Star Trek Beyond Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Star Trek Beyond" offers a robust 1080p transfer with notable clarity and precision. The digitally-photographed film, primarily shot using Arri Alexa XT cameras with a 2k Digital Intermediate, maintains a consistent visual style reminiscent of J.J. Abrams' previous two entries in the franchise. The 2.40:1 aspect ratio delivers a shiny, glossy look, particularly for the spaceship interiors. However, the constant camera movements and extensive use of CGI introduce some softness and motion blur, resulting in a general feeling of less depth and detail. Despite these issues, instrumental clusters and the environments within Yorktown and the Enterprise are depicted with admirable precision.

Color and contrast on this Blu-ray are generally solid but may fall short of expectations for some viewers. Starfleet uniforms stand out with their vibrant hues amidst a palette primarily composed of grays, silvers, whites, and blacks. Blues and planet greens are particularly intense, enhancing the visual appeal. Black levels hold up well in both space and low-light scenarios, ensuring consistent and accurate flesh tones. However, some exterior shots of spaceships may appear slightly flat and washed-out. Skin tones remain natural, and even in darker, complex scenes such as those on the crashed saucer section of the Enterprise, the visual intent is preserved accurately.

Overall, while the Blu-ray is not the most texturally abundant presentation, it serves its purpose adequately. Noise is minimal, and there are no notable source or compression artifacts. This presentation on Blu-ray demonstrates decent performance but could be significantly more striking if viewed on an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc graded for High Dynamic Range (HDR). The current transfer, with its clean aesthetics and occasional depth of color and texture, largely meets the technical needs of the film's intricate visual design.

The Blu-ray release of "Star Trek Beyond" is accompanied by a powerful and dynamic Dolby Atmos soundtrack, adeptly exploiting the format's capabilities to envelop viewers in an immersive audio experience. The sound design shines from the opening sequence, where Kirk moderates between two alien factions in a vertically expansive chamber, showcasing rich reverberation effects that position the audience right there with him. Action scenes are finely crafted, blending phaser blasts, explosions, and falling debris into a seamless 360-degree auditory experience. Overhead channels contribute to significant moments without overshadowing the main audio, such as the striking example at the 48:20 mark where the sound of wreckage rolls through the height channels. Environment details like dripping water in enemy compounds and bustling streets of Yorktown are also rendered with impressive realism.

Paramount's utilization of Dolby Atmos on both the UHD and standard Blu-ray is commendable, ensuring a consistent high-quality audio experience regardless of format. Those without Atmos capabilities will find the Dolby TrueHD 7.1 downmix to be equally proficient. Battle scenes involving swarms of enemy ships are audibly kinetic, with panning effects that engage both lower and height channels extensively. While explosions and gunfire feature prominently, they are complemented by subtler, ambient sounds that enrich quieter scenes, providing a well-rounded auditory palette. Dialogue remains clear and centered, even as it expands naturally for effect during more intensive sequences. The soundtrack's bass activity is robust but not overwhelming, delivering rumbles that enhance scenes without overshadowing them.

Music throughout the film, including Michael Giacchino's score and various popular tracks, integrates smoothly within the soundstage, though some instances do feel flatter compared to the lively action sequences. Notably, the nuances in musical elements during key phases of the finale round out a comprehensive auditory presentation that bolsters the film’s dynamic visual storytelling.

The Blu-ray release of "Star Trek Beyond" provides a solid suite of extras, enhancing the viewing experience with a detailed dive into the film's production and tributes to iconic figures. Although some might critique the brevity of certain features, the collection as a whole offers insightful commentary from the filmmakers, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and heartfelt memorials. Particularly notable are segments exploring the creation of 50 new alien species to celebrate the franchise's 50th anniversary and the design ingenuity seen in the Yorktown starbase scenes filmed in Dubai. The tribute to Leonard Nimoy and Anton Yelchin is both respectful and poignant. Despite the absence of a commentary track on the physical release, the included digital copy ensures viewers can still access this content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Brief scenes with Kirk and Scotty.
• Beyond the Darkness: Insights from J.J. Abrams, Justin Lin, and others.
• Enterprise Takedown: Behind-the-scenes of the USS Enterprise's destruction.
• Divided and Conquered: Exploring character dynamics and separations.
• A Warped Sense of Revenge: Understanding the villain Krall.
• Trekking in the Desert: Filming Yorktown scenes in Dubai.
• Exploring Strange New Worlds: Production design and set creation.
• New Life, New Civilizations: Creating 50 unique alien races.
• To Live Long and Prosper: Tribute to Star Trek's 50-year history.
• For Leonard and Anton: A homage to Leonard Nimoy and Anton Yelchin.
• Gag Reel: On-set bloopers and fun moments.

"Star Trek Beyond," directed by Justin Lin, steps away from J.J. Abrams' lens-flare-heavy style to deliver a film that's high on action but relatively light on dramatic substance. Taking place three years into the U.S.S. Enterprise's five-year mission, the film explores Captain Kirk's existential crisis while delving into new, visually spectacular territories like Starbase Yorktown. While the plot borrows elements from previous Star Trek films—such as the themes from "The Wrath of Khan" and action sequences reminiscent of "Generations"—it manages to create its unique, albeit derivative, identity bolstered by fast-paced action and striking special effects.

Despite its emphasis on action, "Star Trek Beyond" doesn’t shy away from character-driven moments. Simon Pegg and Doug Jung's screenplay provides ample room for reflection and camaraderie, enhancing the narrative's emotional core. Chris Pine’s portrayal of a weary yet determined Kirk, alongside Karl Urban’s standout performance as Bones, adds layers to the familiar ensemble. Newcomers Idris Elba as the antagonist Krall and Sofia Boutella as the enigmatic Jaylah inject fresh dynamics into the crew's interactions. However, Krall’s motivations can feel confusing and underdeveloped, which somewhat dilutes his impact as a villain.

Justin Lin's directorial approach often features kinetic camera work that can be both engaging and, at times, overwhelming. This fluidity particularly shines during the destruction of the Enterprise—a sequence that’s thrilling and essential to the plot. Although Lin’s penchant for detailed cityscapes and elaborate action scenes brings a unique visual flair, the film does lean heavily on "destruction porn," which might not align with long-time fans’ expectations for Star Trek's more cerebral themes. Nevertheless, "Star Trek Beyond" offers a compelling entry in the rebooted series, balancing nostalgia with fresh energy while grappling with fittingly epic scales and narrative ambitions.

"Star Trek Beyond," the thirteenth installment in the storied Star Trek franchise, offers a high-energy adventure that resonates with long-time fans. Unlike its predecessors, this film utilizes high-concept imagination and action, successfully blending familiar Star Trek themes with modern, sleek storytelling. While it may lack the depth and soul of the Abrams-era films, it compensates with solid performances and seamless visual effects. This installment reignites some of the Original Series' spirit, creating an entertaining, if not perfect, mix of action and homage.

In terms of production quality, the Blu-ray release stands out for its superior video and audio presentation. The upper-tier technical qualities are highly commendable, ensuring an engaging viewing experience. However, it's worth mentioning that the selection of bonus features is somewhat lacking. Fans might find the extra content underwhelming and suspect that a more comprehensive edition could be on the horizon. Nonetheless, this package remains a recommended addition for any Star Trek enthusiast's collection.

In conclusion, "Star Trek Beyond" succeeds as an enjoyable cinematic experience despite its flaws. It delivers two hours of Star Trek fun with enough action and references to satisfy fans of Gene Roddenberry's universe. Paramount's Blu-ray release showcases top-notch audio and visual elements, making it a valuable piece for collectors. While it may not be counted among the greatest Star Trek films, its skillful execution and genuine entertainment value make it a worthy entry in the franchise. Highly recommended.