New 2009 STAR TREK beaming with special content on Blu-ray & DVD (Nov 17) - Update: Blu-ray Review by John J. Puccio (+ film review by Jason P. Vargo)

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—> See Link to our Blu-ray Review (below)

The future begins.

Director J.J. Abrams phenomenal reimagining of the legendary adventure soars onto DVD and Blu-ray!

"The new and improved STAR TREK will transport fans to sci-fi nirvana... STAR TREK rockets along like a beautifully engineered vehicle you can't help but admire for its design and performance. This reincarnation is dynamic."
—Todd McCarthy (Variety)

"Abrams goes back to the series' '60s roots... and laces this origin story with a youthful zest and some enjoyable self-parody. The intergalactic vistas and pop art interiors are constantly stunning."
—Richard Mowe (Box Office)

"The 2009 STAR TREK film goes back eagerly to where STAR TREK began... The special effects are slam-bam."
—Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times)

STAR TREK (2009) — on DVD, 2-Disc DVD,
and 3-Disc Blu-ray (+ Digital Copy)
(available November 17)

Hollywood, CA – This year audiences thrilled at the triumphant voyage of the Starship Enterprise and her young and vibrant crew in movie theaters across the planet—and on November 17, 2009, the world will go where no one has gone before when STAR TREK debuts as a three-disc Blu-ray with digital copy (see review further below), two-disc DVD with digital copy and a single-disc DVD from Paramount Home Entertainment.

Bursting with "spectacular action" (Hollywood Reporter) and "pure filmmaking exhilaration" (Rolling Stone) director J.J. Abrams' sensational reinvention of the "Star Trek" franchise was hailed by critics and embraced by long-time and new fans alike, earning over $375 million at the worldwide box office.

Starring a hot young cast including Chris Pine (Carriers), Zachary Quinto ("Heroes"), Zoe Saldana (Avatar), Karl Urban (The Bourne Supremacy), John Cho (Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle), Anton Yelchin (Terminator Salvation) and Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead), the global smash hit also features seasoned actors such as Eric Bana (Munich), Bruce Greenwood (National Treasure: Book of Secrets), Winona Ryder (Girl, Interrupted) and the original Spock himself, Leonard Nimoy.

"I cannot wait for fans of Star Trek to check out the home entertainment release of the film. The behind-the-scenes features on the DVD — and especially the Blu-ray — give a wonderful look at the crazy hard work and incredible fun that went into making this movie," said J.J. Abrams. "The cast and crew were truly extraordinary to work with — watching these special features, you'll see why. And for people who didn't catch Star Trek in the theater, I hope they do now, as Paramount has done an exceptional job with this release; the picture and sound quality are both excellent."

The STAR TREK DVD and Blu-ray boasts out-of-this-world special features to take viewers even further into the new universe of the rousing space adventure. The two-disc DVD and three-disc Blu-ray include in-depth explorations of the reimagining of the franchise, the phenomenal cast, the spectacularly real action sequences, the powerful score and the captivating aliens, commentary by J.J. Abrams, the writers and producers, a gag reel and a bonus digital copy of the film.

Additionally, the discs feature compelling deleted scenes that reveal a side story involving Nero with a first-ever look at Abrams' version of the infamous warrior Klingons.

The STAR TREK Blu-ray boldly ventures beyond the final frontier with over three hours of sensational bonus footage including branching pods that allow for enhanced exploration, more fascinating features on the starships, planets, props, costumes and sound of STAR TREK, as well as a Starfleet Vessel Simulator and access to the latest NASA news about real-life space exploration via BD-Live.

The two-disc DVD and three-disc Blu-ray will also offer a home entertainment first: groundbreaking augmented reality technology. Using a webcam, a Star Trek visual cue will morph into a 3D holographic tour of the U.S.S. Enterprise on the screen, providing a unique immersive and interactive experience.

DVD:
The STAR TREK two-disc DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 5.1 Surround and Spanish 5.1 Surround with English, French and Spanish subtitles.

Special features are as follows:
Disc 1:
• Commentary — By director J.J. Abrams, writers Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof and executive producer Bryan Burk.
• A New Vision — J.J. Abrams' vision was not only to create a Star Trek that was a bigger, more action-packed spectacle, but also to make the spectacle feel real. Every aspect of production—from unique locations to the use of classic Hollywood camera tricks—was guided by this overall objective.
• Gag Reel — Bloopers featuring the entire principal cast.

Disc 2:
• Digital Copy
• Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary
- Spock Birth
- Klingons Take Over Narada
- Young Kirk, Johnny and Uncle Frank
- Amanda and Sarek Argue After Spock Fights
- Prison Interrogation and Breakout
- Sarek Gets Amanda
- Dorm Room and Kobayashi Maru (original version)
- Kirk Apologizes to the Green Girl
- Sarek Sees Spock
• To Boldly Go — Taking on the world's most beloved science fiction franchise was no small mission. Director J.J. Abrams, writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof, and executive producer Bryan Burk talk about the many challenges they faced and their strategy for success.
• Casting — The producers knew their greatest task was finding the right cast to reprise these epic roles. The cast, for their part, talk about the experience of trying to capture the essence of these mythic characters. The piece concludes with a moving tribute to Leonard Nimoy.
• Aliens — Designers Neville Page and Joel Harlow talk about the hurdles they faced creating new alien species, recreating the Romulans and Vulcans, and designing the terrifying creatures on Delta Vega for the new Star Trek.
• Score — As a fan of the original series, composer Michael Giacchino embraced the challenge of creating new music for Star Trek while preserving the spirit of Alexander Courage's celebrated theme.
• DVD-Rom:
- STAR TREK® D-A-C Free Trial Game for XBOX 360®
- Weblink to the STAR TREK® D-A-C Free Trial Game for PC
- Weblink to the STAR TREK® D-A-C Free Trial Game for PlayStation® Network

Blu-ray:
The STAR TREK three-disc Blu-ray is presented in 1080p High Definition with English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.

Special features are as follows:
Disc 1:
• Commentary — By director J.J. Abrams, writers Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof and executive producer Bryan Burk.
• NASA News — This BD-Live feature gives viewers access to the latest NASA news about real space exploration. Learn about new mission developments and check out featured imagery from around the universe.

Disc 2:
• To Boldly Go (See description above)
• Branching Pods:
- The Shatner Conundrum
- Red Shirt Guy
- The Green Girl
- Trekker Alert!
• Casting (See description above)
• A New Vision (See description above)
• Branching Pods:
- Savage Pressure
• Starships — Abrams and production designer Scott Chambliss were careful to pay tribute to the design of the original Enterprise, but they also wanted to make it futuristic and cool for a modern audience. This chapter focuses on the unique stories behind the creation of the film's starships.
• Branching Pods:
- Warp Explained
- Paint Job
- Bridge Construction Accelerated
- The Captain's Chair
- Button Acting 101
- Shuttle Shuffle
- Narada Construction Accelerated
• Aliens (See description above)
• Branching Pods:
- The Alien Paradox
- Big-Eyed Girl
- Big Bro Quinto
- Klingons
- Drakoulias Anatomy 101
• Planets — From the frozen landscape of Delta Vega to the desert plains of Vulcan, Scott Chambliss and the art department had a number of radically different planets to create. Abrams' desire to shoot on real locations whenever possible led the production team to a number of strange and surprising locations.
• Branching Pods:
- Extra Business
- Confidentiality
• Props and Costumes — Property master Russell Bobbitt had the unique challenge of designing props that were both true to the original series and pertinent to today's technology. Likewise, costume designer Michael Kaplan talks about how he designed costumes that paid homage to what came before yet were relevant and timeless.
• Branching Pods:
- Klingon Wardrobe
• Ben Burtt and the Sounds of Star Trek — When famed sound designer Ben Burtt was hired to create sounds for the first Star Wars film, he took his inspiration from the original "Star Trek" series. Burtt jumped at the opportunity to pay tribute to the sounds that sparked his career with the sounds he created for the new Star Trek.
• Score (See description above)
• Gene Roddenberry's Vision — J.J. Abrams, Leonard Nimoy, previous Star Trek writers and producers, and scientific consultant Carolyn Porco describe and commend the optimistic and enduring vision of Gene Roddenberry.
• Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary (See details above)
• Starfleet Vessel Simulator — Explore extensive data on the U.S.S. Enterprise and the Romulan ship, the Narada. Submerse yourself in breathtaking 360° views and close-ups and review detailed tech information.
• Gag Reel (See description above)

Disc 3:
• Digital Copy
• STAR TREK® D-A-C Free Trial Game for XBOX 360®
• Weblink to the STAR TREK® D-A-C Free Trial Game for PC
• Weblink to the STAR TREK® D-A-C Free Trial Game for PlayStation® Network

The STAR TREK single-disc DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 5.1 Surround and Spanish 5.1 Surround with English, French and Spanish subtitles. The single-disc DVD includes the commentary, "A New Vision" and the gag reel.

STAR TREK — Explore further:
—> Blu-ray Review by John J. Puccio »
EXCERPT: Not "Star Trek: The Beginning" or "Star Trek 1" or "Star Trek 800." This movie assumes that nothing has gone before: no television shows, no movies, no comic books, no video games, no action figures.

It was a bold move on the part of director J.J. Abrams to go where no "Star Trek" episode had ever gone before. It was a fresh approach, equaling the successes of Richard Donner in "Superman: The Movie" and Tim Burton and Christopher Nolan in "Batman" and "Batman Begins" when those franchises seemed on the verge of extinction.

So let me say it up-front: "Star Trek" is one of the three or four most-entertaining films I saw in 2009.

Of course, taking "Star Trek" back to its start risked incurring the wrath of die-hard Trekkies and Trekkers, since it meant replacing the beloved original cast with younger actors. Many fans could not fathom anyone other than William Shatner as James T. Kirk or Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock or DeForrest Kelley as Dr. McCoy or James Doohan as Scotty, and so forth. New actors, no matter how good they might be, would surely be a sacrilege.

Well, they aren't a sacrilege. They work just fine. Not only do Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto make a fine young James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock, but Karl Urban and Simon Pegg make an admirable Leonard McCoy and Montgomery Scott. Indeed, Bones and Scotty may have captured the essence of their characters better than anyone else in the cast, even if Pegg's character enters late and hasn't a lot to do.

What more, it's immensely fun to watch the spectacular, often stunning CGI visuals in this new "Star Trek," surely the most elaborate special effects ever created for any "Star Trek" episode (or any movie, period). It's also why Blu-ray high definition is a must for getting the most pleasure out of the film. I loved every action-filled and non-action-filled moment of it.

I suppose if you're a seriously dedicated "Star Trek" fan from way back, you'll resist any part of this new film, no matter how good it is. But if you think of the new movie as just that, something "new," something different, you should be able to overcome your prejudices and preconceptions and accept and embrace this latest installment in the "Star Trek" saga. It's one heck of a ride!

"Live long and prosper."

(Click thru the Link above for the full review, including comments on the numerous extras and A/V presentation, plus a BONUS review of the film by Jason P. Vargo)

—> Visit the film's Official Site »
(from Paramount Home Entertainment)

Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence, and brief sexual content

Film Synopsis:
The future begins.
A chronicle of the early days of James T. Kirk and his fellow USS Enterprise crew members.

From director J.J. Abrams ("Mission: Impossible III," "Lost" and "Alias") and screenwriters Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman ("Transformers," "MI: III") comes a new vision, featuring a young, new crew venturing boldly where no man has gone before.

The greatest adventure of all time begins with "Star Trek," the incredible story of a young crew's maiden voyage onboard the most advanced starship ever created: the U.S.S. Enterprise. On a journey filled with action, comedy and cosmic peril, the new recruits must find a way to stop an evil being whose mission of vengeance threatens all of mankind.

The fate of the galaxy rests in the hands of bitter rivals. One, James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), is a delinquent, thrill-seeking Iowa farm boy. The other, Spock (Zachary Quinto), was raised in a logic-based society that rejects all emotion. As fiery instinct clashes with calm reason, their unlikely but powerful partnership is the only thing capable of leading their crew through unimaginable danger, boldly going where no one has gone before.

Kirk and Spock could not be more different. Yet, in their quest to figure out who they really are and what they have to give to the world, they soon become competitive cadets-in-training. With their drastically opposite styles, one driven by fiery passion, the other by rigorous logic, they also become defiant, contentious adversaries, each equally unimpressed with the other, each going all out to be among the special few chosen to join the crew of the most advanced starship ever created, the U.S.S. Enterprise.

The crew is headed by Captain Christopher Pike (Bruce Greenwood). Joining him are the ship's Medical Officer Leonard "Bones" McCoy (Karl Urban); the man who will become the ship's Chief Engineer, Montgomery "Scotty" Scott (Simon Pegg); Communications Officer Uhura (Zoe Saldana); experienced Helmsman Sulu (John Cho); and the 17-year-old whiz kid Chekov (Anton Yelchin). All will face a harrowing first test that will set in motion the loyalty, camaraderie, daring and good humor that will bind them forever.

In the midst of it all, Kirk and Spock will come face-to-face with an undeniable destiny: a need to forge an unlikely but powerful partnership, enabling them to lead their crew to boldly go where no one has gone before.

Those prepared to hate the reboot of STAR TREK — whether they're diehard fans or those in the anti-sci-fi camp — may be convinced to lower their shields after seeing this fun, action-filled film. Best known for creating mythology-driven series like LOST, J.J. Abrams has imbued his version with the elements that have made his shows such mind-bending entertainment while still keeping the soul of the saga intact.

STAR TREK begins with an attack by an impossibly advanced Romulan ship captained by the tattooed, snarling Nero (Eric Bana). Among the survivors is the infant version of James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), who grows up to wreak havoc on the Iowa countryside. When Captain Christopher Pike (Bruce Greenwood) meets an adult Kirk, he encourages him to join Starfleet, giving him the opportunity to meet Spock (Zachary Quinto), Uhura (Zoe Saldana), and the rest of the characters audiences have loved for decades.

Abrams has assembled a fine cast who seem to be aware of their predecessors but never resort to impressions. Both Quinto and Pine do a fine job with their portrayals of Kirk and Spock, and Karl Urban couldn't be better as Leonard McCoy. The supporting players — Simon Pegg (Scotty), John Cho (Sulu), and Anton Yelchin (Chekov) — all capture the essence of what drove their characters, though their screen time is limited.

STAR TREK manages the nearly impossible: it pleases hardcore fans with plenty of in-jokes and references (and an appearance by the original Spock, Leonard Nimoy), but it doesn't alienate newcomers with tons of technobabble. The action and effects rank with any other top-tier summer blockbuster, but there's plenty of humor to balance the excitement. For anyone who (wrongly) felt he had to hide his trekker tendencies, this undeniably cool version of STAR TREK offers a chance to wear the "geek" label with pride.
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(bonus article below)

Star Trek flies out with space-age box
-Tour of Enterprise built into Nov. 17 packaging

July 16, 2009 - Paramount Home Entertainment's Star Trek is about to once again boldly go where no man has gone before — this time making the DVD and Blu-ray Disc releases cutting edge in the digital era.

Expected to be one of the biggest home entertainment releases of the fourth quarter after its $375 million theatrical run, J.J. Abrams' re-imagined Star Trek, will make its home market debut on Nov. 17 with all the usual extras on the 2-disc DVD and 3-disc Blu-ray release as well as a new bonus feature on the disc packaging itself.

With the packaging feature dubbed "augmented reality," consumers will be able to hold their disc packaging in front of any standard Web cam to unlock an interactive hologram tour of the U.S.S. Enterprise. In the tour, which plays on the computer screen, viewers will be able to tour five cabins on the movie's Enterprise and even shoot enemies from the ship's deck.

The technology has been used before for magazine covers and other types of product packaging and Universal Studios Home Entertainment will use it in a Comic-Con promotion for CORALINE. However, the Star Trek release is a first for a major home entertainment title.

"Anything that increases the value of the physical good in the eyes of the consumer is a benefit," Paramount home video senior VP of brand marketing Bob Buchi said.

An early version of the feature, which Paramount tried for the international theatrical release of the film, can be accessed at the Experience the Enterprise Website.

For the DVD release, Paramount will include a visual icon inside the packaging that, when held in front of the Web cam, will unlock a more immersive experience.

Users will have to log in to a Web site to access the feature, but they control the hologram by holding the disc packaging.

"You're in control of what you're doing," Buchi said. "If you took the visual cue in the package and turned your hand, then you're turning the ship."

Aiming to appeal to every potential fan, Paramount will release three disc versions of Star Trek: a 1-disc edition with the movie and director's commentary, and a bonus-packed 2-disc DVD and 3-disc Blu-ray. The two-DVD and Blu-ray versions will also include a digital copy of the movie.

Paramount hasn't yet released pricing information for the sets, which will debut right before the busy Thanksgiving weekend.

Among the other extras on the high-end versions are plot-based deleted scenes, such as a cut scene with a baby Spock, ears and all. Another cut includes an abandoned story line with Nero and a look at Abrams' version of the warrior Klingons.

The Blu-ray set will include a BD Live feature that connects viewers to live updates from space through NASA. Those who want to explore the film's space ships more, also will be able to click on the Star Fleet Vessel Simulator to get a 360-degree view of the Enterprise and other ships.

Courtesy of Video Business
(by Jennifer Netherby, July 16, 2009)
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"A clever and infectious reboot of the amazingly enduring sci-fi classic... With a crew like this, you can welcome the future."
—Owen Gleiberman (Entertainment Weekly)

"A bright, shiny blast from a newly imagined past... The spirit of adventure and embrace of rationality that define the show are in full swing."
—(The New York Times)

"It is, undeniably, a reconsideration of what constitutes STAR TREK, one that deemphasizes heady concepts and plainly stated humanist virtues in favor of breathless action punctuated by bursts of emotion."
—Keith Phipps (A.V. Club)

"It's a movie that is correct enough to appease the most hard-core buffs, while opening up the final frontier to a new generation of fans... Pure pop pleasure."
—(Washington Post)

"Paced at warp speed with spectacular action sequences rendered brilliantly and with a cast so expert that all the familiar characters are instantly identifiable."
—Ray Bennett (Hollywood Reporter)

"It's an energetic sci-fi extravaganza, with spectacular action sequences and nifty visuals... When it comes to sheer spectacle, STAR TREK as re-imagined by J.J. Abrams, delivers."
—Claudia Puig (USA Today)

"This STAR TREK has in general bridged the gap between the old and the new with alacrity and purpose."
—Kenneth Turan (Los Angeles Times)

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Please Note - More details:
Be sure to check out the full details under related releases.

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