Amazon.co.uk Review
Arguably the best blockbuster of summer 2009, J.J. Abrams’ reboot of the Star Trek saga has made for pulsating big screen entertainment. And in retrospect, it was an amazing achievement. It opened up the franchise to those who would usually give it a wide berth. It weaved in plenty from the Trek universe to satiate fans. And it proved to be an exciting, effects-laden and action-packed extravaganza that left you positively salivating for the sequel.
But its work wasn’t done when it left cinema screens. For when Star Trek arrived on Blu-ray, it instantly catapulted itself right near the top of reference-standard discs. With a stunning, gleaming picture that crackles with detail, and a house-rumbling surround sound track that matches the heftier moments with more subtle work, the disc is an all-round delight.
Furthermore, it’s also jammed full of extras, and refreshingly, the majority of the supplements you get with Star Trek are also presented in high-definition. It’s a shame that has to be highlighted as an exception to the norm. Star Trek, nonetheless, offers a terrific example of how things should be done.
For ultimately, Star Trek is not just one of the best and most exciting blockbuster films of the last few years, it’s also one of the very best Blu-ray discs to date. It’s an unmissable release, and add us to the list of those avidly awaiting the sequel. --Jon Foster
DVD Description
Details of free comic book - Star Trek: Countdown is the official graphic novel prequel to the smash-hit movie, outlining the history of Nero, the movie’s villain (played by Eric Bana). Who is this mysterious Romulan, and how did he turn from hero to villain? Also featuring Captain Picard and many of the Next Generation stars, this is essential reading for Star Trek fans! JJ Abrams, the film’s director, along with scriptwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman have supervised the script by Tim Jones and Mike Johnson.
Special Features
Disc 1:
• Commentary: By director J.J. Abrams, writers Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof and executive producer Bryan Burk.
• NASA News: This BD-Live feature gives viewers access to the latest NASA news about real space exploration. Learn about new mission developments and check out featured imagery from around the universe.
Disc 2:
• To Boldly Go: Taking on the world’s most beloved science fiction franchise was no small mission. Director J.J. Abrams, writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof, and executive producer Bryan Burk talk about the many challenges they faced and their strategy for success.
- Branching Pods:
a) The Shatner Conundrum
b) Red Shirt Guy
c) The Green Girl
d) Trekker Alert!
• Casting: The producers knew their greatest task was finding the right cast to reprise these epic roles. The cast, for their part, talk about the experience of trying to capture the essence of these mythic characters. The piece concludes with a moving tribute to Leonard Nimoy.
• A New Vision: J.J. Abrams’ vision was not only to create a Star Trek that was a bigger, more action-packed spectacle, but also to make the spectacle feel real. Every aspect of production, from unique locations to the use of classic Hollywood camera tricks was guided by this overall objective.
- Branching Pods:
a) Savage Pressure
• Starships: Abrams and production designer Scott Chambliss were careful to pay tribute to the design of the original Enterprise, but they also wanted to make it futuristic and cool for a modern audience. This chapter focuses on the unique stories behind the creation of the film’s starships.
- Branching Pods:
a) Warp Explained
b) Paint Job
c) Bridge Construction Accelerated
d) The Captain’s Chair
e) Button Acting 101
f) Shuttle Shuffle
g) Narada Construction Accelerated
• Aliens: Designers Neville Page and Joel Harlow talk about the hurdles they faced creating new alien species, recreating the Romulans and Vulcans, and designing the terrifying creatures on Delta Vega for the new Star Trek.
- Branching Pods:
a) The Alien Paradox
b) Big-Eyed Girl
c) Big Bro Quinto
d) Klingons
e) Drakoulias Anatomy 101
• Planets: From the frozen landscape of Delta Vega to the desert plains of Vulcan, Scott Chambliss and the art department had a number of radically different planets to create. Abrams’ desire to shoot on real locations whenever possible led the production team to a number of strange and surprising locations.
- Branching Pods:
a) Extra Business
b) Confidentiality
• Props and Costumes; Property master Russell Bobbitt had the unique challenge of designing props that were both true to the original series and pertinent to today’s technology. Likewise, costume designer Michael Kaplan talks about how he designed costumes that paid homage to what came before yet were relevant and timeless.
- Branching Pods:
a) Klingon Wardrobe
• Ben Burtt and the Sounds of Star Trek: When famed sound designer Ben Burtt was hired to create sounds for the first Star Wars film, he took his inspiration from the original “Star Trek” series. Burtt jumped at the opportunity to pay tribute to the sounds that sparked his career with the sounds he created for the new Star Trek.
• Score: As a fan of the original series, composer Michael Giacchino embraced the challenge of creating new music for Star Trek while preserving the spirit of Alexander Courage’s celebrated theme.
• Gene Roddenberry’s Vision— J.J. Abrams, Leonard Nimoy, previous Star Trek writers and producers, and scientific consultant Carolyn Porco describe and commend the optimistic and enduring vision of Gene Roddenberry.
• Deleted Scenes with optional commentary:
- Spock Birth
- Klingons Take Over Narada
- Young Kirk, Johnny and Uncle Frank
- Amanda and Sarek Argue After Spock Fights
- Prison Interrogation and Breakout
- Sarek Gets Amanda
- Dorm Room and Kobayashi Maru (original version)
- Kirk Apologizes to the Green Girl
- Sarek Sees Spock
• Starfleet Vessel Simulator: Explore extensive data on the U.S.S. Enterprise and the Romulan ship, the Narada. Submerse yourself in breathtaking 360° views and close-ups and review detailed tech information.
• Gag Reel: Bloopers featuring the entire principal cast.
Disc 3:
Digital copy
Language information:
Subtitles - English, English SDH, German, Danish, Italian, Swedish, Norwegian, Castilian Spanish, Finnish, Dutch.
Commentary - English Commentary, German Commentary, Castilian Spanish Commentary, French Commentary, Italian Commentary
• Commentary: By director J.J. Abrams, writers Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof and executive producer Bryan Burk.
• NASA News: This BD-Live feature gives viewers access to the latest NASA news about real space exploration. Learn about new mission developments and check out featured imagery from around the universe.
Disc 2:
• To Boldly Go: Taking on the world’s most beloved science fiction franchise was no small mission. Director J.J. Abrams, writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof, and executive producer Bryan Burk talk about the many challenges they faced and their strategy for success.
- Branching Pods:
a) The Shatner Conundrum
b) Red Shirt Guy
c) The Green Girl
d) Trekker Alert!
• Casting: The producers knew their greatest task was finding the right cast to reprise these epic roles. The cast, for their part, talk about the experience of trying to capture the essence of these mythic characters. The piece concludes with a moving tribute to Leonard Nimoy.
• A New Vision: J.J. Abrams’ vision was not only to create a Star Trek that was a bigger, more action-packed spectacle, but also to make the spectacle feel real. Every aspect of production, from unique locations to the use of classic Hollywood camera tricks was guided by this overall objective.
- Branching Pods:
a) Savage Pressure
• Starships: Abrams and production designer Scott Chambliss were careful to pay tribute to the design of the original Enterprise, but they also wanted to make it futuristic and cool for a modern audience. This chapter focuses on the unique stories behind the creation of the film’s starships.
- Branching Pods:
a) Warp Explained
b) Paint Job
c) Bridge Construction Accelerated
d) The Captain’s Chair
e) Button Acting 101
f) Shuttle Shuffle
g) Narada Construction Accelerated
• Aliens: Designers Neville Page and Joel Harlow talk about the hurdles they faced creating new alien species, recreating the Romulans and Vulcans, and designing the terrifying creatures on Delta Vega for the new Star Trek.
- Branching Pods:
a) The Alien Paradox
b) Big-Eyed Girl
c) Big Bro Quinto
d) Klingons
e) Drakoulias Anatomy 101
• Planets: From the frozen landscape of Delta Vega to the desert plains of Vulcan, Scott Chambliss and the art department had a number of radically different planets to create. Abrams’ desire to shoot on real locations whenever possible led the production team to a number of strange and surprising locations.
- Branching Pods:
a) Extra Business
b) Confidentiality
• Props and Costumes; Property master Russell Bobbitt had the unique challenge of designing props that were both true to the original series and pertinent to today’s technology. Likewise, costume designer Michael Kaplan talks about how he designed costumes that paid homage to what came before yet were relevant and timeless.
- Branching Pods:
a) Klingon Wardrobe
• Ben Burtt and the Sounds of Star Trek: When famed sound designer Ben Burtt was hired to create sounds for the first Star Wars film, he took his inspiration from the original “Star Trek” series. Burtt jumped at the opportunity to pay tribute to the sounds that sparked his career with the sounds he created for the new Star Trek.
• Score: As a fan of the original series, composer Michael Giacchino embraced the challenge of creating new music for Star Trek while preserving the spirit of Alexander Courage’s celebrated theme.
• Gene Roddenberry’s Vision— J.J. Abrams, Leonard Nimoy, previous Star Trek writers and producers, and scientific consultant Carolyn Porco describe and commend the optimistic and enduring vision of Gene Roddenberry.
• Deleted Scenes with optional commentary:
- Spock Birth
- Klingons Take Over Narada
- Young Kirk, Johnny and Uncle Frank
- Amanda and Sarek Argue After Spock Fights
- Prison Interrogation and Breakout
- Sarek Gets Amanda
- Dorm Room and Kobayashi Maru (original version)
- Kirk Apologizes to the Green Girl
- Sarek Sees Spock
• Starfleet Vessel Simulator: Explore extensive data on the U.S.S. Enterprise and the Romulan ship, the Narada. Submerse yourself in breathtaking 360° views and close-ups and review detailed tech information.
• Gag Reel: Bloopers featuring the entire principal cast.
Disc 3:
Digital copy
Language information:
Subtitles - English, English SDH, German, Danish, Italian, Swedish, Norwegian, Castilian Spanish, Finnish, Dutch.
Commentary - English Commentary, German Commentary, Castilian Spanish Commentary, French Commentary, Italian Commentary
