Most of America cut their teeth on Sci-Fi, especially space travel that had a big impact on teens. The television show of star Trek that began in 1966 was the real hook that had youngsters and oldsters glued to the TV tube each week to see Admiral Kirk blast off for another adventure. The series was so entertaining that it was only natural to jump the series to the big screen at local theaters where teens could sit through the films a number of times in 1979. That led to another three productions and the rest is history with other adventures like Star Wars helping to keep the fantasy alive all these years.
In honor of the first Star Trek film release, Paramount has released the first four films remastered in a special collection box set celebrating the 55th anniversary of the franchise. The following are the synopses of the films that are included in the package.
Star Trek: The Motion Picture 1979 2 hrs. 12 min. (55th Anniversary)
A massive alien spacecraft of enormous power destroys three powerful Klingon cruisers as it makes its way towards Federation space. Admiral James T. Kirk is ordered to take command of the USS Enterprise for the first time since her historic five-year mission. The Epsilon IX space station alerts the Federation, but they are also destroyed by the alien spacecraft. The only starship in range is the Enterprise, after undergoing a major overhaul in dry-dock orbiting Earth. Kirk rounds up the rest of his crew, and acquires some new members, and sets off to intercept the alien spacecraft. However, it has been three years since Kirk last went into deep space – is he up to the task of saving Earth?
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn 1981 1hr. 53 min.
It is the 23rd century. Admiral James T. Kirk is an instructor at Starfleet Academy and feeling old; the prospect of attending his ship, the USS Enterprise–now a training ship–on a two-week cadet cruise does not make him feel any younger. But the training cruise becomes a deadly serious mission when his nemesis Khan Noonien Singh–infamous conqueror from late 20th century Earth–appears after years of exile. Khan later revealed that the planet Ceti Alpha VI exploded, and shifted the orbit of the fifth planet as a Mars-like haven. He begins capturing Project Genesis, a top secret device holding the power of creation itself, and schemes the utter destruction of Kirk
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock 1984 1hr. 45 min.
In the wake of Spock’s ultimate deed of sacrifice, Admiral irk and the Enterprise crew return to Earth for some essential repairs to their ship. When they arrive at Spacedock, they are shocked to discover that the Enterprise is to be decommissioned. Even worse, Dr. McCoy begins acting strangely and Scotty has been reassigned to another ship. Kirk is forced to steal back the Enterprise and head across space to the Genesis Planet to save Spock and bring him to Vulcan. Unbeknownst to them, the Klingons are planning to steal the secrets of the Genesis Device for their own deadly purpose.
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home 1986 1 hr. 59 min.
The most acclaimed Star Trek adventure of all time with an important message. It is the 23rd century, and a mysterious alien probe is threatening Earth by evaporating the oceans and destroying the atmosphere. In their frantic attempt to save mankind, Admiral Kirk and his crew must time travel back to 1986 San Francisco where they find a world of punk, pizza and exact-change buses that are as alien to them as anything they have ever encountered in the far-off reaches of the galaxy. William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy return as Kirk and Spock, along with the entire Star Trek crew.
Hours of special bonus features accompany both the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray. There are eight discs in all and the first time in 4K. Included are the digital movie download codes for streaming or to download and watch anywhere.
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelly, James Doohan, George Takei, Walter Koenig, Nichelle Nichols, with Jayne Wayatt, Majel Barrett, Paul Winfield, Kirstie Alley Ricardo Montalban,
Directed by: #1 Robert Wise, #2 Nicholas Meyer, #3 & #4 Leonard Nimoy
Based on and created by “Star Trek TV Series: Gene Roddenberry
Genre: Sci-fi, Adventure, Action
MPAA Rating: All 4 films are rated PG (Parental Guidance is ADVISED due to some content)
Running Time: #1 2 hrs. 12 min., #2 1hr. 53 min., #3 1hr. 45 min., #4 1 hr. 59 min.
Video Release Date: September 7, 2021
Language: English
Reviewed Format: 4K Blu-ray
Audio: Newly Remastered
Video: Newly Remastered
Subtitles: English SDH
Number of Discs: 8 discs (4- 4K, 4 Ultra Blu-ray)
Distributed by: Paramount Home Entertainment
Released on: 4K UHD & Blu-ray
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
