Star Trek: the Animated Series [DVD]

"Star Trek: The Animated Series" ("TAS")is released to DVD at last in this beautifully artistic package.

This Filmation production from 1973/74 always boasted a more mature and family-like appeal as opposed to the other Saturday morning 'kiddies cartoons' from back-in-the-day. What gives this series of 22 half-hour episodes a unique quality feel is the fact that the majority of the cast from the original live-action TV series from the sixties, voice act their own characters.

The scripts and plotlines add another unique touch to the whole proceedings, due to the fact that some of the original show's writers are part of the creative team for this animated series. The show clinched the 'Best Daytime Children's Series' Emmy Award in 1975, and this is a great accolade to a production which has always been considered as a separate entity to all the 'Trek' TV shows and films.

I can honestly state that as a youngster I was a fan of the original TV series, but as a mature adult I am more of a fan of this wonderful animated period piece. I understand that given today's ever-developing modern world technologies, "TAS" will appear to be very dated especially to most youngsters but this only adds to it's charm and appeal.

I am not a cartoon fan nor do I consider myself to be a 'Trekkie', but this production has got a special place in my heart as well as on my DVD shelf. It is creatively well-done making it a very entertaining viewing experience for all, and this 4-Disc set which features some nice bonus extras as well as a collectable booklet is well-worth the purchase price.

If you are a 'Trekkie' and you don't have this in your collection yet or you purely dismiss it because show consultant Gene Roddenberry never considered it as part of the franchise, then you don't really know what you're missing. It's about time "TAS" got the recognition it deserves and also got some positive reviews here on Amazon!

I really enjoy the animated series and have watched them countless times, having originally purchased them some years a go on VHS.

It would be a mistake to simply dismiss this series as a cartoon, I consider it to be a genuine continuation to the original series, and I personally feel it represents a 'fourth' season.

The picture and sound quality of episodes on the DVD's is excellent, considering they were originally produced in the early to mid seventies, and everything from the menu design to the packaging has been tastefully produced.

The characters are all voiced by the original cast members, apart from Walter Koenig (who did at least write an episode), and many of the stories are written by writers from the original series further adding to the sense of authenticity.

The soundtrack, whilst different, still maintains the feel and atmosphere of the original series.

There appear to be two versions of this series available on Region Two DVD, and the only difference I can see is the packaging (although this does appear to make a considerable difference to the price).

There is an excellent 'making of' documetary included , which really surprised me, that further demonstrated to me the care that was taken when producing this DVD set.

Highly recommeded, and an essential addition to any Star Trek collectors library!

The Animated Series blasts off where the original series was cancelled, with further, continuing chapters of Kirk, Spock & Bones.
Most of the real stars did there own voices, the stories are well crafted, plus scripted by many of the TOS writers and Gene Roddenberry still had a hand in the creative process. So in the 1970's, when there was nothing else but Star Trek re-run's, it was excellent to have something new.
The dissapointment for me, was the show had very little thrills or suspense it should of had. This plainly fails to come across and is caused by a rather flat animation style. In most scenes their faces remain emotionless, bar the occasional eyebrow wiggle.
The DVD box does have a few audio commentaries on some of the episodes, which unlike the other Star Trek box sets don't have! Furthermore the packaging has lovely retro feel to it, so there are some redeeming qualities.
But unless you have a real hunger, to see EVERYTHING from the TOS era, buy the original 'live' series first and leave this till later.