While on vacation I was treated to an early screening of Webisode I of “Sanctuary,” the much anticipated online series from Damian Kindler, N. John Smith and Martin Wood.
If I may drop the professional facade for a moment and get giddy like a true genre fan, let me say this, Frackin’ Awesome!
Now back to the job.
Without giving any of the plot away, Webisode I of “Sanctuary” opens on the city streets on 1888 London, England where we are quickly introduced to series star Amanda Tapping (“Stargate SG-1”) who plays Dr. Helen Magnus in old world attire and full proper English dialect — which at first seems just a bit awkward after seeing her as Sam for 10 years on the Stargate series — but, you just as quickly adjust and her accent fits her and is genuine. The scene opens with an all-to-brief interplay between Tapping, her murderous husband and a street prostitute before jumping to present day America in which the climate is ripe for monsters under the bed, in children’s closests and in the minds and nightmares of adults.
Tapping’s seemingly ageless character seeks out all manner of terrifying and monstrous creatures. She is aided in her quest by her reluctant protege Will Zimmerman (Robin Dunne of Dawson’s Creek) and her somewhat reckless, daughter Ashley (Emilie Ullerup from Battlestar Galactica). Together they are drawn into a frightening and mysterious world populated by beings that defy explanation.
This production of “Sanctuary” is of the highest quality with unigue CGI, fabulous camera angles, innovative interactive elements and inventive style, a compelling and eerie soundtrack reminiscent of “Battlestar Galactica.” “Sanctuary” can easily compete with any big Hollywood production costing tons more than this series. Series writer and creator Damian Kindler called “Sanctuary,” “the next evolution of series-based entertainment.†That is an understated and humble assessment. In my opinion, “Sanctuary” has raised the bar of online quality entertainment to unprecedented heights.
The script for Webisode I is perfectly written and deftly done by both actors and crew alike and all attached to the production. It is very hard to say much more without giving too much of the storyline away, but just let me say that we do get to see “Stargate: Atlantis” actor David Hewlett out of his Rodney McKay persona as an unassured man on the brink of a total mental and emotional breakdown.
Based on this first webisode of the online series I have to predict a major hit for its creators and a long life should be in store for “Sanctuary.” If it doesn’t happen that way, then the world has truly gone mad.
“Sanctuary”‘s first release consists of eight 15-minute webisodes. These are competitively priced and may be purchased individually or bundled for even better value. A new webisode will be released about every two weeks. Viewers can watch “Sanctuary” via download or using a proprietary interactive media player developed exclusively for the online series. “Sanctuary” will be available in both standard and high-def formats. I strongly recommend that you don’t miss this series.
“Sanctuary” debuted this week and you can find all the existing webisodes HERE.
On the Uncle Sam scale of 0 to 5 stars I gladly give “Sanctuary” 5 STARS
Chris in Indy says
I have been chomping at the bit to see this show ever since their 5-minute preview went online. It looks absolutely fantastic!
I’ll be there for every minute…
Amanda’s character looks far more interesting (cough*sexy*cough) than she was ever able to be as Carter, and the effects look first-rate.
Jumbo says
Well, i’ve obviously been banned from posting on my original name and email for some reason.
Haven’t seen the full 15 minute ep1 of Sanctuary and simply judging from the teaser, apart from the creature makeup it all looked pretty bad to me. 2003 game cutscene effects and woeful acting. I’ll wait till someone uploads it all somewhere before commenting further.
kin242 says
I was under the impression (from SFX) that the first few episodes were going to be broadcast for free…
Oh yes and the only payment method seems to be paypal who of course add a load of fees. How unprofessional. You’d think they would put a proper payment suystem in place.
Looks good though!
David says
From Damian Kindler’s Blog:
“I guess first off, an apology for the ambiguity. We had always intended to reserve 480p and 720p (High Definition) versions for purchase only. You will be able to watch or download — your choice. I know that some people have gotten the wrong impression though, and we should have been clearer. The reason behind this is that we didn’t want to put something brand new out to market for free and devalue it in the eyes of the wider viewing community.
We will absolutely be making the first “weps” available for free via You Tube, Google video and some others sites we’re still working on. We want people to be able to get a feel for the show for free and then see it in it’s true majesty in the awesome player we’re cooking up. Seriously.. you ain’t seen nothing yet.
You will be able to buy the webisodes individually at a really competitive rate or in bundles which will be even cheaper!”