STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS 3D [2013] [3D Blu-ray + 2D Blu-ray + Digital Copy] [UK Release] Exciting Action-Packed Adventure! Earth Will Fall!
The 2013 best-rated blockbuster is nothing short of “spectacular” [Empire]. When a ruthless mastermind known as Khan [Benedict Cumberbatch] declares a one-man war on the Federation. Captain Kirk [Chris Pine], Spock [Zachery Quinto], and the daring crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise, set out on their most explosive manhunt of all time. It will take everything in their arsenal to defend Earth and eliminate Khan’s deadly threat in J.J. Abrams “exhilarating blockbuster.”
FILM FACT No.1: Awards and Nominations: 2013 Hollywood Film Festival Awards: Won: Best Hollywood Film for ‘Star Trek: Into Darkness.’ 2014 Academy Awards®: Nominated: Best Visual Effects for Burt Dalton, Ben Grossmann, Roger Guyett and Patrick Tubach. 2014 BAFTA® Awards: Nominated: Best Special Visual Effects for Burt Dalton, Ben Grossmann, Roger Guyett and Patrick Tubach. 2014 MTV Movie Awards: Nominated: Best Villain for Benedict Cumberbatch.
FILM FACT No.2: With ‘STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS,’ George Takei, who originated the role of Hikaru Sulu and appeared in Star Trek films and TV episodes, says, “where Benedict Cumberbatch played Khan, I thought was unfortunate. Benedict Cumberbatch is a wonderful actor. I love everything that he’s done, but if he was going to be playing that character, J.J. should have made him an original character that's singular to him. Because the Khan character first appeared in our TV series, “Space Seed” and Ricardo Montalban was sensational in our second movie – he was the title character, The Wrath of Khan, you know! The other thought that Gene Roddenberry always had in the back of his mind, and that was his philosophy, was to embrace the diversity of this planet.
Cast: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Benedict Cumberbatch, Anton Yelchin, Bruce Greenwood, Peter Weller, Alice Eve, Noel Clarke, Nazneen Contractor, Amanda Foreman, Jay Scully, Jonathan Dixon, Aisha Hinds, Joseph Gatt, Jeremy Raymond, Sean Blakemore, Nick E. Tarabay, Beau Billingslea, Jason Matthew Smith, Chris Hemsworth, Jennifer Morrison, Seth Ayott, Marco Sanchez, Lee Reherman, Scott Lawrence, Usman Ally, Nolan North, James Hiroyuki Liao, Rob Moran, Berit Francis, Akiva Goldsman, Benjamin P. Binswanger, Christopher Doohan, Ser'Darius Blain, Douglas Weng, Moni Akiwowo, Tom Archdeacon (uncredited), Alexandra Aristy (uncredited), Jon Lee Brody (uncredited), Frank Cermak Jr. (uncredited), Mike Dalager (uncredited), Gary-7 (uncredited), Mark Alexander Herz (uncredited), Mike Kalinowski (uncredited), Elly Kaye (uncredited), Jamal Kazak (uncredited), Dave Kim (uncredited), Kasia Kowalczyk (uncredited), Andrew Maiorano (uncredited), Teebone Mitchell (uncredited), Marc Tantin (uncredited), Xavier Truesdell (uncredited), Vincent van Hinte (uncredited), David Whitaker (uncredited), Stacey Woods (uncredited), Felicity Wren (uncredited) and Omid Zader (uncredited)
Director: J.J. Abrams
Producers: Alex Kurtzman, Ben Rosenblatt, Bryan Burk, Damon Lindelof, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, J.J. Abrams, Jeffrey Chernov, Michelle Rejwan, Paul Schwake, Roberto Orci, Tommy Gormley and Tommy Harper
Screenplay: Alex Kurtzman, Damon Lindelof, Roberto Orci and Gene Roddenberry (original television series “Star Trek”)
Composer: Michael Giacchino
Cinematography: Dan Mindel, A.S.C., B.S.C., S.A.S.C. (Director of Photography)
Image Resolution: 1080p (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
Audio: English: 7.1 Dolby TrueHD
English: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio Description
Spanish: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
French: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Italian: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English, English SDH, Spanish [Castilian], Italian, French, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish
Running Time: 132 minutes
Region: All Regions
Number of discs: 2
Studio: Paramount Pictures UK
Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: In 1990, STAR TREK creator Gene Roddenberry told the L.A. Times “there's a good chance that when I'm gone, others will come along and do so well that people will say, Oh, that Roddenberry, he was never this good.” Casual audiences might agree, but for the many lifelong STAR TREK fans like me, J.J. Abram's franchise revival opened up an interesting opportunity, especially as it fast approaching 50 years of age, but hardly represents a return to form for the core STAR TREK ethos; its philosophical ideals and the promise of a brighter future and in direct contravention of a film entitled ‘STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS’ 3D. Three years on from the 2009's franchise reboot, whose plot created an alternate timeline allowing the film to take certain liberties with established scenario and morph into its own version of STAR TREK, where J.J. Abrams and company returned with ‘STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS’ 3D.
Following a suicide blast at Starfleet HQ and subsequent aerial attack resulting in the murder of Starfleet commanders masterminded by turncoat Starfleet agent John Harrison [Benedict Cumberbatch], the Enterprise crew headed by Captain James T. Kirk [Chris Pine] are re-commissioned to mount a mission to kill Harrison on Kronos, the Klingon home world. Kirk refuses to accept orders at face value and decides to take John Harrison hostage. After a brief battle, John Harrison unexpectedly gives himself up, willingly boarding the Enterprise as a prisoner. Unfortunately, it's quickly revealed that neither the mission, nor John Harrison are quite as expected, when the crew of the Enterprise finds itself in the middle of a much larger plot of grave danger.
For the uninitiated, STAR TREK circa 2013 is an entertaining science fiction adventure, which commands viewers' attention right from the opening scenes. But saddling itself with the name STAR TREK automatically attaches 50 years of baggage, and that does this film no favours at all. The truth is this modern incarnation of the STAR TREK franchise, has little in common with it older STAR TREK siblings. STAR TREK has always gladly worn its heart on its sleeve with the epitaph of 'thinking man's sci-fi', but ruminating about the plot only reveals the numerous holes that riddle the script, not least the mind messing alternate timeline, which try as I might to explain to women who are not interest in sci-fi films, which I really struggled to do so.
In true J.J. Abrams fashion, there's a few surprises, but perhaps the worst kept is that of the true identity of the mysterious John Harrison and he is Khan Noonien Singh from both the Original Series episode 'Space Seed' and the feature film ‘The Wrath of Khan.’ But Khan was never an Englishman, nor does Benedict Cumberbatch even remotely resembles Ricardo Montalban and try explaining that to newcomers and that is part of the whole problem with this particular STAR TREK film. It tries to be all things to all people and it just doesn't make a lick of sense. Why try and shoehorn STAR TREK lore into a film and then not even attempt to make it cohesive? For every cameo by a tribble or inflection of a classic phrase, we have another franchise contradiction or out of character motivation.
I hope for future STAR TREK franchise films that J.J. Abrams will now slink off from the franchise that he's revealed he was never a fan of, leaving the gates open for someone else to take the reins. I can only hope that that person will stay true to the core ethos of STAR TREK, rather than continue to churn out what amounts to, admittedly entertaining, but otherwise generic science fiction action, trading on the basis of STAR TREK's branding.
Blu-ray Image Quality – ‘STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS’ 3D was originally released in cinemas in the 2013, the transfer for the film is presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.40:1 in a stunning 1080p encoded image. I was so excited to view it 3D, which I viewed in the cinema and was totally disappointed, as it was the worst 3D I have seen it in the cinema, but viewing it in this stunning 3D Blu-ray and it was definitely a fantastic very wild ride. The film has a lot of pop to it when it comes to a number of the action sequences and several moments where things are thrown out at the viewer. The layered look is used quite often throughout it as there are a good number of natural moments for it, but there are also a few where it just feels forced. The action scenes make the most use of it and it feels the most natural there while I found some of the standing around and talking in the 3D moments a bit disappointing. But these are few and far between, instead leaving me with a film that definitely engaged and was made fun by the 3D. The transfer captures this well and a look at the 2D Blu-ray disc shows a strong attention to detail, colour definition and quality. The presentation across the board just works really well and made the purchase of it worthwhile.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – The film ‘STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS’ 3D main audio track for this release is the 7.1 Dolby TrueHD audio mix and it’s one that does a very strong job overall as there’s a good deal of directionality throughout it. Because of the direction used and the way the camera weaves and moves throughout all of the action, there’s a lot going on even in the quiet scenes quite often, so the rear channels get a lot of activity throughout it and the forward soundstage has a strong and immersive feeling to it. The swell of the music is one of the bigger parts of it as it works in conjunction with the visuals beautifully as it goes for the large, epic moments, but the film has some very good quiet moments of incidental music as well that definitely adds to the overall flavour of it all. The mix is one that definitely has summer blockbuster written all over it and its transition to home video works very, very well.
Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Special Feature: Creating the Red Planet [2013] [1080p] [1.78:1] [8:28] Cast and crew discuss ditching the idea of shooting in Hawaii and share the painstaking details behind creating Nibiru, both the leafy red surface and the volcanic set piece. The supplement also examines alien design and the technical details and challenges behind shooting the sequence. Contributors include: J.J. Abrams [Director / Producer], Karl Urban ['Bones'], Jeffrey Chernov Executive Producer], Roger Prater [Greens Gang Boss], Lauren E. Polizzi [Art Director], Neville Page [Creature Designer], Jeremy Raymond ['Lead Nibrian'], Tommy Harper [Unit Production Manager / Co-Producer], William Aldridge [Pyro Foreperson], Sergius Nafa [First Assistant Photographer], Michael Kaplan [Costume Designer], Zachary Quinto [‘Spock’] and Daniel Stevens [Stunts].
Special Feature: Attack on Starfleet [2013] [1080p] [1.78:1] [5:25] Here we take a look at the dramatic undertones behind one of the film's most critical scenes. It also studies set design, technical details behind the making of the scene, and creating the explosive action elements and the corresponding stunt work. Contributors include: Bruce Greenwood ['Pike'], J.J. Abrams [Director / Producer], Mike Massa [Stunts], Chris Pine ['Kirk'], Lauren E. Polizzi [Art Director], William Aldridge [Pyro Foreperson], Anthony Simonaitis [Pyro Foreperson] and Arnold E. Peterson [Electrical Engineer].
Special Feature: The Klingon Home World [2013] [1080p] [1.78:1] [7:30] Here we get to view an examination of incorporating Klingons into the film, keeping them familiar but also making them unique to this universe, construction of the Kronos set, Klingon costume design and makeup, and coaching the actors in the Klingon language. Cast and crew also discuss ditching the idea of shooting in Hawaii and share the painstaking details behind creating Nibiru, both the leafy red surface and the volcanic set piece. The supplement also examines alien design and the technical details and challenges behind shooting the sequence. Contributors include: Bryan Burk [Producer], J.J. Abrams [Director / Producer], Neville Page [Creature Designer], Scott Chambliss [Production Designer], Roger Guyett [VFX Supervisor / 2nd Unit Director], Joshua D. Thatcher [Dimmer Operator], Andrew E.W. Murdock [Art Director], Zoe Saldana ['Uhura'], Michael Kaplan [Creature Designer], Sean Blakemore ['Klingon'], Jamie Kelman [Make-up Effects Artist], Britton Watkins [Language Consultant] and Marc Okrand [Consultant for 'Alien' Languages].
Special Feature: The Enemy of My Enemy [2013] [1080p] [1.78:1] [7:30] Here once again we to view an examination of incorporating Klingons into the film, keeping them familiar but also making them unique to this universe, construction of the Kronos set, Klingon costume design and make-up, as well as more coaching the actors in the art of Klingon language. We also get to view of choosing a villain for the film, the purpose behind returning Khan to the franchise, casting Khan, making the plot line accessible to newcomers and long-time Trekie fans, and Khan's story in the film. Contributors include: Alex Kurtzman [Writer / Producer], J.J. Abrams [Director / Producer], Benedict Cumberbatch [‘Khan’], Chris Pine ['Kirk'], Zachary Quinto [‘Spock’], Damon Lindelof [Writer / Producer], Simon Pegg [‘Scotty’], Roberto Orci [Writer / Producer] and Peter Weller [‘Marcus’].
Special Feature: Ship to Ship [2013] [1080p] [1.78:1] [6:03] Here we get to find out ways of creating one of the film's most daring action sequences, from pre-visualisation to final product. The supplement also examines shooting the end of the scene with no major digital enhancements. Contributors include: J.J. Abrams [Director / Producer], Roger Guyett [VFX Supervisor / 2nd Unit Director], Bradley Alexander [Previs and Postvis Supervisor], Ron Ames [VFX Producer], Tommy Harper [Unit Production Manager / Co-Producer], Scott Chambliss [Production Designer], Simon Pegg [‘Scotty’], Benedict Cumberbatch [‘Khan’] and Celeste Octavia [Nurse].
Special Feature: Brawl by the Bay [2013] [1080p] [1.78:1] [5:44] Here we get to view the shooting of some of the climactic scenes in Los Angeles, where Zachary Quinto's puts himself through some intense physical preparations for his role, and also witness the stunt double at work. Contributors include: J.J. Abrams [Director /Producer], Jeffrey Chernov [Executive Producer], Tommy Harper [Unit Production Manager / Co-Producer], Tommy Gormley [First Assistant Director], Roger Guyett [VFX Supervisor / 2nd Unit Director], Zachary Quinto [‘Spock’], Benedict Cumberbatch [‘Khan’], Daniel Stevens [Stunts] and Marcus Young [Fight Choreographer].
Finally, ‘STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS’ 3D really adds greatly to this feature Sci-Fi film in a welcome way to give it more oomph and engagement while not coming across as wholly gimmicky or problematic. It’s definitely one more in the slow but steady stream of 3D Blu-ray presentation. This film has had some criticism about this franchise for a variety of reasons, though they all get a lot of criticism for many, many other reasons, but as the second instalment of this timeline STAR TREK franchise, I’m very pleased by the results and I am hopeful that a third instalment is produced faster than this one and without J.J. Abrams. Maybe it is time for a different pair of hands to see where STAR TREK can boldly go next time into the future? But despite some negative reviews of this film, but instead I am so pleased to add this to my STAR TREK Blu-ray Collection, as it gives me a great thrill every time I view these STAR TREK films on the Blu-ray format and especially in the stunning 3D image. Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
