After the release of "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country" in 1991, a consensus began to form among Trekkies as to which Trek movie was the best. Most fans agreed that the even-numbered films -- "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home," and "Country" -- were the good ones, while the odd-numbered film -- "Star Trek: The Motion Picture," "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock," and "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier" -- were the bad ones. This is arguably an unfair assessment, although "Final Frontier" is still often considered the worst in the series, and "Voyage Home" remains one of the most popular.
Indeed, "Voyage Home," even when not adjusted for inflation, remains the most financially successful "Star Trek" movie released before 2009. This might seem unusual to a 21st-century eye, as "Voyage Home" was a fish-out-of-water time travel comedy and not a revenge-motivated action flick.
Indeed, "Voyage Home," even when not adjusted for inflation, remains the most financially successful "Star Trek" movie released before 2009. This might seem unusual to a 21st-century eye, as "Voyage Home" was a fish-out-of-water time travel comedy and not a revenge-motivated action flick.
- 3/31/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
In his vast career, William Shatner has directed five features. Three of them were documentaries about the making of "Star Trek" including "The Captains" in 2011, "Get a Life!" in 2012, and "Chaos on the Bridge" in 2014. Prior to these, Shatner also helmed a 2002 sci-fi film called "Groom Lake," which he co-wrote with the notorious "Star Trek" producer Maurice Hurley.
Shatner's highest-profile directing gig, however, came in 1989 with the release of "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier." To this day, "Star Trek V" is considered the least of the "Star Trek" movies, lambasted for its clunky script, weird central conceit, and cheap special effects. In the film, the U.S.S. Enterprise is hijacked by Sybok (Laurence Luckinbill), the half-brother of Spock (Leonard Nimoy). Sybok flies the ship to the very center of the galaxy where he hopes to meet God face-to-face. Along the way, Sybok converts several Enterprise crew members to...
Shatner's highest-profile directing gig, however, came in 1989 with the release of "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier." To this day, "Star Trek V" is considered the least of the "Star Trek" movies, lambasted for its clunky script, weird central conceit, and cheap special effects. In the film, the U.S.S. Enterprise is hijacked by Sybok (Laurence Luckinbill), the half-brother of Spock (Leonard Nimoy). Sybok flies the ship to the very center of the galaxy where he hopes to meet God face-to-face. Along the way, Sybok converts several Enterprise crew members to...
- 3/18/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Most Trekkies will be able to tell you that Robert Wise's 1979 film "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" wasn't as big a success as Paramount had hoped. The film is famously slow-moving, aiming for cosmic grandeur and hefty evolutionary themes over the then-popular whizzbang action of "Star Wars." "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry oversaw the production of "Motion Picture," and the overall tepid response left him in Paramount's bad graces. This was in addition to multiple delays in filming, the production going over budget, and those common studio spats so often classified as "creative differences." According to William Shatner (as he wrote in his autobiography "Star Trek Movie Memories"), Roddenberry was essentially fired from the production of any potential sequel for "Motion Picture" as a result of all the drama, and the Great Bird of the Galaxy was given the faraway and somewhat demeaning title of "executive consultant" on any future productions.
- 1/28/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
"Star Trek III: The Search For Spock" is a memorable entry into the "Trek" canon for several reasons. The 1984 movie hesitantly followed up franchise high point "The Wrath of Kahn," introduced new Federation starship designs, and resurrected everyone's favorite half-human, half-Vulcan officer, played by Leonard Nimoy. "The Search For Spock" is a story for Spock lovers, and though it doesn't quite match the thrilling emotional and narrative highs of its predecessors, it still feels like "Star Trek" boldly going where it never has before. Unfortunately, though, there's one thing "Star Trek III" is missing: Kirstie Alley's Vulcan junior Lieutenant Saavik.
Saavik does appear in "The Search For Spock," but future "Cheers" star Alley is missing, replaced by actor Robin Curtis. Curtis does a fine job as Saavik and would go on to reprise the role in the next "Star Trek" film as well, but the recast is jarring for close watchers of the saga.
Saavik does appear in "The Search For Spock," but future "Cheers" star Alley is missing, replaced by actor Robin Curtis. Curtis does a fine job as Saavik and would go on to reprise the role in the next "Star Trek" film as well, but the recast is jarring for close watchers of the saga.
- 1/25/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
I watch a lot of movies, but even ones that stab at my heart rarely make me tear up. "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" is, to quote Hayley Williams of Paramore, the only exception.
Spock (Leonard Nimoy) dies to save the Enterprise and his comrades, taking a lethal dose of radiation when giving the ship's engine a boost. He passes on after a final conversation with his best friend James Kirk (William Shatner). It's fair to say Nimoy was a better actor than Shatner, yet it's the latter who affects me most here. From the way his voice trembles as he yells Spock's name to the quiet heartbreak across his face as he watches his friend's final moments of pain, it's the most empathic acting I've ever seen from Shatner.
So, there's a part of me that will always resent the next film, "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock,...
Spock (Leonard Nimoy) dies to save the Enterprise and his comrades, taking a lethal dose of radiation when giving the ship's engine a boost. He passes on after a final conversation with his best friend James Kirk (William Shatner). It's fair to say Nimoy was a better actor than Shatner, yet it's the latter who affects me most here. From the way his voice trembles as he yells Spock's name to the quiet heartbreak across his face as he watches his friend's final moments of pain, it's the most empathic acting I've ever seen from Shatner.
So, there's a part of me that will always resent the next film, "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock,...
- 1/21/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Khan Noonien Singh's trajectory as a fictional character is the opposite of his in-universe life story. He was once a superhuman tyrant who ruled much of the Earth — after being overthrown, he fled to space aboard the SS Botany Bay. Upon reawakening, he was bested twice by James T. Kirk and died failing to avenge himself. For audiences though, Khan went from a villain of the week (in the "Star Trek" episode "Space Seed") to the greatest of all "Trek" villains thanks to his reappearance in the film "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan."
Before "The Wrath of Khan," however, "Star Trek" was in trouble. "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" underwhelmed, Paramount was hesitant about a sequel, and Leonard Nimoy had to be convinced to return as Spock. That's why the film famously ends with his character dying — except, during shooting, Nimoy changed his mind about exiting. Thus, when...
Before "The Wrath of Khan," however, "Star Trek" was in trouble. "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" underwhelmed, Paramount was hesitant about a sequel, and Leonard Nimoy had to be convinced to return as Spock. That's why the film famously ends with his character dying — except, during shooting, Nimoy changed his mind about exiting. Thus, when...
- 1/20/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
The "Star Trek" franchise was nearing a crossroads in 1986. 20 years after the premiere of The Original Series on NBC, moviegoers were showing up in significant numbers to follow the big-screen exploits of Captain Kirk and the crew of the Starship Enterprise. But while 1982's "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" and 1984's "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock" were hits for Paramount (they both grossed in the $78 million range domestically), they were not blockbusters. So when stars William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy asked for salary bumps, the studio had some tough decisions to make.
Paramount almost received an unexpected windfall when their under-contract box office juggernaut, Eddie Murphy, asked to be in the fourth "Star Trek" movie. Murphy had just starred in "Beverly Hills Cop," the highest-grossing movie of 1984, and, as a hardcore Trekker, wanted to be a part of Gene Roddenberry's sci-fi universe. The studio was thrilled,...
Paramount almost received an unexpected windfall when their under-contract box office juggernaut, Eddie Murphy, asked to be in the fourth "Star Trek" movie. Murphy had just starred in "Beverly Hills Cop," the highest-grossing movie of 1984, and, as a hardcore Trekker, wanted to be a part of Gene Roddenberry's sci-fi universe. The studio was thrilled,...
- 12/7/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Here's a fun piece of trivia: when Dr. Carol Marcus (Bibi Besch) proposes the Genesis Device in her proposal video in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," is it accompanied by an animated simulation showing a dead moon being magically terraformed within a matter of seconds. The animated simulation, rendered by Industrial Light and Magic, was the first instance of a fully rendered CGI sequence in a feature film. According to the October 1982 issue of American Cinematographer Magazine, the Genesis simulation was originally envisioned as a more traditionally realized sequence wherein a character turns a rock into a flower. Special effects supervisor Jim Veilleux felt that something more impressive was required to capture the scope of the Genesis Device's power, and the CGI sequence was developed instead.
The Genesis Device is one of the more magical objects to have emerged from "Star Trek." Introduced in "Star Trek II," it...
The Genesis Device is one of the more magical objects to have emerged from "Star Trek." Introduced in "Star Trek II," it...
- 12/2/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Star Trek Nemesis just about marked the death of the franchise. Indeed, the fact that it was a worldwide box-office disaster meant that many felt the series had run out of steam. For the first time in many years, there were no active big-screen franchises or Trek shows running on TV, with the often neglected Star Trek: Enterprise going off the air in 2005. It seemed space operas were out of vogue, with the rise of superhero movies taking Hollywood by storm. Not only was there the Sam Raimi Spider-Man movies and the Christopher Nolan Batman movies breaking box office records, but also a little company called Marvel studios decided to start making the own movies, beginning with Iron Man.
But what about Star Trek? For a while, Paramount wouldn’t have been able to produce a Star Trek movie even if they wanted to, with the company’s owner, Viacom,...
But what about Star Trek? For a while, Paramount wouldn’t have been able to produce a Star Trek movie even if they wanted to, with the company’s owner, Viacom,...
- 11/21/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
The "Star Trek" movie franchise was almost a one-and-done fiasco. Paramount had the highest of hopes when they released "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" on December 7, 1979, and, at first, it appeared as though their commercial expectations would be exceeded. The film scored the biggest opening of the year with a gross of $11.9 million (slightly better than the openings for "Alien" and "Moonraker"), but mixed reviews and ho-hum word of mouth (particularly from non-fans) kept it from being the runaway blockbuster it needed to be given its then exorbitant $44 million budget. It wound up being the fourth highest grossing film of 1979 behind "Kramer vs. Kramer," "The Amityville Horror" and "Rocky II").
The film's primary problem was its length and lack of action. At 132 minutes, Robert Wise's movie kind of lumbered; there are long, reverent shots of the U.S.S. Enterprise that, for many in the audience, quickly went from awe-inspiring to tedious.
The film's primary problem was its length and lack of action. At 132 minutes, Robert Wise's movie kind of lumbered; there are long, reverent shots of the U.S.S. Enterprise that, for many in the audience, quickly went from awe-inspiring to tedious.
- 11/19/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
In 1989, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier disappointed the box office. Reeling from bad reviews, the film only grossed $49 million domestically from a $33 million budget. That’s a worrying figure for a franchise considering that the previous movie, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, had made a huge $133 million. It likely eventually eked out a profit, but it did badly enough that the studio was looking to reboot the series without any of the original stars by making a Starlet Academy movie. Harve Bennett, the producer of all the films since Star Trek II, thought this would be the way to continue the crew’s big-screen adventures, but Paramount thought differently. With Star Trek: The Next Generation picking up momentum on TV, it became clear that Captain Picard and company would eventually move to the big screen, but, given that the franchise’s 25th anniversary was right around the corner,...
- 6/27/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
There’s this theory out there that annoys most Trekkies, being that, of the films, only the even-numbered entries are good. This stems mainly from the fact that everyone remembers Star Trek V: The Final Frontier as being the worst movie of the series and ignores that Star Trek: The Motion Picture – while divisive – was a hit, and so was The Search for Spock. However, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is indeed a bad Star Trek movie, and in this episode of Revisited, we’re going to look at exactly what went wrong with something that was clearly a passion project for its star and director, William Shatner.
Jump back to 1986, and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home was a significant hit. It was the highest-grossing movie in the franchise and earned critical raves. People that didn’t even like Star Trek were down with this earth-bound adventure of the crew of the U.
Jump back to 1986, and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home was a significant hit. It was the highest-grossing movie in the franchise and earned critical raves. People that didn’t even like Star Trek were down with this earth-bound adventure of the crew of the U.
- 6/11/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
In 1984, Leonard Nimoy boldly went where he had never gone before – into the director’s chair of a feature film. His being allowed to direct Star Trek III: The Search for Spock was part of his deal to return to the franchise, as if they had not allowed him this opportunity, the search for Spock might be ended with them… ya know… not finding him. While critics were cool on the film, audiences and fans liked it enough to make it a considerable financial success, earning $76.5 million domestically – just below the $78 million The Wrath of Khan had made. However, like the previous film, its success was limited to North America, with it only making about $10 million internationally compared to the $20 million Wrath of Khan made. No matter, like its predecessor, it was a significant hit on home video and cable, and soon plans were in the works for a fourth...
- 5/9/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
In 1982, Paramount Pictures released Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Despite carrying a considerably lower budget than its predecessor, the film was a smash hit at the box office, grossing $78 million, good enough to make it the sixth highest-grossing movie of the year. A sequel, at this point, was a given, but the question remained, would Mr. Spock be involved? After all, Leonard Nimoy had been outspoken for years about wanting to move away from the role, even writing a memoir called “I’m Not Spock.” He was killed off in Star Trek II, but a last-minute insert showing him doing a mind-meld with Dr. McCoy teased that perhaps Spock wasn’t quite as dead as he seemed. Indeed, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock would hit theatres in 1984 and be directed by Nimoy, with the film launching a successful career behind the camera for the actor. How did it all happen?...
- 4/17/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
In 1979, Paramount’s Star Trek: The Motion Picture hit theaters to a somewhat mixed reception from critics and audiences. Many had predicted that the film would be a big money loser because it had gone dramatically over-budget, making it one of the most expensive films ever made up to the point. In the end, the film eked out a profit. It did well enough that Paramount was willing to take another chance on the franchise. Still, their approach would be pretty different, drastically slashing the budget and hiring fewer A-listers behind the camera. But, to the surprise of all, this proved to be precisely the right move, with the resulting film, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, a smash-hit that relaunched the franchise as a legitimate big-screen property and introduced the adventures of Kirk, Spock and McCoy to a whole new generation.
When Paramount Pictures was preparing for a sequel,...
When Paramount Pictures was preparing for a sequel,...
- 4/9/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
In the lore of "Star Trek," Starfleet Academy is located on Earth, just on the other side of the still-standing Golden Gate Bridge on San Francisco Bay. Any Starfleet officer on any "Star Trek" show has attended Starfleet Academy for several years, learning everything there is to know about diplomacy, tactics, xenolinguistics, starship engineering, history, and piloting. By the franchise's description, it's the most rigorous and intense college the future has to offer. Starfleet Academy is open to anyone aged over 16 years (or their home planet's equivalent) and not everyone makes it all the way through. Numerous stories in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" centered specifically on Starfleet Academy..
Non-Trekkies may recall Starfleet Academy being mentioned in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," and the school's notoriously unwinnable Kobayashi Maru test. Cadets are meant to fail to gauge their character and their command skills.
Non-Trekkies may recall Starfleet Academy being mentioned in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," and the school's notoriously unwinnable Kobayashi Maru test. Cadets are meant to fail to gauge their character and their command skills.
- 3/31/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Alan Gibson's 1982 TV miniseries, "A Woman Called Golda," isn't widely discussed in the pop culture firmament, but when it first aired, it felt like an event. A biography of Golda Meir, the Prime Minister of Israel from 1969 until 1974, "A Woman Called Golda" boasted an all-star, award-winning cast that boggles the mind. Meir herself was played by Ingrid Bergman in what would prove to be her final screen role. She was joined by the likes of Ned Beatty, who played an American senator, Robert Loggia who played Anwar Sadat, and Nigel Hawthorne, who played King Abdullah I of Jordan. Judy David played the young Meir. From 1917 to his death in 1951, Meir was married to a man named Morris Meyerson, and Meyerson was played by Leonard Nimoy, acting in scenes opposite both Davis and Bergman.
"A Woman Called Golda" aired in two 2-hour parts, starting on April 26 on CBS. The project was overseen by Harve Bennett,...
"A Woman Called Golda" aired in two 2-hour parts, starting on April 26 on CBS. The project was overseen by Harve Bennett,...
- 2/5/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Comebacks are funny. Most of the time, in order for a comeback to make sense, everyone has to be aware of the thing or person that had left and is now returning. After all, the Empire can’t strike back if you’re not aware of how it was doing beforehand.
This may seem obvious, but it’s worth noting because every once in a while, in big sci-fi narratives, the opposite occurs: a comeback is a huge deal, but knowledge of anything pre-comeback is optional, or perhaps, irrelevant. It sounds nuts, but this specific kind of comeback perfectly describes Khan Noonien Singh in 1982’s The Wrath of Khan. 40 summers after Kirk screamed “Khaaaaan!!!” the true brilliance of this film is how it tricked everyone into “remembering” Khan in the first place.
In Star Trek: The Original Series, Khan is a one-off villain. Appearing just once in 1967’s “Space Seed,...
This may seem obvious, but it’s worth noting because every once in a while, in big sci-fi narratives, the opposite occurs: a comeback is a huge deal, but knowledge of anything pre-comeback is optional, or perhaps, irrelevant. It sounds nuts, but this specific kind of comeback perfectly describes Khan Noonien Singh in 1982’s The Wrath of Khan. 40 summers after Kirk screamed “Khaaaaan!!!” the true brilliance of this film is how it tricked everyone into “remembering” Khan in the first place.
In Star Trek: The Original Series, Khan is a one-off villain. Appearing just once in 1967’s “Space Seed,...
- 8/5/2022
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Star Trek Picard is, unsurprisingly, an absolutely treasure trove of continuity and easter eggs. Sometimes that’s fun, like when Seven of Nine silences the same bus punk that Spock did in Star Trek IV, and sometimes it’s baffling, such as when Guinan mysteriously de-ages and forgets Picard existed some time between the 19th and 21st centuries, or Picard’s Hallucination Dad adding a bunch of unnecessary backstory while gloating he kept his hair (despite the fact we already know he didn’t).
One of the subtler and longer-running threads of this series has been the plot around geneticist Adam Soong, ancestor of Data’s creator and excuse to keep casting Brent Spiner after Data has been killed off.
But Soong’s plotline is more than just “A 400 year-long male line of eerily identical mad scientists” and it ties into a piece of plot arc and worldbuilding that traces...
One of the subtler and longer-running threads of this series has been the plot around geneticist Adam Soong, ancestor of Data’s creator and excuse to keep casting Brent Spiner after Data has been killed off.
But Soong’s plotline is more than just “A 400 year-long male line of eerily identical mad scientists” and it ties into a piece of plot arc and worldbuilding that traces...
- 4/26/2022
- by Mike Cecchini
- Den of Geek
To borrow a phrase, when it came to Star Trek circa 1980-1981, “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
On the one hand, the arrival of Star Trek: The Motion Picture in 1979 had proven that audiences would show up for the big screen adaptation of a cult TV series that had gone off the air a decade earlier. The millions of fans who had never even seen the show in its original 1966-1969 run on NBC, but had caught it in syndication, were clearly hungry for more adventures with the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise.
On the other hand, the negative critical response to that film and the incredible expense incurred in bringing it to the screen — its $44 million budget was the highest for a film made in the U.S. up to that time — had franchise owner Paramount Pictures rethinking its approach.
On the one hand, the arrival of Star Trek: The Motion Picture in 1979 had proven that audiences would show up for the big screen adaptation of a cult TV series that had gone off the air a decade earlier. The millions of fans who had never even seen the show in its original 1966-1969 run on NBC, but had caught it in syndication, were clearly hungry for more adventures with the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise.
On the other hand, the negative critical response to that film and the incredible expense incurred in bringing it to the screen — its $44 million budget was the highest for a film made in the U.S. up to that time — had franchise owner Paramount Pictures rethinking its approach.
- 7/17/2020
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
Den of Geek recently had the opportunity to speak at length with Robert Sallin, producer of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982). The film is Sallin’s sole feature film production credit, but it’s a huge one, as the picture — which pitted Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise against their old nemesis Khan and ended with the death of Mr. Spock — is still held as the gold standard of Star Trek movies.
Hired by executive producer Harve Bennett — who in turn was recruited by Paramount to save the franchise after 1979’s Star Trek: The Motion Picture became a bloated, budget-busting mess — Sallin is perhaps less well known in the firmament of Trek creatives, but it’s been said that his professionalism, competence and steady hand helped right the ship and set the Enterprise back on a profitable course with a movie much closer in spirit to the original series.
Hired by executive producer Harve Bennett — who in turn was recruited by Paramount to save the franchise after 1979’s Star Trek: The Motion Picture became a bloated, budget-busting mess — Sallin is perhaps less well known in the firmament of Trek creatives, but it’s been said that his professionalism, competence and steady hand helped right the ship and set the Enterprise back on a profitable course with a movie much closer in spirit to the original series.
- 7/9/2020
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
Decades before UCLA’s school of Theater, Film and Television formally became one of the world’s top-ranking drama departments, the Southern California university’s arts program was synonymous with nurturing artists whose iconic work irrevocably transformed entertainment, and media itself, for the better.
Marking the first time a major university combined the three disciplines under one administration, UCLA Tft was established in 1990, simultaneously building on the history of the school’s storied curriculum, bolstering industry connections to reflect its impact and influence, and developing a network of facilities, instructors and experts to help prepare and accommodate students for a constantly changing entertainment landscape.
Even before 14-time Academy Awards telecast producer Gil Cates became its founding dean, UCLA’s fine arts departments were already part of a considerable legacy, with a list of famous alumni that included James Dean, Steve Martin, Paul Schrader, Francis Ford Coppola, Carroll Ballard, Rob Reiner,...
Marking the first time a major university combined the three disciplines under one administration, UCLA Tft was established in 1990, simultaneously building on the history of the school’s storied curriculum, bolstering industry connections to reflect its impact and influence, and developing a network of facilities, instructors and experts to help prepare and accommodate students for a constantly changing entertainment landscape.
Even before 14-time Academy Awards telecast producer Gil Cates became its founding dean, UCLA’s fine arts departments were already part of a considerable legacy, with a list of famous alumni that included James Dean, Steve Martin, Paul Schrader, Francis Ford Coppola, Carroll Ballard, Rob Reiner,...
- 5/17/2019
- by Todd Gilchrist
- Variety Film + TV
Star Trek: The Motion Picture is not remembered fondly by fans and critics alike. In fact, it's kind of a miracle that The Wrath of Khan was ever made to begin with when you look at just how poorly the film performed at the time. William Shatner spoke to Collider recently and shared just how that miracle happened below:
Yeah. So Star Trek: The Motion Picture was not well received because it was so rushed and didn’t have the final editing time. So to all intents and purposes, that was it. The reviews weren’t that great, business wasn’t that great, that was going to be the end of it.
The owner of Paramount Studios at that time whose name I can’t remember… his wife, so everybody said, “Okay, that’s it, we’ve done it. We’ve made a movie of Star Trek.” That guy’s wife said to her husband,...
Yeah. So Star Trek: The Motion Picture was not well received because it was so rushed and didn’t have the final editing time. So to all intents and purposes, that was it. The reviews weren’t that great, business wasn’t that great, that was going to be the end of it.
The owner of Paramount Studios at that time whose name I can’t remember… his wife, so everybody said, “Okay, that’s it, we’ve done it. We’ve made a movie of Star Trek.” That guy’s wife said to her husband,...
- 9/1/2017
- by Mick Joest
- GeekTyrant
By Todd Garbarini
Arguably the best Star Trek film ever made, Nicholas Meyer’s Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982), which was originally subtitled The Vengeance of Khan but was changed so as not to interfere with Richard Marquand’s Revenge of the Jedi which itself was changed to Return of the Jedi, celebrates its 35th anniversary this year and is the subject of an exclusive screening at Laemmle’s Ahrya Fine Arts Theatre. The 113-minute film, which stars William Shatner and the crew of the Enterprise, will be screened on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at 7:30 pm on Digital Cinema Projection (Dcp).
Please Note: Director Nicholas Meyer is scheduled to appear in person for a Q & A following the screening.
From the press release:
Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan
(35th Anniversary Screening)
Wednesday, May 31, at 7:30 Pm at the Ahrya Fine Arts Theatre
Followed by Q&A with...
Arguably the best Star Trek film ever made, Nicholas Meyer’s Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982), which was originally subtitled The Vengeance of Khan but was changed so as not to interfere with Richard Marquand’s Revenge of the Jedi which itself was changed to Return of the Jedi, celebrates its 35th anniversary this year and is the subject of an exclusive screening at Laemmle’s Ahrya Fine Arts Theatre. The 113-minute film, which stars William Shatner and the crew of the Enterprise, will be screened on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at 7:30 pm on Digital Cinema Projection (Dcp).
Please Note: Director Nicholas Meyer is scheduled to appear in person for a Q & A following the screening.
From the press release:
Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan
(35th Anniversary Screening)
Wednesday, May 31, at 7:30 Pm at the Ahrya Fine Arts Theatre
Followed by Q&A with...
- 5/24/2017
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Michael Reed Mar 24, 2017
Examining some of the key turning points in the Star Trek series, with the projects that never quite made it to the screen...
“History is replete with turning points. You must have faith.” - Spock
See related Broadchurch series 3 episode 4 review Broadchurch series 3 episode 3 review Broadchurch series 3 episode 2 review Broadchurch series 3 episode 1 review
Star Trek has been with us for over 50 years in one form or another. It started in 1964 with the filming of the pilot episode of the original series, and it has continued to the present day, through films and subsequent TV series, along with other mediums such as books and video games.
We’re principally interested in the core of the franchise here, the TV series and films, and we’re going to take a look at some 'what if...' possibilities of projects that almost happened but didn’t. If you’re reading...
Examining some of the key turning points in the Star Trek series, with the projects that never quite made it to the screen...
“History is replete with turning points. You must have faith.” - Spock
See related Broadchurch series 3 episode 4 review Broadchurch series 3 episode 3 review Broadchurch series 3 episode 2 review Broadchurch series 3 episode 1 review
Star Trek has been with us for over 50 years in one form or another. It started in 1964 with the filming of the pilot episode of the original series, and it has continued to the present day, through films and subsequent TV series, along with other mediums such as books and video games.
We’re principally interested in the core of the franchise here, the TV series and films, and we’re going to take a look at some 'what if...' possibilities of projects that almost happened but didn’t. If you’re reading...
- 3/16/2017
- Den of Geek
What is the secret to the enduring success of “Star Trek”? Any fan can tell you that it’s the creative and humanitarian vision of its creator Gene Roddenberry.
This is no more apparent than in a letter Roddenberry sent to Paramount Pictures’ Harve Bennett, who was hired to take over the “Star Trek” motion picture franchise after the first film. Bennett, who was taken with the character of Khan from the series’ episode “Space Seed,” proposed a story called “The Genesis Project” that would become the basis for “The Wrath of Khan.”
Read More: ‘Star Trek’: 50 Years of Films and TV, Ranked From Worst to Best
Roddenberry was not pleased with the first draft, since many elements went against all things “Star Trek” holds dear. As part of Project 366, Roddenberry Entertainment is releasing never-before-seen “Star Trek” content from the archives, including this exclusive-to-IndieWire letter from Roddenberry to Bennett...
This is no more apparent than in a letter Roddenberry sent to Paramount Pictures’ Harve Bennett, who was hired to take over the “Star Trek” motion picture franchise after the first film. Bennett, who was taken with the character of Khan from the series’ episode “Space Seed,” proposed a story called “The Genesis Project” that would become the basis for “The Wrath of Khan.”
Read More: ‘Star Trek’: 50 Years of Films and TV, Ranked From Worst to Best
Roddenberry was not pleased with the first draft, since many elements went against all things “Star Trek” holds dear. As part of Project 366, Roddenberry Entertainment is releasing never-before-seen “Star Trek” content from the archives, including this exclusive-to-IndieWire letter from Roddenberry to Bennett...
- 9/9/2016
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
Filming has started in Belfast on The Bookshop, an adaptation of the Penelope Fitzgerald novel by writer/director Isabel Coixet, about a woman, Florence Green, played by Emily Mortimer, who decides, against polite but ruthless local opposition in a small town in 1959 England, to open a bookshop. A decision which becomes a political minefield.
Honor Kneafsey stars as Christine, Florence's 10 year old bookshop assistant. Honor (represented by A&J Management), starred in the BBC drama Our Zoo, and went on the join the cast of Benidorm.
A casting call was posted on Screenterrier to find the other young star of the film, a red-headed boy. 10 year old newcomer Harvey Bennett (represented by Purple Giraffe Casting) landed the part, in his first screen role.
The film stars Emily Mortimer as Florence Green, with Patricia Clarkson, and Bill Nighy. Charlotte Vega plays Kattie with James Lance as Milo North.
The Bookshop is...
Honor Kneafsey stars as Christine, Florence's 10 year old bookshop assistant. Honor (represented by A&J Management), starred in the BBC drama Our Zoo, and went on the join the cast of Benidorm.
A casting call was posted on Screenterrier to find the other young star of the film, a red-headed boy. 10 year old newcomer Harvey Bennett (represented by Purple Giraffe Casting) landed the part, in his first screen role.
The film stars Emily Mortimer as Florence Green, with Patricia Clarkson, and Bill Nighy. Charlotte Vega plays Kattie with James Lance as Milo North.
The Bookshop is...
- 8/11/2016
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
Alex Carter Dec 6, 2019
A look back at Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, the final outing for The Original Series cast.
This article originally appeared on Den of Geek UK.
Star Trek: VI: The Undiscovered Country remains the final ensemble outing for the cast of Star Trek: The Original Series, the show that started it all. Let's take a look back at how this miraculous film came to be and why it deserves recognition in this franchise's 50-year history...
Despite my personal opinions, the reception to Star Trek V: The Final Frontier was nothing short of disastrous: A Razzie for Worst Picture, derision across the board, enough fallout to kill the career of producer Harve Bennett and stop William Shatner from ever directing another movie. But Star Trek: The Next Generation fortunately found its feet not long after, and the franchise survived.
But what of the aging original cast? They were unwanted,...
A look back at Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, the final outing for The Original Series cast.
This article originally appeared on Den of Geek UK.
Star Trek: VI: The Undiscovered Country remains the final ensemble outing for the cast of Star Trek: The Original Series, the show that started it all. Let's take a look back at how this miraculous film came to be and why it deserves recognition in this franchise's 50-year history...
Despite my personal opinions, the reception to Star Trek V: The Final Frontier was nothing short of disastrous: A Razzie for Worst Picture, derision across the board, enough fallout to kill the career of producer Harve Bennett and stop William Shatner from ever directing another movie. But Star Trek: The Next Generation fortunately found its feet not long after, and the franchise survived.
But what of the aging original cast? They were unwanted,...
- 6/29/2016
- Den of Geek
Alex Carter Jun 9, 2019
The War On Terror meets The Final Frontier and asks the most important question of all time. What does God need with a starship?
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
William Shatner fights God. That’s about all anyone remembers from the infamous Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. Over the years, the tale has grown in the telling. Some called it one of the worst films of all time, others call it a box office catastrophe. It killed the careers of the director, producer, the entire special effects company, and nearly ended the entire Star Trek franchise right there and then. It is remembered merely as a vanity project gone horribly wrong.
But ask yourself this. What does God need with a starship? Can you answer it? Can you understand the question? To dismiss it out of hand is to dismiss the opportunity to think.
The War On Terror meets The Final Frontier and asks the most important question of all time. What does God need with a starship?
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
William Shatner fights God. That’s about all anyone remembers from the infamous Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. Over the years, the tale has grown in the telling. Some called it one of the worst films of all time, others call it a box office catastrophe. It killed the careers of the director, producer, the entire special effects company, and nearly ended the entire Star Trek franchise right there and then. It is remembered merely as a vanity project gone horribly wrong.
But ask yourself this. What does God need with a starship? Can you answer it? Can you understand the question? To dismiss it out of hand is to dismiss the opportunity to think.
- 6/20/2016
- Den of Geek
Home Video fans have a lot to look forward to as Paramount Home Entertainment releases a variety of Star Trek material this year. First up and arriving Tuesday, just days after its 34th anniversary is Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan Director’s Cut. This is the first time director Nicholas Meyer’s version of the now-classic film is available on Blu-ray.
There’s little left to say about just how good the film is and looking back, we can easily see the affection both cast and crew put into the production. There was a gamble in bringing in Harve Bennett to produce and Meyer to direct only because neither had been a part of Trek previously and Paramount needed the film to be a major success to salvage the franchise.
Thankfully, Bennett understand the genre and Meyer was a gifted novelist and filmmaker so got down to the core elements.
There’s little left to say about just how good the film is and looking back, we can easily see the affection both cast and crew put into the production. There was a gamble in bringing in Harve Bennett to produce and Meyer to direct only because neither had been a part of Trek previously and Paramount needed the film to be a major success to salvage the franchise.
Thankfully, Bennett understand the genre and Meyer was a gifted novelist and filmmaker so got down to the core elements.
- 6/6/2016
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
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The final big screen outing for the original crew, we take a look back at Star Trek 6...
Despite my personal opinions, the reception to Star Trek V: The Final Frontier was nothing short of disastrous. A Razzie for Worst Picture, derision across the board and enough fallout to kill the career of producer Harve Bennett, and stop William Shatner from ever directing another movie. But Star Trek: The Next Generation fortunately found its feet not long after, and the franchise survived. But what of the ageing original cast? They were unwanted, unloved, too old, and too much of a financial risk. Gene Roddenberry, in rapidly failing health, was using what was left of his clout as Next Generation showrunner (even if the day to day running of the show was something of a power vacuum due to said failing health) to try and get his Starfleet Academy story made.
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The final big screen outing for the original crew, we take a look back at Star Trek 6...
Despite my personal opinions, the reception to Star Trek V: The Final Frontier was nothing short of disastrous. A Razzie for Worst Picture, derision across the board and enough fallout to kill the career of producer Harve Bennett, and stop William Shatner from ever directing another movie. But Star Trek: The Next Generation fortunately found its feet not long after, and the franchise survived. But what of the ageing original cast? They were unwanted, unloved, too old, and too much of a financial risk. Gene Roddenberry, in rapidly failing health, was using what was left of his clout as Next Generation showrunner (even if the day to day running of the show was something of a power vacuum due to said failing health) to try and get his Starfleet Academy story made.
- 4/28/2016
- Den of Geek
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The War On Terror meets The Final Frontier and asks the most important question of all time. What does God need with a starship?
Shatner fights God. That’s about all anyone remembers from the infamous Final Frontier. Over the years, the tale has grown in the telling. Some called it one of the worst films of all time, others call it a box office catastrophe. It killed the careers of the director, producer, the entire special effects company, and nearly ended the entire franchise right there and then. It is remembered merely as a vanity project gone horribly wrong.
But ask yourself this. What does God need with a starship? Can you answer it? Can you understand the question? To dismiss it out of hand is to dismiss the opportunity to think. Do not turn your brain off.
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is the ultimate question.
google+
The War On Terror meets The Final Frontier and asks the most important question of all time. What does God need with a starship?
Shatner fights God. That’s about all anyone remembers from the infamous Final Frontier. Over the years, the tale has grown in the telling. Some called it one of the worst films of all time, others call it a box office catastrophe. It killed the careers of the director, producer, the entire special effects company, and nearly ended the entire franchise right there and then. It is remembered merely as a vanity project gone horribly wrong.
But ask yourself this. What does God need with a starship? Can you answer it? Can you understand the question? To dismiss it out of hand is to dismiss the opportunity to think. Do not turn your brain off.
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is the ultimate question.
- 3/22/2016
- Den of Geek
Across film and TV, there have been many Star Trek projects that never got the greenlight. Such as these...
Since 1964 (yep) there have been Star Trek projects that simply didn't make it to the big or small screen. And before Star Trek's second (proper) coming in 1979's Star Trek: The Motion Picture, the franchise had more than its fair share of attempts to come to life, and then be reborn.
This lot in fact...
Star Trek – The (original) Original Series
Here's a thought – the original Star Trek series wasn't supposed to be the original Star Trek series.
The pilot that sold the show to NBC was in fact the second pilot, after the original, entitled The Cage, filmed at the end of 1964, was deemed too cerebral. That's on top of having other multiple issues that TV executives (and test audiences) of the time couldn't cope with – you know, like gender equality in the workplace.
Since 1964 (yep) there have been Star Trek projects that simply didn't make it to the big or small screen. And before Star Trek's second (proper) coming in 1979's Star Trek: The Motion Picture, the franchise had more than its fair share of attempts to come to life, and then be reborn.
This lot in fact...
Star Trek – The (original) Original Series
Here's a thought – the original Star Trek series wasn't supposed to be the original Star Trek series.
The pilot that sold the show to NBC was in fact the second pilot, after the original, entitled The Cage, filmed at the end of 1964, was deemed too cerebral. That's on top of having other multiple issues that TV executives (and test audiences) of the time couldn't cope with – you know, like gender equality in the workplace.
- 9/16/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Alex Carter May 31, 2019
Is Star Trek III: The Search For Spock actually a better movie than The Wrath of Khan? Maybe...
The passing of Leonard Nimoy demonstrated exactly why Star Trek’s relentless optimism pulled in so many fans. In sci-fi, death is generally cheap, undone by the stealing of a starship and a healthy dose of improbable science. In Trek, Spock was never really dead. In reality, Leonard Nimoy has died, it sucks, and the only thing left to do is mourn. I know which reality I prefer.
Star Trek III: The Search For Spock might seem like the inevitable sequel, but at the time Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan was supposed to be the end of the franchise. Yet the renewed interest by not only fans, but the cast, meant that once Star Trek II was successful, the future of the franchise was guaranteed. And it...
Is Star Trek III: The Search For Spock actually a better movie than The Wrath of Khan? Maybe...
The passing of Leonard Nimoy demonstrated exactly why Star Trek’s relentless optimism pulled in so many fans. In sci-fi, death is generally cheap, undone by the stealing of a starship and a healthy dose of improbable science. In Trek, Spock was never really dead. In reality, Leonard Nimoy has died, it sucks, and the only thing left to do is mourn. I know which reality I prefer.
Star Trek III: The Search For Spock might seem like the inevitable sequel, but at the time Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan was supposed to be the end of the franchise. Yet the renewed interest by not only fans, but the cast, meant that once Star Trek II was successful, the future of the franchise was guaranteed. And it...
- 4/16/2015
- Den of Geek
Reel-Important People is a monthly column that highlights those individuals in or related to the movies that have left us in recent weeks. Below you'll find names big and small and from all areas of the industry, though each was significant to the movies in his or her own way. Harve Bennett (1930-2015) - Producer. He worked on the Star Trek movie franchise, beginning with Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and staying through Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. He died on February 25. (Deadline) Lynn Borden (1937-2015) - Actress. Best known for TV's Hazel, she also appears in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, The Carpetbaggers, Dirty Mary Crazy Larry, Black Mama White Mama (see below), Frogs, the...
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- 4/3/2015
- by Christopher Campbell
- Movies.com
Star Trek producer Harve Bennett has died at the age of 84.
During his career, he produced four Star Trek movies, including 1982's The Wrath of Khan.
The success of the movie led Bennett to produce the next three instalments of the series.
He worked alongside the late Leonard Nimoy, who passed away on February 27, in the four films.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan's director Nicholas Meyer said: "He was a remarkable man and he was unpretentious and self-effacing. I don't think there would be a Star Trek franchise without him.
"He rescued it. He's endangered of being lost in the shuffle, but he's the guy who figured it out."
As well as working on Star Trek, Bennett produced the TV series Mod Squad, The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman.
During his career, he produced four Star Trek movies, including 1982's The Wrath of Khan.
The success of the movie led Bennett to produce the next three instalments of the series.
He worked alongside the late Leonard Nimoy, who passed away on February 27, in the four films.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan's director Nicholas Meyer said: "He was a remarkable man and he was unpretentious and self-effacing. I don't think there would be a Star Trek franchise without him.
"He rescued it. He's endangered of being lost in the shuffle, but he's the guy who figured it out."
As well as working on Star Trek, Bennett produced the TV series Mod Squad, The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman.
- 3/6/2015
- Digital Spy
Harve Bennett, the producer who helped guide four of Paramount’s Star Trek movies in the 1980s and produced TV series Mod Squad, The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman, died Wednesday in Oregon. He was 84 and becomes the latest key figure lost from the seminal Star Trek franchise following Leonard Nimoy’s death February 27. After executive stints at ABC and CBS and co-creating Mod Squad, Bennett had a hand in creating or producing some of the most iconic sci-fi…...
- 3/5/2015
- Deadline
Harve Bennett, the producer who helped guide four of Paramount’s Star Trek movies in the 1980s and produced TV series Mod Squad, The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman, died Wednesday in Oregon. He was 84 and becomes the latest key figure lost from the seminal Star Trek franchise following Leonard Nimoy’s death February 27. After executive stints at ABC and CBS and co-creating Mod Squad, Bennett had a hand in creating or producing some of the most iconic sci-fi…...
- 3/5/2015
- Deadline TV
Just days after the world lost Leonard Nimoy, another bright light from the Star Trek firmament has gone out. Harve Bennett, a respected TV producer who helped breathe new life into the series’ movie spin-offs, has died at the age of 84.He may by no means be as well known as Nimoy, but he was crucial to the films’ survival beyond the critical flop that was The Motion Picture.Born Harve Bennett Fischman in Chicago in 1930, showing early prowess as a trivia hound by appearing regularly on radio show Quiz Kids. After college, he set his sights on making movies and graduated from the UCLA film school in 1953. But before he started his career, he joined the Us Army, serving as a military police officer in California. Following his honourable discharge, he headed for the production executive track, moved to New York to work for CBS and then switched to the programming department at ABC.
- 3/5/2015
- EmpireOnline
Alex Carter Jun 4, 2019
An untried director, budget cuts, a star killed in the first scene. Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan didn't have the makings of a classic.
Star Trek: The Motion Picture may have done well at the box office (it still stands as the second most profitable Trek film made), but it hardly became the critical darling that was hoped for. The languid pace, the focus on two new and largely mishandled characters, and prolonged special effects sequences took their toll on the audience.
Despite its success, there was some doubt as to whether a sequel would follow. The new wave of sci-fi was waning, partly due to The Motion Picture, and partly because of the lukewarm critical response to The Empire Strikes Back (no, I’m serious - contemporary reviews weren’t kind at all). But Hollywood loves a dead horse to flog, and with approximately...
An untried director, budget cuts, a star killed in the first scene. Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan didn't have the makings of a classic.
Star Trek: The Motion Picture may have done well at the box office (it still stands as the second most profitable Trek film made), but it hardly became the critical darling that was hoped for. The languid pace, the focus on two new and largely mishandled characters, and prolonged special effects sequences took their toll on the audience.
Despite its success, there was some doubt as to whether a sequel would follow. The new wave of sci-fi was waning, partly due to The Motion Picture, and partly because of the lukewarm critical response to The Empire Strikes Back (no, I’m serious - contemporary reviews weren’t kind at all). But Hollywood loves a dead horse to flog, and with approximately...
- 2/12/2015
- Den of Geek
30. No Country for Old Men (2007)
Scene: Coin Flip
Video: http://youtu.be/0iAezyDzj0M
There was a brief period of time from 2006-2009 when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made some more daring, but wholly deserved choices for Best Picture. It began in 2006, when Martin Scorsese finally won for The Departed which, while not his best and not nearly as dark as, say, Taxi Driver or Raging Bull, still leaned that direction. Three years later, they handed the Oscar to The Hurt Locker over the blockbuster Avatar, rewarding quality over audience love. But in between the two it was given to No Country for Old Men, an incredibly dark neo-Western based on the Cormac McCarthy novel of the same name. It’s still one of the Coen Brothers’ best films, an incredible cat-and-mouse journey through West Texas in the 1980′s. The film stars Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee Jones,...
Scene: Coin Flip
Video: http://youtu.be/0iAezyDzj0M
There was a brief period of time from 2006-2009 when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made some more daring, but wholly deserved choices for Best Picture. It began in 2006, when Martin Scorsese finally won for The Departed which, while not his best and not nearly as dark as, say, Taxi Driver or Raging Bull, still leaned that direction. Three years later, they handed the Oscar to The Hurt Locker over the blockbuster Avatar, rewarding quality over audience love. But in between the two it was given to No Country for Old Men, an incredibly dark neo-Western based on the Cormac McCarthy novel of the same name. It’s still one of the Coen Brothers’ best films, an incredible cat-and-mouse journey through West Texas in the 1980′s. The film stars Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee Jones,...
- 10/18/2014
- by Joshua Gaul
- SoundOnSight
Here’s one for fans of all things Star Trek as we have one of the best prizes we’ve ever given away on HeyUGuys! To mark the release of Star Trek I – X – Collector’s Edition on Blu-ray (out now), we’ve been given one copy of the box-set worth £99.25 to give away to one lucky HeyUGuys reader!
Here’s some more info on the set courtesy of Amazon where you can buy a copy if you can’t wait:
Be one of only 5,000 in the whole world to own a limited edition collection of Star Trek 1-10 on Blu-ray, packed with over 8 hours of bonus content! Relive the first ten classic Star Trek movies on Blu-ray, beautifully remastered in high definition.
Also includes:
Includes 12 discs, including 2 bonus discs: ‘The Captains’ Summit’ and ‘Evolutions’ 112 page full-colour photo book including rarely seen original studio production manuals and behind the scenes...
Here’s some more info on the set courtesy of Amazon where you can buy a copy if you can’t wait:
Be one of only 5,000 in the whole world to own a limited edition collection of Star Trek 1-10 on Blu-ray, packed with over 8 hours of bonus content! Relive the first ten classic Star Trek movies on Blu-ray, beautifully remastered in high definition.
Also includes:
Includes 12 discs, including 2 bonus discs: ‘The Captains’ Summit’ and ‘Evolutions’ 112 page full-colour photo book including rarely seen original studio production manuals and behind the scenes...
- 12/4/2013
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
For years, I have railed against how often Paramount Pictures demonstrates their lack of understanding their Star Trek fans. One misguided decision after another dating back to the 1970s builds a fairly convincing case. The latest misfire is the release pattern to Star Trek Into Darkness, out on disc this week. In case you missed it, the combo pack includes the Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy we have all come to expect. You do get Bonus Materail on the Blu-ray disc, but it’s a mere 42 minutes of fairly perfunctory material, discussed a little later. On the other hand, there’s roughly another 60 minutes of features plus an audio commentary that exists but you have to be willing to buy retailer exclusive editions to get them or download the film from iTunes. Hopefully the outcry from consumers and failure to ignite massive sales to fans who must have everything will...
- 9/8/2013
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
[Warning: Spoilers for most of the Star Trek franchise]
It takes something special for an entity to create a strong enough fanbase to keep people interested for decades on end. In the case of geeks, we tend to latch on to something because it speaks to us, and because it’s different from everything else that the world has to offer. We’ve seen how strong the fandom is for Doctor Who after fifty years, and it’s been nearly that long for Star Trek (while the series didn’t get its official start until 1966, the original pilot ‘The Cage’ was filmed in 1964).
Star Trek has more than just being another science fiction program going for it. Gene Roddenberry pitched Star Trek to the network as a ‘Wagon Train to the stars’, underneath that was a socially aware program that pushed boundaries. Like any good science fiction, Star Trek transposed important topics of the day into a different setting,...
It takes something special for an entity to create a strong enough fanbase to keep people interested for decades on end. In the case of geeks, we tend to latch on to something because it speaks to us, and because it’s different from everything else that the world has to offer. We’ve seen how strong the fandom is for Doctor Who after fifty years, and it’s been nearly that long for Star Trek (while the series didn’t get its official start until 1966, the original pilot ‘The Cage’ was filmed in 1964).
Star Trek has more than just being another science fiction program going for it. Gene Roddenberry pitched Star Trek to the network as a ‘Wagon Train to the stars’, underneath that was a socially aware program that pushed boundaries. Like any good science fiction, Star Trek transposed important topics of the day into a different setting,...
- 7/13/2013
- Shadowlocked
"No, there is another." This one line spoken by Yoda during "The Empire Strikes Back" set off three years of speculation before it was revealed in "Return of the Jedi" that Leia was Luke Skywalker's twin sister and, therefore, the "other" hope to defeat the Dark Side. Yet there was no Internet to post every hare-brained theory like there is today, so where did self-respecting nerds go for their dose of rumors? There's where the great "Starlog" magazine came in.
J.W. Rinzler's wonderful "The Making of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" (to be released Oct. 1) recounts a disagreement between George Lucas and his collaborators over Luke Skywalker's new lightsaber -- basically, "how did he get it?" In the end, Lucas shrugged off the need an explanation, pointing out that the worst that could happen is that someone would write a letter to "Starlog."
Back in December, I went...
J.W. Rinzler's wonderful "The Making of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" (to be released Oct. 1) recounts a disagreement between George Lucas and his collaborators over Luke Skywalker's new lightsaber -- basically, "how did he get it?" In the end, Lucas shrugged off the need an explanation, pointing out that the worst that could happen is that someone would write a letter to "Starlog."
Back in December, I went...
- 5/23/2013
- by Mike Ryan
- Huffington Post
Author’s Note: While on a survey mission, Al Gore is sucked into a giant hole in the ozone that deposits him in the past. Stranded, he uses his knowledge of the future to invent the internet decades sooner than he did in his original timeline. By the 1980s, the internet has evolved to what it became by the early 21st century, dragging fan culture with it. This is one such review that I obtained from our alternate past. Reviewed: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan Is a Slap in the Face to Fans! By: GeneGeneTheRodenberryMachine Spock dies! I’m sorry. I took some heat for posting that as the headline in my earlier screening report, but the fact is that it’s impossible to discuss this movie without discussing that salient point. Let’s also get to what’s really important – Nick Meyer, Harve Bennett And Leonard Nimoy all lied throughout production when they refused...
- 5/20/2013
- by The Bitter Script Reader
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
Written by David Loughery
Directed by William Shatner
USA, 1989
With Jj Abrams’ Star Trek Into Darkness making its way to theatres this May, Trek is already on a lot of fans’ minds, particularly the identity of Benedict Cumberbatch’s villain. Is he secretly playing Khan? Or maybe space Sherlock? How dare he play Khan! But it’s not as if the franchise’s spotty record demands such unwavering defence. In fact, the putrid smudge of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier alone makes a strong case for a rebooted franchise, in spite of both itself and its prune-faced hi-jinx.
Across the sandy dunes of Nimbus III, a Vulcan named Sybock (Laurence Luckenbill) ransoms three ambassadors in the hopes of capturing a ship from an inevitable Federation rescue, which he plans to use on his journey to the lost planet of Sha Ka Ree, roughly translated as “obvious afterlife metaphor.
Written by David Loughery
Directed by William Shatner
USA, 1989
With Jj Abrams’ Star Trek Into Darkness making its way to theatres this May, Trek is already on a lot of fans’ minds, particularly the identity of Benedict Cumberbatch’s villain. Is he secretly playing Khan? Or maybe space Sherlock? How dare he play Khan! But it’s not as if the franchise’s spotty record demands such unwavering defence. In fact, the putrid smudge of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier alone makes a strong case for a rebooted franchise, in spite of both itself and its prune-faced hi-jinx.
Across the sandy dunes of Nimbus III, a Vulcan named Sybock (Laurence Luckenbill) ransoms three ambassadors in the hopes of capturing a ship from an inevitable Federation rescue, which he plans to use on his journey to the lost planet of Sha Ka Ree, roughly translated as “obvious afterlife metaphor.
- 1/13/2013
- by David Klein
- SoundOnSight
The late Ricardo Montalban first portrayed Eugenics superman Khan Noonian Singh during Star Trek's first season in the episode "Space Seed." Some fifteen years later, producer Harve Bennett came up with the iea of resurrecting the character in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, much to the delight of audiences and Montalban himself. This interview with the late actor was conducted by Cbm editor Ed Gross back in the 1990s. Ricardo Montalban On Khan: In His Own Words "In those days, there wasn't the dearth of material that we have today on television. Some shows were quite special, and certainly Star Trek was one of them. I was quite familiar with it. As an actor, I thought it would be great fun to do it. Khan was not the run of the mill sort of portrayal. It had to have a different dimension. That attracted me very much.
- 6/8/2012
- ComicBookMovie.com
While "Star Trek" is now a huge, beloved franchise, recently reinvigorated by J.J. Abrams' reboot (and, fingers crossed, next year's sequel to that film), it wasn't always like that. The original 1960s series had low ratings, and only lasted three seasons, and while success in syndication let to a film version being greenlit in the aftermath of "Star Wars," that film, 1979's "Star Trek: The Motion Picture," proved hugely expensive, and less profitable than Paramount had hoped.
Instead, it was the second film, 1982's "Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan," that really cemented its place in pop culture. Made for a quarter of the budget of the original, it won rave reviews, thanks to a faster pace and less reverent approach from non-Trekker director Nicholas Meyer, and earned the all-time biggest opening weekend up to that point, and is still held up as a high watermark for the franchise.
Instead, it was the second film, 1982's "Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan," that really cemented its place in pop culture. Made for a quarter of the budget of the original, it won rave reviews, thanks to a faster pace and less reverent approach from non-Trekker director Nicholas Meyer, and earned the all-time biggest opening weekend up to that point, and is still held up as a high watermark for the franchise.
- 6/4/2012
- by Oliver Lyttelton
- The Playlist
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier has always got a bad rep from most fans and critics alike. It’s usually voted the least liked, original crew feature film and current holds a not very hot, 21% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
But I think that is unfair. I believe the film has a lot more going for it than people give it credit. Once you look past the special effects and strange plot, there is probably the closest feature film that resembles the Original Series. Also, it’s a film that deserves a decent Directors Cut. Let me explain why…
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier followed on from a trilogy of Star Trek movies that were a hit with fans and a commercial success for Paramount while claiming critical acclaim. They also had a story arc that concluded with Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, which was the biggest grossing...
But I think that is unfair. I believe the film has a lot more going for it than people give it credit. Once you look past the special effects and strange plot, there is probably the closest feature film that resembles the Original Series. Also, it’s a film that deserves a decent Directors Cut. Let me explain why…
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier followed on from a trilogy of Star Trek movies that were a hit with fans and a commercial success for Paramount while claiming critical acclaim. They also had a story arc that concluded with Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, which was the biggest grossing...
- 4/25/2012
- by Amarpal Biring
- Obsessed with Film
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