Star Trek: The Original Series Season 1 Blu-ray

13 reviews for Star Trek: The Original Series Season 1 Blu-ray

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Matthew T. Weflen – May 5, 2009

   Originally posted on Amazon.com · not a MarioShroomed purchase

   Spectacular visuals, nice extras, a few quibbles

   The Program:

   If I could find something new to say about Star Trek, that would be a feat in itself. Let it suffice to say that it’s the most successful TV sci-fi franchise of all time, was a pioneering show in many respects, and is just darned entertaining to watch, whether you’re a “true believer” or not.

   Season One of the Original Series is a great place to start for newbies and fanatics alike. We are introduced to the Romulans, Klingons, Khan, Starfleet, the Federation of Planets, and the whole crew short of Chekov, who appears in Season Two. We are presented with 29 episodes, at least 6 of which are absolute masterpieces, and another 10 of which are really, really good. In this package, you’ll get classics such as “The City on The Edge of Forever,” “Where No Man Has Gone Before,” “Balance of Terror,” “The Menagerie,” “The Devil In The Dark,” and “Space Seed.” Overall, it’s the Original Series’ strongest season, and it only has two real clunkers in the group (“Shore Leave” and “The Galileo Seven”).

   There’s really not a whole lot to be faulted in this season. It’s an absolutely rock solid item for any Trekkie, and indeed any sci-fi fan, to own.

   The Blu-Ray:

   So the question becomes, how is the presentation?

   Well, it should be said right off the bat that the HD transfers of these shows are absolutely sparkling. Detail is through the roof, making every smile line, button and dial, star, and ship detail just pop right off the screen. Black levels are rock solid, especially in space scenes. Color saturation is deeper than deep, and bright colors are radiant in a way that the previous DVDs just can’t replicate. The show is presented in its original 4:3 aspect ratio – thank goodness CBS/Paramount didn’t try to stretch these shows in a manner similar to many “HD” rebroadcasts of older shows on cable.

   The Original Series was shot on 35 mm film stock, which has more detail than any 480i TV broadcast can resolve (or 480p DVD for that matter). Thus, it is truly benefited by a high definition transfer. This isn’t a release where you look at it and say “well, it looks pretty good for what it is.” In fact, it has just as much fine detail and the same superior color as the newest shows currently broadcast on TV in HD. And it really does blow away the previous DVDs, too. There are, of course, a few shots here and there that betray their age. This is just the nature of the beast when dealing with 40 year old celluloid elements. But all told, a good 90% of the shots are competitive with modern HD. So as far as a video rating goes, it’s at least 4 star material on average.

   Audio is a tad problematic. Some of the sound balancing seems to be a bit off – dialogue can have a tough time keeping up with music and sound effects. It’s perfectly clear, don’t get me wrong. But I found myself fiddling with the volume controls more than I’d like throughout an episode. On the other hand, the audio in general is great. The re-recorded theme song is breathtaking – especially when the Enterprise “wooosh-es” by from the front speakers to the rear surrounds. Red Alert klaxons and atmospheric sounds generally are mixed towards the surround channels. It’s very cool.

   Special effects sequences have been redone with modern CGI and in high definition. For the most part they look great, and it is quite refreshing in the era of the “Lucas-ing” (or is it Abrams-ifying?) of old material that the producers of the new effects went to such great lengths to respect the original design aesthetic of the 1960’s material. I will say I kind of wish they had done new model work, as CG still just isn’t to the point where it looks “real” (setting aside the fact that this is inherently unreal stuff being filmed…). But I understand that it would never have been done in that case, since it costs so much more these days to do model work as opposed to CGI. On balance, having new effects is much more good than bad.

   But the kicker, and the reason it would be no big deal even if one hated the new effects, is the fact that the original effects are on the same disc. You can watch an entire show with the old or new effects, or, if you’d prefer to irritate your friends and significant others, switch between them in real time with the “angle” button on your remote. Are you paying attention, George Lucas? This is what we want in a Star Wars Blu-Ray! The beautiful new with the respected old, side-by-side. Big kudos go to CBS/Paramount and the Trek team for the job they’ve done here.

   Also included are several extra features. Mini-documentaries, mostly reprised from the previous DVD set, are included one on each disc. The “pop-up” text commentary from the DVD has been retained as “Starfleet Access,” a combination video-text commentary. The videos are nice, but they talk over the audio from the episode, whereas the older text commentary did not interfere with the audio. I wish both could have been included. New features include a mini-doc on the HD restoration and effects, and a set of “home movies” from an extra on the Trek set. Especially cool is an interactive “tour” of the original series Enterprise, showing many nooks and crannies not often seen or discussed, on the same gorgeous HD CGI model that the new shots use. All in all, a healthy set of extras.

   The packaging is nowhere near as bad as some previous DVD Trek seasons, but it still has its issues. Why can we not be presented with episode titles on each disc? The discs are just blank silver paint, with loads of empty space that helpful titles could have occupied. Instead, the episodes are listed on the INSIDE of the Blu-Ray insert, and are covered by both the filler material in the front, and by a disc in back. Being required to pop out a disc to see the contents of three more is really not convenient.

   *****
   The audio niggles and the packaging stupidity might be enough to make some downgrade this to a four star rating. I am swayed however, by the consistently good (and occasionally astounding) HD clarity of the video, and the wonderful options for old and new special effects. The other things are minor issues in the scheme of things. This is a tremendously good presentation of an absolutely seminal television show and science fiction saga. The respect with which the “restoration” was handled is truly commendable.

   Any Trekkie/Trekker who has a Blu-Ray player should own this set. It’s just that simple. If you are just a general sci-fi fan, you also should give this serious consideration.

2. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   E. Hornaday – June 28, 2004

   Originally posted on Amazon.com · not a MarioShroomed purchase

   Where No DVD Has Gone Before

   Finally, Paramount is releasing Star Trek: The Original Series by seasons, rather than in expensive two-episode packs.
   There are very few TV shows or movies that are so well known that a brief synopsis may be redundant, and Star Trek is one of those shows. Regardless, please bear with a brief synopsis because of the historical significance of the series. Star Trek not only launched a TV franchise with movies and series spinoffs that are still on the air, it had a direct and lasting impact on popular culture here and around the world.
   When creator Gene Roddenberry (The Great Bird of the Galaxy) somehow managed to get his show on the air in 1966, there was nothing else like it on TV. Its fresh and optimistic portrayal of the future with different races, even species, working side-by-side as equals was nothing short of revolutionary.
   In those days, not only was an integrated TV cast virtually unknown, women were also seldom depicted as anything but window dressing. Star Trek changed that, and so much more.
   The above preface was written for those who did not live through those times, and for those who would criticize Star Trek for cheesy special effects and acting. To me, the actual truth is this: Star Trek was both a product of its generation and a show that transcended its time. To look at it solely with the jaundiced eye of 2004 is to do it a great injustice. It was fun, bright entertainment, but it was MORE. It had to be, or it would not have lasted all of these decades or developed the most incredible fanbase in TV history.
   The story of Capt. James T. Kirk (William Shatner), Commander Spock (Leonard Nimoy), Dr. Leonard McCoy (DeForest Kelley), Lt. Commander Montgomery Scott(James Doohan), Lts. Uhura (Nichelle Nichols) and Sulu (George Takei), Ensign Pavel Chekov (Walter Koenig) and Nurse Christine Chapel (Majel Barret aka Mrs. Gene Roddenberry) only completed three seasons of missions —- the shortest run of any of the franchise shows.
   The premise was simple, the above-mentioned crew of the Starship Enterprise was to explore new worlds, new civilizations, for five years. It was NOT a military mission, but many things occurred that brought the crew into conflict with other species. The stories were well written and included humor with the other dramatic and futuristic, space-related elements.
   Roddenberry sold it to the network as a “Wagon Train to the Stars,” but actually used the show to examine current events and cultural traditions of American society during a very turbulent time.
   The first season is great fun to watch, as the actors begin to feel more comfortable in their roles, especially Nimoy, whose Vulcan Science Office becomes richer as the series progresses.
   Here are the first-season episodes, listed in chronological order rather than broadcast order:
   The Corbomite Maneuver (11/10/1966)
   Mudd’s Women (10/13/1966)
   The Enemy Within (10/6/1966)
   The Man Trap (9/8/1966)
   The Naked Time (9/29/1966)
   Charlie X (9/15/1966)
   Balance of Terror (12/15/1966)
   What Are Little Girls Made Of? (10/20/1966)
   Dagger of the Mind (11/3/1966)
   Miri (10/27/1966)
   The Conscience of the King (12/8/1966)
   The Galileo Seven (1/5/1967)
   Court Martial (2/2/1967)
   The Menagerie part 1 / The Menagerie part 2 (11/17/1966, 11/24/1966)
   Shore Leave (12/29/1966)
   The Squire of Gothos (1/12/1967)
   Arena (1/19/1967)
   The Alternative Factor (3/23/1967)
   Tomorrow is Yesterday (1/26/1967)
   The Return of the Archons (2/9/1967)
   A Taste of Armageddon (2/23/1967)
   Space Seed (2/16/1967)
   This Side of Paradise (3/2/1967)
   The Devil in the Dark (3/9/1967)
   Errand of Mercy (3/16/1967)
   The City on the Edge of Forever (4/6/1967)
   Operation: Annihilate! (4/13/1967)
   It is unclear if the series two pilots will be included. If so, they were The Cage (later remade into the two-part Menagerie); and Where No Man Has Gone Before.
   If you’ve never seen these shows uncut, or if you haven’t given yourself a chance to view them without the burden of the 21st Century, you owe it to ourself to buy this set.

3. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   Shawol – July 21, 2005

   Originally posted on Amazon.com · not a MarioShroomed purchase

   This is where it all began….

   I got this for Christmas last year and have gotten a lot of enjoyment out of it. After watching all the spin-off series it’s always awesome to go back to go back to the beginning and see where it all began, which would be here. All in all, a solid season with some memorable episodes but the second seaon was better.

   Pilot: “The Cage” I only saw it once but it was obviously solid enough to start the show on a network. Kinda weird because they hadn’t figured everything out yet. i.e. Spock smiles o.O Plus, it wasn’t Captain Kirk, but his predecessor Captain Pike. 3 stars

   Stardate 1513.1 “The Man Trap” Not the best episdoe ever, but as it was the first one ever aired. It actually gave Dr. McCoy a lot more development than almost every episode since. 2 stars

   Stardate 1533.6 “Charlie X” I never saw it, my dad made us skip because it was supposedly awful. N/A

   Stardate 1312.4 “Where No Man Has Gone Before” The second pilot for the show…slightly more normal than the first and a fairly good episode with an unusual idea. 3 stars

   Stardate 1704.2 “The Naked Time” Always one of my favorites. A lot of character development, but all in all, fairly predictible. 3 stars

   Stardate 1672.1 “The Evil Within” Also and intersting idea, and although Kirk was the center of this episode, it was here where we first hear about Spock’s mixed parentage, which would become so important throughout the rest of the series. 3 stars

   Stardate 1329.1 “Mudd’s Women” One of the most fanous episodes of the whole series, it ontroduces us to the series only recurring character, Harry Mudd. fairly intersting but his second episode was better. 3 stars

   Stardate 2712.4 “What are Little Girls Made Of?” Develops the character of Nurse Chapel, which is important but coudl have been better. 2 stars

   Stardate 2713.5 “Miri” This was a good episode and demonstrates why Star Trek became famous. It had an extremely interesting idea with 100-year-old children and shows the bond Kirk had with his crew. 4 stars

   Stardate 2715.1 “Dagger of the Mind” Shows a lot about the way things were done in the 23rd century and, of course, Kirk’s reputationa s a ladies’ man. 3 stars.

   Stardate 1512.2 “The Corbomite Maneuver” Not one of my favorites, but the alien at the end is played by Ron Howard’s brother. 2 stars

   Stardate 3012.4 and 3013.1 “The Menagerie Parts I + II” Uses a lot of footage from the pilot, but also shows a great deal of the friendship between Kirk and Spock. A memorable epsiode (only Spock could find the only crime in the 23rd century that could give them death penalty) and the series’ only 2-parter. 4 stars

   Stardate 2817.6 ” The Consience of the King” A lot fo Captain Kirk’s history in here. 2 stars

   Stardate 1709.2 ‘Balance of Terror” The first episode that features the Romulans, and an excellent one. Great battle scenes, and the Romulan commander is the same actor who went one to play Spock’s father in the second season, and the only actor to play a Romulan, a Vulcan and a Klingon. 4 stars

   Stardate 3025.3 “Shore Leave” An interesting look into the crew’s characters. 3 stars

   Stardate 2821.5 “the Galileo Seven” One of my favorites, becasue I’m a Spock fan. A really great look into Spock’s character, and the relationship between the starship captains and the Federation staff back on Earth. 4 stars

   Stardate 2124.5 “The Squire of Gothos” Also one of my favorites. A really intersting theory and I always saw Trelane as the precursor to TNG’s Q, who is my favorite recurring character of all time. 4 stars

   Stardate 3045.6 “Arena” one of Star Trek’s more interesting ideas, and the Gorn are a memorable species. 3 stars

   Stardate 3113.2 “Tomorrow is Yesterday” The first time travel centered epsiode, and that continues to be a favorite theme throughout all the series. They also dealt with the time travel paradox very well, and the little green men from Mars and Capt. Christopher’s reaction to Spock was the best part of the episode. 4 stars

   Stardate 2947.3 “Court Martial” One of my favorites. I just love law episodes, and the crew really shone in this one. 4 stars

   Stardate 3156.2 “The Return of the Archons” An intersting idea, and shows how interplantery missions and first contacts are the most dangerous and delicate operations of the Enterprise. 3 stars

   Stardate 3141.9 “Space Seed’ One of the best episodes of the whole franchise. Khan is one the best villians ever, and was brought back in the second movie, the best ST movie ever made. This one is just amazing; there is no describing it. 5 stars

   Stardate 3192.1 “A Taste of Armageddon” One the most unusual ideas in ST, and a memorable episodes 4 stars

   Stardate 3417.3 “This Side of Paradise” One the most famous epsiodes, and an excellent look at Spock’s suppressed emotions (yes. he does have emotions) 4 stars

   Stardate 3196.1 “The Devil in the Dark One of the most interesting ideas of the whole series…an alien that is based on silicon. Also deals with the nature of good and evil. 4 stars

   Stardate 3198.4 “Errand of Mercy” Fairly interesting, and it’s always cool to see the Klingons, but they were better in the Trouble with Tribbles 3 stars

   Stardate 3087.6 “The Alternative Factor” Possibly the worst episode of the whole series…could have been an interesting idea but jst failed miserably. 1 star

   Stardate 3134.0 “They City on the Edge of Forever” THE BEST EPISODE OF TOS and one of the best in ST history. Just phenomonal. ST at it’s best. 5 stars

   Stardate 3287.2 “Operation: Annihilate1” A favorite, centered around bonds of friendship and family. Acted very well, and is a fitting end to the 1st season. 4 stars

   A good season and a great start to an even better universe. Note to Paramount: Ridiculously overpriced, stop taking advantage of ST fans!