This Star Trek 4k set is close to perfection. If it included the Director's Edition of the first film, and films V and VI, there wouldn't be anything left for fans of the Original Series cast and films to want. However, hoping that those will eventually come in a set of their own, fans will have a hard time turning this one down given the exceptional treatment.
“The first four STAR TREK original motion picture adventures boldly voyage to 4k UHD in one collection. Starring the original series cast, including William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, and James Doohan, all four have been remastered in HDR for optimum picture quality from their original film elements. The human adventure is just the beginning when Captain James T. Kirk returns to the helm of a newly transformed U.S.S. Enterprise in STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE. In STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN, an adversary from Kirk’s past returns with a vengeance. The crew is forced to defy Starfleet regulations in STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK. And in STAR TREK IV: THE VOYAGE HOME, an unforgettable time-travel adventure places Earth on the brink of disaster. Featuring hours of special features, this highly anticipated collection is an essential for original fans of the franchise – and beyond!”
Being just about as big of a fan of Star Trek as one can be, I, like many I’m sure, had mixed feelings about this 4k set when it was announced by Paramount. Beyond excited to see the original films in 4k for the first time, but absolutely puzzled as to why there are two films missing in the set: Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Will these eventually see the light of day in a newly remastered 4k double set, or an entirely new box-set released featuring all six films at a later date? Whatever the case may be, we’ve at least got the first four, and that’s reason enough to revisit these films that now look brand new.
Star Trek: The Motion Picture
“The U.S.S. Enterprise boldly debuted on the big screen with the cast of the original Star Trek series, including William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, and James Doohan. When an unidentified alien intruder destroys three powerful Klingon cruisers, Captain James T. Kirk returns to the helm of a newly transformed U.S.S. Enterprise to take command. This is the original theatrical cut of the acclaimed adventure and features Jerry Goldsmith’s rousing iconic overture.”
Often considered one of the weaker films of the franchise due to its heavy sci-fi elements and lack of action, one thing you can’t deny is the simple overall beauty of the film, both visually and musically. I was perhaps most excited to see this film because of those elements, to see how these look in the newly remastered 4k format. Another thing that seems puzzling is why Paramount didn’t wait to release this set until they finished the remaster of the Director’s Edition of this film. Eventually going to be released on Paramount+ in 2022, the Director’s Edition allowed director Robert Wise to include abandoned elements and lost special effects shots into the film, which was only released on VHS and DVD. This 4k remaster, for me anyway, is highly anticipated, surely to get a physical release as well, forcing fans to buy another version of the film when it could have easily been included in this set given some time.
Video
The video is presented in 2160p 4k Ultra High Definition Widescreen 2.39:1 featuring Dolby Vision and HDR10. Seeing this film in Dolby Vision is an absolute must. The overtures and sequences in which Kirk and Scotty tour the exterior of the ship are dazzling. Those that may have been somewhat bored of the long establishing shots may rethink hitting that fast forward button, which I admit to have done once or twice in my life, as the beauty of the models is the first thing that’s noticeable in this 4k release. With the enhanced clarity and resolution, however, those effects shots can similarly look bad at times, just depending on which ones they are, simply because you can see them so clearly now. The brilliant colors of inside V’Ger, especially the scene where Spock flies through the visual representation of its history, is by far the best example of the high quality of this remastered disc.
Audio
The audio is presented in Dolby TrueHD 7.1. This track sounds fantastic as well, with of course the Jerry Goldsmith score being the prized element of the set. Levels are superb, with a good balance from the surrounds and center channel. The remastered Director’s Edition is set to include a remastered Dolby Atmos track, and as good as thing one sounds, I for one am anxiously anticipating hearing what that track has to offer.
Special Features
Star Trek: The Motion Picture 4K Ultra HD
- Isolated score in Dolby 2.0—NEW!
- Commentary by Michael & Denise Okuda, Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens and Daren Dochterman
Star Trek: The Motion Picture Blu-ray
- Isolated score in Dolby 2.0—NEW!
- Commentary by Michael & Denise Okuda, Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens and Daren Dochterman
- Library Computer (HD)
- Production
- The Longest Trek: Writing the Motion Picture (HD)
- The Star Trek Universe
- Special Star Trek Reunion (HD)
- Starfleet Academy SCISEC Brief 001: The Mystery Behind V’ger
- Deleted Scenes
- Storyboards
- Trailers (HD)
- TV Spots
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
“Including both the original theatrical and director’s cuts, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is one of the most celebrated and essential chapters in Star Trek lore. On routine training maneuvers, Admiral James T. Kirk seems resigned that this may be the last space mission of his career. But an adversary from the past has returned with a vengeance. Aided by his exiled band of genetic supermen, Khan (Ricardo Montalban) – brilliant renegade of 20th century Earth – has raided Space Station Regula One, stolen the top-secret device called Project Genesis, wrested control of another Federation starship, and now schemes to set a most deadly trap for his old enemy Kirk… with the treat of universal Armageddon.”
The second film, now often considered one of the best of the series, features perhaps of the best Star Trek villains of all time. Having recently watched The Original Series episode Space Seed, Khan’s presence was indeed powerful and one of a kind. His transition of the character from a television villain into a main movie villain was most impressive, especially given the fact that he and Kirk are never physically in the same room together. Thankfully, this set features both the Theatrical and Director’s Cut of the films in 4k and Blu-ray. While nothing major changes in the film, there are added subplots and character associations which aren’t too important, but do give some of the secondary bridge crew members some additional scenes and emotional investment in the story.
Video
The video is presented in 2160p 4k Ultra High Definition Widescreen 2.39:1 featuring Dolby Vision and HDR10. Just as the first film, the most impressive part of the film is seeing the models on screen, especially that end sequence in the nebula as Kirk and Khan face off in the brilliantly colorful swirls of cosmic gasses. The picture is very detailed, to a fault at times as before, seeing things such as the prosthetic head the worm crawls into in full detail. However, out of the countless times I’ve seen this film, it wasn’t until viewing this 4k set that I noticed some of the smallest details, most notably the green tinge to Spock’s skin as he lays isolated in the radiation chamber, I was astonished that I had overlooked this detail for so long, but it’s things like this that make this set worth it.
Audio
The audio is presented in Dolby TrueHD 7.1. The James Horner score in this one takes that robust orchestral sound of the previous film and expands upon it, creating some of the most memorable moments in the franchise.
Special Features
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan 4K Ultra HD
- Commentary by Director Nicholas Meyer (Director’s Cut and Theatrical Version)
- Commentary by Director Nicholas Meyer and Manny Coto (Theatrical Version)
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan Blu-ray
- Commentary by Director Nicholas Meyer (Director’s Cut and Theatrical Version)
- Commentary by Director Nicholas Meyer and Manny Coto (Theatrical Version)
- Text Commentary by Michael and Denise Okuda (Director’s Cut)
- Library Computer (HD)
- Production
- Captain’s Log
- Designing Khan
- Original Interviews with William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, and Ricardo Montalbán
- Where No Man Has Gone Before: The Visual Effects of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
- James Horner: Composing Genesis (HD)
- The Star Trek Universe
- Collecting Star Trek’s Movie Relics (HD)
- A Novel Approach
- Starfleet Academy SCISEC Brief 002: Mystery Behind Ceti Alpha VI (HD)
- Farewell
- A Tribute to Ricardo Montalbán (HD)
- Storyboards
- Theatrical Trailer (HD)
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
“Admiral Kirk’s defeat of Khan and the creation of the Genesis planet are empty victories. Spock is dead and McCoy is inexplicably being driven insane. Then a surprise visit by Spock’s father provides a startling revelation: McCoy is harboring Spock’s living essence. Kirk attempts to steal the U.S.S. Enterprise and defy Starfleet’s Genesis planet quarantine to search for his friend, but the Klingon’s are planning a deadly rendezvous.”
The next two films have to be included in this set as they’re basically one story that spans three films. Each taking place immediately after the other leaves off, the third film, although for the most part enjoyable, is often overlooked simply because it is crammed in the middle of two of the better ones. Following one of the best villains of all time, Christopher Lloyd’s Klingon Commander is menacing, kills Kirk’s son, and is indirectly responsible for the destruction of the Enterprise. Still, when people think of all the villains of the franchise, he gets lost in the fold unfortunately. Despite this, there are a lot of powerfully emotional sequences that deal with loss, and reconnection. It would have been quite different if Leonard Nimoy didn’t insist for an ‘out’ in the second film, before deciding to return, affecting the course of the story.
Video
The video is presented in 2160p 4k Ultra High Definition Widescreen 2.39:1 featuring Dolby Vision and HDR10. No issues of note here, looks just as good as the other films. Grain kept at a consistent level, with a very detailed picture. The Dolby Vision provides some brilliant displays of color, bright and vivid, while maintaining the deep blacks that are especially important in all the space sequences.
Audio
The audio is presented in Dolby TrueHD 7.1. Great balance between surrounds and center channel, immersing you in the action, explosions, especially prevalent in the destruction of the Genesis planet at the end.
Special Features
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock 4K Ultra HD
- Commentary by director Leonard Nimoy, writer/producer Harve Bennett, director of photography Charles Correll and Robin Curtis
- Commentary by Ronald D. Moore and Michael Taylor
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock Blu-ray
- Commentary by director Leonard Nimoy, writer/producer Harve Bennett, director of photography Charles Correll and Robin Curtis
- Commentary by Ronald D. Moore and Michael Taylor
- Library Computer (HD)
- Production
- Captain’s Log
- Terraforming and the Prime Directive
- Industry Light & Magic: The Visual Effects of Star Trek
- Spock: The Early Years (HD)
- The Star Trek Universe
- Space Docks and Birds of Prey
- Speaking Klingon
- Klingon and Vulcan Costumes
- Star Trek and the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (HD)
- Starfleet Academy SCISEC Brief 003: Mystery Behind the Vulcan Katra Transfer
- Photo Gallery
- Production
- The Movie
- Storyboards
- Theatrical Trailer (HD)
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
“When a mysterious alien power threatens the atmosphere of Earth in the 23rd century, Kirk and his crew must time travel back to 1986 San Francisco to save mankind. Exploring this strange new world, they encounter pink rock, pizza and exact-change buses that are as alien as anything in the far reaches of the galaxy.”
The most light-hearted and humorous of the films in the franchise, this one, as well as Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, are a lot more accessible to those who aren’t fans of Star Trek. It takes real issues of conservation in modern society and applies it to the major narrative of the story. While I absolutely love the science fiction aspects of Star Trek, just as The Original Series and subsequent franchises teaches us, sometimes you just need a good, fun, time travel story. The best part of this type of story is that all of the crew gets to play a larger role than the primary three, Kirk, Spock and McCoy. The conclusion of this three-film arc is a big payoff for all the loss and sacrifice all of the crew has gone through. Not many films handle their sequels in this manner, but for Star Trek, a series that had to abide by Gene Roddenberry’s rule of stand-alone and self-contained stories, the story really worked well.
Video
The video is presented in 2160p 4k Ultra High Definition Widescreen 2.39:1 featuring Dolby Vision and HDR10. This film takes place primarily in natural daylight, a big departure from black space sequences and dark bridges of the ship. Grain is a lot more noticeable in this film, but it kept at a manageable level.
Audio
The audio is presented in Dolby TrueHD 7.1. Balance is good between the surrounds and center channel. Mostly a dialogue driven film, with the exception of the alien probe pulsating and whale songs echoing throughout. The score by Leonard Rosenman really fits the film, light-hearted and fun, sounds great on this 7.1 track.
Special Features
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home 4K Ultra HD
- Commentary by William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy
- Commentary by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home Blu-ray
- Commentary by William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy
- Commentary by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman
- Library Computer (HD)
- Production
- Future’s Past: A Look Back
- On Location
- Dailies Deconstruction
- Below-the-Line: Sound Design
- Pavel Chekov’s Screen Moments (HD)
- The Star Trek Universe
- Time Travel: The Art of the Possible
- The Language of Whales
- A Vulcan Primer
- Kirk’s Women
- The Three-Picture Saga (HD)
- Star Trek for a Cause (HD)
- Starfleet Academy SCISEC Brief 004: The Whale Probe (HD)
- Visual Effects
- From Outer Space to the Ocean
- The Bird of Prey
- Original Interviews
- Leonard Nimoy
- William Shatner
- DeForest Kelley
- Tributes
- Roddenberry Scrapbook
- Featured Artist: Mark Lenard
- Production Gallery
- Storyboards
- Theatrical Trailer (HD)
Without knowing the exact intentions of the future releases of parts V and VI, as well as the Director’s Edition of the first film, it’s hard to say whether it’s worth getting this set now or waiting until something more definitive comes out that could include all the films. For me, being a fan of the series since childhood, I wouldn’t have hesitated to grab this given the right price-point upon release. For fans asking themselves the same thing, just remember how great of a time it is to be a Star Trek fan. New series consistently coming out, Star Trek: Picard, something I would have never thought possible, and dedication to the older series and films. I for one highly recommend picking this up, as it’s like seeing these films again for the first time.
