Gene Roddenberry’s legacy lives on in Blu-ray. Star Trek’s entertainment history has enthralled TV and movie fans since 1966. The original TV episodes, all sequel shows, plus the theatrical movies, have been released on VHS tape, Laserdisc and DVD. Now Star Trek warps on high definition Blu-ray, in Star Trek: Original Motion Picture Collection.
Video
Fantastic on all counts. Among many detail delights, it’s wonderful to be able to read nearly EVERY computer monitor. It really feels like you’re in a movie theater – since half the fun of watching Star Trek is being fully immersed in a high tech world of advanced computers and star ship monitor readouts.
What perhaps most surprised me about these classic movies in high def was how much better a film Star Trek V: The Final Frontier becomes. Yes arguably it’s still the weakest of the bunch, but vastly improved video and audio save it from being a total turkey. Shots from V come alive in such a way – it’s startling. Opening planet Nimbus scene & subsequent battles vibrantly impress. Instead of past memories where I’d felt the FX was kinda cheap, they don’t seem all bad now. It’s as if the Blu-ray revealing the movie in as clear a version as possible, makes FX seem less shoddy.
Fans who hoped to see Robert Wise’s special edition of Star Trek: The Motion Picture will be disappointed. Theatrical cut is included here, though I’m actually grateful. Undoubtedly, a blu-ray version of Wise’s redo will come along eventually. I do enjoy the director’s update, but I missed having original ST:TMP on anything but my old VHS copy.
Audio
Audio sparkles. Highlights include:
— ST II: TWOK. Kirk & McCoy talking in Kirk’s apt – as fire crackles. This fireplace always sounded muted. Now it crackles snappily & provides a rich, homey layer to the scene.
— All “ambient” noise of the 1980’s street scenes and more in Voyage Home. Whale Song of course sparkles, but the ‘double dumb ass’ scene and Chekov’s ‘Nuclear Wessels’ resonate to new comic levels.
— Klingon Judge & Rura Penthe prison in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Courtroom sounds and judge’s gavel boom clear and thunderous.
— Alien ‘God’s’ dialogue and howls in Star Trek V. Always good audio – now it’s masterful. Howls literally ripple through you when projected through a good sound system.
Extras
A standout extra is Walter Koenig’s excitement on his expanded role as Pavel Chekov in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. It’s a wonderful little moment for him to give to fans. I wish there were more clips like this, instead of annoying, cheaply produced ones. There are short clips of an unknown actress – to the Trek world anyway – dressed in a Starfleet uniform. She’s waxing nostalgic about various plot points from the movies. They’re totally forgettable and a real waste of time.
The 7th disc presents ‘The Captains’ Summit’ – a round table discussion featuring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Patrick Stewart and Jonathan Frakes. Whoopi Goldberg (Guinan from Star Trek: The Next Generation) moderates the boys and ramps up the fun factor. It’s a great chat with five of the best known and beloved Trek actors. It may also have given William Shatner an idea to launch his own documentary film called “The Captains” – where he interviews all actors who’ve ever played a star ship captain.
Summary
Star Trek: Original Motion Picture Collection on Blu-Ray is a must for fans. While some say there could have been more digital tweaking/clean-up – as done to Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan – to the other movies, they look pretty breathtaking all things considered. Perhaps a next step will be a 3D treatment. Then, in keeping with Trek Tech, we’ll be treated to holographic versions. We’ll fire up our personal holodecks to not merely watch Star Trek, but fully participate in Roddenberry’s space opera and uniquely human adventure.