Writer Gord Lacey gives the disc’s video presentation a 9 out of 10, citing the show’s high-definition filming as a big advantage. The double episode’s audio also gets a 9 out of 10, though the reviewer thinks the rear channels are under-utilized.

The reviewer gives the disc only 4 out of 10 for the extras, despite the presence of an audio commentary track, 23-minute featurette, Season Two preview, and more — all on a single disc. The major gripe is that the release didn’t include the rest of the hit show’s first season — which is slated for a November boxed set release.

“Spinoffs are hard to do,” the reviewer concludes. “You risk cloning the original series (CSI), or you create something that’s so different from the original that the shows just share a name. Atlantis is able to be different from the original, yet still retain the feel of the franchise.”

Visit TVShowsOnDVD.com to read the full review. The 88-minute pilot movie arrives on DVD in North America on June 7; order it from Amazon.com or Amazon.ca and support this site!

(Thanks to Morjana for the tip)