Ok, I know...the old TV game show was called Truth OR Consequences, but I don't think there is a choice. The truth always has consequences of some sort. I think that is the theme of Stargate: The Ark of Truth, that with truth comes consequences and we have to deal with those consequences, both good and bad. One truth is that Stargate: SG-1 did indeed come to an end as a regular TV series at the end of season 10, and a consequence of this was that the Ori storyline was not truly wrapped up when the series ended. Thankfully, those involved with Stargate chose to bring us this wonderful direct-to-DVD movie that brings that storyline to a close, and allowing many characters to come to grips with truths not only about the Ori, but themselves and other issues as well.

Throughout seasons 9 and 10, part of the Ori storyline was the attempts by SG-1 and others to reveal the truth about the Ori, and let their followers know that they were not gods. Some of the followers did indeed see the truth, and dealt with the consequences. As The Ark of Truth was advertised as a “conclusion to the Ori saga”, I do not believe it to be a spoiler to reveal that indeed that storyline has been ended, and the Ori defeated (it's not like anyone was going to allow SG-1 to be defeated, especially since another movie, Stargate: Continuum is being released this summer). This brings us to another truth; the Ori storyline needed to be concluded in a satisfying way for the characters and the fans. The consequence is creating a movie that gives us a compelling story, brings in secondary but important characters from seasons 9 and 10 (such as Tomin and Adria), and shows us great action and effects.

This movie also allows some of the characters to come to grips with truths other than the truth about the nature of the Ori. Without giving too much away (trying to keep this spoiler-free), I will say that I feel one of the most compelling scenes involves Teal'c speaking to another character about some truths he came to about himself over the last ten years, and then we later see that one of the consequences of his realizations is the lengths he will go to in order to save his teammates and do his duty to the SGC, Earth, and himself. Other characters in different scenes in the movie have to realize the truth that sometimes they have to go against orders, or the wishes of their colleagues, in order to do what is right. Those actions do indeed have consequences, sometimes good and sometimes bad.

The creators of this DVD discovered an important truth; in today's market, just the movie itself will not  be enough to convince people to buy a DVD. The consequence is that special features are necessary, and this DVD does have some nice extras. Truth continues, in the commentary that is provided by writer/producer/director Robert C. Cooper, director of photography Peter Woeste, and Christopher Judge, and the consequence is that fans get more insight into how the movie was made. For even more truth, particularly how the special and visual effects for certain scenes were created, and how they filmed a major fight scene, check out the making-of featurette, Uncovering The Ark of Truth. One special feature on this DVD that is different from most is The Ark of Truth: Stargate at Comic-Con. This is a video of a Q&A panel that was held at this past year's San Diego Comic-Con, with the panel members being Gary Jones (hosting the panel), Robert C. Cooper, Christopher Judge, Amanda Tapping, Ben Browder, and Martin Wood (co-producer for many episodes during the run of the show). Fans were looking for truth from the panel, and the results were quite funny. This can give you a taste of what you can experience when you attend a convention.

Sometimes, a consequence of watching an extra on a DVD is disappointment. The only criticism I have with this DVD is the prelude to the movie, Stargate: The Road Taken which shows clips from seasons 9 and 10 to remind everyone of the Ori storyline. While it was a good idea, I think I would have rather seen some sort of new material, rather than the old scenes.

Here's the last truth I want to reveal today; SG-1 is continuing in the form of direct-to-DVD movies, but along with that goes the truth that they will only make more of them if these first two are successful. The consequence will ultimately be up to us as fans. In my opinion, The Ark of Truth  was an excellent way to end the Ori storyline, and I'm definitely looking forward to Continuum this summer. If the creators and actors continue to give us the same great quality of the TV series and this first movie, I think the consequences will be positive, and that SG-1 will live on for some time to come.