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Star Trek: The Original Series - Season One (1966-1967)
[HD DVD] R0 - America - Paramount Home Entertainment Review written by and copyright: Jari Kovalainen (19th December 2007). |
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The Show
 "Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations - to boldly go where no man has gone before." This is the famous opening statement from “Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969)” (often shortened to “Star Trek: TOS”), that together with the “Star Wars”-universe and the films like “2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)” and “Blade Runner (1982)” are probably the most influential Sci-fi’s ever created for TV or film. Fans can thank the creator/executive producer/co-producer/co-writer Gene Roddenberry for the original series (and ultimately the whole franchise), which runs three seasons and included 79 episodes (counting the 2-part “The Menagerie” as one and not including the unaired “first pilot” - “The Cage”) in NBC network. Surprisingly, during its original run the series wasn’t a huge success, but thanks to the numerous re-runs and devoted fans it has eventually become legendary. One thing is certain; it was ahead of its time. The opening introduction sums the whole series almost perfectly. In the 23rd Century, the huge starship “U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701” is sent into the unknown, space, ready to explore the galaxy. The commander of the Starfleet is passionate, impulsive and witty Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner), while Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) serves as his trusted First Officer. Always close by is his Chief medical officer Dr. Leonard H. "Bones" McCoy (DeForest Kelley). Other notable crew members include Chief Engineer Lieutenant Commander Montgomery "Scotty" Scott (James Doohan), Communications officer Lieutenant Uhura (Nichelle Nichols), Lieutenant Sulu (George Takei), Head nurse Christine Chapel (Majel Barrett), and Captain’s Yeoman Janice Rand (Grace Lee Whitney - during the ”1st season” only). Russian officer Pavel Chekov (Walter Koenig) was added to the “2nd season”. This versatile group of individuals brings a clear statement by creator Roddenberry; starship “U.S.S. Enterprise” doesn’t have any racial or gender based issues. All are equal, even Mr. Spock, who has both human and humanoid race Vulcan blood on his veins. With the pointy ears and dark eyebrows, Spock doesn’t look fully human. Many episodes of “Star Trek: The Original Series” follow a similar structure. Due to the various reasons the “U.S.S. Enterprise” encounters new planets, civilizations and life forms. Many times their purpose is just to gather information and learn from them, but sometimes they have to help the others worlds, colonies or ships due to unexpected problems. There are times when the reasons are more personal. While these encounters are not always hostile, they quite often produce some serious threats to the ship and the crew inside. People do die in the series. Shape-shifting alien species infiltrate the ship, there are strange viruses, ship malfunctions or just hostile, cunning characters and entities from all corners of deep space. Warrior races the Klingons and the Romulans makes their appearance, and so does the dictator Khan Noonien Singh. Captain Pike returns from the first, unaired pilot. Even Earth itself is visited and some episodes are almost solely located to the planet surface. In the midst of all the threats and problems that the Enterprise encounters, there’s also the relationship between the crew, sometimes rising to debates or minor conflicts (Captain Kirk is still usually firmly in charge and respected by its crew). The “Captain’s Log” narration by Kirk also gives some valuable information (and some “back-story”) about each episode. Since the budget, nor the schedule (all the episodes still have the hefty, approx. 50 minute running time) gave much room for the production crew, Roddenberry invented a few ideas; the ship moves to “warp speed” (read: Insanely fast!), allowing to skip the lengthy parts where the “U.S.S. Enterprise” moves from place “A” to place “B”. The crew’s transportation to the different planets is also very fast, since they’re just “beamed” to the planet and back in a matter of seconds (the catch phrase “Beam me up, Scotty”, anyone?). The “aliens” often look pretty much like humans (at least on the outside) and there are times when the threat appears in virus form, strange mental powers, unstable mind or just something that is easy to execute quickly. The show also used many respectable Sci-fi writers, which produced many interesting and fresh concepts. It’s a common fact, that the many things that you see now in Sci-fi were first introduced to the TV-masses in “Star Trek: The Original Series” (it’s quite funny how much the hand-held communicators of the crew resemble mobile phones today). At first I have to confess that I’m not a ”Trekker”, nor expert in ”Star Trek universe” by any means. It has actually been years since I saw selected episodes of ”The Original Series” last time (greetings to my old friends, who thought that “Star Trek” and beer are good combination to spend some valuable studying time) and I haven’t really been following the later TV incarnations over the years. This means that with this HD DVD-release, I got the fresh start and an interesting opportunity to really delve into the rich world of the series. From the start it’s quite clear that there is no strict continuity and every episode tells its own story. Often the episode starts right from the bridge (plenty of time is actually spent there), which is a great way to join the adventure. It’s also evident that “The Original Series” is a bit more intelligent and a “serious” effort, where the pace is not always that fast and where the laser guns and such are more on the background. There are “phaser guns” (“phaser rifle” only in the “Where No Man Has Gone Before”-episode), but even in the action scenes wit is usually a more effective weapon when battling the aliens and life forms (Captain Kirk is still ready to put some muscle when necessary, but many times it’s just not enough). You need brains to overcome many obstacles, together with the help from the whole crew. This style makes the series very captivating, since it doesn’t rely only in the action scenes that arrive like clockwork, but rather cleaver and interesting storylines. Some episodes have very little action, but quite frankly you don’t always need it in “Star Trek”. The universe and the characters are so powerful already. Many stories might be simple, but usually there are many surprises. The series also keeps its focus during each episode, so it doesn’t introduce many sub-plots or side storylines. “The Original Series” is altogether entertaining and serious, succeeding on both fronts. Another strong aspect in the series is of course the relationship between the two very well executed and evolving main characters, Captain “Jim” Kirk and Mr. Spock. Both are played by the gifted actors, no question about that. There’s a strong comradeship and respect among these two men, but they also disagree and don’t see eye to eye every time. Since Spock is a half-Vulcan, he relies to reason and logic, keeping his emotions aside. This brings some conflicts and also humor to the series, since Kirk in some ways is the opposite of his First Officer. When the series progressed, it became clear that Spock has some emotions; he just doesn’t show them that often. It’s hard to imagine “The Original Series” without either of these men, since their presence is so valuable. Other supporting actors are also very well chosen (and original) and you almost feel a bit sorry for them that they’re often so stereotyped throughout. I also have to mention the great “main theme” by composer Alexander Courage. It really takes you instantly into the world of Star Trek, triggering the imagination. What is evident, is that the sets, props and effects can’t be really compared to the modern Sci-fi series’, let alone the big budget movies. Costumes and the general color palette inside the ship is quite naïve (and very colorful partly due the fact that NBC wanted a color TV to be in every American home), controls of the ship beep and lights flash, matte paintings often stand out too much and the props from different planet are made of foam and the like. The aliens and monsters are also usually a “man-in-the-suit”. While this might distract some of the new generation, I’ve always found them to be just one part of the charm adding a “vintage” feel. “Mediocre” (or even “bad”) effects have never really bothered me, since they’re usually just the products of their time. When “Paramount” made the decision of bringing all the three seasons in “The Original Series” to HD (mainly from the original negatives), it ultimately went further with the concept. Instead of just re-mastering the old series (removing dirt and print scratches, correcting print damage, making the colors and black levels vivid and stable again, etc), some special effects, miniature shots, backgrounds and matter paintings are replaced - or at least tweaked, with the new CGI-effects. The main upgrades include (info from the official Startrek.com-site); *Space ship exteriors: The “U.S.S. Enterprise”, as well as other starships, are replaced with state of the art CGI-created ships. The new computer-generated Enterprise is based on the exact measurements of the original model, which now rests in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. *Show opening: The Enterprise and planets seen in the main title sequence are redone, giving them depth and dimension for the first time. *Galaxy shots: All the graphics of the galaxy, so frequently seen through the viewscreen on the Enterprise's bridge, are redone. *Exteriors: The battle scenes, planets and ships from other cultures (notably the Romulan “Bird of Prey” and Klingon “Battle Cruisers”) are updated. *Background scenes: Some of the iconic, yet flat, matte paintings used as backdrops for the strange, new worlds have a CGI face-lift, adding atmosphere and lighting. + *The refurbished episodes also feature higher quality sound for the famous opening theme. The original score by composer Alexander Courage, has been re-recorded in state-of-the-art digital stereo audio with an orchestra and a female singer belting out the famous vocals. A digitally re-mastered version of William Shatner's classic original recording of the 38-word "Space, the final frontier..." monologue continues to open each episode. It’s no surprise that these new CGI-effects have caused some talk among the fans and TV/film enthusiasts, since many people are still sore (count me in) about e.g. George Lucas and his obsession of tweaking the original “Star Wars”-trilogy. I’m personally a “give me the original version re-mastered - without any additions and I’m happy”-kind of guy, but I can’t deny the fact that these new effects seems to blend in quite nicely into the vintage series and based on the extras, the needed respect and caution have been used during the CGI-process. While some effect shots are completely new, they still honor the 1960’s look and feel and e.g. many matte paintings are just slightly tweaked (there are exceptions, though). There are many effects added or replaced in the background that most likely only the hardcore fans will notice, so the effects don’t necessarily stand-out (still making the difference). The truth of the matter is that since the new CGI-effects are quite seamless and many times subtle, most of the fans probably cherish the changes (in some cases just plain “errors” are corrected). My only gripe is, that why the “CGI re-mastered”-episodes are included on the both SD DVD and HD DVD-sides of the discs? The ideal way would’ve been to add the re-mastered versions without the new CGI-effects to the SD DVD-sides of the discs (then we would’ve got both versions at the same package). Well, since the earlier DVD-releases (without any CGI-additions) are fortunately available, the fans can get those if they want. That should always be the main thing; you can release new versions, but keep the original always available. Since there are so many sites (both fan and official) about the “The Original Series” and the whole ST-franchise, I’ll skip the episode synopsis this time around. They can be found e.g. HERE (startrek.com) or HERE (IMDB), so make sure to check them out if you’re looking for more info about the individual episodes. ”Star Trek: The Original Series - Season One” (re-mastered) is only available in a HD DVD/SD DVD Combo format-set and the episodes are as follows (times taken from the SD DVD-side of the discs). Note, that the episode “Preview Trailers” (short promo from the “next week” episode) are only included in the SD DVD-side of the discs; Episodes: (Prod # - original Air Date - Episode title – Director - “Preview Trailer”) Disc One (HD DVD/SD DVD): *006 - 09.08.66 - The Man Trap (50:26 min) Dir: Marc Daniels + Preview Trailer (1:03 min) *008 - 09.15.66 - Charlie X (50:32 min) Dir: Lawrence Dobkin + Preview Trailer (1:02 min) *002 - 09.22.66 - Where No Man Has Gone Before ("real" pilot episode - 50:32 min) Dir: James Goldstone + Preview Trailer (1:02 min) Disc Two (HD DVD/SD DVD): *007 - 09.29.66 - The Naked Time (50:33 min) Dir: Marc Daniels + Preview Trailer (1:02 min) *005 - 10.06.66 - The Enemy Within (50:31 min) Dir: Leo Penn + Preview Trailer (1:02 min) *004 - 10.13.66 - Mudd's Women (50:31 min) Dir: Harvey Hart + Preview Trailer (1:02 min) Disc Three (HD DVD/SD DVD): *010 - 10.20.66 - What Are Little Girls Made Of? (50:30 min) Dir: James Goldstone + Preview Trailer (1:02 min) *012 - 10.27.66 – Miri (50:28 min) Dir: Vincent McEveety + Preview Trailer (1:02 min) *011 - 11.03.66 - Dagger of the Mind (50:29 min) Dir: Vincent McEveety + Preview Trailer (1:02 min) Disc Four (HD DVD/SD DVD): *003 - 11.10.66 - The Corbomite Maneuver (50:28 min) Dir: Joseph Sargent + Preview Trailer (1:02 min) *016 - 11.17.66 - The Menagerie, Part I (49:30 min) Dir: Marc Daniels (uncredited - footage from “The Cage”) and Robert Butler + Preview Trailer (1:02 min) *016 - 11.24.66 - The Menagerie, Part II (50:23 min) Dir: Robert Butler (footage from “The Cage”) and Marc Daniels (uncredited) + Preview Trailer (1:32 min) Disc Five (HD DVD/SD DVD): *013 - 12.08.66 - The Conscience of the King (50:31 min) Dir: Gerd Oswald + Preview Trailer (1:01 min) *009 - 12.15.66 - Balance of Terror (50:30 min) Dir: Vincent McEveety + Preview Trailer (1:02 min) *017 - 12.29.66 - Shore Leave (50:28 min) Dir: Robert Sparr + Preview Trailer (1:03 min) Disc Six (HD DVD/SD DVD): *014 - 01.05.67 - The Galileo Seven (50:27 min) Dir: Robert Gist + Preview Trailer (1:02 min) *018 - 01.12.67 - The Squire of Gothos (50:30 min) Dir: Don McDougall + Preview Trailer (1:03 min) *019 - 01.19.67 - Arena (50:31 min) Dir: Joseph Pevney + Preview Trailer (1:02 min) Disc Seven (HD DVD/SD DVD): *021 - 01.26.67 - Tomorrow Is Yesterday (50:31 min) Dir: Michael O'Herlihy + Preview Trailer (1:02 min) *015 - 02.02.67 - Court Martial (50:29 min) Dir: Marc Daniels + Preview Trailer (1:01 min) *022 - 02.09.67 - The Return of the Archons (50:32 min) Dir: Joseph Pevney + Preview Trailer (1:02 min) Disc Eight (HD DVD/SD DVD): *024 - 02.16.67 - Space Seed (50:28 min) Dir: Marc Daniels + Preview Trailer (1:02 min) *023 - 02.23.67 - A Taste of Armageddon (50:31 min) Dir: Joseph Pevney + Preview Trailer (1:01 min) *025 - 03.02.67 - This Side of Paradise (50:30 min) Dir: Ralph Senensky + Preview Trailer (1:02 min) Disc Nine (HD DVD/SD DVD): *026 - 03.09.67 - The Devil in the Dark (50:27 min) Dir: Joseph Pevney + Preview Trailer (1:02 min) *027 - 03.23.67 - Errand of Mercy (50:28 min) Dir: John Newland + Preview Trailer (1:02 min) *020 - 03.30.67 - The Alternative Factor (50:32 min) Dir: Gerd Oswald + Preview Trailer (1:01 min) Disc Ten (HD DVD/SD DVD): *028 - 04.06.67 - The City on the Edge of Forever (50:26 min) Dir: Joseph Pevney + Preview Trailer (1:02 min) *029 - 04.13.67 - Operation: Annihilate! (50:29 min) Dir: Herschel Daugherty + Preview Trailer (1:02 min)
Video
The whole series is presented in 4:3 (1080p 24fps) on both HD DVD and SD DVD-sides, which is the original broadcast aspect ratio. I doubt that we’ll ever see the “The Original Series” looking this good again, since the 1080p HD-presentation (using AVC MPEG-4 compression) is sharp and clean, with bold colors, deep black levels and solid contrasts. The re-mastering really does justice for the series, even when grain can be quite visible in the transfer (some minor compression issues might be spotted in a few scenes, but you have to look for them). There are some shots here-and-there that look slightly inferior and some softer shots most likely due the original production, so not every episode look perfect. The whole look is still nicely vintage throughout and should please even the most skeptical fans. For those who are wondering, the re-mastered SD DVD-side is a clear improvement to the older SD DVD-releases based on the screen caps that I’ve seen, with vivid colors and strong black levels /contrasts. “HD-30/DVD-9” double-sided discs are used, where the HD DVD-side is “R0” (like all the HD DVD-releases worldwide). Do note that the SD DVD-side is coded for “R1” only. Review equipment: Sony Bravia KDL-40W2000 LCD (1080p) + Toshiba HD-XE1 (1080p), via HDMI cable.
Audio
HD DVD-side includes English Dolby TrueHD 5.1, English Dolby Digital Plus 2.0 Stereo (with Surround encoding) and Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono-tracks. Original Mono-track is not included, but English HoH and Spanish subtitles are. The 5.1-track is clear (only very minor hiss can be heard, if you turn the volume up) and does its job very well, even when in reality it’s quite a monaural track. Music and occasional effects (e.g. ship passes by or appears to the screen “from behind”) give some nice surround-activity and the totally remixed opening credit sequence sound stunningly fresh. Even in 5.1, the audio on “The Original Series” never reaches to the level of the newer productions, but it’s very good job nevertheless, respecting the original sound mix. SD DVD-side includes English Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono and Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono-tracks, along with Spanish and French subtitles (no English).
Extras
This “Combo format”-release includes some “HD exclusive” extras, but many extras are also located in the SD DVD-side of the discs. Most extras from the older SD DVD-sets are included, but 4 “Episode Text Commentaries”, “Photo Log” and probably also “Red Shirt Logs” Easter Eggs are not included. HD DVD-extras have optional English HoH subtitles (not including “Starfleet Access”, though), but the SD DVD side includes Spanish and French subtitles. Main High Definition Exclusive Bonus feature includes “Starfleet Access”-interactive interface for 7 selected episodes. It’ll allow the viewers to activate different icons during the episode, which then take to the “Picture-In-Picture” video commentary segments (“Genesis”) or to “data screen” with text based info. Roughly, you can choose from “Federation Files” (e.g. Starfleet insignias and ranks, uniforms, policies, different characters), “Personnel Files” (characters), “Life Forms” (different species, etc), “Science” (e.g. plants, radiation, etc), “Environments” (e.g. planets, star bases, etc), and “Technology” (e.g. devises). When you press the icon, a second window opens next to the other (where the current episode is running normally), which then features interviews, photos, graphics or text based info. Sometimes two icons can appear almost together, so you basically have to choose (you can still always “rewind” back and also check the other icon). The most interesting is of course “Genesis”, since it’s a video commentary about the production, actors and episodes by the selected cast & crew (also a few outside from the “main cast”). Some “old vs. new” CGI-effects comparisons can be also found and plenty of info about the new effects. Here’s the break down of the rest of the extras; Disc One/Side A (HD DVD): *“Starfleet Access” -interactive interface for “Where No Man Has Gone Before”. Disc One/Side B (SD DVD): *“Spacelift: Transporting Trek Into The 21st Century" -featurette (20:07 minutes) focus on the restoration of the “The Original Series” and the creation of the new CGI-effects. Again, some “old vs. new”-effects comparisons are included and we see how the opening theme was meticulously re-recorded with the orchestra. The featurette also states, that the new CGI-effects were not made fully a “state of the art” in mind, but rather like building upon the original style of the 1960’s. They look good, but still blending in with the older effects (at least mostly). The featurette also goes deeper with creating the new CGI-look of the iconic “U.S.S. Enterprise” (some new “angles” were created for the “re-mastered” series) and fine-tuning some of the matter paintings (e.g. some detail were added). Definitely interesting. This featurette is a new one. *Bonus trailers for “Twin Peaks - Definitive Gold Box Edition” and “Star Trek Universe On DVD” are also included (running 3:12 minutes together, no subtitles). “Twin Peaks - Definitive Gold Box Edition” (1:41 min) promo also runs before the “Main menu”, but can be skipped. Disc Two/Side A (HD DVD): No extras. Disc Two/Side B (SD DVD): *”The Birth Of A Timeless Legacy" -featurette (24:16 minutes) focus on the origins of “The Original Series”, which started the whole Star Trek “universe” (the filmmakers at that time just didn’t know it). Main actors share their memories and creator Gene Roddenberry is included in the form of 1988 interview (he passed away in 1991). Selected writers and producers also get to say something about the exciting times during the two pilots and eventually the series that followed. Disc Three/Side A (HD DVD): No extras. . Disc Three/Side B (SD DVD): *”Reflections On Spock” -featurette (12:14 minutes) tells the story about Mr.Spock in the words of great storyteller Leonard Nimoy. He tells about making his book “I Am Not Spock (1977)”, which started the rumor that he disliked playing the character. Due the book, he almost lost the opportunity to direct “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984)”. Later on he also wrote the “sequel” “I Am Spock (1995)”. Nimoy now admits that playing Spock has also changed him and he has crow old together with the character. Disc Four/Side A (HD DVD): *“Starfleet Access” -interactive interface for “The Menagerie, Part I” *“Starfleet Access” -interactive interface for “The Menagerie, Part II” Disc Four/Side B (SD DVD): *”Life Beyond Trek: William Shatner” -featurette (10:28 minutes) focus on Shatner, but you don’t really hear anything about “Star Trek”. Instead, you’ll learn plenty of horses and their training, which is his passion. He can ride a horse, that’s for sure. Disc Five/Side A (HD DVD): *“Starfleet Access” -interactive interface for “Balance of Terror” Disc Five/Side B (SD DVD): *”To Boldly Go… Season One” -featurette (19:01 minutes) tells about the obstacles that the production often faced, with the certain lack of interest by the studio, the small budgets and the problems with getting the scripts in time. It also takes some selected, interesting episodes from the first season and goes a bit deeper to their inventive concepts. Actors also talk about certain scenes that were memorable to them. Some featuring actors are also heard; Ricardo Montalban (“Khan Noonien Singh”) and William Campbell (“Trelane”). Disc Six/Side A (HD DVD): *“Starfleet Access” -interactive interface for “The Galileo Seven” Disc Six/Side B (SD DVD): *”Sci-Fi Visionaries” -featurette (16:40 minutes) basically focus on the screenplays and ideas that ultimately grew to full episodes. Respected Sci-fi writers were making screenplays to “The Original Series” and they had a pretty good kinship among each other. The audience was kept focused by e.g. introducing one “bigger” Sci-fi concept at the time and keeping the main characters always true to themselves (which brought more respect and credibility to them). Disc Seven/Side A (HD DVD): No extras. Disc Seven/Side B (SD DVD): *”Billy Blackburn's Treasure Chest: Rare Home Movies and Special Memories” -featurette (13:22 minutes) is basically the interview with actor Bill Blackburn, who mostly appeared in “The Original Series” as an uncredited extra (also as “Lieutenant Hadley” in “A Piece of the Action” episode). He often sat in the navigation seat, but he appeared in some episodes as a member of the planet search party. You’ll hear his memories and anecdotes from the series and great inclusion includes his Super-8 “behind-the-scenes”-footage from the set (no audio, though). He has many warm memories and he calls the cast & crew almost like a family. This featurette is new and the interview continues in the “Season Two”. Disc Eight/Side A (HD DVD): *“Starfleet Access” -interactive interface for “Space Seed” Disc Eight/Side B (SD DVD): *”Kiss 'n' Tell: Romance In The 23rd Century” -featurette (8:35 minutes) was originally included in the “Best Buy”-bonus disc in the US (part of the old DVD-set). This is the fun look at the romantic involvements by the main characters in the “The Original Series” (with some connections to the motion pictures also). Captain Kirk is of course the only real “ladies man” in the series, but Spock had also some minor action in that front. George Takei says that he sometimes campaigned to get some romantic storylines also for Sulu, but it wasn’t very easy for the supporting actors. *“Trekker Connections” -trivia game (3:57 minutes) is another extra previously found from the “Best Buy”-bonus disc in the US. In this simple game, you have to connect the cast & crew from “The Original Series” to various “Star Trek” films and TV-shows. Answers will slowly reveal themselves, so you probably have to use “pause” from your remote to get some time to figure these out. For the record, I didn’t even try, since my knowledge probably would’ve been quite low.. Disc Nine/Side A (HD DVD): *“Starfleet Access” -interactive interface for “Errand of Mercy” Disc Nine/Side B (SD DVD): No extras. Disc Ten/Side A (HD DVD): *High Definition Exclusive Bonus feature: “Interactive Enterprise Inspection” (with optional audio “data track”) -interactive feature gives you the opportunity to take the 3D-tour on the computer generated “U.S.S. Enterprise”. You can choose the optional “Audio Log”, which gives you a brief narration of the section(s) at hand. You can explore 10 different sections of the ship; “Bridge”, “Phaser Banks/Photon Torpedoes”, ”Impulse Engines”, ”Warp Nacelles”, ”Main Sensor/Navigational Deflector”, ”Equipment Bay Doors”, ”Ion Pod”, “Shuttlecraft Hangar Deck”, ”Shuttlecraft Control Room”, and ”Intercoolers”. Just choose the section you want and the “camera” takes you closer. You then hear the audio narration. Although the actual ship looks great, it’s quite static, but you can see some people walking inside from time to time and with “Equipment Bay Doors”, the satellites are coming out of the ship. You can also launch some “Photon Torpedoes” and with “Shuttlecraft Hangar Deck” you can choose “Visual Scans”, showing three photos inside the hangar deck. *”Star Trek Online Game Preview” -featurette (in HD - 3:27 minutes) gives a sneak peek to the upcoming “Star Trek Online” multiplayer game, that will be released on 2008 by “Perpetual Entertainment” (EDIT: Now in development at "Cryptic Studios" - more info HERE (Star Trek Online)). New races, worlds, space stations and missions are promised and the multiplayer world should be massive. In this featurette you’ll see some concept art, with the interviews. This featurette is also new. *“Spacelift: Transporting Trek Into The 21st Century" -featurette (in HD - 20:06 minutes). This is the same featurette as the one on “Disc One/Side B (SD DVD)”. *”Billy Blackburn's Treasure Chest: Rare Home Movies and Special Memories” -featurette (in HD - 13:20 minutes). This is the same featurette as the one on “Disc Seven/Side B (SD DVD)”. *There’s also Credits of this release (in HD - 2:19 minutes). Disc Ten/Side B (SD DVD): *”Star Trek: Beyond The Final Frontier (2007)" -documentary (90:03 minutes) is the longest extra included on this set and was originally aired in “The History Channel”. The backbone of this documentary is the auction house Christie's 3-day “40 Years of Star Trek: The Collection” sale, featuring official items, props, models and costumes from “Star Trek” universe that were sold to the average fans (still usually those with plenty of loose cash around). The documentary follows the journey of the countless items from the studio warehouse to New York City and it’s narrated by Leonard Nimoy himself. It also has interviews from several people from the cast and crew of the different TV-series in the “Star Trek” universe. We learn not only about the series, their concepts and actors, but also costumes, makeup design and miniatures. We also meet the fans - “Trekkies” in the convention. The last part of the documentary shows how the actual auction went (well, $260,000 of “Klingon Bird-Of-Prey” miniature, and $500,000 of “Starship Enterprise-D” miniature, so judge yourself). We also meet the lucky fans who manage to get something special from the auction. The documentary focuses too much to the auction for my taste, but the fans probably love to see the various items over the years. This documentary is also new. *”Star Trek Online Game Preview” -featurette (3:28 minutes). This is the same featurette as the one on “Disc Ten/Side A (HD DVD)”. Others: *5 plastic Special Collector Data Cards includes the listing of the episodes (with original airdates and “Mission Stardates”) and bonus features. I would’ve preferred a proper booklet, with perhaps some in-depth production notes. Perhaps in the next season. While not considered as “extras”, the HD DVD-side has minor additional option for you to play with; -Bookmarks (which could come I handy, since HD DVD-side is lacking the “resume” function - a software problem, I believe). The 10 discs are packaged in a plastic tray Digipack (opens like a “book”), with a cardboard Slip case. This is then housed in equally plastic “Clamshell” case. Although the package looks quite nice and compact, the decision hasn’t been ideal for shipping. The plastic tray (and perhaps the “Clamshell” case also) will brake quite easily and also my copy was slightly damaged. Fortunately only the first disc was a bit scratched and it played fine. The “double-sided” discs also leave the other side more vulnerable for damage. Note that there’s also Toshiba “Phaser Promotion” tied to this HD DVD-release. This promotion runs from the release date of this set to February 29, 2008, and it requires participants to purchase both the “Star Trek: The Original Series” HD DVD-set and the Toshiba player within that time frame. You have a chance to get the exclusive “phaser remote” for your Toshiba. For more info, please see the link HERE (startrek.com).
Overall
To conclude my review, I have to boldly go where no man has gone before and state that everyone should see “Star Trek: The Original Series” at least once in their lifetime. The series is not perfect, nor every episode a masterpiece - and it’ll always look and feel “vintage”, but it was the backbone of modern Sci-fi series and films and a highly enjoyable experience (regardless are you a fan of Sci-fi or not). This is 1960s TV at its best. This HD DVD “Combo”-release is almost perfect way to feel the magic of the series and truly see it in great quality and fully re-mastered in 1080p. It’s of course debatable that why the series *without* the new CGI-effects are not included also (since the opportunity was there), but don’t let that stop you. This set is clearly prepared with love, care and proper respect, and it includes many extras for the fans to delve into. For more info, please visit the homepage of Paramount Home Entertainment.
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