Star Trek: The Motion Picture 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Paramount's release of the Director's Edition of "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" in a 4K UHD Blu-ray format is a remarkable showcase of the film's original visual splendor, enhanced through meticulous restoration and modern technology. Shot on 35mm film using Panavision cameras and re-scanned from the original negative and master inter-positive elements at 4K, with its VFX negatives having been scanned at an even higher resolution of 6K-8K, this restoration elevates the visual experience to new heights. The additional Director's Edition effects, as well as CGI scenes originally created in standard definition for the 2001 edition, are now rendered in native 4K, offering a stunning clarity and depth to the visuals. The disc itself supports a native 3840 x 2160p resolution image in the widescreen 2.39:1 aspect ratio, leveraging 10-bit video depth, High Dynamic Range (HDR), and Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), encoded with the HEVC (H.265) codec for Dolby Vision and HDR10, all reviewed on high-end equipment to ensure fidelity to the unparalleled restoration effort.

Detail in the imagery is astonishing; from the textures of aging skin and the intricacies of Starfleet uniforms to the sprawling vistas of space docks and starships, everything looks more vivid and immersive than ever before. The application of HDR and WCG enriches colors with unprecedented intensity and nuance, giving scenes a natural essence and correcting previous color imbalances. However, while most of the visual effects shots are spectacular, some artifacts and inconsistencies, notably grain management and digital noise reduction during certain VFX sequences, detract slightly from the overall excellence. These issues, discussed extensively in the commentary tracks and supplements, reflect a delicate balance between preserving film authenticity and adapting it for modern high-definition standards.

This edition also introduces a new Dolby Vision color grade that enhances the visual experience by providing more accurate skin tones and brilliant whites without compromising black levels or shadow details. Despite minor glitches and a slight softness due to the original filming techniques and de-graining processes, this release stands as a testament to Paramount's dedication to presenting Robert Wise’s vision in the best possible light. The restoration not only pays homage to the movie's legacy but also showcases the meticulous care taken in updating it for contemporary audiences, offering an impressive depth that truly brings the vastness of space and the iconic imagery of Star Trek to life.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Star Trek: The Motion Picture - Director’s Edition" boasts a stunning Dolby Atmos track, presenting a notable improvement in the audio experience, particularly when compared to its Theatrical and Special Extended Edition counterparts, which utilize the Dolby TrueHD 7.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0 tracks, respectively. The Atmos mix creates an immersive soundscape that envelops the listener from the opening scenes, with Jerry Goldsmith's iconic score benefiting greatly from this audio revamp. The clarity and layering of musical instruments, along with the deep and resonant bass, enhance both the score and the sound effects throughout the film, from the rumbling of the ship’s engines to the precision of photon torpedoes firing across the room. Despite the occasional muffled dialogue in early scenes, the overall clarity and balance of audio elements are remarkable, making for a listening experience that feels both modern and exquisitely detailed.

Dialogue across all versions remains clear and crisp, with the Atmos track particularly enhancing vocal clarity by utilizing a variety of original ADR recordings. This clarity, coupled with the track's dynamic use of surround channels for music and ambient effects, brings a new dimension to the film’s soundstage. The meticulous attention to sound effects’ placement and movement adds an engaging layer to the viewing experience, ensuring that every nuance of the sound design is both appreciated and impactful. The Atmos mix also shines in its handling of low-frequency effects, offering a tight and punchy bass that adds depth to action sequences without overshadowing other audio elements.

The Director's Edition not only updates but significantly enhances the audio experience, providing a demo-worthy Dolby Atmos mix that showcases exceptional fidelity, dynamics, and immersion. Offering an expansive soundstage that makes full use of overhead and surround channels, this mix elevates every scene, from quieter dialogues to the grandiosity of space battles, ensuring a thoroughly engaging auditory experience. With levels meticulously balanced to prevent any need for remote adjustment, the mix allows listeners to immerse fully in the rich sonic tapestry of this classic film, enhanced to meet contemporary audio standards while preserving its original charm.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" offers an incredibly rich package for both new audiences and long-standing fans, combining groundbreaking visual and audio restorations with an exhaustive suite of extras. Notably, the set features comprehensive audio commentaries that delve deep into the creative and technical efforts of the original production team, offering new insights and preserving the legacy of the film's epic undertaking. The packaging, while lacking a hardcover protective case, thoughtfully includes a range of physical memorabilia that enhances the collector's experience, despite some practical challenges in disc storage. The inclusion of newly produced and legacy extras, such as the detailed "The Human Adventure" documentary and previously unseen deleted scenes, effects tests, and costume tests, alongside immersive audio tracks like the isolated score, provide a multidimensional exploration of the film's production and its enduring influence on the Star Trek franchise. This release not only celebrates the monumental efforts to bring this cinematic journey to life but also underscores the film's pivotal role in expanding the Star Trek universe.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary with David C. Fein, Mike Matessino, and Daren Dochterman – A new deep dive into the restoration process.

Audio Commentary by Robert Wise, Douglas Trumbull, John Dykstra, Jerry Goldsmith, and Stephen Collins – Offers historic insights from the original team.

Text Commentary by Michael and Denise Okuda – Provides trivia and background information for fans.

Isolated Score Track – Enjoy Jerry Goldsmith's iconic score in pristine quality.

The Human Adventure – An 8-part documentary detailing the Director’s Edition’s creation.

Deleted Scenes – Including three never-before-seen scenes.

Effects Tests, Costume Tests, Computer Display Graphics – New features revealing behind-the-scenes details.

The Star Trek Universe Featurettes – Covering various aspects including the lost "Phase II" Enterprise and the making of TMP.

Storyboards & Additional Scenes 1979 Theatrical Version

Deleted Scenes 1983 TV Version

Trailers & TV Spots – A collection of promotional materials.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture's transition to the 4K UHD Blu-ray format is a monumental leap for fans and newcomers alike. Paramount has meticulously restored and remastered this classic, under the guidance of celebrated director Robert Wise, to present a definitive edition that optimizes the original vision for today's auditory and visual standards. The film, originally a product of the post-Star Wars sci-fi boom, has been granted new life with state-of-the-art visual effects and a Dolby Atmos remix that breathes fresh vigor into the Enterprise's maiden cinematic voyage. This endeavor was not merely about enhancing the picture quality; it involved a careful re-examination of the film, adding new scenes, altering dialogues, and incorporating alternate takes to refine the pacing and narrative coherence, thus making it more accessible for a contemporary audience while preserving the grand ideas and thematic depth that distinguish it from mere space operas.

In this 137-minute Director's Edition, every frame showcases the laborious task of refining what was previously seen as a rushed project into something that feels complete and majestic. The enhancements involve not only visual effects but also edits that bring clarity and a new perspective to the narrative. This version maintains the film's original aesthetic, avoiding any jarring additions that would detract from the established atmosphere and storytelling. It’s a restoration that remains faithful to its source while elevating it beyond its original capabilities, particularly through attention to detail in scenes depicting the vastness of V'ger and the intimate dynamics among Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. The movie's themes of exploration, existence, and humanity are given the depth and scope they deserve, supported by Jerry Goldsmith's compelling score that underlines the epic quality of their adventure.

Despite initial criticisms related to its pacing, Star Trek: The Motion Picture has undergone a critical reappraisal, with this latest edition highlighting its ambition to blend profound themes with the sense of adventure characteristic of the original series. The inclusion of enhanced visual effects, a fresh audio mix, and considered edits in the Director's Edition presents a compelling case for this entry as not only an essential part of Star Trek history but as a standalone cinematic accomplishment. This release ensures that both longtime fans and new viewers can experience the movie in unparalleled quality, offering both a celebration of its legacy and a beacon for future explorations in the Star Trek saga.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture's release on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray represents a milestone in science fiction cinema's home entertainment journey, particularly with the Director's Edition. Paramount Home Entertainment’s commitment to revitalizing this pivotal film is evident through its scrupulous restoration and enhancement efforts, delivering a visual and auditory experience that exceeds contemporary expectations. The native 4K restoration brings an unprecedented clarity and color fidelity to the film, which, combined with the Dolby Atmos surround track, offers an immersive viewing experience unparalleled in previous releases. This edition includes three versions of the film: The Theatrical, Special Extended, and the Director’s Edition, with the latter being a standout for its meticulous refinement and attention to detail.

The Director's Edition not only addresses the film’s previously unfinished status as noted by Robert Wise but also enriches the storytelling with subtle edits and alternate dialogues, providing a more coherent narrative flow. The inclusion of both new and archival bonus features adds considerable value, inviting viewers into the depth of Star Trek’s cinematic legacy. However, it is worth noting that this release does not encompass the standard theatrical cut, urging fans to retain their prior versions for a comprehensive collection. Despite this, the offering is elevated by its splendid packaging and range of 'tat,' making it an essential purchase for die-hard Trekkies and film collectors alike.

In conclusion, Star Trek: The Motion Picture’s Director’s Edition in 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray from Paramount is an exemplary release that not only honors the original vision but elevates it to contemporary standards. Its superior video and audio presentation, coupled with a wealth of supplemental materials, solidifies its status as a must-have for enthusiasts of the franchise and appreciators of film restoration. As it redefines the visual and sonic benchmarks for classic cinema in the modern age, this edition stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Star Trek and the possibilities of technological advancement in film preservation and enhancement.