Product Description

See how it all began in this exciting, premiere episode that launched the "Quantum Leap" series as Dr. Sam Beckett (Scott Bakula), a brilliant scientist from the future, takes part in a mysterious experiment--an attempt to defy the very laws of time and space.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #95512 in DVD
• Released on: 1998-12-01
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 93 minutes

Amazon.com
The only flaw with the release of Quantum Leap's original pilot (a.k.a. "Genesis") is that the end leaves you wanting another episode... at least. (The intelligent, funny, and often touching series aired five seasons between 1989 and 1993, and was later syndicated on the Sci-Fi Channel.) The pilot is a reminder of how entertaining television can be when the writing is smart and the right actors possess the charisma to carry a show from week to week. As Sam Beckett (get it?), a brilliant scientist who's caught in a time machine nightmare--he spent five seasons bouncing from body to body, righting many of history's mistakes and trying to get, er, back to the future--Scott Bakula blends just the right mixture of confusion, frustration, and heroic self-parody. Dean Stockwell, as Al, Sam's oversexed colleague who now appears as a hologram image and Sam's guiding spirit, is always fun to watch, especially when he lands such a juicy role as this. In this pilot, Sam first steps into the time machine in 1995 and suddenly awakes in 1956 as Tom Stratton, a married Air Force test pilot who's getting ready to break the Mach 3 barrier. As Sam tries to piece his memory back together, Al informs him that Tom originally perished during the experiment, and that to get back, he must make sure he breaks the barrier safely. The only catch is that Sam has never flown a plane before. Quantum Leap's climax is both surprising and moving--a testament, perhaps, to how the series managed to survive for so long without becoming stale. For those who've never seen the show, this is a perfect introduction. --Dave McCoy

Customer Reviews

Quantum Leap Seasons
I must say the pilot episode was a must see. I think it may be one of my favorites really, its one of the only times we get to see where Sam came from. What time and such, now I saw a remark on here about Seasons 4 & 5 I wanted to respond to this. As we know Season 4 is on order here at Amazon. Due out March 28th of next year. Season 5 I'd wonder if that season may come out this summer? Kinda wonderin on that. Any thoughts?

The Best
I loved Quantum Leap when it was airing. I am so glad that it is on DVD now. I did't buy this DVD, But I did buy season 1, 2, & 3. This episode is on Season 1. Its just as good as I remembered. Now I just want to know when Season 4 & 5 come out.

Like Many Pilots, Slow if You Know the Series
Sam Beckett is having a slight memory problem. He can't remember who he is or what he does. He just knows that the body he's in isn't his own. Heck, he's supposed to be a test pilot who doesn't know the first thing about flying. And the year 1956 feels wrong as well.

To further prove he's going crazy, a man keeps appearing that only Sam can see. Al clams to be a friend and co-worker and has a crazy theory about time travel. In reality, it might just be crazy enough to be true. If it is, how can Sam get out of this body and back into his own?

I've caught a few episodes of this show in reruns over the years but never with any consistency. I was looking forward to seeing the pilot since I never had. Unfortunately, it falls into the camp of many television pilots. Most pilots are important for setting up the situation and relationships the main characters find themselves in, but are slow once you know the full story. The main plot of this episode is Sam trying to figure out what is happening to him. Since I already knew that, there were times I found my interest wandering.

Fan of Quantum Leap will be happy to know this episode is also included in the Complete First Season DVD set, so they don't need to purchase it separately to complete their collection.

If you're new to the show, this is the perfect place to start. It's a good first episode even if it doesn't hold up as well to repeat viewings.