Star Trek: First Contact 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Paramount's 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Star Trek: First Contact" is an exceptional visual treat, rooted in a meticulous new 4K scan of the original 35mm negatives and master interpositive elements. Displayed in a native 3840 x 2160p resolution with a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, the film demonstrates outstanding clarity and detail. Thanks to High Dynamic Range (HDR10) and Dolby Vision, colors are brilliantly rendered, amplifying the deep greens of the Borg lighting and the lush forestry scenes. Skin textures, clothing weaves, computer consoles, and LED lights display an unprecedented level of detail. The natural, filmic grain structure is beautifully preserved, contributing to a cinematic experience that distinctly surpasses the previous Blu-ray release.

The Dolby Vision color grading significantly enriches the film's color spectrum, providing a deeper and more accurate palette. The darker tones, which dominate the Enterprise interiors and Borg stronghold scenes, are handled with exceptional precision. Black levels are deep and inky, enhancing shadow detail without succumbing to black crush. Highlights are robust and vivid, reinforcing the three-dimensional quality of the image. The vibrant reds, blues, and greens, as well as phaser blasts and explosive sequences, convey an intense visual brilliance. This meticulous attention to color and contrast elevates the film's visual storytelling.

High-resolution details are splendidly captured, from the finest makeup nuances to the intricate textures on the Borg Queen's cybernetic implants. The presentation maintains a clean and tidy transfer with no apparent compression artifacts or print damage. Occasional softer VFX shots aside, the integration of practical and digital effects holds up remarkably well. Overall, Paramount’s 4K UHD release brings new life to "First Contact," delivering a stunningly accurate and aesthetically pleasing visual experience that is certain to satisfy both long-time fans and new viewers alike.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of "Star Trek: First Contact" features an upgraded Dolby TrueHD 7.1 audio mix, a marked improvement from the previous 5.1 surround track on earlier Blu-ray editions. Despite the absence of a Dolby Atmos track, the audio presentation remains stellar. Jerry Goldsmith's evocative score envelops the listener, while dynamic action scenes, such as phaser blasts and Borg technology sounds, fully utilize the surround channels. Notably, the grinding of the Borg ship and the Enterprise's flyover offer a thrilling auditory experience. Dialogue is clear and well-prioritized, ensuring natural and directional sound throughout. Bass performance is robust, if not the deepest available, but it delivers sufficient rumble during key moments like explosions and spaceship battles.

The soundstage achieves a medium-wide and immersive ambiance, leveraging rear channels for atmosphere and intricate audio details. The opening scene sets a high bar with random Borg voices creating a chaotic sonic environment, while Picard's listening to Berlioz’s “Les Troyens” demonstrates the mix's excellent fidelity and full tones. Spatial clarity and precision are consistent, particularly in action sequences such as the Starfleet battle with the Borg cube and Cochrane’s first warp flight. Subwoofer performance notably enhances these intense sequences, providing heft to explosions and torpedos.

Overall, while the absence of Atmos might disappoint some fans, the Dolby TrueHD 7.1 mix is undeniably engaging and technically proficient. The presentation brings Jerry Goldsmith’s powerful score to life and faithfully represents dialogue and sound effects, ensuring a rich and immersive audio experience that meticulously matches the film's visual intensity.

This UHD release of "Star Trek: First Contact" consolidates an extensive variety of legacy bonus features, spread across both the UHD and Blu-ray discs. Although there are no new additions, the collection remains substantial and dives deep into the making of the film. Commentary tracks include input from Jonathan Frakes, Brannon Braga, Ronald D. Moore, Damon Lindelof, and Anthony Pascale, with the text commentary by Michael and Denise Okuda providing an additional layer of insight. While the content's age is apparent in some of the video-based extras, dedicated Trekkies will find plenty to explore, covering story development, art design, and numerous behind-the-scenes details. Some commentary tracks, particularly those featuring Braga and Moore, offer more engaging insights than others.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary by Jonathan Frakes: Enthusiastic but often reactive commentary by the director/actor.

Audio Commentary by Brannon Braga and Ronald D. Moore: Energetic discussion by the writers.

Audio Commentary by Damon Lindelof and Anthony Pascale: Mixed commentary with attempts at humor.

Text Commentary by Michael and Denise Okuda: Informative text-based insights.

Library Computer: Interactive feature for deeper exploration.

Production:

• Making First Contact: Comprehensive look at production.
• The Art of First Contact: Focus on artistic direction.
• The Story
• The Missile Silo
• The Deflector Dish
• From “A” to “E”

Scene Deconstruction:

• Borg Queen Assembly
• Escape Pod Launch
• Borg Queen’s Demise

The Star Trek Universe:

• Jerry Goldsmith: A Tribute
• The Legacy of Zefram Cochrane
• First Contact: The Possibilities
• Industrial Light & Magic – The Next Generation
• Greetings from the International Space Station
• SpaceShipOne’s Historic Flight
• Brent Spiner - Data and Beyond Part 2
• Trek Roundtable: First Contact
• Starfleet Academy SCISEC Brief 008: Temporal Vortex

The Borg Collective:

• Unimatrix One
• The Queen
• Design Matrix

Archives:

• Storyboards
• Photo Gallery
• Alternate Titles
• Ethan Phillips Cameo/Interview
• Queen’s Demise

Trailers:

• Teaser Trailer
• Theatrical Trailer
• Borg Invasion Trailer

Note: Some extras are in standard definition reflecting their age.

"Star Trek: First Contact," directed by Jonathan Frakes, masterfully balances action and drama in this 1996 release. The film, set against a background of both interstellar and time-travel intrigue, brings the Borg—a nemesis many Star Trek: The Next Generation fans are familiar with—to the forefront. The plot navigates between the crew's efforts to ensure Zefram Cochrane's historical warp flight and their desperate attempt to foil the Borg's plans to alter history. The opening battle sequence is visually arresting, showcasing sharp production values that blend practical effects with then-cutting-edge CGI.

Patrick Stewart’s reprisal as Captain Picard highlights the dramatic intensity of the film. His confrontation with his personal demons and the Borg adds depth to the narrative. Alongside him, Brent Spiner’s Data wrestles with his own humanity, contributing to the film’s philosophical discourse on what it means to be human. Alfre Woodard’s portrayal of Lily adds a grounded counterpoint to Picard’s high stakes, contributing to some of the film's most memorable moments.

While "Star Trek: First Contact" allows for stellar performances from its main cast, supporting characters like Riker, Geordi, Worf, and even Cochrane himself, skillfully portrayed by James Cromwell, also get their moments in the spotlight. The film does not shy away from its series roots, integrating familiar characters and concepts while making accessible new threads for general audiences. Jerry Goldsmith's score underpins the movie’s dramatic arcs with a blend of nostalgia and new motifs, enhancing the epic scope.

Overall, "Star Trek: First Contact" effectively merges wrap-ahead plotting with engaging character-driven stories. Frakes' direction results in a visually impressive, emotionally resonant entry that stands above its Next Generation predecessors while paving the way for future explorations of Star Trek lore.

"Star Trek: First Contact," often revered as the pinnacle of the Next Generation films, shines brilliantly in its 4K UHD format. The leap to native 4K resolution unveils an extraordinary level of detail, vibrant colors, and impeccable black levels, all while preserving the film's natural grain structure. This transfer represents a significant enhancement over the previous Blu-ray release. The new Dolby TrueHD 7.1 audio track elevates the auditory experience with bombastic sound effects, prioritized dialogue, and an immersive surround environment, delivering a truly cinematic experience. Jerry Goldsmith's magnificent score, combined with Jonathan Frakes' adept direction and stellar performances from the cast, creates an engaging and thrilling sci-fi adventure.

The movie's dramatic peaks are punctuated by compelling sets, effective lighting, and Oscar-nominated makeup, highlighting the exceptional production values. While some may argue that the Borg's cinematic debut could have had a greater impact, "First Contact" benefits from a cohesive and well-balanced script that integrates strong visual effects and detailed model work, particularly evident in the Sovereign Class Enterprise E. The film tactfully sidesteps the baggage of its predecessors, allowing the Next Generation cast to fully showcase their talents on a grand stage.

Paramount's 4K UHD set is not just an upgrade but a necessary enhancement for fans of the franchise. Although there are no new bonus features, the archival extras present are extensive enough to satisfy hardcore enthusiasts for hours. This comprehensive package makes it easy to recommend "First Contact" as a must-have for any serious Star Trek collector. With enhanced picture quality and a robust sound experience, this UHD release is an unequivocal upgrade from prior editions.

In conclusion, "Star Trek: First Contact" stands as a high watermark in Star Trek cinema. Enhanced by its 4K UHD presentation, the film looks and sounds better than ever before, making it an essential addition to any collection. Highly recommended!