STAR TREK VII: GENERATIONS [1994 / 2016] [Limited Edition 50th Anniversary SteelBook] [Blu-ray] [UK Release] Two Captains! One Destiny! Resistance Is Futile!
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the first broadcast of a STAR TREK episode in 1966, this SteelBook features art based on the original theatrical poster, plus commemorative 50th Anniversary logo. See the original theatrical version of the film as it was initially released in cinemas. Two Captains and One Destiny. It’s the late 23rd century and retired Admiral James T. Kirk Starfleet with Starfleet officers Montgomery Scott, and Pavel Chekov are guests aboard the maiden voyage of the new Starship U.S.S. Enterprise-B. When they receive a distress call from a vessel trapped inside the Nexus, a bizarre energy ribbon where Admiral James T. Kirk sacrifices himself in a heroic effort to save the lives of its passengers. Seven decades later, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the new crew of the Starship U.S.S. Enterprise-D encounters Dr. Soran [Malcolm McDowell], a scientist with a strong obsession to harness the power of the Nexus at the cost of millions of innocent lives. Captain Jean-Luc Picard’s only hope for the future lies within the Nexus and a legendary captain from the past.
FILM FACT No.1: Awards and Nominations: 1995 Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA: Nominated: Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film. Nominated: Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress for Whoopi Goldberg. 1995 ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards: Win: Top Box Office Films for Dennis McCarthy. 1995 Hugo Awards for Best Dramatic Presentation for Brannon Braga (story/screenplay), David Carson (director), Rick Berman (story) and Ronald D. Moore (story/screenplay). 1995 Razzie Awards: Nominated: Worst Supporting Actor for William Shatner. 1995 Sci-Fi Universe Magazine, USA: Win: Best Writing for a Genre Motion Picture for Brannon Braga and Ronald D. Moore.
FILM FACT No.2: Lady Washington stood in as a holodeck recreation of a sailing ship Enterprise. Parts of the film were shot at the Valley of Fire State Park near Overton, Nevada; Paramount Studios; and the Lone Pine, California. High cliffs and areas in the Valley of Fire State Park served as the alien planet Veridian III.
Cast: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, Malcolm McDowell, James Doohan, Walter Koenig, William Shatner, Alan Ruck, Jacqueline Kim, Jenette Goldstein, Thomas Kopache, Glenn Morshower, Tim Russ, Tommy Hinkley, John Putch, Christine Jansen, Michael Mack, Dendrie Taylor, Patti Yasutake, Granville Ames, Henry Marshall, Henry Marshall, Brittany Parkyn, Majel Barrett (Computer voice), Barbara March, Gwynyth Walsh, Rif Hutton, Brian Thompson, Marcy Goldman, Jim Krestalude, Judy Levitt, Kristopher Logan, Gwen Van Dam, Kim Braden, Christopher James Miller, Matthew Collins, Mimi Collins, Thomas Alexander Dekker, Madison Eginton, Olivia Hack, Sam Alejan (uncredited), David Keith Anderson (uncredited), Lena Banks (uncredited), Scott Barry (uncredited), Rina Bennett (uncredited), Carl David Burks (uncredited), Cameron Oppenheimer (uncredited), Tracee Cocco (uncredited), Steve Diamond (uncredited), Tarik Ergin (uncredited), Whoopi Goldberg (uncredited), Grace Harrell (uncredited), Kerry Hoyt (uncredited), Randy James (uncredited), Dale Kasman (uncredited), Stewart Lew (uncredited), Lorine Mendell (uncredited), Jerry L. Quinn (uncredited), Keith Rayve (uncredited), Raul Reformina (uncredited), Lynn Salvatori (uncredited), Richard Sarstedt (uncredited), Penny Smartt-Juday (uncredited), John Alex Tampoya (uncredited), Dennis Tracy (uncredited), and Guy Vardaman (uncredited)
Director: David Carson
Producer: Rick Berman
Screenplay: Gene Roddenberry (television series STAR TREK), Brannon Braga (screenplay/story), Ronald D. Moore (screenplay), Rick Berman (story) and Ronald D. Moore (story)
Composer: Dennis McCarthy
Cinematography: John A. Alonzo, A.S.C. (Director of Photography)
Image Resolution: 1080p (Color by DeLuxe)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 (Panavision)
Audio: English: 5.1 Dolby TrueHD
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
German: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Spanish: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
French: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Italian: 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Subtitles: Arabic, Danish, German, English, Spanish, French, Croatian, Italian, Dutch, Norwegian, Português, Finnish, Swedish and English SDH
Running Time: 118 minutes
Region: All Regions
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Paramount Pictures UK
Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: Despite a reasonably original story line, familiar characters, first rate special effects, and the hallmark meeting between Captain James T. Kirk [William Shatner] and Captain Jean-Luc Picard [Patrick Stewart], there's something fundamentally dissatisfying about this, the seventh STAR TREK feature film. The problem is that while ‘STAR TREK VII: GENERATIONS’ is undeniably a major motion picture, too often it seems like little more than an over budgeted, double-length episode of the ‘Next Generation’ television series. The vestiges of the intangible STAR TREK magic which has survived for more than twenty-five years, and weathered six feature films, are laid to rest here. If the spirit of the series is ever again to boldly go where no man has gone before, it will have to rise, phoenix-like, from the ashes.
‘STAR TREK VII: GENERATIONS’ opens in the 23rd century with the christening of the Starship U.S.S. Enterprise-B. On hand for the event are three living legends: Captain James T. Kirk [William Shatner], Captain Montgomery Scott [James Doohan] and Commander Pavel Chekov [Walter Koenig]. As so often happens in the STAR TREK universe, a ceremonial maiden voyage turns into a rescue mission, with the Enterprise the only ship within range to aid refugees trapped by a mysterious and deadly energy ribbon. Captain James T. Kirk, assisted by his two old friends, manages to save nearly fifty lives, but not before the section of the ship where he's working is destroyed. Nobody is found, but the celebrated Starfleet officer is presumed dead. In actuality, however, he has been sucked into the "Nexus" Ribbon, a place where time has no meaning and where fantasies become reality.
78 years later, the crew of the Starship U.S.S. Enterprise D are engaged in a rescue mission of their own: saving scientists in an observatory ravaged by a Romulan attack. One of the survivors, a Dr. Soran [Malcolm McDowell], is a long-lived alien who exhibits certain irrational tendencies. Driven by an obsessive need to enter the "Nexus", and willing to take any action necessary to accomplish that aim, Soran turns against Captain Jean-Luc Picard, placing in jeopardy not only the Starship U.S.S. Enterprise-D, but an entire populated planet. Equally unimpressive is director David Carson's handling of a certain highly-emotional moment that figures prominently in the climax, and at certain parts of the film it all seems very flat.
Malcolm McDowell plays the latest, and probably the weakest of the STAR TREK film villain. Following in the footsteps of Ricardo Montalban's “Khan,” Christopher Lloyd's “Kruge,” and Christopher Plummer's “Chang.” Unfortunately Malcolm McDowell cannot quite live up to the scenery-chewing nastiness of his predecessors. This is precisely because Malcolm McDowell's Soran is too restrained especially for a STAR TREK mean nasty bad guy and tends to be at his best when hamming it up.
The centrepiece of ‘STAR TREK VII: GENERATIONS’ is the much-anticipated meeting between Captain James T. Kirk and Captain Picard, which completes the old crew-to-new crew transition begun in STAR TREK VI. William Shatner wears Captain James T. Kirk like a comfortable garment, and somehow the film seems more alive when he's on screen. Captain Jean-Luc Picard [Patrick Stewart], is the consummate professional, is undeniably the better actor, but his presence isn't as arresting. Even Brent Spiner, despite a wonderful, often-comic performance as Lt. Commander Data, cannot fill the gap left when Captain James T. Kirk isn't around.
Trekkie’s and lovers of frantically-paced science fiction may find ‘STAR TREK VII: GENERATIONS’ slightly too static in parts of the film, and fans of the original series will likely be disappointed by the limited screen time accorded to Captain James T. Kirk [William Shatner], Captain Montgomery Scott [James Doohan] and Commander Pavel Chekov [Walter Koenig]. Not to mention the absence of Spock, Bones, Sulu, and Uhura. ‘STAR TREK VII: GENERATIONS’ spends its running length searching for, and never completely finding that special STAR TREK niche, but it tries hard looking for it. One of my favourite scenes is when the Enterprise crashes onto the planet, and it was still fascinating seeing the Enterprise going through the trees and vegetation on the planet before coming to a stop. ‘STAR TREK VII: GENERATIONS’ should have, and could have been a monumental film; still despite this I did enjoy the journey, especially seeing Captain James T. Kirk and Captain Jean-Luc Picard thwarted the dastardly nasty Soran and it is a great moment in the film and great build up to the finale.
Blu-ray Image Quality – Paramount Pictures UK presents ‘STAR TREK VII: GENERATIONS’ [1994] that is stunningly anamorphic enhanced, and is displayed in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Colours are beautifully saturated, showing off the wonderful theatrical lighting by John A. Alonzo, A.S.C. This production went all out to be slightly different from the confines of the original STAR TREK television series, and it really shows in the production and lighting design values. Contrast is excellent, with good detail in the shadows and bright and accurate whites. The 2.35:1 image has excellent contrasts and a tactile sense of three-dimensional depth. The facial features of the actors up close, you get to see the skin pores in every wide shot the way some Trekkie nerds demand, and equally impressive is of the heavy pancake robot makeup on the actor Brent Spiner as Data. Also the close-up shots are sometimes totally amazing. All in all this is a great video presentation.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – Paramount Pictures UK brings us with an equally impressive 5.1 Dolby TrueHD audio experience, which is a rarity on a Paramount Picture UK STAR TREK title. The 5.1 Dolby TrueHD Surround track sounds wonderful and spacious, with deep ambience effects for an awesome room shaking experience. Frequency response is excellent, with clear highs in the music. Directional cues are adequate, convincing nice sound mix.
Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Audio Commentary by David Carson and Manny Coto: This newly-recorded commentary finds the film's director joined by 'STAR TREK: Enterprise' producer Manny Coto. The latter was not involved in the production of 'STAR TREK VII: GENERATIONS,’ but right off the bat declares it, "a terrific movie." The audio commentary is basically a fawning of mutual-appreciation love-fest in which the two men continually declare how much they admire one another and how great they think the Sci-Fi film is. Manny Coto also spends an inordinate amount of time pointing out that he now works on the Television Series '24.' Manny Coto informs us that he is a massive fan of STAR TREK and of course beside Manny Coto is the director David Carson for the film 'STAR TREK VII: GENERATIONS.’ Both are well known to each other, as they both worked together on the Canadian Sci-Fi TV Pilot ‘Odyssey 5’ [2002]. We are informed that the Champagne Company that produces Cuvée Dom Pérignon and the bottle that hits the side of Starship U.S.S. Enterprise B to launch the spaceship, were more than happy to allow this scene to happen and even offered Paramount Pictures a couple of crates of Cuvée Dom Pérignon champagne. As to the scene with the actual sea going vessel, they search for ages for the right one to come along and eventually found it off the coast of California in Long Beach and was called “The Lady Washington” and is a ship name shared by at least four different small wooden merchant sailing vessels during two different time periods. The original sailed for about 10 years in the 18th century, and the replica has appeared in numerous films and television shows, standing in as other real or fictional ships, and sails up and down the Pacific coast, regularly in pair with the “Hawaiian Chieftain,” educating students in the history of merchant trading, life of common sailors, and responsibilities of the ship's officers, and the actual crew appeared in the STAR TREK VI film. When Captain Picard enters the Nexus and is transported back in time to his wife and family at Christmas time, we find out that Picard’s wife is in fact in real life David Carson’s wife who is Kim Braden, and some of Picard’s children are actually David Carson’s children. When the Starship U.S.S Enterprise B crashes and people are rushing about for safety and you see the child drop the teddy bear toy on the floor, well that Teddy bear toy was named “Trekkie” and is now owned by one of David Carson’s female child, who of course will be quite grown up now. As we come to the end of the film and the credits are rolling up the screen, David Carson and Manny Coto slap each other on the back in thinking they did a good job with the audio commentary, where in fact a lot of the time it was really boring rhetoric and sometimes went completely over my head, as a lot of their talk was not very interesting, but where I have pointed out stuff they have mentioned, is really the only interesting facts to come out in giving this audio commentary to this film and as far as I am concerned they really only deserve to get a three star rating for this audio commentary.
Audio Commentary by Brannon Braga and Ronald D. Moore: Up first with this 2004 audio commentary is Brannon Braga and then next is Ronald D. Moore spouting audio drivel and of course it is pointed out that they both co-wrote the screenplay for ‘STAR TREK VII: GENERATIONS,’ and it was their first feature film. Sometimes both writers deliver a surprisingly frank assessment of both its strength and weakness of the film. Early on, they admit that the Sci-Fi film doesn't compare favourably to the film 'All Good Things' [2010] and the final episode of 'The Next Generation' was written around the same time. Considering the low regard that Brannon Braga is held by 'Star Trek' fans, he comes across as a man willing to admit his failings, which I totally agree with. Brannon Braga and Ronald D. Moore, went on to create the 'Battlestar Galactica' remake, trace the evolution of the script from early conception through the many revisions mandated by the studio. One thing is pointed out is that we find out that the actor Bret Spinner hates cats, and both comment that they loved the scene because of Bret Spinner’s aversion to hating cats and especially when the cat rubs up against his face. But after that comment I lost complete interest in their vacuous comments and it became a complete bore and I tried flicking through the chapters to try and find out if they come out with any more interesting facts about the film, but none were forth coming, so all in all this audio commentary was a complete bore and I think I can muster a one star rating for a boing mind numbing experience and I wish these two would disappear into the Nexus and not be heard from ever again.
Special Feature: Library Computer: A very cool interactive graphic trivia interface, which is loaded with screen-specific information with just about every aspect of the 'STAR TREK' universe. The Library Computer is overflowing with data that pours out at steady amounts of clips. The Library Computer is an interactive experience that allows you to access information about People, Technology, Locations and more, at the moment each item appears in the film. Switch to Index Mode to scan the entire database and jumps directly to the items of interest. All content is divided into the following categories: Culture; Science & Medicine; Starfleet Ops; Miscellaneous; Life Forms; Planets & Location; People; Technology and Ships.
Special Feature: Production: Here you get a selection of four different features and they are as follows:
Uniting Two Legends [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [25:40] This documentary is an exploration into the uniting of two generations of STAR TREK includes interviews with most of the cast of the film. Also included are scenes from the film premiere. It’s an interesting piece, partly because it’s always interesting to see interviews with the actors in the more minor roles and we see some of them here and have great enthusiasm for the film ‘STAR TREK VII: GENERATIONS.’ Contributors include: Jonathan Frakes [Commander Riker], Marina Sirtis [Counsellor Troi], Brent Spiner [Data], Gates McFadden [Dr. Beverly Crusher], David Carson [Director], DeForest Kelley [Dr. “Bones” McCoy], William Shatner [Captain James T. Kirk], Patrick Stewart [Captain Jean-Luc Picard], LeVar Burton [Geordi La Forge], Michael Dorn [Worf], Rick Berman [Executive Producer], James Doohan [Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott] and Walter Koenig [Pavel Chekov]. Directed by Donald R. Beck. Produced by Donald R. Beck, Rose Duignan and Stephen R. Wolcott. Screenplay by Stephen R. Wolcott.
Stellar Cartography: Creating the Illusion [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [9:23] Here we get a discussion of the larger, grander Stellar Cartography, as compared to what we saw in the TV series. We see the huge, backlit photo positives created for the scene, as well as footage of blue-screen shooting for the animated effects. Where hear explained that the script was very vague about this set, and others decided to make the scene something much grander, since it set up the rest of the film. Contributors include: Patrick Stewart [Captain Jean-Luc Picard], Herman Zimmerman [Production Design] and John A. Alonzo, A.S.C. [Director of Photography]. Directed by Donald R. Beck. Produced by Donald R. Beck, Rose Duignan and Stephen R. Wolcott. Screenplay by Stephen R. Wolcott.
Strange New Worlds: The Valley of Fire [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [22:42] Here we get to view the discussion revolving around the location shooting at The Valley of Fire, and the difficulties encountered there, especially with the high temperatures and very dry heat. Included are interviews with cast and crew, as well as documentary footage of the location shoot. Contributors include: William Shatner [Captain James T. Kirk], Malcolm McDowell [Soran], Herman Zimmerman [Production Design], David Carson [Director], Bud Davis [Stunt Coordinator], John A. Alonzo, A.S.C. [Director of Photography], Randy Hall [Stuntman], Don Pulford [Stuntman] and Bernie Pock [Stuntman]. Directed by Donald R. Beck. Produced by Donald R. Beck, Rose Duignan and Stephen R. Wolcott. Screenplay by Stephen R. Wolcott.
Scoring TREK [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [8:57] Here we get an intimate interview with film composer Dennis McCarthy, who was asked to do the film score music for the ‘STAR TREK VII: GENERATIONS’ film, because Jerry Goldsmith was extremely busy with other commitments, and when Dennis was called to Paramount Pictures to be offered the job, he was quite scared of the prospect, and especially being in control of an 80 piece orchestra. Dennis McCarthy informs us he has composed music for 300 plus TV shows, especially the different STAR TREK TV series, and all starts off with a blank piece of paper and a pencil. But with a STAR TREK film score you have so much more scope and flexibility. Dennis admire jerry Goldsmith and James Horner, but wanted to break away to make the music slightly different and to sparkle. But one of his biggest thrills he got to experience was to be invited to see the finished film of ‘STAR TREK VII: GENERATIONS’ on a big cinema screen and was just overwhelmed with an emotional experience. But what Dennis is even more proud of, is that he is up there with 14 other film score composers, over and 18 year period, especially over four series, but most of all Dennis had a great time and made a lot of friends.
Special Feature: Visual Effects: Here you get to view a choice of two separate features and they are as follows:
Inside ILM: Models & Miniatures [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [9:39] Here we get a chance to view a behind-the-scenes documentary of the visual effects technicians demonstrate how they refurbished the Enterprise D model and created the saucer crash scene, with the people at the Industrial Light & Magic, who also produce all the models for the STAR TREK films, and especially the STAR TREK VII film. Contributors include: John Goodson [Model Supervisor], Howie Weed [Model maker] and Patrick Sweeney [Visual Effects Camera Operator. Directed by Donald R. Beck. Produced by Donald R. Beck, Rose Duignan and Stephen R. Wolcott. Screenplay by Stephen R. Wolcott.
Crashing The Enterprise [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [10:44] With this documentary, we also get a chance to view a behind-the-scenes location look at the miniature landscape that was specially built and also see the shooting of the 12 feet Starship U.S.S. Enterprise-D model being filmed crash landing onto the miniature landscape. Contributors include: John Knoll [ILM Visual Effects Supervisor] and Bill George [ILM Visual Effects Art Director]. Directed by Donald R. Beck. Produced by Donald R. Beck, Rose Duignan and Stephen R. Wolcott. Screenplay by Stephen R. Wolcott.
Special Feature: Scene Deconstructions: Here you get to view a choice of three separate features and they are as follows:
Main Title [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [3:32] Here we get to see the scene deconstruction of the main film title, which is explained in great detail by Dan Curry [Main Title Designer] and was brought in to design the titles for the ‘STAR TREK VII: GENERATIONS’ film. Dan Curry also explains in detail that the champagne bottle hitting the Starship U.S.S. Enterprise-D that was computer generated images by the Santa Barbara Studios, but ILM actually produced the champagne bottle hitting the spaceship. Directed by Donald R. Beck. Produced by Donald R. Beck, Rose Duignan and Stephen R. Wolcott. Screenplay by Stephen R. Wolcott.
The Nexus Ribbon [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [7:08] Here we get to see behind-the-scenes of how they deconstructed the Nexus Ribbon effect via computer generated images and is explains in great detail by Alex Seiden [ILM Visual Effects Co-Supervisor]. Unfortunately this did not quite gel with me and got far too technical for my liking. Directed by Donald R. Beck. Produced by Donald R. Beck, Rose Duignan and Stephen R. Wolcott. Screenplay by Stephen R. Wolcott.
Saucer Crash Sequence [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [4:50] Here we get to see behind-the-scenes of how they deconstructed the saucer crash sequence of the Starship U.S.S. Enterprise-D model, and is explained in great detail by Patrick Sweeney [ILM Visual Effects Camera Operator] via a black-and-white storyboard, we also see the model being filmed. There are so much technical details I know for a fact that nerdy Trekkie fans will love this, to me it was totally boring. Directed by Donald R. Beck. Produced by Donald R. Beck, Rose Duignan and Stephen R. Wolcott. Screenplay by Stephen R. Wolcott.
Special Feature: The STAR TREK Universe: Here you get to view a choice of nine separate features and they are as follows:
A Tribute To Matt Jefferies [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [19:38] In this lengthy interview with Matt Jefferies [1921-2003] which was conducted shortly before his death, was the Original STAR TREK TV Series art director and tells us about designing the original Starship U.S.S. Enterprise, and shows off a number of fascinating early concept sketches. Contributors include: Mike Okuda [Scenic Art Supervisor], John Eaves [Illustrator], Herman Zimmerman [Production Designer], John Jeffries [Brother] and Doug Drexler [Scenic Artist]. Directed by Donald R. Beck. Produced by Donald R. Beck, Rose Duignan and Stephen R. Wolcott. Screenplay by Stephen R. Wolcott.
The Enterprise Lineage [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [12:49] This is an in-depth history of the different Military and the first Space Shuttle vessels that have been given the name “Enterprise.” Contributors include: John Eaves [Illustrator], Mike Okuda [Scenic Art Supervisor], Herman Zimmerman [Production Designer], Leonard Nimoy [Director/Spock] and William Shatner [Captain James T. Kirk/Director]. Directed by Donald R. Beck. Produced by Donald R. Beck, Rose Duignan and Stephen R. Wolcott. Screenplay by Stephen R. Wolcott.
Captain Picard's Family Album [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [7:05] Here Penny Juday [Art Coordinator] Gives is a close-up look at one of Paramount’s most important prop, that was used in the STAR TREK VII film, which had real and fictional photos relating to Captain Picard’s Family Tree, which included of mainly photographs, painting and ink blotting’s. The Captain Jean-Luc Picard's Family Album now resides in “The Star Trek Experience” in Las Vegas. Directed by Donald R. Beck. Produced by Donald R. Beck, Rose Duignan and Stephen R. Wolcott. Screenplay by Stephen R. Wolcott.
Creating 24th Century Weapons [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [13:48] Here we get to meet Gil Hibben [Official Klingon Armorer] who is at a convention and shows off his limited edition Klingon futuristic knives that he has created and made himself for the STAR TREK VII film, and explains in detail what each weapon is in detail and their different names. Directed by Donald R. Beck. Produced by Donald R. Beck, Rose Duignan and Stephen R. Wolcott. Screenplay by Stephen R. Wolcott.
Next Generation Designer Flashback: Andrew Probert [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [5:04] Andrew Probert [Production Illustrator] describes his involvement with the STAR TREK Sci-Fi franchise. Andrew Probert tends to spends more time on talking about 'STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE’ than ‘STAR TREK VII: GENERATIONS’ film.
Stellar Cartography on Earth [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [7:39] Real astronomers talk about mapping the galaxy and also go into great technical details about different parts of the universe and what they contain. Contributors include: Dr. Amy Mainzer [Astronomer], Dr. Charles Beichman [Astronomer], Dr. Michael Werner [Astronomer] and Scott Kardell [Astronomer].
Brent Spiner: Data and Beyond, Part 1 [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [10:21] Here we get an up close and personal interview with the actor Brent Spiner and his character Data. The actor describes his background in comedy and how he landed the role of Data. But one interesting fact we get to hear is that he gives great praise for his High School and College teacher Mr. Cecil Pickett, who inspired everyone who came into contact with him.
TREK Roundtable: Generations [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [12:23] This four group discussion between Larry Nemecek (author of many 'Star Trek' tie-in books), Anthony Pascale (trekmovie.com), Charlene Anderson (The Planetary Society), and Jeff Bond (Geek Monthly) feels like a missed opportunity. They debate a little bit about the merits of the film, but ultimately all give it a pass without too much criticism. The talk isn't particularly animated, and two of the members hardly speak at all and talk about nerdy Trekkies, who bored me totally senseless and I just hate people who are 100% obsessed with every aspect of STAR TREK, I bet they are a complete bore if you met them at a party.
Starfleet Academy SCISEC Brief 007: Trilithium [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [3:06] This is the seventh in a series of plot recaps hosted as though they were Starfleet instructional videos at the Starfleet Academy, Ex Astris, Scientia, San Francisco MMCLXI. In this episode, Starfleet Science Officer [Sarah Backhouse] from the 24th century examines the science behind the impact of the weaponisation of Trilithium. It was known that Trilithium isotopes were a component found within Romulan plasma torpedoes.
Special Feature: Deleted Scenes [2004] [480i] [1.37:1] [33:10] Here you get to view four deleted scenes from the STAR TREK VII: GENERATIONS’ film and they are Orbital Skydiving; Walking The Plank; Christmas With The Picard’s and Alternate Ending. As usual you can either watch them separately or “Play All.” Contributors include: Rick berman [Executive Producer], William Shatner [Captain James T. Kirk], James Doohan [Scotty], Walter Koenig [Paval Chekov] and Herman Zimmerman [Production Designer].
Trailers: Here you get to view two separate trailers for the film ‘STAR TREK VII: GENERATIONS,’ and they are as follows: Teaser Trailer [1994] [1080p] [2.35:1] [1:23] and Theatrical Trailer [1994] [1080p] [2.35:1] [1:23]. Here you get to view some really stunning film trailers that are really brilliant presentations.
Special Feature: BD-LIVE: To view the contents via your Blu-ray player, it has to be connected to the internet; otherwise it is not BD-LIVE capable. For possible solutions to resolve this problem, please consult your Blu-ray player manual.
Finally, ‘STAR TREK VII: GENERATIONS’ [1994] gets off to a shaky start, especially for the 'Next Generation' crew's first foray into feature films, but it serves its purpose adequately enough to get by. There are things to savour in this particular Sci-Fi film, even if it's a slight missed opportunity on the whole. The Blu-ray looks and sounds very good. Supplement extras are plentiful. Trekkies will get their money's worth with this one. Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
