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109 of 113 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Highlights from the TNG series, 30 Aug 2003
By A Customer
In case there was any doubt, this 6-disc DVD box set contains all ten TV Movies produced as part of the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" series. They are not to be confused with the theatrical films "Generations" through "Nemesis". In each case, these are two episodes from the TV series (often a season cliffhanger and its resolution) presented in their "feature length" format, which means they are edited together as one 88 minute show with no "To Be Continued..." legend and no end credits separating parts I and II. These were also produced in this format on individual VHS cassettes long ago.This set will therefore give a fine summary of The Next Generation's seven years, from the pilot to the series finale, for those who do not wish the expense of all seven season boxsets. They are, however, all the big action spectacles without the low-key cerebral stand-alones. Notable highlights include the acclaimed "Best of Both Worlds" with the ultimate Borg invasion leading to the greatest of the show's cliffhangers - Captain Picard's assimilation and attack on the Enterprise. Also worthy of mention is the appearance of Ambassador Spock on Romulus as one of several original series corss-overs in "Unification", Picard's interrogation by Cardassians in a fine turn for actor Patrick Stewart in "Chain of Command", and of course the outstanding journey through the past, present and future in the climactic finale "All Good Things...". However, there are a few that do not quite live up to these high standards with "Time's Arrow" as an unsatisfying if amusing adventure to 19th Century Earth, and "Birthright" as a rather slow paced, uneven mix of Worf and Data character stories that could have been condensed to a single episode. Still, together they are all great adventures from a truly great series. In terms of special features, the sixth disc offers another TV Movie, "Emissary", which was the pilot for the superb spin-off series "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" and featured a special appearance by Patrick Stewart. There is also a fun documentary hosted by actor/director Jonathan Frakes (Riker) entitled "Journey's End" which is now around eight years old and has been broadcast on terrestrial television. It offers a look back across the series, brief interviews with cast and crew, behind the scenes shots of "All Good Things" and a bit of a teasing lead up to the 1995 theatrical movie "Star Trek Generations". Interesting content but it clearly shows its age. In addition, there are trailers for the DS9 release on DVD, TV spots for each episode, and trailers for Star Trek feature films numbers I-VII. All in all, nothing to entice owners of these two-parters on other formats, but ample sustenance for the new-comer. Full episode list... DISC 1: Encounter at Farpoint, The Best of Both Worlds; DISC 2: Redemption, Unification; DISC 3: Time's Arrow, Chain of Command; DISC 4: Birthright, Descent; DISC 5: Gambit, All Good Things; DISC 6: Emissary, Special Features
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