Product Description

Space. The Final Frontier. The U.S.S. Enterprise embarks on a five year mission to explore the galaxy. The Enterprise is under the command of Captain James T. Kirk. The First Officer is Mr. Spock, from the planet Vulcan. The Chief Medical Officer is Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy. With a determined crew, the Enterprise encounters Klingons, Romulans, time paradoxes, tribbles and genetic supermen lead by Khan Noonian Singh. Their mission is to explore strange new worlds, to seek new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #615 in DVD
• Brand: Par
• Released on: 2009-09-22
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Original language: English, Spanish, French
• Subtitled in: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese
• Dubbed in: French, Spanish
• Number of discs: 7
• Dimensions: 1.20 pounds
• Running time: 1270 minutes

Customer Reviews

Peace and long life.
The second season of Star Trek: one of television's most cherished programs of all time and the precursor to an additional five television series and eleven feature-length films arrives on Blu-ray with high expectations to meet or surpass the lofty standards set by the first season's incredible Blu-ray release. It should come as no surprise that season two picks up exactly where its predecessor left off, boasting a wonderful array of quality episodes presented with gorgeous 1080p transfers, full-fledged DTS-HD MA 7.1 lossless soundtracks, and plenty of bonus features.

Arguably the most important of any Star Trek season throughout the franchise's entire 29 season run, season two of the Original Series set the stage for a myriad of themes, story lines, and characters that would find their way into Star Trek lore in the 40 years after the season's original television debut on September 15, 1967.

Superficially, this season's most obvious contribution to "Star Trek" lore lies in the introduction of Pavel Chekov (portrayed by Walter Koenig) as a primary cast member. Arguably debuting too late in the series' run, his absence in the season one episode "Space Seed" but integral role in the history of Eugenics War villain Khan Noonien Singh as seen in the 1982 filmed sequel The Wrath of Khan represents one of Star Trek's most glaring inconsistencies, perhaps the only flaw to be found in my favorite Star Trek movie.

Season Two of Star Trek features what I think is the most loved episode of them all, "The Trouble With Tribbles." Featuring the franchise's best-known non-humanoid species, making for its funniest episode, and serving as the inspiration for the highly-innovative Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "Trials and Tribble-ations" that stands as one of that show's finest hours to be found outside the Dominan War story arc, "Tribbles" is simply Star Trek at its finest.

Video 9.5 out of 10
The Video Transfer
CBS gave the Blu-ray release a brand new video encode at 1080p, compressed with VC-1, with pillar boxing to preserve the original 4:3 aspect ratio.

Also what about those new digital special effects shots that have been such a hot topic? They have never looked better.

The great thing about these Blu-ray sets is the seamless branching, so you can choose which way you want to watch, with the original effects, or the new. Season two of Star Trek comes onto Blu-ray with an expectedly stellar 1080p, 1.33:1-framed transfer that preserves the series' original broadcast aspect ratio and places vertical black bars on either side of the image when replayed on a 16X9 screen.

Though it can a bit soft at times, seemingly a fault of the source and not the Blu-ray transfer, there's not a moment where this presentations fails to absolutely impress. It boasts a moderately heavy layer of grain throughout; effects shots as seen in the non-remastered versions are in particularly rough shape, though given the source material and the composition of the original effects, there's no need to fault the transfer and the rough-around-the-edges look lends a charm to the proceedings that's absent from the remastered versions.

Colors tend to jump off the screen with the natural appearance of every shade in the spectrum, highlighted by the mustard, red, and baby blue colors of the Starfleet uniforms. In addition, fine object detail is most impressive. Viewers will become privy to Spock's heavy make-up and the many beads of sweat that often appear on Dr. McCoy's face. A scar on Mirror Universe Sulu's face features an incredible amount of visible clarity and texture. Uniforms, too, are highly detailed; eagle-eyed viewers will see stitches, loose threads, a zipper that runs from the side of the neck and down, and even the faint residue of a Starfleet insignia patch that was removed on one particular red uniform in "Mirror, Mirror."

The clarity of the 1080p resolution even allows you to make out obvious stunt doubles in several long-distance action scenes. Blacks are generally solid but occasionally look a bit too bright, but flesh tones never veer too far from a natural shade. A small amount of shimmering and the occasional speckle of dirt are the only real hindrances to an otherwise stellar transfer.


Audio 10 out of 10
CBS has done an amazing job with the sound on the Blu-ray set. Audio is much harder to restore and squeeze extra clarity from as compared to film, so it is quite a testament to the technology we have today that these discs sound as good as they do. The audio is stored as DTS-HD Master Audio which is a lossless compression, which means this is as good as it will get and is available in 7.1 lossless soundtrack.

Just like Season One, the audio is clear, with dialogue well prioritized, it is never drowned out by other sound effects. Another well designed touch is the sense of ambiance mixed into the surround channels. When on the bridge you are engulfed in the sounds of ship.

However purists are again considered as CBS included the mono track as well. It can accessed by choosing Communications in the main menu and then selecting Audio Options.

The remastered blu-ray version also has a significantly greater sense of space and atmosphere. Listeners will often hear the hustle and bustle of the ship in the background as characters walk and talk about the bridge and Enterprise corridors, whether during calmer shots or more intense action sequences.

Extras
Each disc in this set contains bonus features, though some discs are far more feature-packed than others. Additionally, each episode is available for viewing with either original or enhanced special effects.

Disc One
Disc one begins with Starfleet Access in conjunction with the episode "Amok Time." This is a picture-in-picture feature that offers an extensive background on the episode via video commentary with various Star Trek crew members and historians. The piece also features pop-up trivia tidbits. Also included on this disc is Billy Blackburn's Treasure Chest , the second part of a collection of "rare home movies and special memories" as recorded on the set of Star Trek by the recurring background character.

Along with numerous clips from the show, Blackburn recalls his varied experiences on the set through many of the different episodes that populate season two. Rounding out the special features on disc one are previews for each episode on the disc and BD-Live and Mobile-Blu functionality.

Disc Two
Only previews for the episodes that appear on this disc and BD-Live and Mobile-Blu functionality are included on this disc.

Disc Three
As with disc two, disc three features only 480p previews for the episodes that appear on this disc and BD-Live and Mobile-Blu functionality.

Disc Four
Disc four is entirely devoted to Tribbles. "The Trouble With Tribbles" is the only original series episode to be found on the disc, and available with it is a feature-length commentary track with David Gerrold, writer of the famed episode. Also included is Starfleet Access, the picture-in-picture commentary/trivia track.

Perhaps the best feature on the disc is the inclusion of two additional Tribble-related episodes: "More Tribbles, More Troubles" from "Star Trek: The Animated Series," and "Trials and Tribble-ations" from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The former, featuring David Gerrold commentary, is presented in 1080p high definition with a 1.33:1 aspect ratio and a DTS-HD MA 7.1 soundtrack. The episode runs for 24:13. The video and audio quality are fantastic and bode well for a possible future Blu-ray release of the entire series. Meanwhile, "Trials and Tribble-ations" features a 1080i, 1.33:1 aspect ratio that I feel is no better than the same episode's upscaled DVD counterpart. The episode does feature a DTS-HD MA 7.1 lossless soundtrack.

Trials and Tribble-ations: Uniting Two Legends takes viewers deep into the episode's concept. It features plenty of cast and crew interview clips, behind-the-scenes footage, and segments from the completed episode. Trials and Tribble-ations: An Historic Endeavor is a similar piece that looks at how the episode came about, focusing this time on the special effects that made the show work. Star Trek: TOS on Blu-ray is a piece featuring a panel of Niel R. Wray, Denise and Michael Okuda, Dave Rossi, and later, Writer David Gerrold, delves into the creation of the Blu-ray set and why it makes for an improvement over previous releases. Also included is the preview for "The Trouble With Tribbles."

Disc Five
'To Boldly Go...' Season Two is a retrospective piece that looks back on "The Trouble With Tribbles," Chekov's character, the stories behind "Amok Time" and "Mirror, Mirror," how Star Trek integrated the issues of the 1960s into Science Fiction, and more. Also included are the previews for each episode on the disc and BD-Live and Mobile-Blu functionality.

Disc Six
The primary supplement on disc six is Designing the Final Frontier is a look at the set designs for many of the episodes throughout Star Trek's three-season run. Also included are the previews for each episode on the disc and BD-Live and Mobile-Blu functionality.

Disc Seven
The final disc in this set begins with 'Star Trek's' Favorite Moments in which features both fans and the cast and crew of the various Star Trek series recalling their favorite episodes and the series' influence on their lives. Writer's Notebook: D.C. Fontana looks at the important role of writers, editors, and the script itself on Star Trek.

Life Beyond Trek: Leonard Nimoy, features the actor discussing what he's been up to since "Star Trek." Next up is Kirk, Spock, & Bones: Star Trek's Great Trio is a look back on the chemistry between the famed characters. Star Trek's Divine Diva: Nichelle Nichols features the actress looking back on her character. Also included are the previews for each episode on the disc, BD-Live and Mobile-Blu functionality, and the enhanced visual effects credits.

I feel that season two of Star Trek is the best of the original series and I also feel that it is the most important in the franchise's long history. Completing the cast by adding Pavel Chekov and debuting characters, setting trends, and introducing themes that would remain throughout Star Trek for a long time.

This is the ultimate edition of a beloved classic, whether you're a purist or someone that likes the new special effects. The remastered series was meant to be seen in HD.

A picture so clear that you see the greatness...and the flaws
Star trek has been written about probably more than any show. From its countless pop culture references, to it examination of political and social commentaries, Star Trek has been talked about ad nauseam. Given the vast amount of writings, in some ways, its almost arrogant to try and add something new. However, if you're reading this, you're probably not as interested in a review of the series and episodes as much as you're interested in whether the Blu Ray is worth getting. I will say this new Blu-ray is something rather special. The picture is amazing, and I feel almost like I'm watching the show again for the first time, kind of like when you've heard a joke a hundred times, but then one day you hear it a little different and you laugh, like its new but familiar as well.

However, the trouble is that the Blu ray is almost too good. I can tell when the make up meshes with real skint. I can tell when a punch misses the target. In fact, the Blu Ray is so clear that you can actually see and clearly identify the stunt doubles as they are intermixed with the close up of kirk or whoever is fighting. So your interest in the Blu ray may vary. While the show's strengths in story and acting are highlighted, the weaknesses of the technology are made the more apparent. That being said, I love having the ability to watch both the new and old effects addition, as well as the slew of special features included makes this a must have for me.

Finally the show gets it's due respect
I have been a Star Trek fan since it first premiered back in the sixties. I taped all the episodes when Sci Fi ran them uncut. Thanks to DVD, and now Blu-Ray, however, you can own a great quality version of your favorite shows. This blu-ray set is fantastic. I am a purist...I don't like the idea that they messed with the classic shows and redid all the special effects. However, I am watching them that way out of curiosity. But the best part of this set is, the originals are still on here, in the same high quality blu-ray can offer. The interface is easy, the picture quality is supurb. I used to watch this in reruns in such bad quality prints, this is refreshing to see them like this. The audio is better than can be expected...truly a great effort in dealing with a classic. Highly recommended for the traditional Trek fan. Even if you don't like the revamped effects, the old ones are still here. Here is looking forward to season two, which I already have on pre-order.