Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 19, 2024

1999’s “Galaxy Quest” is a film that did okay during its initial theatrical release, but its real shot of popularity came afterwards. Fandom eventually found the movie, elevating the sci-fi comedy to cult status, appreciating its celebration of geek culture and all things “Star Trek.” Director Jack Bennett hopes to add his enthusiasm for the picture with 2019’s “Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary,” which looks to honor all the working parts of the production and meet those who’ve devoted major chunks of their lives to keeping the effort in the minds and hearts of the public. This is no “Trekkies,” but something softer, with Bennett refusing a more candid understanding of the production process, preferring to add some layers of shine to the reputation of “Galaxy Quest,” making something congratulatory instead.

“Never Surrender” opens with a quote from David Mamet, who lists “Galaxy Quest” as one of four perfect films in cinema history. Perhaps the source isn’t as dependable as he once was, but the idea driving the documentary is to identify how the movie managed to survive a limp theatrical release in the last days of 1999, becoming a picture that means the world to a large fanbase excited to talk about the endeavor with Bennett. He visits a sci-fi convention, meeting Roxanne and Harold, a couple who cosplay as Thermians, the alien race in distress in “Galaxy Quest.” They have the moves and the voices, representing an undying commitment to the DreamWorks release, with this level of passion for the feature setting the tone for “Never Surrender.”

Bennett impresses with his access, collecting interviews with many, if not most cast members from “Galaxy Quest,” including Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Enrico Colantoni, and Sam Rockwell. He doesn’t ask hardball questions, but “Never Surrender” does examine the development of the material, which was initially under the control of director Harold Ramis, while the studio wanted something like “Spaceballs.” Casting is explored, with Ramis exiting the project when Tim Allen was courted for the lead role, allowing Dean Parisot to take command of “Galaxy Quest,” on a mission to make the material feel real while still being silly. Parisot and co-writer Robert Gordon appear in “Never Surrender,” and they remain the most candid interviewees of the group, spotlighting Allen’s uncomfortable ways with genuine acting and their struggles with the studio, watching the R/PG-13 production turned into a PG-rated kid’s film for a Christmas release.

Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation provides a decently textured look at the interviewees. Skin particulars are present, along with fibrous clothing choices. Household and office interiors retain detail (exploring all the toys and memorabilia collected), joined by visits to a convention floor and a movie screening, highlighting cosplay achievements. Color is exact, with a warm sense of living spaces. Primaries are distinct with fashion and decorative additions. Delineation is satisfactory. Mild banding is detected during the viewing experience.

Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix on "Never Surrender" does well with interview segments, which retain clarity and emotionality. Scoring supports with defined synth, carrying throughout the feature.

Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Extended Interview (69:32, HD) with actor Tim Allen, who details his lifelong interest in sci-fi/fantasy films, including an obsession with 1954's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea," even creating a plan for a sequel that was never made. Approached to make "Galaxy Quest," Allen recalls his initial meeting with director Harold Ramis, who wasn't interested in the comedian as the lead of the picture. With a change behind the camera in Dean Parisot, Allen's interest in the material was restored, with the tone of the writing gradually changing as production commenced. Without an appreciation for "Star Trek," Allen was reluctant to head in a Shatner-esque direction, dealing with physical action and stability on the moving sets. Co-stars are recalled, with Allen facing trained thespian processes, and locations are detailed, often working in the middle of nowhere. The interviewee also offers anecdotes about on-set camaraderie, misguided promotional plans for the feature, and details efforts to make a sequel to "Galaxy Quest." Between answers, Allen cracks wise, trying to entertain himself with bits on a Russian army invasion (inspired by the noisy interview location) and the ridiculous reality of Marvel movies.

• Extended Interview (44:07, HD) with actress Sigourney Weaver, who recalls her casting story, forced to pursue the project, which underwent significant changes before and after filming, turned into more of a family movie to compete in the marketplace. The interviewee quickly addresses the directorial change, learning that Harold Ramis didn't want Tim Allen in the picture. Weaver is more positive about her co-star, and she goes into her own characterization, helping to create a defined screen presence, addressing Hollywood sexualization. An appreciation for director Dean Parisot is provided, and Weaver explores her relationship with visual effects over the course of her career. "Never Surrender" director Jack Bennett is also gifted a chance to make his dreams come true, talking Weaver into providing a clear expletive for a censored scene in "Galaxy Quest."

• Extended Interview (32:33, HD) with director Dean Parisot, who has questions about the "Never Surrender" idea, representing the very first contact for director Jack Bennett. Talk of production camaraderie is provided, and Parisot tracks his sudden involvement in the project, picking up the material after Harold Ramis left the movie. Feeling he was being tested by DreamWorks, the interviewee explores daily pressures and challenges, also reflecting on studio management. Casting is recalled, finding Tim Allen an unusual choice for the lead role, with Kevin Kline and Alec Baldwin previously considered for the part. Different styles are also analyzed, finding Allen's comedian ways quite different from his trained co-stars.

• Extended Interview (24:21, HD) with co-writer Robert Gordon examines his ideas for "Galaxy Quest," identifying various creative decisions made in the storytelling. The interviewee discusses his early connection to the script, developing the central "Star Trek" idea. He also delves into his time working with director Harold Ramis, catering the material to his casting ideas.

• Extended Interview (52:53, HD) is a dual chat with director Dean Parisot and co-writer Robert Gordon. The production experience on "Galaxy Quest" is analyzed, dealing with shifting ideas and last act issues, also encountering studio complications as an early screening failed to impress the suits. Post-production is examined, with moves made to make the feature more kid-friendly, and Parisot is candid about the dismal marketing plan for the picture. Budgetary challenges are spotlighted, with Parisot trying to get the most out of his money. Casting is celebrated, with primary focus on Allen, who was caught between his need to be funny and the material's more emotional demands.

• Extended Interview (40:07, HD) features fan Greg Berlanti.

• Extended Interview (67:53, HD) features fan Damon Lindelof.

• B-roll (1:41, HD) collects shots of interviewee office memorabilia.

• And a Trailer (2:09, HD) is included.

Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Never Surrender" is all about the glaze, as Bennett seeks to provide an anniversary-inspired victory lap for "Galaxy Quest," which occasionally leads to an intentional blurring of the facts (e.g. the documentary repeatedly suggests Tim Allen was box office gold in 1999, when he was quite the opposite). There's also more time spent with outsiders and fans (including Wil Wheaton, Damon Lindelof, and Paul Scheer) than production participants, losing the intimacy of the endeavor from the people who were there, but a tender late film tribute to co-star Alan Rickman remains a film highlight. "Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary" isn't a riveting sit, but there's information presented here that's interesting, and if you happen to love "Galaxy Quest," Bennett is right there to hold your hand during the run time.