Star Trek: Alternate Realities Fan Collective [DVD]

The latest Trekkers equivalent of a mix-tape presents episodes from all 5 series, this time each with an "Altered" theme. The actors get to the chance to really let rip and play off each characters' darker side; either as an evil twin, or in circumstances where their life has taken a wrong turn. The most famous of these undoubtedly is a "goatee" bearded Mr. Spock, a real highlight of original series episode 'Mirror Mirror'. Typically Star Trek is a positive vision of the future, with a multitude of alien races living together - like a futuristic United Nations. The Mirror Universe is the pole opposite of this, more like a corrupt Roman Empire conquering its way across the galaxy. It's into this setting; a transporter accident strands Kirk, McCoy, Scotty and Uhura.

'Crossover', 'Through the Looking Glass' and 'Shattered Mirror' are great choices taken from Deep Space Nine. Set in the same location but a century later, we discover a conquered Terran Empire and come face to face with alternate versions of Sisko, Kira and the inhabitants of space station - Terok Nor. Slightly disappointing however that this isn't the complete saga. But rest assured the best ones are present and it works pretty well as a trilogy. For the record (a dull, Kira episode) Resurrection and (a Ferengi) Emperor's New Cloak didn't make the set.

Next up is 'In a Mirror Darkly', a two-parter from prequel series - Enterprise (much maligned, unfairly in my view). Full of knowing references, as well as a subversive take on the movie First Contact, this is a great swashbuckling romp. Here we learn a little about the Empire's history, before Kirk arrived on the scene. Scott Bakula, better known for Quantum Leap, is on top form here... as a downtrodden Archer who finally snaps and mutinies his way to the top. Into this mix, we discover a ship from the original series has fallen through time. Archer & his backstabbing crew have to fight Tholians and Gorn to order to plunder its familiar looking technology.

Moving on, we reach the 23rd Century proper with Kirk and Spock and an early example of a parallel universe story - 'The Alternate Factor'. Here we meet Lazurus, a man on the run from himself... a dangerous anti-matter duplicate. 'Parallels' from the popular Next Generation centres on Worf criss-crossing between different realities. A fun episode with dozens of subtle differences, including a brief scene revealing what might've happened had the Borg won in a classic story.

Two episodes from TOS 'The Enemy Within' & 'Turnabout Intruder' both showcase a different James T. Kirk. One famously involves the transporter splitting him into two beings - one evil and one good. The other is the final episode from 1969, where an ex-lover gains her revenge, by switching bodies with the Captain.

One of the weirdest, psychological episodes of TNG arrives in the shape of 'Frame of Mind'. Here Riker literally gets caught up in his performance, during a stage play set in an asylum. Following this, a decent late entry from Voyager called 'Shattered' finds Chakotay aboard a ship divided into different time zones, each set in a different season of the show.

'Yesterday's Enterprise' can justifiably be proud of its popularity. It's inspired numerous episodes (apparently including JJ Abrams' new film). History has gone badly wrong for the Next Generation crew. The Klingons are still at war with the Federation, thanks to a ship from the past thrown forward in time. Tasha Yar, a notable and long dead character, avoids her earlier unceremonious fate and she, Picard and his crew get to go out in a blaze of glory.

A change of pace presents us with another TNG outing - 'The Inner Light'. Here we see an alternate life for Picard, as he wakes to find himself living on a dying alien world. Named Kamin, he has a family, all the while trying to shrug off the life he's left behind. Made all the more emotionally charged, though a musical lament he plays on the flute throughout the story. Equally tearful is Deep Space Nine's 'The Visitor', a moving tale of Sisko's son who sees his father apparently die in an accident. In true Sci-Fi style, Jake unable to move on from the tragedy, remains linked to his Dad across time and space. Voyager presents us with a neat twist on time travel, in 'Before and After'. Short-lived alien crew member, Kes finds herself jumping back in time and we see portions of her (and the crews') life in reverse.

We're now in the home stretch of this collection, with two episodes apiece from Voyager and Enterprise. 'Timeless' shows us how Janeway and her crew lost far from home, might never reach their destination. Years in the future, Chakotay and a bitter Harry Kim are revealed to be the sole survivors - unhappy with the hand destiny has dealt them and their shipmates. 'Course: Oblivion' finds a crew falling ill and slowly disintegrating. As their D.N.A. begins to unravel, they discover they might not be who they thought they were.

In 'E2', a battle-scarred Enterprise NX-01 is stopped by another ship manned by their descendents. 'Twilight' shows the full horror of the Xindi's aim to exterminate humankind, from an older, injured Archer's point of view. Both episodes show alternate outcomes to this series' year long arc to save Earth from a devastating attack.

Additional to these episodes, six featurettes delve into the making of each episode.

UPDATED 08/04/09 - A disappointing development that this Region 2 edition has missed off the audio commentaries from the US release. They didn't appear to be anywhere on my copy. So I didn't get to hear the writers discussing key episodes. Frustrating that the inner sleeves mention these added attractions.

All in all, equal in quality to the last release in this series - Captain's Log. There are a couple of clunkers, notably not-so classic Trek such as 'The Alternate Factor' and 'Turnabout Intruder'. Interestingly how all 4 original series episodes included are the remastered versions, with new CGI replacing the 60's model shots. If you're curious to see if updated FX result in a decent alternative, and assuming the other episodes appeal, then getting this set might be worth your while.

I purchased this DVD having read reviews from others -was not disappointed. this collections brings together some of the darker epeisodes of Star Trek plus 1 or 2 that are real klunkers. Disc 1 starts with a favourite episode from the original series and is still enjoyable today.

I would recommend this box set to anyone who enjoys any or all series of Trek and all those who are discovering the series for the first time as well.

Having been through the Series box sets I thought this would be a good item to buy with all the new features especially hearing that there would be Audio commentaries on some of the episodes. Unfortunately these don't seem to exist and the fact it is on the packaging makes it even more disappointing.

Worth purchasing though if you don't have the episodes already.