Boldly Going...

[hansolo77]

I've wanted to do it for a LONG time, build a Star Trek collection. I've seen all the episodes, own the 2 most recently released movies on BluRay. I recently saw a trailer spot for a new season of TNG being released on BluRay and was completely smitten. The quality of the HD transfer is unbelievable. Apparently they had to go back to the negatives and re-cut each shot, from the lines spoken, to the ILM model shots (recompositing in 21 century computers) and re-mastering the audio in 7.1. TNG was shot on film, but edited on videotape (a la, VHS). So all the quality is gone, thats why they had to go back to the negatives. They started with The Original Series (TOS) first, and actually rendered new shots for all the external ship shots, planets, and matte paintings establishing locations. They aired the TOS episodes, remastered, like ONCE. So I've decided I'm going to purchase these releases, in BluRay, as they were broadcasted. I just ordered the 3 seasons of TOS from Amazon. Right now, and probably not for very long, is the perfect time to buy them. Originally, each season was like $120-ish US currency. Startrek.com is now selling them for $57.99 (down from their discounted $76.99). But right now, Amazon is selling each season for only about $29 each. All 3, with tax, cost me only $97! With each purchase over $35, you get free shipping too, so I should have them at no additional charge by next Monday (4/28/2014) at the latest! There were some negative reviews from people saying their cases were cracked, or some disks didn't work, so hopefully mine will be ok.

Anyway, I'm just so excited I had to share the news with everybody! I'm trying to decide if my next purchase should be the TNG season 1 (they're still a bit pricey) or the boxsets of the movies. Do any of you guys have a Star Trek collection?

[GimmeClassics]

I'm such a fan of the series. I really enjoyed the "captain picard / data" series

...now I resume my continuing mission to explore strange new games, to seek out new consoles and new emulators...to boldly go where no GameEx-er has gone before !!

GC's log, stardate 9876 - trying to beat the 100k DK score...I've got to keep on trying !!

[DazzleHP]

I'm such a fan of the series. I really enjoyed the "captain picard / data" series

...now I resume my continuing mission to explore strange new games, to seek out new consoles and new emulators...to boldly go where no GameEx-er has gone before !!

GC's log, stardate 9876 - trying to beat the 100k DK score...I've got to keep on trying !!

The Next Generation is my all time fave! Patrick Stewart no doubt best captain ever. Back when i worked nights i would get home at 9am and there would be 3 episodes back to back everyday from 10am to 1pm, so while everyone else was working hard i'd be kicking back with a beer and chilling to Star Trek. Good times!

[Tom Speirs]

I can watch TOS over and over and I have the Blu Rays. You made a good choice. They look great.

[hansolo77]

@TOM

I read one review that suggested there are 2 versions of the episodes on each disk; One using the newly enhanced CGI and one using the original model shots, and you can swap in-and-out on the fly. Is this accurate? Or am I maybe confusing it with the TNG Blurays?

[Tom Speirs]

I'm sorry Han I can't check for sure as I don't have them here and I cant remember. If I recall I think the two versions are just original aspect of 4:3 and a 16:9 version. I can't remember if it uses the original graphics or not.

[hansolo77]

Ok cool. I'm still like crazy excited about it.

[tthurman]

Wait a minute, Hansolo can't be a Trekkie!

[hansolo77]

"Best of Both Worlds"
(part 1 and 2 )

[hansolo77]

Update..

I didn't order it, but they shipped my package using Amazon Prime's 2-day or next day shipping. I got them on Wednesday! WOO! Since I've been "under the weather" lately, I've had a chance to really relax and enjoy them. @Tom I answered my own question; these have both. I don't see a 16x9 option, and in a way I'm glad. The show was not shot in 16x9, and any method they would use to accomplish that would either be a DIGITAL frame extension (would most likely look terrible) or a Digital Zoom and Crop (which would cut a lot of the top and bottom of the frame). I really like the new effects, but it's nice to have the old version there as well, and the ability to switch between the 2 on the fly. I'm a bit disappointed in the 7.1 audio. It's gotten better as the first season goes on (I'm on Disk 3 now). The first disk was really low volume as a result of the 7.1, and I had my receiver set on about 70 (typically I keep it in the 40-50 range (capable of only a max of 89). These other disks (so far) are at a more comfortable 50-60 range. There's not a lot of special features. The first disk had a 20 minute or so documentary about their HD transfer process, and how/why they made the updated visual effects. The first disk also had a special picture-in-picture of the episode "Where No Man Has Gone Before" with commentary. It also had a pop up card every now and then detailing backstories of characters. It would have been awesome if that was in EVERY episode, but it's cool what they've done. This next disk had a 12 minute interview with Leonard Nimoy about his recollections of Spock. It also appears to have (though I've not watch them yet) another picture-in-picture for the 2-part episode "The Menagerie". All said, I'm really enjoying this set, and look forward to completing it!

I think I've also made up my mind as to my next purchase. The movies are cheaper right now than the 1st season of TNG, so I think I'm going to get them next, and wait to see if the TNG season drops in price.

Quick question to ya'll... Does anybody know what special features are available in the sets? I like special features. I'm torn on which version to buy. There is a 7 disk set (6 movies plus a bonus disk) available here (link) but then they also have each movie seperately like here (link). It looks like the single movie format only has 1 disk to each movie too, but lacks the 7th bonus disk. Also, the price for the individuals is about $16 each but the box set is only $24... So I'm wondering if the bonus features (like documentaries, deleted scenes, etc) are cut from the box set, and that's why it's so cheap.

[hansolo77]

Just an update.. I now have all 3 seasons of TOS, plus the 7-disk (6 movie) TOS movie collection, and the 5-disk (4 movie) TNG movie collection, and the 1st season of TNG. Unfortunately, my case that TNG Season 1 came in was cracked, and I need to replace it. Does anybody know of a retailer (online most likely) that sells 6-disk Blu-Ray cases that are 14mm? I found one that sells them in 22mm but that's too large. I'd prefer to just use the same art insert and just change the plastic case.

[Draco1962]

Found a 15MM 6 disc blu-ray disk case on Amazon for $19.99 for a 5 pack, that should work I would think.

[hansolo77]

Wow thanks Draco. I never thought to look at Amazon! It's a bit pricey, but you get 5 in one order, so it might just be exactly what I'm looking for.