Buffy creator Joss Whedon goes intergalactic in Serenity, a "sci-fi with wit, drama, and emotion". Originally a TV show called Firefly, it was cancelled after one season - a decision that prompted a resounding outcry from devoted fans. With their support, Whedon boldly went forth and made this movie spin-off, which was warmly received by both critics and a cult audience of spaceheads.

Rising From The Ashes

Whedon thanks the fans in his introduction to this DVD and explains how, with their backing, he was able to make the leap from small to big screen in Re-Lighting The Firefly. On the axing of the TV show, ship's captain Nathan Fillion, confesses, "I took it somewhat personally," but Whedon never lost belief. Nonetheless in A Filmmaker's Journey he reveals that, "This was the hardest script I have ever written," because he had to justify the wider canvas. Above all, he explains, "Your heroes have to be heroicer." Quite... This featurette also drops in on the cast during a script read-through and a visit to set reveals the bonds of friendship between them.

For those of us who have never seen an episode of Firefly, Whedon unearths the roots of the story in Future History. In particular, he cites Michael Shaara's novel The Killer Angels about the Battle Of Gettysburg and refers to "life on the frontier" and "people living on the fringe". Meanwhile, What's In A Firefly looks at the rudimentary visual effects used to achieve those hovering chase scenes. "Restrictions are great because they make you more imaginative," says Whedon, but we're not sure the cameraman hanging off the back of a stripped-down truck feels the same way...

Waste Of Space

Nine deleted scenes flesh out the characters a little more. River (Summer Glau) has what Whedon calls "a little breakdown" in an early sequence that foreshadows the trouble she causes later on in the film. There's also a tête-à-tête between Mal (Fillion) and Inara (Morena Baccarin), plus a rather ropey looking shuttle chase. No prizes for guessing why this was cut...

Whedon talks more about the challenges of shooting a sci-fi action flick on a shoestring budget in his main commentary. He also reveals the problems of trying to write a script that didn't "repeat or contradict the TV series" while at the same time disseminating vital background information. After test screenings, Whedon admits that he did have to re-shoot scenes in order to properly establish Mal as the lead character (as opposed to River).

Wrapping up the extras menu is an outtakes reel (mostly Fillion goofing off) and an Easter egg featurette hidden on the right-hand side. It showcases the uncut version of the Japanese Fruity Oaty commercial, which Whedon explains was inspired by the "Mr Sparkle" ad from an episode of The Simpsons. It's no surprise that his wry sense of humour permeates every aspect of the disc as well as offering an articulate insight into the process development and production. For discerning sci-fi fans, this DVD opens a porthole to a refreshingly new frontier.

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