard (Joe Flanigan) returns to Earth for his father’s funeral (where he runs into his ex-wife and estranged brother), and genius scientist Dr. Rodney McKay (David Hewlett, a good actor whose character’s incessant glass-half-empty, pessimistic whining is getting a bit old by now) once again meets up with his sister, who also made an appearance in Season Three. Overall, the fourth season contains several terrific stories (like “Adrift,” in which the entire city of Atlantis heads into space in search of a new home planet, “Tabula Rasa,” in which the crew is infected with amnesia, and “Trio,” described by its creators as the most logistically complex episode of the entire series), and a smattering that aren’t so hot. As always, Atlantis has terrific special effects, sets, and action (this show ain’t cheap to produce, and it shows), plenty of wit (Sheppard, upon being served a strange-looking meal by his captors: “Is that a form of torture?”), and a very generous selection of bonus features, which include commentaries for every episode, featurettes, and photo galleries. --Sam Graham

Beyond Stargate: Atlantis – Season Four on DVD

Stargate: Atlantis – Season One on DVD

Stargate: Atlantis – Season Two on DVD

Stargate: Atlantis – Season Three on DVD

I am a big fan of SGA, but this Friday (January 9th, 2009) is the series finale. :( I could go into a long review about SGA, but many others have already done a great job of that. It's the only show I've purchased every season of and I still cannot believe that a show of this quality is being canceled way before it's time. I liked SG-1 but I like SGA more. And so do every one of my friends.

There is a campaign to save SGA (that way there will be more seasons to enjoy and buy!)
[...]

WOW!! What a Great Season Stargate Atlantis brought us this past year. Amanda Tapping leading the way on Atlantis with Col. Sheppard (Joe Flanigan), with Rodney(David Hewlett), Rachel Luttrell & Jason Momoa. This was an action packed season and season 5 will bring us with a lot more action. Now if only the producer's and writer's only keep Stargate Atlantis going for all us fans. Keep an eye out for Stargate Universe next summer 2009 and any movies for the future. Let's keep Atlantis alive with SG-1.

I'm a huge fan of Stargate SG-1. When I heard of SG Atlantis, I was a bit skeptical, but over the seasons this show has become one of my favorites. Season 4 is just as good as the rest. Definitely a must buy for any Stargate fan.

Season 4 was an incredible season for storyline. The opening episodes set the tone for the whole season. The first half of Season 4 offer some of the best done episodes of either Stargate series and the mid-season 3 part episode is incredible. The return of a beloved friend with a very emotional scene expands Michael's storyline dramatically. The finale is very unique to any season of Stargate. Well done on all fronts!

Season 4 starts off with a couple of exciting episodes, and with the cast change and addition of Amanda Tapping (Sam) it gives the series a fresh start. Lots of adventure in this series.