The universe is a vast, infinite and very unexplored territory. Elite Dangerous knows this all too well. But this is not my first post on this particular subject. My Spacebase Startopia post had similar themes, and I must say, I enjoyed writing about it. Here. Have another look at it, if you’re interested.
Action, Space Ships, And Elite Dangerous
But that particular post was all about some of the iconic space stations. Both from the movies and from the equally iconic TV shows. This time, I’m going to focus on a rather different aspect. No, I’m going to omit the TV shows for nowand i’ll focus on the movies alone. And on the spaceships in them too. Because who wants to watch a Si-Fi movie that’s all about talking and walking and debating? No, I’m after the action, and some of these movies offer the best of the best.
But What About Elite Dangerous Game?
Indeed. Before I could go any further with this post, I believe a word or two about the game is in order. First and foremost, Elite Dangerous is currently on sale here at IndieGala, and available for purchase on a discount price. But that sale won’t last long. Hurry up and get yourself this classic game ASAP. Developed and published by Frontier Developments, Elite Dangerous is the fourth game in the Elite video game series. The game also allows you to upgrade your ship and customize every component as you hunt, explore, fight, mine, smuggle, trade. Not to mention survive in the cutthroat galaxy of the year 3301. You have to do whatever it takes to earn the skill, knowledge, wealth and power to stand among the ranks of the Elite.
Also, you explore some 400 billion star systems complete with planets and moons that rotate and orbit in real-time, reflecting dynamic day-night cycles. There are three major factions in Elite Dangerous. First the Empire of Achenar, secondly, the Galactic Federation, and last but not least Alliance of Independent Systems. Furthermore, there are three archetypal player roles attached with individual rankings: First the Combat, then Exploration, and of course Trading. A certain status or rank with a faction can grant access permits to several systems that require them.
Captain Kirk, Data and The Doctor In Elite Dangerous
But for me, coming to form the world of cinema and TV, the real pièce de résistance is the cast in the voice roles. Starting with Mr. William Shatner of course, my all-time favorite Brent Spinet (hi Data), Brian Blessed, and Tom Baker aka The Doctor. Fun fact: Elite Dangerous (although funded by a Kickstarter campaign) contains space stations that pay tribute to the late Leonard Nimoy and Terry Pratchett. The greats!
So with that in mind… Let’s begin… Shall we?
Serenity From Firefly
Have I mentioned how I love Firefly before? I must have, I’m sure. I mean it’s Joss Whedon’s work so yeah, naturally I love it. But aside from being an intimate and voyeuristic home for a bunch of misfits (arguably sans weapons), you got the sense that Serenity was more than that. I mean the Serenity was an extra character on the show, and even the flying scenes looked spectacular. Not just spaceship alone. But the Serenity had a special quality to the look. Not polished or elegant. But rough and tumbled look that blended well in the aesthetics of the TV show.
Much like the characters, I should point out. It had bumps, dents, dust and flying it seemed strenuous, hard work. It was supposed to look at that. But you can clearly see that the beat-up look settled perfectly in the western-inspired space opera. However, did you know that the DVD set of both Firefly and Serenity made their way to the International Space Station? Indeed in June 2007 and by no other than astronaut Steven Swanson. Swanson served on the space shuttle Atlantis during its STS-117 mission. And we’re told enjoyed the shows so much that he took them to Space. Just for his viewing pleasure. Oh, and on the subject of Firefly the TV show, my favorite episode is number 13. Heart of Gold. What’s yours?
Event Horizon In Event Horizon
If you thought that Serenity’s an extension of the characters, the Event Horizon spaceship was a full-on villain in the 1997 movie. The Event Horizon is an oddly designed ship with a large, vertically tall front half. And it even possesses three main abilities. Hallucination generation, sentience and possession. But the real trouble for everyone on board (including Captain Miller) starts when the ship’s gravity drive activates. And thus opens a wormhole that pulls the ship’s back half into the “Hell” dimension.
Trust me, Hell doesn’t even begin to cover it. I love this movie but even I must admit that at times it was way too scary even for me. However, it has a great cast and fantastic premise that blends the horror elements with human psychology. Every single one of the characters hides or harbors something from the past, and slowly but surely we get to know all their traumas. Scary indeed.
Milano From Guardians Of The Galaxy
The Serenity had Captain Mal Reynolds (Nathan Fillion), Event Horizon had Captain Miller (Laurence Fishbourne) and the Milano has Peter Quill. Pardon. Star-Lord. But, in fact, the Milano is a Ravager M-ship that’s actually named after Quill’s childhood crush. The actress Alyssa Milano. And if you watched Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 you probably noticed that Milano shares the same colors as Ego’s 1979 Ford Mustang. You know that he drove while on Earth. Like father like son right?
But it’s worth mentioning, that although used for scouting and hunting purposes (and in combat from time to time), the Milano itself it’s not that functional. I mean it is, but not entirely. Despite six members being living on the ship, there are only two known sleeping bunks on board. Although I have to admit that there are 6 chairs in the main cockpit area- aka The Bridge. And each of the 6 chairs, all here have distinct roles: pilot, co-pilot, a pair of engineers and gunners. So, there’s that.
Eagle 5 From Spaceballs
OK, it’s not a high tech space ship, as much as it’s a Winnebago with wings. And to be honest, Spaceballs is not a classic Si-Fi movie either. It’s a fantastic 80’s parody and it’s very dear to my heart. Hey it has Rick Moranis, the late John Candy and Bill Pullman, so i’m not complaining. Not to mention the 1986 Winnebago Chieftain 33 has some sweet features as well. Such as TV in the cockpit, periscope, secret hyper jets and Infrared scanner. As you can probably tell, the Eagle 5 is a parody for the Millennium Falcon. A very loose yet hilarious parody. And I just had to include it, because it’s awesome as much as it’s visually unimpressive. But the movie is. Spaceballs is one of my favorite childhood movies. So yeah, It belongs on this list.
Fun fact. Back in 2017, the original 1/12th scale model of the Eagle 5 used in the filming of Spaceballs was put on auction. The final price tag was for $28,000, however, it was strangely relisted as part of a Hollywood collection of props. The model even had miniature figurines of Lone Starr and Barf seated inside. Cool right? I thought so too.
Your Thoughts On Elite Dangerous
What’s your opinion on Elite Dangerous? Do you like the game? How about the spacecraft? Which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comment section. We’d love to know all about it.
