STAR TREK X: NEMESIS [2002 / 2016] [Limited Edition 50th Anniversary SteelBook] [Blu-ray] [UK Release] A Generation’s Final Journey Begins!
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. When the Enterprise is ordered to Romulus to escort its newly established and unexpected leader, Praetor Shinzon, Captain Jean-Luc Picard will battle his greatest adversary yet – himself! Praetor Shinzon, a Romulan-made clone of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, wants nothing less than the conquest of the Romulan Empire, the total eradication of Earth and the death of Captain Jean-Luc Picard himself. Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Data, and the rest of the crew must battle against overwhelming odds to defeat what could be the captain’s greatest ‘NEMESIS.’
FILM FACT No.1: Awards and Nominations: 2003 Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA: Nominated: Best Science Fiction Film. Nominated: Best Supporting Actor for Tom Hardy. Nominated: Best Costumes for Bob Ringwood. Nominated: Best Make-Up for Michael Westmore. 2003 Young Artist Awards: Win: Best Family Fantasy Feature Film.
FILM FACT No.2: Principal photography began in December 2001 in Southern California. The film was cut by about a third from a much longer running time. Many of the deleted scenes in the movie were "character moments", which served to further the characters' relationships with one another; the reason why they were cut was to put more emphasis on the battle between the Enterprise-E and the Scimitar. Rick Berman has stated that about 50 minutes’ worth of scenes were filmed but cut, though not necessarily all of them were usable in a final form. Around seven deleted scenes were included on the DVD when it was first released in 2003; when the Special Collector's Edition was released in 2005, around 14 deleted scenes were included. In promotional interviews for the film, Patrick Stewart stated that room for a sequel was left as B-4 begins singing "Blue Skies."
Cast: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Marina Sirtis, Gates McFadden, Tom Hardy, Ron Perlman, Shannon Cochran, Dina Meyer, Jude Ciccolella, Alan Dale, John Berg, Michael Owen, Kate Mulgrew, Robertson Dean, David Ralphe, J. Patrick McCormack, Wil Wheaton, Majel Barrett (Computer voice), Stuart Baird (Scimitar Computer voice) (uncredited), Greg Bronson (uncredited), Whoopi Goldberg (uncredited), Baron Jay (uncredited), John Jurgens (uncredited), Jasmine Lliteras (uncredited), Marti Matulis (uncredited), Brian Patterson (uncredited), Rachelle Roderick (uncredited), Bryan Singer (uncredited), Gregory Sweeney (uncredited) and Doug Wax (uncredited)
Director: Stuart Baird
Producers: Gene Roddenberry (uncredited), Marty Hornstein, Peter Lauritson and Rick Berman
Screenplay: Gene Roddenberry (television series STAR TREK), Brent Spiner (story), John Logan (story/screenplay) and Rick Berman (story)
Composer: Jerry Goldsmith
Cinematography: Jeffrey L. Kimball, 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 and English SDH
Running Time: 116 minutes
Region: All Regions
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Paramount Pictures UK
Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the U.S.S Starship Enterprise-E become involved when the Romulan Star Empire's new leader, Praetor Shinzon, makes overtures for peace with the Federation. Surprisingly, Praetor Shinzon is not from Romulus, but from Remus, a native of the darkness-shrouded twin world of Romulus. But he is not even a normal Romulan at that. Captain Jean-Luc Picard faces a new, very personal enemy, and the Enterprise-E is tasked with preventing a costly re-ignition of war between the Empire and the Federation.
In ‘STAR TREK X: NEMESIS,’ the balance has shifted and this is decisively an action-oriented type Sci-Fi film, with a misguided attempt to challenge James Bond and Star Wars on their own turf. Issues and the human element are the two things that set STAR TREK apart from other science fiction efforts and are left stranded in the background this time around. So we get multi-ship battles, a few hand-to-hand fights, lots of phasor fire, and even believe it or not, a car chase! In fact, most of the action sequences are competently done, if too short on tension, but the one-hour build-up is slightly dull. STAR TREK Sci-Fi films always take a while to get going; this one is the worst offender.
The screenplay for ‘STAR TREK X: NEMESIS’ is slightly bordering on lame side. The Sci-Fi film begins with an uprising in the Romulan Senate. A human by the name of Praetor Shinzon [Tom Hardy] usurps the reins of power and pretends he wants to make peace with the Federation. The Starship U.S.S. Enterprise-E under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard [Patrick Stewart] is dispatched to the planet Romulus on a diplomatic mission. On board is his usual crew and the just married first officer, William T. Riker [Jonathan Frakes], and his bride, Deanna Troi [Marina Sirtis]; Dr. Beverly Crusher [Gates McFadden]; Security Officer Worf [Michael Dorn]; Chief Engineer LaForge [LeVar Burton]; and the resident android, Commander Data [Brent Spiner]. Actually, there are two androids. Before going to Romulus, the Starship U.S.S. Enterprise investigates an energy reading and discovers Commander Data's long-lost "older brother," called B4 (who was created "before" Data).
Upon reaching Romulus, Captain Jean-Luc Picard discovers that all is not as it seems to be. The appearance of Praetor Shinzon [Tom Hardy] identity surprises the Starship U.S.S. Enterprise-E crew, and the telepathic abilities of his Viceroy [Ron Perlman] allow the Romulan Praetor Hiren [Alan Dale] to invade the mind of Counsellor Deanna Troi [Marina Sirtis]. It soon becomes clear that peace is the last thing on his mind and intends to use his seemingly invincible warship, the Scimitar, to dispatch the Starship U.S.S. Enterprise-E, and then moves onto bigger targets. Eventually, a massive space battle gets underway, and, as always, the Starship U.S.S. Enterprise-E's shields are collapsing and the warp drive is out. Where is engineer Scotty when you need him?
The returning regulars are a solid lot, even if they are largely sleepwalking through their parts. 15 years of familiarity and the TV series ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ premiered in 1987, have allowed Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, and the rest to slip into and out of character with relative ease. Their alter-egos are like old, comfortable clothes that can be donned at any time. They may be frayed with age, but they still fit. The newcomers are less promising. Tom Hardy's Praetor Shinzon is a Khan wannabe, but Tom Hardy slightly lacks the machismo and charisma of Ricardo Montalban. The result is a hum-drum villain. Dina Meyer is wooden as the Romulan Commander Donatra. The only one who shows any energy is Ron Perlman, as the Reman Viceroy. Whoopi Goldberg, Wil Wheaton, Kate Mulgrew, and Bryan Singer, who was the director of ‘X-Men,’ have cameo roles.
The special effects are definitely first-rate. Everything from the outside detail of the Romulan capitol to the ships in combat looks flawless. One might argue that nothing less could be expected from a big-budget science fiction film. But STAR TREK has not always been known for top flight visuals. This is one area, perhaps the only one, in which ‘STAR TREK X: NEMESIS’ has an advantage over its predecessors.
There was a time when I would have been sad to see the STAR TREK Sci-Fi film franchise series end, but with ‘STAR TREK X: NEMESIS,’ however, it has become apparent that the Sci-Fi franchise's best years are long past with this particular film. The trailers and TV spots tout this Sci-Fi film as "a generation's final journey," and that may be an accurate statement. Idea-based storylines, which have always been STAR TREK's forte, no longer seems to be relevant with this particular Sci-Fi film. And mutating the series into the kind of action-oriented endeavour evidenced here is a disservice to STAR TREK and its loyal Trekkie fans. ‘STAR TREK X: NEMESIS’ will not send the Starship U.S.S. Enterprise-E crew out on a high note, but at least they'll be spared the ignominy of becoming redundant, which could happen if Paramount Pictures decides to make a STAR TREK XI Sci-Fi film, which as you know is now a brand new beginning for a brand new generation of STAR TREK Trekkie fans of this Sci-Fi genre franchise and of course new screenwriters and directors help to make the new STAR TREK Sci-Fi films to go boldly where no one else has gone before.
Blu-ray Image Quality – Once again Paramount Pictures UK has made a really spectacular effort with the last of this set of the original 10 STAR TREK film franchise in presenting you this Blu-ray disc with a really stunning 1080p encoded image that gives you a viewing spectacular experience and especially the outer space special effects scenes are sharp and is a definite visual treat for your eyes, and especially with the Panavision 2.35:1 aspect ratio shows off this film in a totally spectacular visual experience The Spaceship U.S.S. Enterprise-E displays incredible detail as does the Shinzon warship Scimitar. The space battle in the Bassen Rift is suitably impressive and ranks up there with the Borg fight in the ‘STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT’ Sci-Fi film.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – Once again Paramount Pictures UK has made another spectacular effort with the amazing 5.1 Dolby TrueHD audio experience, and is near reference quality as you are treated to loud phasor blasts and especially the exceptional genius that is Jerry Goldsmith’s excellent and amazing film music score that again really enhances the film. Everything hits you with a bang during the space battle scenes and especially giving your surround speakers a good workout that makes you feel you are actually there with this really action packed film, that will keep you on the edge of your seats on wondering where the next explosive sound will hit your senses.
Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Audio Commentary by Director Stuart Baird: Stuart Baird says that normally with the STAR TREK picture, it normally starts with a big opening film fanfare and stars are introduced, and also the main crew, but Stewart decided to put all that at the end of the film and just start the picture with the title STAR TREK NEMESIS and the reason for that is that it is such a dark beginning and felt we should get on with the story. When we get to the wedding scene, Stuart tells us that originally it was a much longer scene, but on reflection decided to edit it much shorter, to get the right balance. Stuart felt that if you have never seen a STAR TREK film, especially with NEMESIS, you do not need that whole back story history and their relationships. Stuart was also so pleased to have Jerry Goldsmith doing the film music score, especially many times before with the previous STAR TREK films and of course they call him Mr. Star trek, and also feels Jerry Goldsmith has done a really fantastic wonderful film score for this film. When we see B-4 and Data hooked up together, Stuart tells us that the overhead filming was done by a motion control shot, which is computer controlled camera, and the move was very complicated and of course Brent Spiner played both parts and had to be filmed twice and took a total of nine hours to complete the filming of that particular scene, and Stuart feels it was totally worth it. When Praetor Shinzon and Captain Jean-Luc Picard talk face to face over the meal, he wanted really good colour, compared to when you see the young Shinzon as a small boy down the mines, well Stuart wanted those scenes to be completely devoid of any colour and look washed out. With most of the rest of the audio commentary Stuart just goes into lots of technical. But as we get to the long credits at the end of the film Stuart stopped talking without warning which I found very, but despite this, it was not too bad an audio commentary.
Audio Commentary by Producer Rick Berman: As the film starts, Rick Berman introduces himself, and informs us that this film was the brain child of John Logan, who he praises very much as a wonderful writer, and of course informs us that John is a massive STAR TREK fan and a dream come true to actually be involved with this STAR TREK film. When the toxic radiation poison is released in the Romulan Senate and all the senators turn to stone, we are told that it took hours of make-up and eventually was finished off with computer generated images, especially the part when the senator crashes to the floor. Rick tells us that all the sets for the Enterprise, especially when the film has been shot, all the scenery is carefully dismantled for the next STAR TREK film and it is all stored in big warehouses in different locations like Burbank and the San Fernando Valley. Rick Berman is another one who gives great praise to the late great genius of the film music score composer Jerry Goldsmith, who is definitely the film music score maestro genius. When the STAR TREK crew get beamed onto the Scimitar ship, Rick gives great praise on Herman Zimmerman’s production design. And so ends the second audio commentary that was quite interesting, but unfortunately Rick Berman does a lot of long gaps before he makes any kind of comments on the film.
Audio Commentary by Michael Okuda and Denise Lynn Okuda: Here as usual both of these people introduce themselves and inform us that they are here to talk about the film ‘STAR TREK: NEMESIS’ and the heroes from The Next Generation Sci-Fi franchise. They talk specifically about film titles that were designed by Richard Greenberg who is a motion graphics and main titles designer from Chicago and in 1977. During his R/GA period, he was responsible for the main titles for ‘Superman,’ ‘Alien,’ ‘The World According to Garp,’ ‘Altered States,’ ‘Dirty Dancing,’ Death Becomes Her,’ and ‘The Untouchables,’ as well as visual effects work on ‘Predator’ and ‘The Devil’s Advocate.’ Richard Greenberg has don work with Stan Winston for ‘Predator’ earned them an Academy Award® nomination for visual effects in 1987. So without doubt do not contemplate listening to these two talk 90% vacuous comments, this audio commentary should definitely get the No.1 Raspberry Award for total boredom.
Special Feature: Library Computer: This is a very cool interactive graphic trivia interface, which is loaded with screen-specific information with just about every aspect of the STAR TRE' 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 have a selection of seven different features, which are as follows:
NEMESIS Revisited [2005] [480i] [1.37:1] [25:45] When the ‘STAR TREK IX: INSURRECTION’ was completed, they thought of another STAR TREK film was not on the cards and everyone thought that the film ‘STAR TREK X: NEMESIS’ was the last thing anyone thought would never happen. But soon word got around that this film was given the go ahead and of course all the actors and crew were really excited to be back together again, as they all worked so well on the previous film, just like one big happy family.
New Frontiers: Stuart Bird on Directing ‘NEMESIS’ [2003] [480i] [1.37:1] [8:42] here we get to hear views with great praise to the director Stuart Bird, as they all felt he gave a breath of fresh air and especially a new set of eyes into the STAR TREK Sci-Fi franchise. We also get some nice in-depth insight into the director’s thoughts on how he wanted to tackle the film.
Storyboarding The Action [2005] [480i] [1.37:1] [3:37] Here we get to meet Tom Southwell [Conceptual Artist] at working creating the storyboard for the film STAR TREK X, plus we also get to see images of the storyboard drawing at the top of the screen and below it an actual scene from the film relating to the drawing.
Red Alert! Shooting the Action of ‘NEMESIS’ [2003] [480i] [1.37:1] [10:08] With the NEMESIS film, people wanted to get back to the scenario of a real action packed film, to compensate for the lack of action in the previous STAR TREK IX film, and you certainly got this with this film. We also see some rare behind-the-scene filming of some of the action parts of the film.
Build and Rebuild [2005] [480i] [1.37:1] [7:44] We get a behind-the-scene of the crew working on the different sets of the insides of the Enterprise and Shinzon space ships in their rough stages and then eventually we see the finished look of the film STAR TREK X.
Four-Wheeling In The Final Frontier [2005] [480i] [1.37:1] [10:14] Here once again we get to see behind-the-scene filming the desert scenes, especially with the special spectacular stunts with the four-wheel special vehicles, which are in fact 2.5 litre four cylinder Baja Off-Road Race cars that have been specially modified to be able to be driven in a desert scenario, which as you will see is quite spectacular in what you view.
Screen Test: Shinzon [2005] [480i] [1.37:1] [6:30] What we get to view is the actor Tom Hardy in Scene 49 [STAR TREK X] that was shot on the 1st November, 2001, which also has Patrick Stewart sitting opposite and facing the actor Tom Hardy.
Special Feature: The STAR TREK Universe: Here you have a selection of nine different features, which are as follows:
A STAR TREK Family’s Final Journey [2003] [480i] [1.37:1] [16:16] With this feature it is all about making the actual STAR TREK X film and not about filming the STAR TREK X film, and everyone was so happy to be reunited once again, especially knowing that the director Stuart Baird was at the helm, especially as he is a massive fan of the STAR TREK genre, and especially directing the last of the 10 original 10 STAR TREK film franchise. We also get to hear in detail about the long process in getting the script up to scratch to bring it into the final process to start filming.
A Bold Vision of The Final Frontier [2003] [480i] [1.37:1] [10:16] Stuart Baird [Director] talks about the differences between the Enterprise and the Shiznon bridges, that he wanted to be completely different in look, and especially having the Shiznon bridge to be completely massive, bold and intimidating, especially asking Herman Zimmerman to give it a very Germanic metallic look. All in all this is again a very nice little feature and especially hearing the personal views of the director Stuart Baird.
The Enterprise-E [2005] [480i] [1.37:1] [11:36] Herman Zimmerman [Production Designer] gives us his personal views on his designs and constructions of the different sets for all the sets on the STAR TREK X film. John Eaves [Illustrator] talks about his involvement in producing all the artwork designs, especially as they he was asked to design new sets.
Reunion With The Rikers [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [10:47] Here we meet Marina Sirtis and Jonathan Frakes talking about producing a half hour TV sitcom entitled “The Rikers in Space” and would have their whacky Uncle Data and their little dog “Worf,” and they would live on the Titan spaceship and would be a comedy. But the main plot is that the Rikers would go into space and carry out the “Prime Directive” with all the planets in the Federation, but most of the time you take their comments about their proposed TV series very tongue in cheek!
Today’s Tech Tomorrow’s Data [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [4:23] Here we meet Laurent Itti [Associate Professor of Computer Science at the USC] and is a computational neuroscientist, and talks about how we can learn from biology and can see the use for the next generation with robots. I got so totally bored by the whole experience.
Robot: Hall of Fame [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [4:34] We are at the Carnegie Mellon University, which is a Private University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where in 2007 spokesperson Donald Marinelli [Carnegie Mellon Technology Executive] announces the name of the first of their class of four robots that is to be inducted into their “Robot Hall of Fame,” at robot of Lt. Commander Data, which Brent Spiner was very honoured to be included.
Brent Spiner: Data and Beyond Part 4 [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [9:18] Here for the very last time is Brent Spiner [Data/B-4] talking about his time with the STAR TREK Sci-Fi franchise and especially appearing in NEMESIS, which came about when Brent was on stage in a Broadway play and afterwards met John Logan to ask Brent to come on board to help write the screenplay for NEMESIS, especially in collaboration with Rick Berman and be like the three Musketeers.
Trek Roundtable: NEMESIS [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [10:26] Here once again for the last time thankfully, we have these ghastly four boring STAR TREK nerds again, talking about the film ‘STAR TREK X: NEMESIS’ as this feature is the most boring one I have ever had to endure. One thing I hope, that Paramount Pictures did not pay them a fee to appear in the studio?
Academy Starfleet Academy SCISEC Brief 010: Thalaron Radiation [2009] [1080p] [1.78:1] [2:27] This is the tenth and final one in the 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 effects of Shinzon's use of Thalaron radiation. Thalaron radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation in the tertiary EM band that was deadly to organic forms of life as it was capable of instantly killing such organisms with even small amounts. Unlike gamma rays, Thalaron radiation did not bring about a mutative effect to a living organism's genome but rather destroys it through a form of necrosis. Once every cell has been exposed to the radiation, the once-living being simply turns to ash and fractures.
Special Feature: The Romulan Empire: Here you have a selection of five different features, which are as follows:
Romulan Lore [2005] [480i] [1.37:1] [11:51] Rick Berman [Producer] informs us that John Logan is a massive fan of the STAR TREK franchise and loves big epic characters, and especially creating their home planet of the Romulans.
Shinzon and The Viceroy [2005] [480i] [1.37:1] [10:00] Rick Berman [Producer] informs us once again and talks about the baddies that always stars in the STAR TREK film franchise and this time the villain is Shiznon.
Romulan Design [2005] [480i] [1.37:1] [9:05] Here we meet Syd Dutton [Special Visual Effects of Illusion Arts Inc.] who did all the artistic paintings for the concept of the Romulan world, which is really spectacular.
The Romulan Senate [2005] [480i] [1.37:1] [8:37] This feature goes into great detail into the design of the Romulan Senate and the reason for the style of the characters. The actual design of the Romulan Senate was again done by Herman Zimmerman [Production Designer].
The Scimitar [2005] [480i] [1.37:1] [13:14] This particular feature goes into great detail about the design of the Shiznon spaceship the Scimitar as informed by Herman Zimmerman [Production Designer]. We also get input from William Ladd Skinner [Film Art Set Designer] who designed the tactical Scorpion fighter space vehicle that Captain Picard and Data escape from the Scimitar spaceship.
Special Feature: Deleted Scenes [2003] [480i] [1.33:1] [27:13] Here you have a selection of thirteen different deleted scenes, which are as follows: Rick Berman Introduction; Wesley’s New Mission; Chateau Picard; 2267; The Time of Conquest; Data and B-4; Federation Protocols; The Change For Peace; A Loss of Self; Remember Him? [Extended]; Turbolift Violation; Sickbay Prepares For Battle; Cleaning Out Data’s Quarters; Crusher At Starfleet Medical and Advice For The First Officer. Contributors include: Rick Berman [Producer], Patrick Stewart [Jean-Luc Picard]. As usual you can either watch them separately or Play All.
Special Feature: Archives: Here you have a selection of three different featurettes and they are as follows:
Storyboards: With this feature you have a selection of four different subjects and to view the said features you get displayed, you have to use the right and left arrow keys on your remote control to view the said images in each of these galleries, which are as follows: Scorpion Escape: Here you get to view 49 very roughly drawn storyboard images. The Jeffries Tube: Here you get to view 53 very roughly drawn storyboard images. Collision: Here you get to view 45 very roughly drawn storyboard images.
Production: Here you get to view a total of 58 stunning images, which consist of John Eaves brilliant illustrations, photographs of some of the sets and lots of behind-0the-scene photographs of the cast and crew.
Props: Here you get to view a total of 21 colour photographs of different props that were used in the film ‘STAR TREK X: NEMESIS.’
Special Feature: Trailers: Here you have a selection of two different trailers for the film ‘STAR TREK X: NEMESIS,’ which are as follows: Teaser Trailer [2002] [1080p] [2.35:1] [1:31] and Theatrical Trailer [2002] [1080p] [2.35:1] [2:01]. Here you get to view two totally stunning and spectacular trailers that give you a great impression of what to expect when you actually view the brilliant action packed film ‘STAR TREK X: NEMESIS.’
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, with the ‘STAR TREK X: NEMESIS’ [2002] film, it is important to note NEMESIS has a place in the STAR TREK folk lore history. It is the last filmed adventure of THE NEW GENERATION crew, at least as of this moment in time, but as always there is always hope! Ironically and unfortunately, ‘STAR TREK X: NEMESIS’ was a sad failure at the box office, especially a bald Romulan leader with a long coat, acting like the Roman leader Nero, and look what happened to him. As a STAR TREK fan myself, I did enjoy seeing these great characters in action again, and just as good as the FIRST CONTACT film. Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
