An excellent revamp of the film by the director, Robert Wise, correcting many of the flaws that time constraints caused in the theatrical release. Some excellent new CGI, completing uncompleted effects and the best selection of shots is included. Perhaps a future release will re-do some of the rushed 1979 model shots to smooth out those matte lines. The second disc has some excellent features, including all the unused scenes that were cut into the theatrical release for the longer TV broadcast version. Thank God the director did not include too many of these in his version or it would have seemed hopelessly padded. Now all we need is a Blu-Ray release with a clean digital transfer, which may not happen for a while due to rights issues with the estate of Robert Wise.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
While I liked the original version, I do think this one is better overall. While not as good as Wrath of Khan, I do think it's a must for any fan of the series. The only way to view this version of the film is on this DVD release. For now there don't seem to be any plans to release it on Blu Ray, but the DVD transfer is good enough that you shouldn't see a huge drop-off in quality. One of the biggest knocks on the original film was it dragged on too long, especially in the middle act, and this version makes a solid attempt to correct that issue. When the film was released in 1979, director Robert Wise didn't have much opportunity to edit the film as the famously troubled production was rushed to meet the release date. About 20 years later he was given the opportunity to re-edit the film and the result was this 2001 DVD release. Spruced up with a few new effects, the result is a better paced film that tells a tighter story.Read full review
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Comments on The Director's Cut of TMP: I have always enjoyed this film for exactly the aspect which its "creators" have attempted to reduce here: imperfection. This film was made in the 70's, and that's okay because the effects were always stunning and look so even to this day. That's why it irks me that for the "Director's Cut" of "Star Trek: the Motion Picture" (TMP), new CGI effects have been rendered. Some changes in the sound mix have been made as well, in addition to some highly-questionable cuts. I can understand the desire to go back and "fix up" an old gem like this, but it seems to me that more care should have been paid to respecting the work of the artists on the original. Entire external shots of the Enterprise have been replaced here, with new CGI shots that are neither reasonably different or superior. All in all, the new CGI versions seem entirely unnecessary. I disagree with certain cuts made in the beginning of the film which serve only to further sterilize the film. I'm specifically referring to a scene where Admiral Kirk is briefing the Enterprise crew on the dangers of their mission, during which they receive a transmission from a space station which is then attacked and destroyed in full view of all watching. Afterward, when the transmission abruptly halts, Kirk orders Uhura to deactivate the viewer. As the room stands is stunned silence, he has to repeat himself so that she can tear her eyes away from the horrifying sight she has just witnessed and follow his order. In the new version, there is no hesitation whatsoever. Wise claims that it didn't make sense to show anyone performing in any way other than exemplary if you were to believe they had what it took to save the world. Well, to me that only highlights what some people don't get about "Star Trek." The 23rd century isn't supposed to be populated with perfect, robotic officers who never make a mistake or betray the slightest emotion unless ordered to. It's about the HUMAN adventure (which is "just beginning," by the way), and small moments which portray the human heart and feeling of our central characters are what is usually sorely lacking in the overly sanitized and perfected "Trek" of Robert Wise. I think that sense of idyllic perfection of character, mixed with the pristine colors and passionless lines of the film's design are what made it so awfully boring in the first place. It is apparent that in 2001 when this set was released, Robert Wise still hadn't figured out what "Star Trek" was about. Here what he removed was one of the only interesting moments in the entire film. I also take issue with the re-rendering of the opening titles, which has apparently been done in iMovie or a similar program. They look cheap and amateurish, more like what you'd expect to see on a televised awards show than a massively expensive and well-produced sci-fi film like this. They look out of place and the effect is jarring. Some of the new material is welcome, such as the additional detail seen in the background of scenes on Earth. New shots of the Golden Gate Bridge and the view of the bay from Starfleet were added and look lovely. And...that's about it. Let me say this to the team behind this release (which was ignored for the Blu-Ray set): Less is more, remember? The work done on the original film was groundbreaking, and most of the improvements made here were unnecessary.Read full review
This Movie Probably Changed the Direction of hundreds of thousands, If it would not exhist we would have no Trekies. It's Iconic Value makes it a 10 Star but as a Trekie I Gave it a 4 out of 5 based on the special effects, the story line was thrown together poorly with too many left open story lines that were new to the world of Trek Back then. It's main Story Line with V'ger was well done tho, if you read any of the books you would see some of their direction in this movie, as well as the new Star Trek Film, it also has some of the old school Book lines. I watched this film in the threaters as a child and remember that day like it was yesterday, it definded me, it made me a nerd, and made me a good person, People who like Trek will simply be good people... and nerds.
Excellent 2 Disc Special Edition of arguably the greatest sci-fi franchise in Hollywood.
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Star Trek: The Motion Picture is a real departure both from the original Star Trek television series and the movies that followed it. Director Robert Wise, who helmed the science fiction classic The Day the Earth Stood Still back in the 50s, creates a slow and menacing picture in the vein of 2001: A Space Odyssey. The best elements of this film reflect its differences from the rest of the original Star Trek. William Shatner's acting is beautifully subdued, and his scenes of conflict with the younger, more emotional Commander Decker are among the film's highlights. In fact, Decker resembles the Kirk of the original series more than Shatner's character. Another interesting element of the film is the antagonist. Rather than the typical over-the-top villian of later films, the "enemy" here is a destructive energy cloud of unknown origin, intentions, and composition. Star Trek: The Motion Picutre falls firmly within the realm of "hard sci-fi", driven by interesting human possiblities and situations rather than futuristic technological gizmos. In addition to strong character interactions and an innovative plot, the movie features an amazing soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith and excellent visual effects. Goldsmith's score is highly memorable, appropriate, and of the highest musical quality. And the effects, right from the opening scene of the Kingon battle crusisers, are top notch and better than anything ever done in the series. Put simply, the film has a great deal of style. Of course, there is a downside, and it's significant. Probably the film's greatest detraction is the presence of several long, boring, and pointless effects sequences. When Kirk is being transported to the newly refurbished Enterprise, the shots of the ship occupy far too much screen time, specifically 15 miuntes of almost dialogue-free footage. The same problem occurs in the latter half of the film. After the ship penetrates the energy cloud, the drama should rise to a peak. Instead, most of the screen time ends up occupied by meaningless, extended, and uninspiring external visual effects shots that serve to make the film sterile rather than advancing the plot. The film would improve from the deletion of about 20 minutes' worth of material from the Director's Edition (which itself removes pointless scenes from the original film!). Another major problem with this film is the (mis)characterisation of Spock. After failing to achieve Kolinar (somthing akin to Nirvana), he becomes...disgrunteled. He is rude and icy to the rest of the crew and acts entirely out-of-character throughout the film, especially when he secretly departs on a spacewalk without informing Kirk. He is underutilised and not presented appropriately, and the film suffers for this. A final problem with the film is that the ultimate complexity of the plot is a bit lacking. While the revelation of the origin of the energy clould is bold and innovative, not nearly enough is done to develop the cloud's character between the ship's entry into it and this revelation. Ilia, who at one point represents the cloud, isn't a particularly good or well-developed character, nor is the actress playing her particularly adpet. A more thoughtful approach to revealing and developing the cloud would have been appropriate. The film's best elements are what it introduces: the "new" Kingons, the Decker-Kirk conflict, and the cloud. But a greater focus on characters and plot over visuals would improve it.Read full review
The first two motion pictures based on the Star Trek television series re-cut by the directors to match their own visions and in the case of the first one complete the storyline. Star Trek: The Motion Picture has been beautifully remastered, restored and completed to the original script. Sequences where the special effects were not completed of badly executed have been finished and cleaned up all through the film. Small snippets of dialogue or poor acting have been trimmed from the film as other small bits that were cut for time constraints but that furthered the plot have been restored. In the case of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan not too much has been added. Only a few scenes here and there but the print has been cleaned up and remastered for a better, brighter sharper presentation. Both films look terrific and I don't know why these versions have not been made available on blu-ray yet. I bought these used and in very good shape. If you can find them at a good price, say ten dollars or so and you're a fan then buy then. I hae a feeling they are getting more and more scarce. Read full review
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I had read about improvements made on the Director’s Cut and had to see for myself. I totally agree. I hope this gets an HD version someday. For now I am happy with the DVD and the case is good and sturdy.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I watch the star trek the motion picture DVD and it good movie I love the movie
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is a great item! The Director Edition is beautiful. I enjoyed the special features also.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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