Borg Mega Cube: Star Trek The Next Generation: Seasons 1-7 - Limited Edition [DVD] [1990]

Now, a teary-eyed look back across all seven seasons worth of episodes writing in ridiculous superlatives is just not possible in a short review, and would probably be boring to read. If you are considering buying this product you must know how TNG was a landmark and a fine set of sci-fi standalones. It is also, I believe, the second finest Star Trek series of all despite the fact that a great many fans would name it their favourite.

The first year was all about finding its feet, and although the stories were far from perfect, there is a certain nostalgia attached to the bright sets, young actors, original make-up and spandex uniforms.

Season Two saw a few cast changes, Worf's transfer to security, Geordi into engineering, the (brief) arrival of Dr Pulaski, and of course Riker's beard. However, it still appears the worst as well as the shortest season with few original episodes and even the dreaded clip-show born out of necessity due to a writers' strike.

From there on the show went from strength to strength with thoughtful science fiction charting the human condition and plenty of action and spectacle to go alongside. However, the series was not perfect with some characters decidedly shallower than others, a lot of technobabble, one too many "red-shirts", and Troi's predilection for stating the obvious being practiced all too frequently. Nevertheless, the episodes all age extremely well and four (mostly) successful movies were spawned for further enjoyment after ending the TV adventure on a high note. Still, the best was yet to come with sequel series "Deep Space Nine" which stands at the top of the pile as a largely preferable mix of galactic story arcs, rich, complex characters and serial storytelling.

Special features come aplenty on the last disc of each set, including interviews from cast and crew (both from the time and retrospectives), analyses of key characters, overviews of the stories told each year as well as the production involved, behind the scenes featurettes and several other interesting glimpses of the world you don't see. Certainly plenty to get through and most of it interesting, not a load of dull visual effects walkthroughs.

The set is indeed expensive, but is cheaper than spreading out the payments individually over a period of months and years -- you do save money in the long run. If you were going to buy a few sets anyway and have the money to spend, then go ahead. It's a fantastic way to own the series.

Fans like myself of Star Trek and other excellent sci fi/horror series, will find that buying a box set every two months can be expensive, or, may have one or two seasons, but haven't managed to get round to buying the other sets.

Well this is perfect for any fan, or fans new to the series. I do hope they will do the same for Deep Space 9, The original Series, Voyager and of course Enterprise.

Its a shame other studios don't follow suit and do the same as Paramount.

The problem? The rather "worth-less-than-£400" packaging containing the disks. OK, so the "plastic-metal" holders for each series is alright, average even, but there is NO excuse for placing them in such a flimsy cardboard box covered with easily rippable paper.I don't want this to be a totally negative review, but I can't help but feel that for £380 I deserve HINGES on the box rather than a rather gimpy folding box! I do admit though - what it contains is far more important than the packaging. 7 series of one of the finest sci-fi series ever made.....time for some popcorn methinks!