star trek der film 4k director's cut

• More to Explore
• Series & Movies

Published Jul 6, 2022

Fully Restored Director's Edition of Star Trek: The Motion Picture Arrives on 4K Ultra HD

The original six big-screen adventures also arrive on 4K Ultra HD September 6 in time for Star Trek Day.

StarTrek.com

Set a course for the final frontier as the newly restored Star Trek: The Motion Picture—The Director’s Edition arrives September 6, 2022 on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray™ with a bonus Blu-ray Disc™ filled with new and legacy special features from Paramount Home Entertainment. The film will also be released in a Limited-Edition Collector’s Set entitled “The Complete Adventure,” which includes the new Director’s Edition, the theatrical cut, and a special longer cut all on 4K Ultra HD along with special features on Blu-ray. In addition, Star Trek: The Original Motion Picture Collection will arrive on September 6 with all six big-screen adventures featuring the original series crew on 4K Ultra HD.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture - Director's Edition Remastered Trailer

Originally released in 1979, Star Trek: The Motion Picture became the fourth highest grossing movie of the year and earned three Academy Award® nominations for Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction, and Best Music, Original Score. The film successfully launched the Star Trek franchise beyond the original television series, despite having been rushed to theaters with incomplete special effects and forced editing choices.

In 2001, director Robert Wise revisited the film to refine the edit and enhance the visual effects. His updated vision was released on DVD in standard definition and embraced by fans but has never been available in higher definition until now.  Meticulously assembled and restored by producer David C. Fein with post-production supervisor Mike Matessino, both of whom originally collaborated with Wise, the film has been prepared for presentation in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision™ high dynamic range (HDR) and a new powerful and immersive Dolby Atmos® soundtrack. Fein and Matessino assembled a team of visual effects experts, led by returning visual effects supervisor Daren R. Dochterman, and utilized the extensive resources in the Paramount Archives to recreate the effects not just in HD, but in Ultra HD. After more than six months of painstaking work, the updated movie looks and sounds better than ever while staying true to Wise’s original intention.

“ The Director’s Edition on 4k Ultra HD delivers an experience that is far more intimate, engaging, and powerful thanks to the hard work of everyone involved,” said Fein.  “In building The Complete Adventure, we appreciated that many people who were first introduced to the film through the full frame release of the ‘Special Longer Version’ have missed it.  I’m excited that it will now be available for the first time in widescreen 4k Ultra HD. After so many years, it’s deeply rewarding to finally deliver Robert Wise’s definitive Director’s Edition for fans to enjoy at home.”

Following is an overview of the new product offerings:

Star Trek: The Motion Picture—The Director’s Edition 4K Ultra HD

The newly restored, definitive version of the first big-screen adventure is presented in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision™ and HDR-10, as well as Dolby Atmos®.  Also includes access to a Digital copy of the film and the following new and legacy bonus content:

Ultra HD Disc bonus features:

• Audio Commentary with David C. Fein, Mike Matessino, and Daren R. Dochterman—NEW!
• Audio Commentary by Robert Wise, Douglas Trumbull, John Dykstra, Jerry Goldsmith, and Stephen Collins?
• Text Commentary by Michael and Denise Okuda?

Blu-ray Disc™ bonus features:

• The Human Adventure —An all-new 8-part documentary detailing how the Director’s Edition came to life—NEW!
• Preparing the Future – How the remastering began
• A Wise Choice – The storied history of Robert Wise
• Refitting the Enterprise – How the Enterprise design shaped future federation starships
• Sounding Off – Exploring new dimensions of sound in Dolby Atmos
• V’ger - The conception and restoration of an iconic alien antagonist
• Return to Tomorrow – Reaching an already high bar with new CGI effects
• A Grand Theme – Behind the iconic, influential music score that shaped the franchise’s future
• The Grand Vision – The legacy and evolving reputation of this classic movie
• Deleted Scenes — NEW!
• Effects Tests — NEW!
• Costume Tests — NEW!
• Computer Display Graphics — NEW!
• Additional legacy bonus content

Star Trek: The Motion Picture—The Director’s Edition—The Complete Adventure 4K Ultra HD

This Limited-Edition Collector’s Set includes all of the above, plus an additional 4K Ultra HD disc containing:

• The Theatrical Cut
• The first-ever widescreen presentation of the Special Longer Version of Star Trek: The Motion Picture , originally created for broadcast television in 1983

The set is presented in deluxe packaging along with exclusive collectibles, including reproductions of original promotional material, a booklet with behind-the-scenes images, stickers, and more.

Star Trek: The Original Motion Picture Collection

This comprehensive 15-disc collection includes the first six big-screen adventures featuring the original series crew in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision and HDR-10. ( Star Trek: The Motion Picture—The Director’s Edition also includes Dolby Atmos).  Both Star Trek V: The Final Frontier and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country are making their 4K Ultra HD debuts.  The set also includes access to Digital copies of each of the six films, as well as hours of new and legacy bonus content.  Below is a breakdown of disc contents:

• Additional Blu-ray with bonus content
• Star Trek: The Motion Picture (Theatrical Cut) – Ultra HD & Blu-ray
• Includes Director’s Cut
• Star Trek III: The Search for Spock – Ultra HD & Blu-ray
• Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home – Ultra HD & Blu-ray
• Star Trek V: The Final Frontier – Ultra HD & Blu-ray

All six of the feature films listed above will also be available individually on 4K Ultra HD or Blu-ray.

In addition, in celebration of its 40th anniversary, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan will return to select theaters on September 4th, 5th and 8th. Tickets for this special engagement presented by Fathom Events, Turner Classic Movies, and Paramount Pictures can be purchased at www.fathomevents.com or at participating theater box offices.

Get Updates By Email

• Movies & TV
• Featured Categories
• Science Fiction

Image Unavailable

• Sorry, this item is not available in
• Image not available
• To view this video download Flash Player

Star Trek : The Motion Picture - The Director's Edition [4K UHD + Blu-ray]

• Prime Video $3.99 — $14.99
• Blu-ray $13.15
• VHS Tape from $12.23

Similar items that may deliver to you quickly

Product Description

Director Robert Wise’s definitive vision, eagerly anticipated by STAR TREK fans for over two decades, has been meticulously restored and remastered for optimal picture and sound. This must-have release features a bonus disc with hours of new and legacy special features, including extensive behind the scenes footage, deleted scenes, and more. The adventure begins when an unidentified alien intruder destroys three powerful Klingon cruisers. Captain James T. Kirk boldly returns to the helm of a newly transformed U.S.S. Enterprise to take command. This bold adventure launched one of the longest running movie franchises of all time and features the cast of the original STAR TREK series, including William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, and James Doohan.

Product details

• Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
• MPAA rating ‏ : ‎ NR (Not Rated)
• Director ‏ : ‎ Robert Wise
• Actors ‏ : ‎ William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, George Takei
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BFJT2PRZ
• #1,785 in Science Fiction Blu-ray Discs

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Reviews with images

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

Top reviews from other countries

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

Screen Rant

Star trek: the motion picture director's cut trailer reveals 4k remaster.

A new trailer for the upcoming Director’s Edition of Star Trek: The Motion Picture shows off the 4K restoration and updated special effects.

The trailer for the new Director's Edition of Star Trek : The Motion Picture reveals the long-rumored 4K restoration of the classic sci-fi film. Originally released in 1979, ten years after the original series ended,  Star Trek: The Motion Picture  was the first cinematic outing of the Starship Enterprise and her crew. It saw the main cast return in an original story wherein Kirk, Spock, and the gang are tasked with confronting a mysterious alien known as V'Ger. Directed by Robert Wise and hastily adapted from the pilot of the scrapped series  Star Trek: Phase II , the film received mixed reviews upon release and performed short of studio expectations at the box office. Wise was himself critical of the film, describing the theatrical version as a rough cut of the picture he wanted to make.

In the years that followed,  Star Trek: The Motion Picture  saw numerous versions released in theaters and on home media. In 1983, an extended cut premiered on ABC, which included unfinished footage that was cut from the theatrical release. Then, in 2001, Wise oversaw a new restoration on DVD, with enhanced effects and a runtime that was 30 minutes longer than the original version. Known as the Director's Edition, it was far better received than the theatrical cut and saw re-releases on Blu-ray in 2009 to coincide with JJ Abrams'  Star Trek  reboot . Since then, rumors have circulated that a restoration of the Director's Edition was in the works, which were confirmed in July 2021 when it was announced that it would be premiering exclusively on Paramount+.

Related:  Picard Argues Rios Is Star Trek's Best Pilot - Is It True?

Fans have now been treated to their first glimpse of the restored Director's Edition in a new   trailer , which shows off pristine effects and a crystal clear 4K image. Proudly announcing that it has been restored from the original negative, the restoration is preserving the original film while also drastically modernizing the effects. This is most evident when the trailer draws a direct comparison between an effects-heavy shot in the 2001 edition and the same shot in the new 4kKversion. It also announces that the film has been upgraded to feature Dolby Atmos sound. Watch the full trailer below:

While Wise passed away in 2005, work on this restoration has been carried out by producer David C Fein and Mike Matessino, both of whom worked with the director on the 2001 edition. It therefore wouldn't be much of a stretch to say that the new 4K version is as close to Wise's original vision for the film as possible. Similarly, the restoration has drawn from Paramount's archives to recreate the original effects in Ultra HD, further emphasizing how faithful it is to the spirit of the original  Star Trek .

What remains to be seen is if the 4K restoration of  Star Trek: The Motion Picture   manages to satiate the appetites of Trekkies who have been disappointed with the recent properties set in Gene Roddenberry's groundbreaking universe. While receiving critical acclaim and huge viewership figures, both  Star Trek:  Discovery  and  Star Trek: Picard have been divisive among hardcore Trek fans, with many outlining how the new shows aren't very faithful to the original. Let's hope then that this new version hits the right spot when it releases on Paramount+ on April 5th.

Related:  Star Trek: The Actors Almost Cast As Kelvin Timeline's James T. Kirk

Source: Youtube 

• Movie & TV
• Apple TV 4k
• Cable & Satellite
• Prime Video 4k
• Comcast XFINITY TV
• Spectrum HD
• Verizon FiOS HD
• All TV Providers
• Amazon Fire TV
• DirecTV Stream
• Hulu + Live TV
• Watch HDR Movies & TV Shows
• Watch 4k/HDR on Amazon
• Watch 4k/HDR on Apple TV
• Watch 4k/HDR on Movies Anywhere
• Watch 4k/HDR on Netflix
• Get Atmos on Apple TV 4k
• Get Atmos on Disney+
• Get Dolby Atmos On Max
• Get Dolby Atmos On Movies Anywhere
• Get Atmos on Netflix
• Watch HD Channels Free Over-the-Air
• 4k Blu-ray Disc
• 4k Channels
• Paramount+ 4k

• Digital Media
• Movies & TV
• Streaming News
• 4k Blu-ray Release Dates
• Blu-ray Release Dates
• Digital Movie Release Dates
• List of 4k Blu-ray Movies & Shows
• Blu-ray & 4k Blu-ray News
• Digital HD & 4k UHD News
• Blu-ray & Digital Reviews
• AT&T U-Verse TV
• Comcast Xfinity TV
• Cox Communications
• DISH Network
• Google Fiber
• Time Warner Cable
• Verizon FIOS TV
• All Provider News
• Google Play
• Fandango At Home
• Movies Anywhere
• Prime Video
• All Streaming News
• 4k Blu-ray Pre-Orders
• Blu-ray Pre-Orders
• Special Deals
• Channel News
• Free Previews
• Movie Reviews

Review: Star Trek: The Motion Picture – Director’s Edition impresses with Dolby Atmos & New Bonus Material

Star Trek: The Motion Picture – Theatrical Cut was already available in 4k in The Original 4-Movie Collection released exactly a year ago on Ultra HD Blu-ray. The 4k video and Dolby Vision/HDR10 color specs are the same on the Director’s Edition, but the English audio was upgraded from Dolby TrueHD 7.1 to Dolby Atmos. What’s more, there are deleted scenes, production tests, and an 8-part documentary detailing how the Director’s Edition came to life all added as new extras along with legacy bonus material. 

Colors are extremely vibrant with HDR (expanding the color depth limits up to 10-bits) on the 4k Blu-ray edition of Star Trek: The Motion Picture – The Directors Edition . The bitrate averaged around 50-60Mbps with variations depending on the depth of color and detail in the scene. There are some shots that are somewhat blurry (like when the Klingons encounter the massive energy in the opening scene) but for the most part the restoration has delivered a vastly improved image in terms of both sharpness, highlighted by the U.S.S. Enterprise that had shots rebuilt using 3D software and the original scale model as reference.

As far as sound, Star Trek: The Motion Picture – The Directors Edition offers object-based Dolby Atmos immersive audio. This is an upgrade from last year’s Theatrical Cut with Dolby TrueHD 7.1 and one of the main reasons, if not the main reason, we were excited to review this disc from Paramount. 

The introduction composition with credit is more crisp and detailed, with horns and instrumentals more focused in surround speakers. There are some bright chimes (a common thread throughout the soundtrack) in the front center speaker that are so crisp it’s as if the instruments are there in the room with you. Expectations were exceeded on the upgraded audio. The new Atmos mix doesn’t seem forced or gimmicky — it just seems like a great soundtrack to what some consider the best of the six original Star Trek films. 

It was said that Jerry Goldsmith created a score so good that the filmmakers wished they had made a film that was as good. The soundtrack to Star Trek: The Motion Picture is as iconic as the movie itself (the number of CDs sold can attest to this). With sweeping orchestral movements and a theme that’s so easy to remember it’s a soundtrack that can easily be enjoyed without any visuals. 

See scores and read the full review of Star Trek: The Motion Picture – The Directors Edition on 4k Blu-ray Disc.

• Paramount Home Media
• Star Trek: The Motion Picture – The Directors Edition

RELATED ARTICLES

Martin scorsese’s taxi driver (1976) releasing in limited edition 4k blu-ray steelbook, a24’s civil war release dates on blu-ray, 4k blu-ray, digital, dvd, + amazon exclusive 4k edition, dune: part two is now available to rent/purchase in digital formats, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

MacBook Deal!

Hot 4k Blu-rays!

4k Blu-ray Deal!

OLED 4k TV Deal!

4k/HDR TV Deal

New Articles

‘immaculate’ now available in digital (rent/purchase), blu-ray & dvd releasing soon, support us.

Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver (1976) Releasing In Limited Edition 4k Blu-ray...

A24’s Civil War Release Dates On Blu-ray, 4k Blu-ray, Digital, DVD,...

Follow Polygon online:

• Follow Polygon on Facebook
• Follow Polygon on Youtube
• Follow Polygon on Instagram

Site search

• Dragon’s Dogma 2
• FF7 Rebirth
• Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Baldur’s Gate 3
• PlayStation
• Dungeons & Dragons
• Magic: The Gathering
• Board Games
• All Tabletop
• All Entertainment
• What to Watch
• What to Play
• Buyer’s Guides
• Really Bad Chess
• All Puzzles

Filed under:

The new Star Trek: The Motion Picture director’s cut is finally coming to Paramount Plus

Check out Kirk, Sulu, and Mr. Spock in 4K

Share this story

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on Reddit
• Share All sharing options

Share All sharing options for: The new Star Trek: The Motion Picture director’s cut is finally coming to Paramount Plus

Star Trek : The Motion Picture — the 1979 outing and the first film in the franchise — is coming to Paramount Plus on April 5 (known as First Contact Day in the Star Trek universe) with a new “Director’s Edition.”

For this new version, Paramount Pictures has remastered the film in 4K — an upgrade that even includes recreating the special effects in 4K. The Director’s Edition will eventually come to Blu-ray this September, and appear in theaters via Fathom Events on May 22 and May 25.

Star Trek : The Motion Picture sees the cast of the original series return to the U.S.S. Enterprise to investigate and pursue an alien ship that mysteriously destroyed multiple Klingon vessels. It was one of the top-grossing films in 1979 and earned itself three Oscar nominations, despite being “rushed to theaters” and ultimately earning a lackluster legacy among fans.

The Director’s Edition was restored by producer David C. Fein and preservationist Mike Matessino, both of whom have previously collaborated with Wise. In addition to the various visual improvements and 4K resolution, it also offers Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos.

“I couldn’t be prouder and more thrilled to have completed the film in 4K,” said Fein. “Paramount offered unprecedented access to the original elements and exceptional support and the results are stunning. Utilizing the latest discoveries and innovations of modern film production, The Director’s Edition delivers so much more today than was previously possible.”

Until its release on Blu-ray and its brief stint in theaters, Star Trek: The Motion Picture — The Director’s Edition will be exclusive to Paramount Plus.

Next Up In Star Trek

The next level of puzzles.

Take a break from your day by playing a puzzle or two! We’ve got SpellTower, Typeshift, crosswords, and more.

Sign up for the newsletter Patch Notes

A weekly roundup of the best things from Polygon

Just one more thing!

Please check your email to find a confirmation email, and follow the steps to confirm your humanity.

Oops. Something went wrong. Please enter a valid email and try again.

How to get a Stormblood (Eureka) relic weapon in FFXIV

Children of the Sun offers one of the most challenging, satisfying levels of 2024 so far

How to finish ‘The Whisper’ and get Whisper of the Worm in Destiny 2

Where to find the Oracles in ‘The Whisper’ mission in Destiny 2

The Witcher season 5 on Netflix will be the series’ last

Everyone’s hot for Hades 2’s Hephaestus

Star Trek: The Motion Picture 4K

Star trek: the motion picture 4k blu-ray review, star trek: the motion picture 4k blu-ray, video quality 4k.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture 4K Blu-ray, Audio Quality

Star Trek: The Motion Picture 4K Blu-ray, Special Features and Extras

• NEW! Audio Commentary : David C. Fein, Mike Matessino, and Daren Dochterman. This track was recorded in March 2022 and focuses very closely on the process of bringing this new cut to this restorative state.
• NEW! Audio Commentary : Robert Wise, Douglas Trumbull, John Dykstra, Jerry Godsmith, and Stephen Collins.
• NEW! Text Commentary : Michael and Denise Okuda.
• Preparing the Future (4:13): Fein, Matessino, and Dochterman discuss their history with the franchise and film, the transition from TV to big screen, Wise's relationship with the film and desire to rebuild the picture, remastering the film, and adding Dolby Atmos audio.
• A Wise Choice (4:04): Looking at Robert Wise's direction, the tight production schedule, and the failure for the film to reach his final vision upon initial release.
• Refitting the Enterprise (6:57): Redesigning the Enterprise from the 1960s version to the "A" model seen in this film.
• Sounding Off (6:47): Discussing sound effects, the difficulty of handling sound effects with the film's hurried production, and the benefits of the new Dolby Atmos track.
• V'Ger (6:53): Why the film's antagonist is so memorable, creating the cloud and what is inside of it, and the complexities of the VFX work.
• Return to Tomorrow (6:04): More discussion on the production deadlines and rigors, visual effects work, and rebuilding visual effects with new color grading.
• A Grand Theme (7:14): Discussing and praising Jerry Goldsmith's iconic score.
• The Grand Vision (6:02): Exploring the poster artwork, the film's significance and influence on the franchise, and more.
• NEW! Deleted Scenes (1080p, 4:31 total runtime): Included are Ilia & Decker in Engineering, Security Guard, and Three Casualties . These scenes begin with a critical text introduction.
• NEW! Effects Tests (1080p, 3:30): Looking at raw VFX shots.
• NEW! Costume Tests (1080p, 4:40): Exploring motion film and still photo costume tests as well as some history on Star Trek costumes.
• NEW! Computer Display Graphics (1080p, 3:10): A fascinating look at the 16mm and 65mm footage projected onto the background screens on the Enterprise .
• NEW! Phase II: The Lost Enterprise (12:39): Looking back at the original series and the never materialized Phase II TV program.
• NEW! A Bold New Enterprise (29:41): Exploring the complex process of bringing the franchise to the screen, big moments, casting, effects work, the tight schedule, and much more.
• NEW! Redirecting the Future (480i, 14:06): Looking at the making of the Director's Edition version of the film in 2001.
• The Longest Trek: Writing The Motion Picture
• Special Star Trek Reunion
• Starfleet Academy SciSec Brief 001: Mystery Behind V'Ger
• NEW! The New Frontier: Resurrecting Star Trek (1080p, 30:01): Looking back on the original series' success, the cancellation, projects between the TOS finale and TMP , the transition to the big screen, and more.
• NEW! Maiden Voyage: Making Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1080p, 29:13): A comprehensive look at building the film: choosing a director, writing, the production schedule, anecdotes, visuals, and much more.
• Storyboards
• Additional Scenes 1979 Theatrical Version
• Deleted Scenes 1983 TV Version

Star Trek: The Motion Picture 4K Blu-ray, Overall Score and Recommendation

Star Trek: The Motion Picture: Other Editions

Blu-ray bundles/box sets with star trek: the motion picture 4k (1 bundle).

Similar titles suggested by members

Star trek: the motion picture 4k blu-ray, news and updates, movie discussions, 4k ultra hd, packaging discussions, star trek: the motion picture 4k blu-ray screenshots.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture - The Director’s Cut (1979) 4K Ultra + Blu-Ray + Digital Review

“Bones, there’s a thing out there.”

Perfection in sound and vision looks like this.

If you don’t get goosebumps over hearing Jerry Goldsmith ’s epic preamble in the fully restored Director’s Cut of Star Trek: The Motion Picture then you ARE dead, son. D. E. A. D. There is a MIGHT and a FURY to that sequence, which is then followed by his glorious Main Titles Theme as the credits roll in director Robert Wise ’s science fiction epic . . . AND THEN the Klingon Battle theme!! Holy crap. Now, Goldsmith might have been influenced by Vaughan Williams - specifically the Third movement of Williams's Fourth Symphony - but it matters little when his bombastic compositions are matched with the striking upgrade in the visuals thanks to the work of everyone involved in this release.

Truth be told, Star Trek: The Motion Picture - The Director’s Cut , now fully restored and remastered, is like nothing previously seen. This is, to be quite honest, a whole new experience for me. I know every scene and can quote it as if it is poetry (it is), yet it is breathtakingly new in EVERY DAMN SCENE.

But, since this is the REMASTERED and RESTORED Director’s Cut of Star Trek: The Motion Picture - the one we have all been jonesing for - we have to give credit where it is due and, simply put, the newly restored, definitive version of the first big-screen adventure, which is presented in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision and HDR-10, as well as Dolby Atmos, is a DAMN FINE way to celebrate the beauty of Star Trek. This release also includes access to a Digital copy of the film, complete with new and legacy bonus content.

Originally released in 1979, Robert Wise ’s film successfully took Trek off the small screen and set the original cast on an adventure which would span SIX more films. Wise’s film might have been rushed to release with unfortunate cuts and incomplete effects but that didn’t stop Star Trek: The Motion Picture from being the fourth highest grossing film of the year, as well as earning Academy Award nominations for Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction, and Best Music, Original Score for that year.

Now, those with only a casual interest in the franchise will probably shake their heads at my calling Star Trek: The Motion Picture not just a classic film, but a TRUE Science Fiction epic. There is no flaw in its function. True fans know it and feel it as the grand spectacle that TMP is - now fully restored and remastered in 4K thanks to producer David C. Fein with post-production supervisor Mike Matessino , both of whom originally collaborated with Wise in 2001 for the DVD Director’s Cut release of the film - washes over the screen.

Gloriously enough, this new 4K scan leaves me completely breathless with great jaw-dropping sequences which feel more engaging and more intimate than ever before. It’s dialogue-heavy and full of BIG IDEAS which continue to inspire the viewer as the classic crew of the newly refitted Enterprise faces down a powerful alien cloud known as V'Ger that is on a path toward Earth and is destroying everything standing in its way.

The “why” is pure poetry as Shatner, Leonard Nimoy as Spock, DeForest Kelley as Leonard McCoy, James Doohan as Montgomery Scott, George Takei as Hikaru Sulu Walter Koenig as Pavel Chekov, Nichelle Nichols as Uhura come face to face with humankind’s own invention. All it wants - like all of us - is to meet its creator and share its knowledge.

What’s the harm in that? Star Trek: The Motion Picture - The Director’s Cut has the answer and every minute wasted in your delay of purchasing this EPIC 4K release is another minute that the creature comes barrelling closer to earth.

Warp your way to that course correction immediately.

Home Video Distributor: Paramount Pictures Available on Blu-ray - September 6, 2022 Screen Formats: 2.39:1 Subtitles : English SDH, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish Audio: English: Dolby Atmos; English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1; German: Dolby Digital 5.1; Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1; French: Dolby Digital 5.1 Discs: 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc; Two-disc set Region Encoding: Region free

Director Robert Wise ’s definitive vision—eagerly anticipated by STAR TREK fans for over two decades—is now meticulously restored and remastered in 4K Ultra HD with HDR-10 and Dolby Vision for optimal picture and Dolby Atmos for immersive sound. This must-have release features a bonus Blu-ray disc with hours of new and legacy special features, including extensive behind the scenes footage, deleted scenes, and more. The adventure begins when an unidentified alien intruder destroys three powerful Klingon cruisers. Captain James T. Kirk boldly returns to the helm of a newly transformed U.S.S. Enterprise to take command. This bold adventure launched one of the longest running movie franchises of all time and features the cast of the original STAR TREK series, including William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig , and James Doohan .

Paramount ’s 4K restoration is fantastic in giving the film a clean look without sacrificing too much of the grain. The contrast and colors are restored to extenuate the muted color palette of the film, and the sparkles and other mystical elements really seem to pop out wonderfully. Overall, this is probably a perfect transfer and the best version of the film we will ever see. The organic depth of color leaves the previous blu ray releases in the dust. From opening to ending, the darks throughout these four films are inky black and the vibrant colors pop off the screen. There are almost imperceptible shots that are a touch on the soft side, and the optical effects stand out more so at this resolution, but this is completely faithful to the source, organic even, and the finest these films have ever looked.

The new Dolby TrueHD 7.1 mixes are also another massive upgrade over the previous release. With new overhead channels mixed in, a robust soundscape awaits your ears. Again, the start of these films waste no time in showing you the difference aurally as well as visually.

Supplements:

Commentary :

• There is a NEW commentary with David C. Fein, Mike Matessino , and Daren R. Dochterman , plus previous commentaries with Robert Wise, Douglas Trumbull, John Dykstra, Jerry Goldsmith , and Stephen Collins ​. There is also a text commentary from Michael and Denise Okuda which fans will appreciate.

Special Features:

This 3-disc set includes the Director's Cut on 4K Ultra-HD and Blu-ray and also includes a bonus Blu-ray disc filled with new and legacy special features.

• The Human Adventure - An all-new 8-part documentary detailing how the Director’s Edition came to life
• Preparing the Future - How the remastering began
• A Wise Choice - The storied history of Robert Wise
• Refitting the Enterprise - How the Enterprise design shaped future federation starships
• Sounding Off – Exploring new dimensions of sound in Dolby Atmos
• V’ger - The conception and restoration of an iconic alien antagonist
• Return to Tomorrow - Reaching an already high bar with new CGI effects
• A Grand Theme - Behind the iconic, influential music score that shaped the franchise’s future The Grand Vision - The legacy and evolving reputation of this classic movie
• Deleted Scenes - NEW!
• Effects Tests - NEW!
• Costume Tests - NEW!
• Computer Display Graphics - NEW!
• Additional legacy bonus content

MPAA Rating: G. Runtime: 143 mins Director : Robert Wise Writer: Harold Livingston Cast: William Shatner; Leonard Nimoy; DeForest Kelley Genre : Adventure | Sci-fi Tagline: There is no comparison. Memorable Movie Quote: "Enterprise, what we got back didn't live long... fortunately." Theatrical Distributor: Paramount Pictures Official Site: Release Date: December 8, 1979 DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: September 6, 2022. Synopsis : When an alien spacecraft of enormous power is spotted approaching Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk resumes command of the overhauled USS Enterprise in order to intercept it.

New in Theaters/VOD

New on Home Video

• Abrams to Direct STAR TREK Sequel
• Rango - Blu-ray Movie Review
• The Day the Earth Stood Still - DVD Review
• Star Trek - DVD Review

Movie Trailers

• Trailer Watch - JANE Season 2
• Trailer Watch: DINOSAUR
• Trailer Watch: BLOODLINE KILLER
• Trailer Watch: KIM'S VIDEO
• Trailer Watch - RADIOACTIVE: THE WOMEN OF THREE MILE ISLAND

BADass B-Movies

Movie Reviews

Morbidly Hollywood

• Colorado Street Suicide Bridge
• Death of a Princess - The Story of Grace Kelly's Fatal Car Crash
• Joaquin Phoenix 911 Call - River Phoenix - Viper Room
• Screen Legend Elizabeth Taylor Dies at 79
• Suicide and the Hollywood Sign - The Girl Who Jumped from the Hollywood Sign
• The Amityville Horror House
• The Black Dahlia Murder - The Death of Elizabeth Short
• The Death of Actress Jane Russell
• The Death of Brandon Lee
• The Death of Chris Farley
• The Death of Dominique Dunne
• The Death of George Reeves - the Original Superman

Flickering Myth

Geek Culture | Movies, TV, Comic Books & Video Games

4K Ultra HD Review – Star Trek: The Motion Picture Director’s Edition (1979)

September 5, 2022 by Brad Cook

Star Trek: The Motion Picture Director’s Edition , 1979.

Directed by Robert Wise. Starring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei, Majel Barrett, Walter Koenig, Nichelle Nichols, Persis Khambatta, Stephen Collins.

The Director’s Edition of Star Trek: The Motion Picture  has finally received its 4K upgrade, which includes many new updates to the effects work that was done back in 2000. Paramount also commissioned some new bonus features, including a new documentary and a fresh commentary track. Highly recommended.

Paramount has finished bringing the original cast’s Star Trek movies to 4K with a new batch of releases that start with Star Trek The Motion Picture: Director’s Edition . Originally released on DVD in 2001, the Director’s Edition required Paramount to upgrade the new special effects from standard-definition to 4K; the studio also took the opportunity to do even more new effects work on the film, which was a nice touch.

You won’t find the theatrical version of the film in this set, since Paramount issued it last year as part of their Original 4-Movie Collection ( which I reviewed here ), nor will you find the longer version that originally aired on TV, although that’s part of the Complete Adventure set that’s also available now. The Complete Adventure has all three versions of the film, along with some nice physical swag, so it’s worth hunting down if you’re a serious fan of this film.

As for me, I’ve always preferred Star Wars to Star Trek , but I do have a major soft spot in my heart for the adventures of the original cast, since I grew up on reruns of the 1960s era TV series. Having the theatrical cut and the Director’s Edition of The Motion Picture in 4K is good enough for me.

I won’t belabor a recitation of the plot, but I will say that TMP has grown on me over the years. It’s still a very different animal from its sequels, but it’s still an enjoyable film in its own right. I’m sorry that director Robert Wise couldn’t be around to see his vision fulfilled in 4K — as you might imagine, the film looks beautiful in the new format.

In addition to commissioning new effects, Paramount also went the extra yard by adding some new bonus features that you’ll find on the included Blu-ray platter. (There’s no Blu-ray version of the Director’s Edition found here, although you do get a code for a digital copy.) The new extras lead off with the 48-minute documentary The Human Adventure , which is split into eight parts and covers both the 2001 version of the Director’s Edition and the new one, with plenty of new and archival interviews included. Trek fans will also enjoy some of the little things that have been included here, such as audio from an ADR session with Leonard Nimoy and Wise.

Moving on, 4.5 minutes of deleted scenes have been added to the treasure trove of excised footage found in past editions (and ported over here). Some of it has missing audio, but sub-titles have been included in those situations. You’ll also find effects and costume tests (the latter includes the “caveman” version of Spock that was briefly considered during pre-production) along with footage of the original computer graphics that were displayed on the Enterprise’s screens.

The following extras were ported over from previous editions:

•  The Star Trek Universe (140 minutes): This is an exhaustive documentary that covers the long and winding road that finally led to The Motion Picture ’s 1979 release. There were actually plans to bring the TV series back as part of a new Paramount TV network in the mid-70s, but those efforts were eventually scuttled. (Imagine the path the entertainment industry might have taken had Paramount been the fourth major network instead of Fox.) However, the enormous success of 1977’s Star Wars prompted Paramount to put a Star Trek movie on the fast track for a Christmas 1979 release, which led to a lot of issues that plagued the movie, such as starting production without a finished script and issuing the film with some not-quite-done special effects.

• Deleted scenes from the theatrical cut and the 1983 TV version: These total around 29 minutes and seven minutes, respectively, and cover a wide variety of footage that was sliced for the theatrical version as well as added when the film debuted on network TV in 1983.

A teaser trailer, a theatrical trailer, and a batch of TV spots round out the Blu-ray platter.

Before I close this review, I’ll need to backtrack to the 4K disc and note that, yes, it comes with the two commentary tracks previously issued, along with the isolated score track. There’s also a new commentary track with producer David C. Fein, audio editor Mike Matessino, and visual effects supervisor Daren Dochterman; the three of them talk about not only their love of this film and its history but also the parts they played in bringing it to 4K.

The legacy audio commentary, which is from the 2001 DVD of the Director’s Edition, features Wise, effects guys Douglas Trumbull and John Dykstra, composer Jerry Goldsmith, and actor Stephen Collins. As you might imagine, they dig into the history of the original film as well as the changes made for the newly enhanced version. There’s also a text commentary with Michael and Denise Okuda, which provides plenty of bits of trivia for those who want to really dig deep with their Trek .

Flickering Myth Rating  – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

10 Essential Films From 1974

13 Underrated Horror Sequels That Deserve More Love

10 Incredibly Influential Action Movies

Peeping Tom: A Voyeuristic Masterpiece of the Slasher Subgenre

When Movie Artwork Was Great

The Return of the Moderate Budget Action Movie?

10 Essential Films From 1994

Films That DEMAND Multiple Viewings

Dust in the Eye: Ten Tear-Jerking Moments in Action Movies

The Essential Movies About Memory

• Comic Books
• Video Games
• Toys & Collectibles
• Articles and Opinions
• About Flickering Myth
• Write for Flickering Myth
• Advertise on Flickering Myth
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy

Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, sweepstakes, and more!

The Enterprise has never looked better in trailer for 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture' 4K director's cut

The first Star Trek movie has never looked better.

In 2001, director Robert Wise returned to the  Star Trek  universe to supervise a new director's cut of  Star Trek: The Motion Picture , the franchise's f irst-ever voyage to the big screen back in 1979. That director's cut, featuring upgraded visual effects shots, made it to a DVD release, but in the age of streaming and ultra-HD, fans were still waiting for another makeover. Now it's here, and it's coming to streaming in a matter of day. 

Paramount+ released a trailer for  Star Trek: The Motion Picture - Director's Edition  Thursday morning, revealing plans to release a new ultra-HD restoration of Wise's preferred cut of the film on the streaming service early next month. Like the original director's cut, the film will feature Wise's new treatment of the  Motion Picture  footage and the updated visual effects, but this time with a 4K restoration taken from the original negative and supervised by producer David C. Fein (who worked on the director's cut with Wise) and restorationist Mike Matessino. Wise passed away in 2005 after a storied career that also included classics like  The Haunting  and  West Side Story , but his updated vision of  Star Trek  will live on in this new version. 

Check out the trailer, featuring some rather impressive comparison shots between the 2001 and the 2022 versions below.

“I couldn’t be prouder and more thrilled to have completed the film in 4K,” Fein told The Hollywood Reporter . “Paramount offered unprecedented access to the original elements and exceptional support, and the results are stunning. Utilizing the latest discoveries and innovations of modern film production, the Director’s Edition delivers so much more today than was previously possible.  It’s an adventure you’ll never forget!”

Released after years of reruns and an animated series had kept  Star Trek  alive in the minds of fans,  The Motion Picture  was not a critical success and would be eclipsed in the popular imagination by later sequels, but the film still managed to revitalize live-action  Star Trek  for a new audience at the edge of a new decade. It launched a new series of films starring the  Original Series  cast that would continue for more than a decade, and eventually paved the way for beloved TV follow-ups like  Star Trek: The Next Generation . 

Star Trek: The Motion Picture - Director's Edition  will arrive on Paramount+ April 5. 

Watch Astrid & Lilly Save the World

• Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Related Stories

Why Tokyo Drift is the Perfect Fast & Furious Spinoff

Flushed Away Director On Aardman's First CG-Animated Feature

Anthony Mackie On John Doe Vs. Sam Wilson

Speak No Evil Trailer Teases a Terrifying James McAvoy

Bruce Almighty Teleprompter Scene Wasn't in Original Script

The Fast and the Furious: Remembering how the Fast Saga began

The Definitive Guide to The Munsters Adaptations

Abigail Play With Her Food in Bloody New Trailer

Remembering Evolution, David Duchovny's Wild 2001 Sci-fi Film

Did Marty Die (Twice?) in Back to the Future?

The Hunger Games Timeline, Briefly Explained

Monkey Man Drops Action-Packed Second Trailer - Watch Now

Recommended for you.

Linda Hamilton on Resident Alien Role: "I'm Not the Funny Girl, I'm the Straight Man"

The Classic Twilight Zone Episode That Inspired Jordan Peele's Us

Resident Alien's Alan Tudyk on Harry's New Love Interest, Edi Patterson's Blue Avian

• April 18, 2024 | Lost Original USS Enterprise Model From ‘Star Trek’ Returned To Gene Roddenberry’s Son
• April 18, 2024 | Recap/Review: ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Gets The Timing Right In “Face The Strange”
• April 17, 2024 | Watch: Things Get “Odd” In ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Trailer And Clip From “Face The Strange”
• April 17, 2024 | Alex Kurtzman On Streaming TV Challenges And How Shorter Star Trek Seasons Helps Avoid “Filler” Episodes
• April 16, 2024 | Watch: Did This Moment On ‘The View’ Just Accidentally Hint Whoopi Goldberg Is In The Next Star Trek Movie?

See New Images From 4K Version Of ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture – Director’s Edition’

| December 14, 2021 | By: TrekMovie.com Staff 102 comments so far

Last month, producer David C. Fein shared a few images with StarTrek.com about the updated and improved version of Star Trek: The Motion Picture – Director’s Edition . Today, the article was updated to include more details about work on the new 4K edition, including our first look at some of the newly re-rendered Director’s Edition scenes.

Working from new scans

David Fein’s comments:

Using scans of original 1979 photography plates-including some intended to be used but were omitted at the time–our team is digitally recombining these elements to present them as they were originally intended, and with a clarity and quality unimagined. I can’t wait for everyone to see it!

Two years ago, we interviewed the film’s visual effects supervisor, the legendary Douglas Trumbull, who mentioned that the original 65mm film elements that he and his crew shot could possibly be hiding in a Paramount vault somewhere. Based on Fein’s comments, it certainly seems like they found something.

Teases of new CGI renders

The Director’s Edition introduced a number of changes to the film’s visual effects, some of which were complete replacements, while others were enhancements of an existing shot. Fein shared images of the new versions of five of these scenes. Sadly, the images he shared aren’t 4K resolution, but you can still see a clear improvement from the older 2001 versions of these shots. Note that these are work in progress and not the final versions.

The revised Vulcan landscape and statues

Kirk’s loving look at the Enterprise, now with enhanced window reflection

V’Ger attacks the Enterprise, complete with lens flare

V’Ger sends a probe

In the heart of V’Ger, a walkway is formed to bring the creator to V’Ger.

The new 4K version of Star Trek: The Motion Picture  – The Director’s Edition  will debut on Paramount+ in 2022.

Keep checking TrekMovie for more updates about this very cool project.

Find more news about TMP:DE and other  Star Trek home media and streaming at TrekMovie.com .

Related Articles

DVD/Blu-ray/Streaming , Feature Films (TMP-NEM)

Review: ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture – The Director’s Edition’ Stuns On 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture’ Directors Edition 4K UHD Blu-Ray And TOS Movies Collection Coming In September

12 Most Fascinating Updates For The 4K ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture – Directors Edition’

Conventions/Events/Attractions , Feature Films (TMP-NEM)

Reminder: ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture – The Director’s Edition’ In Theaters Starting This Weekend

Very exciting to see these – it’s looking great!

Damn is that not the best looking starship in all of Trek or what? It is amazing how everything looks detailed, functional and clear… yet in the 32nd century everything looks like a blob. Makes me long for the DC comics to be made into a CGI show detailing Kirk’s second 5 year mission, TWOK uniforms/action/adventure, TMP ships.

same thought. beautiful design by probert. masterful.

“ Damn is that not the best looking starship in all of Trek”

Yes, yes it is…

No Ship, Trek or otherwise, will EVER beat the 1701 Refit.

1000% Agree

I can not agree with you more.

Another agreement. Loved the original but the refit was beautiful.

Though I like the refit, I’m still partial to Matt Jeffries’ 1964 original. Sue me.

Looking up lawyer, now.

As for me, I’ll save the court costs and respectfully disagree with Mr. Hall. I think the refit looks more elegant and modern, yet not ridiculously modern.

Me too. The refit is great but I think I always preferred the cylindrical nacelles as carried over to the Discovery rendering.

Don’t tell anyone I said this, but I liked the rotating moving lights on the front of the nacelles on the original versus the no light front of the refit nacelles. Always thought that the refit should have had glowing nacelle caps (as for some reason I think the interior facing sides of the refit do).

Well I like the TV show version rather than the pilot, but otherwise I’m with you.

I agree it probably is the best looking. It’s always been weird to me it’s never been shown on any of the shows like the way the Excelsior or Miranda class ships over and over again. Always thought that was odd. That and the Enterprise E has only just been shown on the big screen.

We didn’t see it until just very recently in Short Treks and Lower Decks. And of course those are animated form, so not quite the same.

I think the omission was all due to the partition of the movies from TNG, since the last two TOS films, V and VI, were filmed during TNG’s run.

You’re right though, it’s a weird omission considering the many Miranda, Excelsior, and Oberth ships that were seen in TNG and DS9. Of course, the reason those were used were that they were available. Just about everything used for the films, including the refit Enterprise sets were used for the TNG production.

At the least, they should have offered some sort of in-universe explanation why some of the Constitution class ships weren’t used anymore and the similar Miranda class ships were.

As for the refit, I agree with everyone else. That ship is perfection in shape and proportions. They took the original Jeffries ship, which is a classic and somehow made it even better.

I think it’s a studio stipulation that the movie Enterprises only show up in the Movies and the TV enterprises only on TV. The one exception being the Enterprise D in Generations, which was immediately destroyed to make way for the E.

Otherwise a ship as powerful as the ENT E surely should have been involved in battles during the dominion war.

Roddenberry had actually decided that the Constitution could not show up on screen again during TNG season 1 as the Stargazer was intended to be Constitution Class when first devised. When it was discussed with him they came up with the idea to use a new design because people may have confused it with the Enterprise.

Later, the Berman era had stipulations that ‘hero ships’ could not pass the show lines. For example, the Intrepid Class only appears once in all of DS9 but was assumed to be a frontline vessel. The Sovereign is viewed as a tactically oriented vessel, but never appears once in the Dominion War. There were concerns if it was seen in a Fleet shot people would assume it was the Enterprise and question why it was not in a more active role in the episode and where Picard and Co were.

Or so I read ages ago.

That makes sense. Thanks for the clarification.

I personally think the real reason is they didn’t want all the new ships to be shown up by the refit Big E and her sister ships.

My in-universe explanation for the lack of Constitiution in TNG era is – this class was developed as a short run of powerful, versatile ships used ofr exploration. By 2360’s the ships were already either lost somewhere on the frontier (exploration is dangerous) or exploited to the last screw and bolt. This would mean that after 30+ years of service the ships had to be scrapped purely due to the amount of wear and stress on the hull and inner components. Starfleet, until the Borg and the Dominion war, was not that pressed to recycle this class. And by that time the remaining ships were either turned into museums, or taken apart entirely. Giving them a complete overhaul to push them into battle and not be destroyed in literally 3 seconds, would require resources that Starfleet didn’t have during both conflicts.

I like your explanation. If you were to look at TOS virtually all ships in service at the time were constitution class and the Enterprise was supposed to be one of the few if not only one to finish it’s five year mission. So maybe none of the connie class ships were serviceable enough to continue service after that time whereas the excelsior classes were.

Also, the Enterprise was to be retired after only 20 years (really?) of service. Maybe the newer class ships were built to last in service much MUCH longer and were built to be refitted much easier.

A lot of the literature at the time (Mr Scott’s Guide to the Enterprise, FASA Trek sourcebooks, etc) had it where of the twelve original run of Starship class vessels, only the Enterprise returned fully intact after her 5 year mission (thus her legendary status and her symbol becoming that of the whole Starfleet). We did see the Constellation, Defiant lost. Exeter lost her crew. Some think Republic was a Connie.

That is actually not a bad explanation for how Enterprise became a thing by the TNG days.

I guess that means the Hood and Potemkin both got aced at some point after the M-5 war games debacle.

That’s still a fan theory and it always seemed a little silly that the Enterprise was the only ship to return from its five year mission. Most fan theories are cheesy and only serve to make the universe smaller by making the characters larger than life within the show itself.

I don’t think it weird at all. There is what I think is a very good reason for that. If they showed a Constitution class ship in an armada, original or refit, it would be instantly recognized by most as the Enterprise. I think the producers of the shows just didn’t want to deal with that. They could use the other models but not the Big E herself. In fact, the reason those other class of starships appeared was also a show production reason rather than an in-universe reason. They had the models and it was easier to just use them than create new classes of star ships that were 80 years newer for those large armada and battle scenes. The only time we saw a new design was when the ship was integral to the episode’s story.

I think you and the others are right about the practical reason why the refit Enterprise model wasn’t used (or Voyager for that matter).

Still, that ”rule” was broken on the original show in many episodes, where the Enterprise model was used (since it was the only Federation ship model they had) and on DS9, where a Galaxy Class ships showed up during the first encounter and the war with the Jem-Hadar.

Of course, Greg Jein and the other model makers had a quick remedy if they needed ships fast. Buy AMT model kits and kitbash them or modify the existing studio models of the Reliant.

I have never liked how the two pylons attach to the lower part of the ship. They look like they are stuck on with no thought of creative invention. The pylons’ connections to the nacelles work somewhat, but the connection point to the lower section looks very cheesy, and just doesn’t work for me. Never has. This has always been a major flaw–at least to me–of most of the designs of the Federation ships, especially the Enterprise. When TREK came to the movies, I thought the movie designers would have solved this dreadful aspect of the Enterprise design, but they didn’t.

I always loved the way this movie (the Director’s Cut in particular) portrays Vulcan. The ruins are spectacular, alien and really get my imagination going.

I always loved the star walkway to the heart of V’Ger as well.

I love the hexagon walkway formation scene as well, but I sincerely hope they redo that sequence to be at 24fps instead of doing it on twos (only animating every other frame essentially making it 12fps). When they made the DVD Director’s Edition they thought that would somehow make it match the 1979 effects better, but it didn’t because pretty much all of the original effects were done at 24fps.

They are putting it on a streaming service first? That’s kinda retarded. No one is going to subscribe for that who isn’t already on the service for other Trek content.

I’m just hoping they will put out a BD of it. I don’t have a 4KTV and don’t plan to get one for quite some time.

Please don’t use that word. It’s offensive.

ML31… please find another word to describe your displeasure with a movie’s release. The one you chose to employ is offensive and outdated.

Also, I love that they’re complaining about this when they don’t even have a way to watch it in 4K.

It just proves that Blu ray and DvDs are becoming less prominent. They think they can make more money by putting it up on streaming first. I’m not saying BD are going the way of the CD anytime soon, but its no longer the dominant format either.

And this is just becoming the new normal and more proof how important streaming is now. Disney+ recently released IMAX enhanced Marvel films last month on that site. AFAIK, there isn’t any plans to do it on any BD. HBO Max just released a remastered Sex and the City in 4K on its site as well back in February. It’s eventually coming to Blu Ray but not until next year.

This is just par for the course now and will probably become more common in the coming years. The studios see where their bread is being buttered today and all acting accordingly. When you now have feature films being given same day releases on streaming sites released mere weeks after their theatrical releases, this can’t be a shock.

But it is odd there is no plan to release on BD at all yet. I assume it will happen eventually though. It’s just not a priority either.

Probably want to get a few more TOS fans hooked on Paramount+ before doing that. That would make sense to me, and would be the best motivation for remastering the older shows in 4K – Paramount+ exclusives.

That would be foolish. The sets and costumes of the older shows were not constructed for 4K resolution.

This has more to do with having exclusive content for Paramount+ than anything else. This remaster will have an exclusive window on Paramount+ before the 4K Blu-ray and digital releases on Vudu, Amazon and elsewhere.

Paramount+ is (desperately?) in need of exclusive content in much the same way Peacock is. For most on Trekmovie it’s unlikely they can name five original series currently on Paramount+ not related to Star Trek or anything upcoming that’s exclusive to Paramount+ in the next four months other than this remaster of ST: TMP (and the same can probably be said of most Paramount+ subscribers).

I want to say when they first started talking about releasing the DE in 4k they said it would not be released anywhere but Paramount+ and no other digital release.

I think it was Star Trek Day.

They won’t want to leave money on the table by making it exclusive to Paramount+.The announcement was a bit of smoke and mirrors.

No special features on streaming…

Hi ML31, please take care with the insensitive word choice there. This isn’t an early episode of South Park.

I don’t get it. If you don’t have a 4K TV, what does it matter what format they release it? They only way you could possibly enjoy it in hi res would be at a friends house or in the theater anyways.

What an incredibly offensive thing to say. Bigotry has no place here.

Shame on you. You have offended the PC Police.

Offensive language aside, this post is a perfect example of what is wrong with our entire society: an undeserved sense of entitlement. Creators and makers constantly strive to put out new content and enhanced material. And all folks can do is bitch and moan. Even when they have zero stake in the product.

do not use that kind of language. final final warning

Wow, all of this looks stunning. TMP is by far not my fav Trek movie but it’s always been the most visually stunning.

And, off topic slightly, but I still think the big bad from DIS Season 4 will end up being an evolved version of V’GER.

In regards to V-GER, I always found it amusing that the entity had access to all knowledge and could recreate whole star systems from scratch… but didn’t know how to dust.

V’GER has been on my Mind since Picard season 1. I was so sure we were going to find out the ancient alien AI race the Romulans were terrified of were the ones responsible for upgrading Voyager. Now I’m thinking about DIS Season 4. I don’t know why I keep coming back to this, I guess it’s just a hunch I can’t let go of.

TMP has grown on me. I rewatch about every year or two and re-evaluate. I watched all the movies in order during the pandemic and I really enjoyed it this last time so I’m excited for this.

Me too. I know TMP is a VERY slow burn but the plot is actually one of the better ones of the Trek movies. I think the real issue people have with it is that there really aren’t any action sequences and that it is too cerebral and even though it was made as the answer to Star Wars it is actually the exact opposite of that.

Cerebral? LMAO. Folks don’t like it because it is two hours of characters staring at / gasping at images on a screen. The plot and dialogue do not challenge my brain to it’s limits; does it to yours?! haha.

A computer becoming alive and self-aware that starts to have existential issues and tries to merge with its creator DOES make me think. A lot.

It’s no big deal according to ST: Picard. Turns out V’ger was wrong, just needed a better chip.

exactly this

What is more complex to you? a probe sent from earth in the 20th century being discovered by an alien race, amassing so much knowledge that it becomes self aware, growing in mass that it becomes so large that it becomes 1 AU in size, storing entire solar systems in its database, etc… Or a movie about laser swords and people who can do the kessel run in 12 parsecs?

It’s recently occurred to me that a sequel to TMP could be a good idea for the next Star Trek movie (since Trek’s powers-that-be currently seem to be stuck for ideas).   Set it during the PICARD era, with the main storyline being a classified Starfleet Intelligence mission to go deep into the Delta Quadrant and find TMP’s “machine civilisation”. Basically a futuristic sci-fi version of “Ice Station Zebra”. The starship is cutting-edge (slipstream drive etc). Complications include the fact that during the past century, Starfleet Intelligence and Section 31 have managed to decrypt some of the information downloaded from V’Ger at the end of TMP — only a fraction, but enough to be game-changing — and it includes signs of a Borg connection to the million-of-years-old machine civilisation, which is one of the main triggers for the secret mission. Or the decrypted material includes potential details of the location of that civilisation, but no Borg stuff; the downloaded data has provided a wealth of strategic intelligence about the rest of the galaxy, but gaining access to the advanced civilisation that upgraded V’Ger could also give Starfleet and the Federation a massive technological advantage.   You can either have completely new characters in the lead roles (imagine George Clooney/Jon Hamm/Matt Damon as the starship captain, for example) or Picard, Seven and Janeway drafted due to the alleged Borg angle. In both cases, also have a big-name Hollywood star as the Starfleet Intelligence agent leading the mission, who may or may not reveal the Borg connection and/or the V’Ger angle to the captain until much later.   This could be spectacular as a big-screen movie, especially in the hands of someone like Christopher Nolan or Denis Villeneuve. Those guys would also give the film the necessary gravitas and intelligence. So you’d get the best stuff from TMP but with character dynamics that aren’t so “cold”. It would also enable a bit of mystery about the machine aliens even if our heroes eventually find them — you don’t want them to be depicted as Transformers, which could easily happen in the wrong hands (the way TMP showed the “bright light” alien probe that invaded the bridge was far better — incredibly advanced, and utterly alien). Less is sometimes more.   Imagine the machine civilisation’s artificial planets and megastructures on the big screen — if handled right. It would need to be overwhelming, awe-inspiring, humbling, with the film’s lead characters (and the audience) realising what they’re seeing is so far beyond their own civilisation’s capabilities that V’Ger was just the tip of the iceberg.

Imagine the possibilities.

Star Wars is for children. Star Trek is for grown ups. All ages watch, obviously. But the two franchises lean in those different directions of demographic

Star Wars has more cartoonist elements and more outlandish characters. You don’t generally see a walking dog as a central character on Star Trek, nor a an old guy shooting lighting from his hands and screaming, powerrrrrrrrrrr!! like it’s a big budget panto show. (Haha)

Star Trek is more about ‘us’ and asking big questions related to humanity

Star Wars has lots of stuff behind the action but it’s not so obvious and is less front and centre. There is generally less talking and more action and the films are more visual.

Star Trek is more talky.

TMP is basically more talky than Star Wars, taking inspiration from Star Wars by being more visual, making it a unique Star Trek film because its both visual and talky in more equal measure.

TWOK is way more talky than visual but that only goes to prove the point that Star Trek has never been about visuals at the front, but about themes, character. Star Wars is opposite in that it is a visual franchise first, and behind that you will find the themes and ideas.

I agree completely.

To put it another way, Star Trek is the very definition of science fiction. Star Wars really isn’t science fiction. Other than being set in space, there is really no attempt in the slightest of even trying to relate it to science or technology in any way, shape or form. Its pure fantasy that happens to be set it space.

Star Trek is based in science and technology, Star Wars is based in religion. Star Wars has a lot more in common with Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter than it does Star Trek. I always found the comparison between the 2 ridiculous. Now there is nothing wrong with either of them, but they are night and day different.

As George Lucas said himself

Star Wars is space opera.

Star Trek is optimistic science fiction.

Star Wars is not boxing itself into rules or attempting to make logical sense. It makes no sense that spaceships can literally go around an entirely galaxy within a few hours for example. It’s pure fantasy and escapism.

Star Trek traditionally has been far more concerned with actually basing itself within an actual possible future that we may actually experience as a species. Sometimes it skirts loosely on reality (but you have to when you start imagining a future that is 200 and 300 years away!) but it’s firmly focused on keeping things within the framework of realism and not total fantasy. It’s unfortunate that recent iterations of Trek have seemingly veered more towards Star Wars in terms of style and science (or lack thereof).. that’s my opinion though, and I stress that! I mean we could say, why does Trek have SOUND in space!! But that would be taking things too far.. it’s all escapism at the end if the day. Non of it needs to be taken too seriously. Real life is stressful enough as it is.

Personally I love both franchises quite equally and lean either way depending on my mood I suppose.

It waa made as an answer to CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND, not SW.

Hmm I guess we’ll see the finished product, probably looks better in actual 4K than a still, but a couple of these look good, while Vulcan looks a bit washed out and one looks more like it is from a video game.

I seems counterintuitive that they would release images that are supposed to advertise a 4K restoration using less than SD resolution….

It looks like the color balance is off, the reds have been reduced in the principle insert and the background plate has had all the matching red tone removed. Vulcan is a desert planet orbiting a much older star than Earth – instead it kind of looks like a lazy, hazy mid-day in New Mexico.

I thought the director’s cut under Wise’s supervision, got a lot right. All Paramount had to do is upscale that – instead it looks like they “fixed” the directors cut…

Maybe it’s just the way the images were captured but to me it kind of looks like the lighting is blown out. Looking forward to seeing it when it finally appears on blu-ray….been waiting 20 years.

wonder if they will fix the obvious film clip insert in the window of the travel pod showing a standing kirk and scotty as they travel to the enterprise?

I would like to see an updated visual for the earth. Especially now, we know the visual of earth from space is so much more stunning.

As long as they don’t forget New Zealand and/or having earth spinning backwards… ;-)

Can’t wait for this to come to Paramount+. I’m going to make a viewing party out of it. Well a virtual one anyways #ThanksCOVID

Those shots of the Enterprise are absolutely stunning. I hope it looks good on my 4K TV.

What is the average cost of a 4k TV today, about 45″ diagonally? Does there have to be some kind of special internet connection to get 4K reception to it? I’m not technologically up to current info in this area but it certainly would be fun to see. I’d enjoy seeing TMP refined in that way and other 4K broadcasts. Also, I’ve briefly read there is 8K, is that even available to consumers?

Prices for 4K TVs with a screen size of 43 inch start below US$ 300. However, if you go for a really cheap model you will probably not benefit from the better color reproduction that HDR technically allows. Basically, cheap TVs tend to have lower brightness than more expensive models, and lower brightness means less contrast between dark and bright colors. So you may want to check out a few models to compare picture quality. At the same screen size, the price will probably be lowest for simple LED TVs, more expensive for QLED TVs and most expensive for OLED TVs. 8K TVs are available now but if you are only interested in a screen size of about 45 inch I don’t think you would be able to see a difference between 4K and 8K (at a normal viewing distance).

As for your internet connection, Netflix commends a steady internet connection speed of at least 25 megabits per second or more to stream 4K content. If you connect the TV via wifi and not via network cable you also need to make sure to have a good wifi signal.

You can get a 4k TV for $400 or even less these days. Generally Internet connection would require between 15 and 25mb a second download which is on the low end in most areas.

8k videos are on YouTube right now. Tv’s are available and becoming more widespread every year.

Unless you were to be looking at 100″+ screens I can’t imagine 8k would be needed for home viewing.

I’m not sure how they could improve picture quality beyond 4k at this point, in terms of tv viewing for the standard home?

Supposedly the next step now would be for smart tv’s to be better in terms of user interface and how it can be used in relation to the Internet, to develop inbuilt surround systems that would eliminate the need for a dedicated sound bar system.

After this we would begin to maybe see TV’s that enable true 3D and virtual reality, which is still probably a few decades away at this point, but is certainly possible IMO.

Maybe 8k and more is possible but how it would actually make any difference to 4k is not entirely clear to me, it seeks overkill for a home viewing experience.

irony is they battled to get those stunning v’ger shots in time for the ’79 premiere. but the film actually needed to cut them back to stop it slowing down the pace.

I was thinking recently about a short extension to the Kolinahr scene by seeing Spock going through the emotion purging. Of course, it would be all CGI but we’d see quick montages of Spock ‘casting’ out his emotions with edited voice overs from any of the characters readings that would fir the scene, concluding the line from the tv series..’I am in control of my emotions.’ The scene would better explain Kolinahr especially with viewers new to Trek and Spock’s character transformation accepting himself WITH his emotional half self by the end of the movie. All of the drama with the backdrop of the Vulcan volcanic backdrop climaxes to the blaster beam and ceremony commencement with the Vulcan Masters.

Is it me or does the 4K Enterprise have that aluminum shine that the Kelvin Enterprise also has. Also, the picture of the initial plasma energy attack forgot the strobe light at the bottom of the ship.

Wouldn’t it be nice to restore the original Vger probe bridge scene with CGI where the guard is zapped. Reading the recent Making of book from a few years ago, Wise stated he was sad to see that scene go due to the lack of time.

Since its been 20 years since the original DE came out and all this upgrade work has been or will be done..how about a 3D IMAX version. The movie is perfect for first person experience from the beginning of the KIingon ship flyover to the reverse construct of that scene with the Enterprise flying into warp.

Can’t friggin’ wait!!

This looks absolutely STUNNING. Wonderful when a creative team who clearly love the material are asked to do a project like this. A real labour of love.

So is anyone else hoping if the TMP remaster gets a ton of views that P+ will reconsider an HD remaster of DS9 and VOY? I would put TMP on repeat if it helped achieve that particular goal.

I have thought that ViacomCBS might use this movie as a test case to see how much money they can make from a remaster now that physical media has lost a lot of its former glory. I don’t know what they’re paying for this remaster but it’s most likely a tiny fraction of what it would cost to remaster DS9 and Voyager. As for putting the movie on repeat once it’s released on Paramount Plus: The service is looking to attract new subscribers or prevent people from cancelling their subscription. So if you’ve been a long-time, constant subscriber your views will probably count less. You’re not who they are trying to reach with this.

That makes sense. I was just seeing all these metrics for Squid Game and Wheel of Time where they mention the total hours streamed, so I thought I could boost Trek by putting it on repeat. :)

I’m certainly not suggesting that you shouldn’t watch it at all. ;-) But from a financial standpoint, Paramount Plus would probably prefer it if 10 subscribers watched it once rather than you watching it 10 times. And they’d be even happier if it were 10 new subscribers…..

Remastering Deep Space Nine and Voyager is like recreating those shows from scratch. I don’t think people understand how labor intensive and expensive that would be. Every shot needs to be recreated, every edit. Every piece of music and foley needs to be located and added back in a new mix. Even if you go and scan in the film negative in 2K res. Its not finished it isn’t like the final cut negative exists on that film it doesn’t, it exists on videotape. Then the Special Effects aren’t on film they are digital files, who knows if they even are still usable. But even if they are they have to be rerendered and textured for HD.

What’s all this 20 years talk since the Director’s Cut release? Has to be a typo. It was just released a few years ago, I clearly recall the extreme excitement when first reading about the project on startrek.com, and then getting the DVD on release day. I still have the DVD in pristine condition. Seriously, it wasn’t 20 years ago…

TMP is not only one of the my favourite Star Trek films, but also one of my favourite films of all time.. can’t wait for the new release!

Hard to believe indeed. Almost as long as the time between the original release and that DVD.

I was thinking the other day that a version with Stephen Collins removed from it entirely would need to have another face and voice digitally inserted to create an entirely new version of Will Decker, and I wondered who could possibly be chosen for such a task. Then it struck me. The ideal candidate was there all along. Jonathan Frakes. He turns up in everything else, so why not.

This is going to get me off the dime to upgrade my 1080P projector to 4K…and the 4K region free blu-ray player…and the new Atmos/etc receiver.

How long after its Paramount plus release will it be released on 4K blu ray

i hope they do that for all the movies

I hope this is a big enough success for them to consider a director’s edition of Star Trek V – maybe not with crowds of rock monsters but at least a grading pass on the space scenes.

only the shots taken from ‘voyage home’ should stay and maybe the first shot of klaa’s BoP they need new ship shots to replace the sub par OS style shots

What about Star Trek VI. What version are we getting. There are 3 cuts. Theatrical, special home video version not in HD, Directors Cut on DVD and in HD but not on Blu Ray.

Excited for this but definitely hoping these are early work in progress shots. As someone else mentioned, either here or on another site, the color timing doesn’t look correct, grain doesn’t appear to have been matched and lighting is ramped up to the point of looking blown out. It’s a bit over the top. The effect of the probe scanning the enterprise looked quite a bit better in the original DE DVD for example…this version looks far more like a 3D app generated effect. Maybe it will be softened when the grain is added but right now it’s all a big too ‘perfect’, if you catch my meaning. Fingers crossed they’re not modernizing it as this version will likely be the last update for another 20 years.

Yes, the pictures are work in progress. And rest assured they will make it blend with the existing footage, like they did with the DVD version. The folks doing this project (same team as in 2001) are massive fans of the film, and very particular about following Wise’s wishes when they did the DVD version with him, and know getting it right matters.

Yes, I knew it was the same team but from these shots it was a bit worrisome. I’m relieved to hear these are still early WIP shots. Been waiting for so long for this. Now just have to wait for the physical release. lol

Lens flairs are not an enhancement. Everything else looks great though!

Darn it, I wanted to own a blu-ray of this (regular HD blu-ray; it’s good ’nuff for me and I don’t want to have to keep upgrading my collection) and not have to subscribe to yet another streaming service!

I just hope they completely fix some of the glaring special effects issues with the Klingon battle scene and the shuttle pod going around the Enterprise. Some of the matte lines are so annoying.

The USS Vengence is the best looking ship. Fight me!!!

I don’t get what was with the giant hole in the saucer or why the hull plating looked so fake. That being said there was hints of greatness, had to gave her a TMP touch with a good Aztec hull pattern, attractive markings, some visible phaser ports, torpedo launchers, got rid of the giant unnecessary hole. And a scale more inline with the Excelsior vs. Ent and allowed the Big E to last more than 5 seconds in combat (what is this, TNG?) and could have been enjoyable.

Nice if they could cgi the red uniforms in and cut some of the dumb statements out like in Sickbay kirk tell Bones”Tricorder”

Hi, what are you looking for?

TREKNEWS.NET | Your daily dose of Star Trek news and opinion

New photos from Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 4 “Face the Strange”

Star Trek: Discovery “Under the Twin Moons” Review: Clues among the moons

New photos from the first two episodes of Star Trek: Discovery season 5

First Photo from Star Trek: Section 31 revealed, legacy character confirmed

New Star Trek: Discovery posters revealed ahead of final season premiere

Star Trek: Discovery “Face the Strange” Review: Embarking on a Temporal Odyssey

Star Trek: Discovery “Jinaal” Review: One step forward, two steps back

Star Trek: Picard — Firewall Review: The Renaissance of Seven of Nine

Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 premiere “Red Directive” Review: In Pursuit of Legacies

Strange New Worlds director Jordan Canning talks “Charades,” the versatility of the series & Star Trek fandom

‘Star Trek Online’ lead designer talks the game’s longevity, honoring the franchise, and seeing his work come to life in ‘Picard’

Gates McFadden talks Star Trek: Picard, reuniting with her TNG castmates, InvestiGates, and the Human Condition

Connor Trinneer and Dominic Keating talk ‘Enterprise’, their relationship with Star Trek in 2023 and their first live ‘Shuttlepod Show’

John Billingsley discusses what he’d want in a fifth season of Enterprise, playing Phlox and this weekend’s Trek Talks 2 event

57-Year Mission set to beam 160+ Star Trek guests down to Las Vegas

Veteran Star Trek director David Livingston looks back on his legendary career ahead of Trek Talks 2 event

ReedPop’s Star Trek: Mission Seattle convention has been cancelled

56-Year Mission Preview: More than 130 Star Trek guests set to beam down to Las Vegas convention

7 new photos from Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 3 “Jinaal”

2023: A banner year for Star Trek — here’s why [Op-Ed]

‘Making It So’ Review: Patrick Stewart’s journey from stage to starship

54-Disc Picard Legacy Collection, Star Trek: Picard Season 3, Complete Series Blu-ray box sets announced

Star Trek: Picard series finale “The Last Generation” Review: A perfect sendoff to an unforgettable crew

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds arrives on Blu-ray, 4K UHD and DVD this December

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds “Hegemony” Review: An underwhelming end to the series’ sophomore season

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 finale “Hegemony” preview + new photos

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds 209 “Subspace Rhapsody” Review: All systems stable… but why are we singing?

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds “Subspace Rhapsody” preview + new photos

Star Trek Day 2021 to Celebrate 55th Anniversary of the Franchise on September 8 with Live Panels and Reveals

Paramount+ Launches with 1-Month Free Trial, Streaming Every Star Trek Episode

Paramount+ to Officially Launch March 4, Taking Place of CBS All Access

STAR TREK: SHORT TREKS Season 2 Now Streaming For Free (in the U.S.)

[REVIEW] STAR TREK: SHORT TREKS “Children of Mars”: All Hands… Battle Stations

‘U.S.S. Cerritos Crew Handbook’ Review: A must-read Star Trek: Lower Decks fans

New photos from this week’s Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4 finale

Star Trek: Lower Decks “The Inner Fight” Review: Lost stars and hidden battles

New photos from this week’s episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks

Star Trek: Prodigy begins streaming December 25th on Netflix

Star Trek: Prodigy lands at Netflix, season 2 coming in 2024

Star Trek: Prodigy Season 2 sneak peek reveals the surprise return of a Voyager castmember

Star Trek: Prodigy canceled, first season to be removed from Paramount+

Revisiting “Star Trek: Legacies – Captain to Captain” Retro Review

The Wrath of Khan – The Making of the Classic Film Review: A gem for your Star Trek reference collection

The events of Star Trek: The Motion Picture to continue in new IDW miniseries “Echoes”

Star Trek: The Original Series “Harm’s Way” Book Review

William Shatner’s New Book ‘Boldly Go: Reflections on a Life of Awe and Wonder’ Review: More of a good thing

Star Trek: Infinite release date + details on Lower Decks­-themed pre-order bonuses

‘Star Trek: Infinite’ strategy game revealed, set to be released this fall

‘The Next Generation’ cast is back on the bridge of the Enterprise-D in new ‘Star Trek: Picard’ photo gallery

Hero Collector Revisits The Classics in New Starfleet Starships Essentials Collection

New Star Trek Docuseries ‘The Center Seat’ Announced, Coming This Fall

Star Trek Designing Starships: Deep Space Nine & Beyond Review: a Deep Dive Into Shuttlecraft of the Gamma Quadrant

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Illustrated Handbook Review: Terok Nor Deconstructed in Amazing Detail

Robert Beltran Is Officially Returning to Star Trek as Chakotay on ‘Prodigy’ + More Casting News

Robert Beltran Says He’s Returning to Star Trek in ‘Prodigy’

John Billingsley Talks Life Since Star Trek: Enterprise, Going to Space and Turning Down Lunch with Shatner and Nimoy

Star Trek: Enterprise Star John Billingsley Talks Charity Work, Upcoming TREK*Talks Event

Star Trek: The Motion Picture 4K Director’s Cut to premiere in April on Paramount+

Star Trek: TMP will stream exclusively on Paramount+ beginning April 5th

Star Trek: The Motion Picture – 4K Remastered Director’s Cut beams down to Paramount+ on April 5th

After teasing impressive glances of the Star Trek: The Motion Picture: Director’s Cut 4K restoration over the past few months, Paramount has announced the movie will land on the company’s streaming service on April 5th, 2022 .

The extensive restoration, which was announced last July , promises to substantially restore, redo, and/or remaster visual effects from the film’s original negative to a high-definition 4K/HDR presentation, and remaster the movie’s soundtrack with Dolby Atmos audio.

The trailer showcases these improvements, including a before-and-after comparison of V’Ger approaching Earth:

April 5th is First Contact Day in the Star Trek universe, and as such is celebrated in real life.

To avoid any confusion, know that this release is not an enhancement of the theatrical version of The Motion Picture , but rather an enhancement of the 2001 Director’s Cut of the movie. The Director’s Cut added, trimmed, or removed certain scenes from the 1979 release.

There is no information yet on when this restoration will make it to physical home media but we anticipate the Paramount+ exclusivity to run through the end of 2022. For now, if you are looking for a 4K/HDR version of the theatrical cut of The Motion Picture , check out last year’s excellent Blu-ray release of the first four Star Trek movies.

1-Month Paramount+ free trial

Paramount+  is offering a 1-month trial  of the service for  free  when you apply coupon code  BETWEEN  at checkout.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture first hit theaters in 1979 and starred The Original Series cast of William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Nichelle Nichols, James Doohan, George Takei, Walter Koenig, along with Grace Lee Whitney, Majel Barret, Persis Khambatta and Stephen Collins.

Stay tuned to TrekNews.net for our thoughts on the Director’s Cut restoration when it launches on Paramount+.

You can follow us on Twitter , Facebook , and Instagram .

Kyle Hadyniak has been a lifelong Star Trek fan, and isn't ashamed to admit that Star Trek V: The Final Frontier and Star Trek: Nemesis are his favorite Star Trek movies. You can follow Kyle on Twitter @khady93 .

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Trending Articles

Review: Star Trek: Picard – Firewall Seven of Nine, a heroine who has resurged in popularity thanks to Jeri Ryan’s return to the franchise...

An article celebrating the longevity of the Star Trek franchise has given us our first look at Michelle Yeoh’s upcoming Star Trek: Section 31...

Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 stumbles with “Jinaal” Discovery’s voyage to the ultimate treasure brings Captain Michael Burnham and her crew to Trill, where...

Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 trailer teases Burnham & crew’s final mission

With the launch of the final season of Star Trek: Discovery right around the corner, Paramount+ has released an official trailer for the series’...

'Star Trek: The Motion Picture': Fully Restored Director's Cut to Debut on Paramount+ Next Month

Theatrical and 4K UHD Blu-ray releases are also coming to live long and prosper.

After much anticipation, Paramount finally revealed when fans of Star Trek can expect to see the newly restored version of Star Trek: The Motion Picture — The Director’s Edition . The modernized version of the 1979 classic film received the 4K UHD treatment, with high dynamic range (HDR), and a new powerful and immersive soundtrack. The movie will become available everywhere, starting with a Paramount+ release in early April.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture had already been revisited by director Robert Wise in 2001, when the filmmaker enhanced visual effects for a DVD release. Ever since then, however, the movie had never moved past standard image definition, a fact that is changing with this new release. The movie premieres exclusively on Paramount+ on April 5, in celebration of First Contact Day – in Star Trek mythology, the day Humans and Vulcans made contact in 2063.

The newly restored version of Star Trek: The Motion Picture will also be available for purchase: a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray edition is slated to hit shelves next September. Die-hard fans will also be able to experience the restoration in its full glory on the big screen: Paramount is teaming up with Fathom Events in order to bring together a special screening of the movie on May 22 and May 25.

RELATED: 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Season 2 Casts Paul Wesley as James T. Kirk — See the First Image

Since Academy Award-winning director Robert Wise died in 2005, the restoration was handled by producer David C. Fein and preservationist Mike Matessino , both of whom originally collaborated with the late filmmaker. In an official statement, Fein celebrated the restoration and teased new perceptions that can come with the revised experience:

“I couldn’t be prouder and more thrilled to have completed the film in 4K. Paramount offered unprecedented access to the original elements and exceptional support and the results are stunning. Utilizing the latest discoveries and innovations of modern film production, The Director’s Edition delivers so much more today than was previously possible. It’s an adventure you’ll never forget!”

Star Trek: The Motion Picture was the first film adaptation of the classic sci-fi series created by Gene Roddenberry and it follows the USS Enterprise crew on a path to save Earth from a mysterious alien cloud. The movie started a successful movie franchise that stretches until today, and helped catapult the success of the TV series.

The Star Trek: The Motion Picture—The Director’s Edition 4K Ultra HD Disc and Digital releases will include extensive new and legacy bonus content, which are yet to be listed by Paramount Home Entertainment.

You can watch the new trailer below:

Check out the official synopsis for the new edition here:

The U.S.S. Enterprise boldly debuted on the big screen with the cast of the original Star Trek series, including William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, and James Doohan. Meticulously restored and remastered, with enhanced visual effects and state-of-the-art sound, this definitive vision of director Robert Wise has been optimized for a new generation of fans. When an unidentified alien intruder destroys three powerful Klingon cruisers, Admiral James T. Kirk (Shatner) returns to the helm of a newly transformed U.S.S. Enterprise to take command and confront an alien spacecraft of enormous power heading toward Earth.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture The Director's Edition The Complete Adventure- 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

Boldly going where no television series had gone before, Star Trek: The Motion Picture Director’s Edition allowed the late Robert Wise the opportunity to properly finish and edit the film he always envisioned. Now with The Complete Adventure limited edition collector’s set, fans of the first Star Trek cinematic adventure can complete their own five-year mission to explore all three cuts of the film among hours of exciting new and archival bonus features. The new restoration of the Director’s Edition is truly an exciting marvel with an incredible Dolby Vision transfer and Atmos audio mix. The Theatrical Cut and Longer Version are included in 4K Dolby Vision HDR with nearly identical video transfers. With the deluxe packaging, swag items, and all three cuts - this set really is For Fans Only who want to spend that premium price tag and enjoy everything this film has to offer. 

Read our single title Star Trek 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Reviews: Star Trek: The Motion Picture Director's Edition Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan Star Trek III: The Search for Spock Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home Star Trek V: The Final Frontier Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

The U.S.S. Enterprise boldly debuted on the big screen with the cast of the original Star Trek series, including William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, and James Doohan.  Meticulously restored and remastered, with enhanced visual effects and state-of-the-art sound, this definitive vision of director Robert Wise has been optimized for a new generation of fans. When an unidentified alien intruder destroys three powerful Klingon cruisers, Admiral James T. Kirk (Shatner) returns to the helm of a newly transformed U.S.S. Enterprise to take command and confront an alien spacecraft of enormous power heading toward Earth.

The newly restored, definitive version of the first big-screen adventure is presented in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision™ and HDR-10, as well as Dolby Atmos®.  Also includes access to a Digital copy of the film and the following new and legacy bonus content:

Ultra HD Disc bonus features

• Audio Commentary with David C. Fein, Mike Matessino, and Daren R. Dochterman—NEW!
• Audio Commentary by Robert Wise, Douglas Trumbull, John Dykstra, Jerry Goldsmith, and Stephen Collins?
• Text Commentary by Michael and Denise Okuda?

Blu-ray Disc ™  bonus features

• The Human Adventure—An all-new 8-part documentary detailing how the Director’s Edition came to life—NEW!
• Preparing the Future – How the remastering began
• A Wise Choice – The storied history of Robert Wise
• Refitting the Enterprise – How the Enterprise design shaped future federation starships
• Sounding Off – Exploring new dimensions of sound in Dolby Atmos
• V’ger - The conception and restoration of an iconic alien antagonist
• Return to Tomorrow – Reaching an already high bar with new CGI effects
• A Grand Theme – Behind the iconic, influential music score that shaped the franchise’s future
• The Grand Vision – The legacy and evolving reputation of this classic movie
• Deleted Scenes—NEW!
• Effects Tests—NEW!
• Costume Tests—NEW!
• Computer Display Graphics—NEW!
• Additional legacy bonus content

This Limited-Edition Collector’s Set includes all of the above, plus an additional 4K Ultra HD disc containing:

• The Theatrical Cut
• The first-ever widescreen presentation of the Special Longer Version of Star Trek: The Motion Picture, originally created for broadcast television in 1983 

The set is presented in deluxe packaging along with exclusive collectibles, including reproductions of original promotional material, a booklet with behind-the-scenes images, stickers, and more.

Storyline: Our Reviewer's Take

Star Trek: The Motion Picture Director's Edition: The Complete Adventure is a genuine love letter to fans of the film. Fans can now pour over every frame of each vision and meticulously catalog the minute but interesting differences from one cut to the next. That’s a Herculean task and too much for one review to properly and thoroughly catalog, so I’ll focus this area on my thoughts on each version.

For disc one of this set we have the newly restored and reconstructed Director’s Edition that originally graced the 2001 DVD sets. The thing to keep in mind as you look at each version of Star Trek: The Motion Picture is that the film is very much the same from one version to the next. Little dialog changes, alternate ADR, different takes, a longer run time, and a different pace are the distinguishing marks. Not to mention the music cues from Jerry Goldsmith's score! Running at 2:16:43, the casual fan probably won’t notice these changes, but for the die-hard fans, it's easy to pick up the different sensibilities at play. As a whole, I like the Director’s Edition best of all the cuts. Aside from the visual effects changes and the alternate scenes, there’s not a huge difference here, but it’s how the film feels. Even running longer than the Theatrical Cut, it strikes a balance with the Longer Version and keeps the film tighter and more focused while taking the time to revel in its grand ambitions and visuals. Even the opening overture and credits are more interesting! And no - contrary to rumor for this newly restored and reconstructed version they did not replace Stephen Collins with Christopher Plummer… maybe next time.

The 1983 Special Longer Version that appeared on Television and home Video runs at 2:24:34 and is certainly interesting but feels very unfinished. This cut feels like a polished rough cut. Not quite an assembly cut where they string every shot together and it lasts an eternity before they start making necessary trims and edits. There is a structure to this cut, but it also raises and leaves hanging a number of sexual themes involving Persis Khambatta’s Ilia and her relationship with not only Stephen Collins’ Decker but other members of the crew. While certainly interesting, they’re ultimately redundant since they’re dropped so quickly as Decker is and always was her main romantic interest. With that, this is essentially the version I grew up with. We had the VHS of this cut and I think it’s why I always thought this movie was slow and boring. It takes much longer to get to where it needs to go with dialog exchanges leaving plenty of long fart pauses before someone speaks again to finish the point of the scene. On top of that, there were the unfinished visual effects - namely Kirk’s spacewalk where you could see the soundstage behind him. That visual effect snafu has been fixed for this 4K release but otherwise remains unaltered. It’s interesting to see what they had to work with but there’s good reason a lot of these long takes and additional scenes didn’t even make it to the Director’s Edition.

Then we have the original Theatrical Cut that runs at 2:11:57. The shortest version of the film, it’s certainly leaner and to the point, but I’ve always felt there was something lacking about this cut. Since I grew up with the Special Longer Version, I didn’t discover this cut until the first DVD release over twenty years ago. It was jarring to anticipate a scene or dialog exchange and not see it. I generally think this is a very good version of the movie, but I can also understand why Robert Wise would want to make some fixes here and there. With its faster pace, I feel like this cut short-changes a lot of the character nuances. The Decker and Kirk and Ilia and Decker dynamic feel very choppy whereas the Special Longer Version almost overcomplicates things but the Director’s Edition smooths everything out. Maybe not as refined and a little too quick to cut, but the Theatrical Cut is still very good - arguably better than the overlong Special Longer version. But with the alternate scenes and dialog, I tip my hat to the Director’s Edition because it just feels more complete.

I’ve heard it questioned why Paramount and those involved spent so much time on a movie that bombed at the box office. Well - it didn’t bomb. Technically for its time, it was the most expensive movie ever made, but it was also saddled with the budget deficits of the new television series development before that was shifted to becoming a feature film. This movie did gangbusters worldwide easily recouping its losses. But it didn’t make Star Wars dollars and that’s where I think some people misconstrued this film as a flop. It made enough money to keep the franchise alive long enough to give the next set of filmmakers proper development time for a leaner, meaner, and more successful action-packed sequel The Wrath of Khan . 

Vital Disc Stats: The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Star Trek: The Motion Picture Director’s Edition: The Complete Adventure comes home to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray in a deluxe limited edition three-disc collector’s set. You pick up all three versions of the film on two 4K discs with a Blu-ray reserved for the extensive bonus features package and a digital copy of the Director’s Edition. The 4K discs are BD-100 discs with a BD-50 for the bonus features. The discs are housed in a large bookcase, the discs slide into their respective sleeves but thankfully are well situated and easy to remove and return, unlike other book-style packages. Resting opposite the discs is the swag pocket. Here you’ll find the Star Trek: The Motion Picture Archives booklet containing a variety of production photos and concept artwork. Four reproduction lobby cards, a mini poster, four mini bumper stickers, and a sheet of stickers. 

The Director’s Edition gets its own 4K disc with the Theatrical Cut and the Longer Version sharing a 4K Disc. The Theatrical/Longer Version disc loads to a static image main menu allowing you to choose which version you want to look at. From there you get version-unique bonus features. The bulk of the bonus features is offered up on the standard Blu-ray bonus disc. There is not a version of this film in 1080p with this set. The only set released in the U.S. that also includes a 1080p Blu-ray of  The Motion Picture is the  6-Movie Collection

NOTE: All images are sourced from a standard Blu-ray disc. When we can we'll circle back to replace these images with 4K sourced images and or a demo video if possible.  

Video Review

[From our Director's Edition - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review]

"Of all the films of this franchise to hit 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, the Director’s Edition received the most love and attention. In order for Robert Wise’s cut to come to the format, it required a complete ground-up restoration and reconstruction from the original 35mm negative elements as well as the original large format visual effects elements and the results are simply extraordinary. From small details in facial features and makeup to the incredible models used for the huge effects shots, this is some genuine restoration magic at work. Film grain appears to have undergone a little bit of management per Paramount’s usual workings, but nothing too intrusive or severe. It’s not the waxy mess of the original 2009 Theatrical Cut Blu-ray, there’s an actual grain structure to appreciate. Some of the original optical effects still appear a little dodgy, but others look tighter and clearer than ever before.

This version of the film also underwent a new color grading for Dolby Vision (and HDR10) that leaves the film looking vibrant and lush without over-saturating primaries or skin tones. Black levels are deep and inky and some of those grand visual effects shots against that vast starfield lend some impressive depth to the image. It may be slow and indulgent, but Scotty delivering Kirk to the Enterprise is simply glorious. The new CGI effects also blend much better and barely draw any attention to themselves, this isn’t at all like that other space franchise's "Special Editions." The biggest visual gain here is we now have a sense of scale to the inside of V’GR and it’s quite impressive in 2160p with HDR. Whites in those dentist smock uniforms are also much more vivid and crisp. 

I missed out on seeing this restoration in theaters and like so many I’ve had to get by with Paramount+ streaming. Without the compression of streaming, this version looks even better on disc. Black levels have always been dodgy whenever I stream content so it’s nice not seeing those anomalies with this disc release. I honestly can’t imagine this film looking any better than this. It’s genuinely marvelous." 5/5

The Theatrical Cut and The Longer Version share virtually the same 2160p Dolby Vision transfer. Packed on the same disc together, the Longer Version scenes slip in and out via seamless branching and I am quite impressed to say that you don't notice a change in visual quality. Overall this is a very impressive transfer. However, these two cuts of the film didn’t enjoy the complete ground-up restoration and reconstruction efforts of the Director’s Edition and comparing them, these are a slight step down in overall quality. They’re still very good, they both feel big and cinematic but that Director’s Edition is just that good. 

With that in mind, I do like this transfer. The appearance of grain management may be a bit more noticeable but the image isn’t completely scrubbed or waxy-textured like the old 2009 disc. Film grain remains and fine details emerge beautifully letting you fully appreciate the work that went into bringing this new vision of Star Trek to life. Those spaceship models are again gorgeous and real show-stoppers. The only improvement for the Longer Version is that the Kirk space walk scene has actually been completed. Past VHS releases (and I think LaserDisc releases) showed incomplete footage with the soundstage quite clearly visible in the background. The restoration team did a good job finishing that moment so that it isn’t this bizarre screwed-up shot. All in all, both the Theatrical and Longer Version are impressive.  4.5/5

Audio Review

[From our Director’s Edition - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review] 

"The  Director’s Edition  also comes packed in with a genuinely fantastic demo-worthy Atmos audio mix. From the opening overture and credits into the Klingon attack, this is a big soundscape at work. Front, side, rear, and overhead channels all get their time in the sun. Even the quietest conversational scenes have something happening to keep those channels engaged. A little moment like the first time Kirk arrives on the bridge and everyone is too busy to notice him, the chitter-chatter among the crew circles the channels beautifully. Throughout, the dialog is clean and clear and never overpowered by other elements. If anything, it’s actually easier to hear a lot of dialog exchanges since this cut used a number of different ADR takes for some dialog and the extra channel space keeps the mix from sounding too stiff or closed up. Then you have the iconic Jerry Goldsmith score. I play this movie loud largely because his compositions are so magnificent, but they sound incredible here. There’s cleaner and clearer instrumentation giving you the full appreciation of the orchestra. The Klingon theme with those pulsing low notes and harp twangs set the stage for the LFE response for the rest of the film. Levels are spot on without any need to monitor or keep your thumb on the remote, but play it loud! When you have the rumble of ships’ engines rattling your subs, you’ll be glad you punched the volume as loud as your ears can tolerate."  5/5

Now the Theatrical Version for Star Trek: The Motion Picture comes in with the same Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track from the first 4K release - that is also the same as the 2009 Blu-ray - which isn’t bad at all. Dated, sure, but it’s still powerful and sounds amazing. It may not be as fresh sounding or as sonically dynamic as the new Atmos mix for the Director’s Edition, but it’s still very good. 4/5

The Longer Version of Star Trek: The Motion Picture sports a Dolby Digital 2.0 track that while clearly weaker than the Dolby TrueHD 7.1 mix, still sounds pretty good. This cut of the film is more of a curiosity to me anyway so not getting the full Atmos or 7.1 treatment isn’t a bother - but I do wonder why it’s not in TrueHD. There may be some limitations with the elements available, I’m not sure, but it is a weird step back in overall quality. Again that scene where Scotty takes Kirk to the Enterprise, the Goldsmith score just doesn’t kick as it does in the other cuts. It’ll get the job done.  3/5

Special Features

There is a metric ton of bonus content to dig through. You get all of the audio commentaries for the Director’s Edition and Theatrical Cut along with that massive Blu-ray bonus disc full of new and archival extra features. The other cool extra here is for the Longer Version they’ve included the original fully restored but unaltered Kirk Spacewalk scene so you can see just how goofy seeing that soundstage looked. Really, the unfinished shot is only a few seconds but it is a notable WTF moment in Star Trek history. While it’s not in the new final restored Longer Version, I’m glad they preserved it as a bonus.

4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc One

• Audio Commentary featuring David C. Fein, Mike Matessino, and Daren Dochterman
• Audio Commentary featuring Robert Wise, Douglas Trumbulll, John Dykstra, Jerry Goldsmith, and Stephen Collins
• Text Commentary featuring Michael and Denise Okuda
• Isolated Score Track (found in the settings menu)

4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Two

• Theatrical Version Audio Commentary featuring Michael and Denise Okuda, Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens, and Daren Dochterman
• Longer Version: Kirk Follows Spock (UHD 1:46)

Bonus Blu-ray

• NEW The Human Adventure 8-Part Documentary  (HD 48:17 Total)
• Preparing the Future
• A Wise Choice
• Refitting the Enterprise
• Sounding Off
• V’GER
• Return to Tomorrow
• A Grand Theme
• The Grand Vision
• NEW Three Deleted Scenes  (HD 4:31 Total)
• Ilia & Decker in Engineering
• Security Guard
• Three Casualties
• NEW Effects Tests  (HD 3:30)
• NEW Costume Tests  (HD 4:40)
• NEW Computer Display Graphics  (HD 3:10)
• The Star Trek Universe
• Phase II: The Lost Enterprise  (SD 12:39)
• A Bold New Enterprise  (SD 29:41)
• Redirecting the Future  (SD 14:06)
• The Longest Trek: Writing the Motion Picture  (HD 10:44)
• Special Star Trek Reunion  (HD 9:37)
• Starfleet Academy SCISEC Brief 001: The Mystery Behind V’Ger  (HD 4:24)
• The New Frontier: Resurrecting Star Trek  (HD 30:01)
• Maiden Voyage: Making Star Trek: The Motion Picture  (HD 29:13)
• Storyboards
• Vulcan 
• Enterprise Departure 
• V’Ger Revealed 
• Deleted Scenes - 1979 Theatrical Cut
• Trims  (SD 6:08)
• Outtakes/Memory Wall  (SD 2:49)
• Vulcan and Starfleet  (SD 4:15)
• Attack on the Enterprise  (SD 2:36)
• Cloud Journey  (SD 3:31)
• V’Ger Flyover  (SD 5:04)
• Wing Walk  (SD 4:48)
• Deleted Scenes - 1983 TV Version
• Sulu and Ilia 1  (SD 1:06)
• Sulu and Ilia 2  (SD 00:27)
• Kirk’s Quarters  (SD 00:21)
• Officer’s Lounge  (SD 00:13)
• Attack on the Enterprise  (SD 1:08)
• Intruder Transformation  (SD 00:32)
• A Huge Vessel  (SD 00:47)
• Kirk Follows Spock  (SD 1:13)
• Ilia’s Quarters 1  (SD 1:05)
• Ilia’s Quarters 2  (SD 1:20)
• Its Creator Is a Machine  (SD 00:17)
• Teaser Trailer 
• Theatrical Trailer 

Star Trek: The Motion Picture Director’s Edition The Complete Adventure is a true love letter to fans of the film. You get the exceptionally restored Director’s Edition, as well as the Theatrical Cut and Longer Version of the film along with tons of excellent new and archival bonus features. On top of the excellent disc content, you score some extra swag including stickers, bumper stickers, and an impressive booklet of production design materials all housed in a beautiful bookcase. My only gripe is I wish the book slipcase had been made of the same hard sturdy stock instead of the flimsy and easily damaged paper stock.

At the end of the day, no matter how amazing this set is, it’s ultimately for the die-hardiest of the die-hard Star Trek: The Motion Picture fans. This is the only way to get all three cuts of the film and by and large I got a hunch most folks will stick to the Director’s Edition anyway. The Theatrical Cut is still very good but the Longer Version is more of an interesting curiosity than an in-demand way to watch the film. At least in my opinion. I’m sure they’re out there, but I haven’t yet met anyone that absolutely holds to the Longer Version as their preferred cut to watch. If you feel this set is for you, you get a lot of amazing content with incredible picture and audio quality with hours upon hours of magnificent bonus features to enjoy. For Serious Star Trek Fans Only

Bringing you the best reviews of 4k and high definition entertainment

4k ultra hd news.

The latest 4K Ultra HD News

4K Ultra HD In Stores This Week

New Releases on 4K Ultra HD

4K Ultra HD Coming Soon to Stores

Upcoming Releases on 4K Ultra HD