MGM Concludes "Ark" Q&A, Offers "Ark" Merchandise

MGM’s Official Stargate website is continuing to offer fans of the Stargate franchise new interviews, behind-the-scenes videos, contests, sweepstakes, and merchandise. Two of the latest offerings involve Stargate: The Ark of Truth, the first of two direct-to-DVD movies released after the cancellation of the record-breaking TV show, Stargate SG-1.

Cooper’s Ark Q&A

In Parts 3 and 4 of his Q&A session, writer/director/producer Robert C. Cooper concludes his answers to fans’ questions about his recently released DVD movie. Cooper discusses the difference between the Ascended Beings known as the Ori and their followers, and expands on the power that the Ori had over their Priors and human worshipers. With the knowledge accessible to ascended beings, the Ori instructed their believers to build powerful ships, but at the same time, kept them ignorant of the falsehood of their promise of ascension to their faithful.

Cooper also shared his best and worse moments while filming the movie. He especially enjoyed the helicopter ride that produced inspiring footage. In a combination of best and worst, he told how having to stay to complete the filming of scenes that involved actors who were available for only one day of shooting was exhausting, but allowed for a special kind of bonding with the cast and crew.

The biggest challenge that Cooper had in writing the script for the movie was determining how to balance the story with what had come before. There had to be an assumption made that those who were watching the movie were fairly familiar with the story elements that were presented in the ten-year-old TV show.

Cooper admits he’s not one to list his favorite memories, but he did say that having Dan Castellaneta as a guest star was a highlight (Castellaneta voices the popular Homer character in The Simpsons and guest starred in Season Eight’s “Citizen Joe”). Another highlight from his years on Stargate SG-1 was the rather unique opportunity to film a 200th episode, which he said he also had fun in creating.

To view the complete Q&A series, visit MGM’s Video Gallery.

New Special Edition Poster

This special edition poster (dimensions unknown) is available for shipping to U.S. and international destinations and has a list price of $20.95 USD. It will be available for shipping on April 2, 2008.

According to an article published by Gateworld, the poster was derived from elements of the cover art of composer Joel Goldsmith’s movie soundtrack CD that is coming soon. Writer and director Robert Cooper asked MGM to create the poster to reflect the CD artwork, saying, “That’s the image that I had in my mind when I thought about a one-sheet for the movie.”

Visit the MGM Store for this and other Stargate merchandise.