Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7296 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-11-19
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Formats: Colour, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 10
• Running time: 1405 minutes

DVD Description

With HD DVD on one side of each disc and standard DVD on the other, the series has been remastered from the original camera negative. The 1960s special effects have been replaced with 21st century computer-generated imagery to give new depth and atmosphere to various elements including the main title sequence, the galaxy shots frequently seen from the Enterprise’s bridge, the battle scenes, planets and alien ships, some of the matte paintings used as backdrops for new worlds, as well as the Enterprise and other Starships, which have been replaced with CGI-created ships.

The new computer-generated Enterprise is based on the exact measurements of the original model (which now resides in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.). The original theme tune by Emmy Award-winning composer Alexander Courage has been re-recorded in digital stereo audio. A digitally remastered version of William Shatner’s classic original recording of the 38-word "Space, the final frontier…" monologue continues to open each episode.

Bonus HD DVD features

Customer Reviews

Its Trek, Jim, but not as we know it...
Well, i too was a bit worried when i heard that this project was in the offing, but i was also excited, having grown up with the original series and been a fan for years.
Having watched the old series time and time again, the one thing that jarred with it was the special effects, as they were very much of their time, and i always wished that they could be updated, much as the BBc have done with some of the classic Doctor Who DVD releases.
I have to say that the effects really add a depth to the original show and complement it. They do not detract from Star Trek in any way at all.
I cannot see how people can complain about losing the grainy old stock shots, which were always the same for every episode, and the wobbly-ness of the Enterprise's motion through space.
These sequences have been replaced with smooth and eminently watchable bits which really bring the old Enterprise to life.
The 'camera' zooms in, in a way that when you are used to seeing the original, catches your breath, and makes you go, 'wow!'
But what is most impressive, is the way the planets on the scanner screen, and the other minor effects are achieved.
True, the CGI effects are rather low tech, but these look in keeping in a way, with the 1960's camera work on the live action sequences.
They do however, bring the original series into line with the films, and the other Trek series, not that i am too much of a fan of the later series anyway.
Some of the stories are space heavy anyway, so these, with new effects, are just brilliant.
Where No Man Has Gone Before, and The Galileo Seven, are notable.
The latter makes full use of CGI that really makes the episode make more sense and look more realistic without sacrificing any of the original episodes charm.
The bit where Spock jettisons the fuel and ignites it, making the Galileo burn a trail in orbit is visually breathtaking whereas before it was wobbly and so-so..
The high price makes this a poor value buy unless you get a special price as i did on Amazon.
I would agree with other reviewers that it would have been nice to have the originals on the reverse side instead of HD, then a good comparison could be made.
I would also say the the episodes should have been arranged in order of manufacture, not viewing, as this would have visually made more sense, plus the inclusion of The Cage, would have been nice.
But, if you can get this for a reasonable amount, then buy it. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Just what I (it) needed...
In a few words: the Original Star Trek has always been one of my favourite sci-fi series.
Nevertheless, watching the first edition DVDs left me somewhat disappointed: the stories were always great (well, most of them), but the look of the show was - guess what? - sadly dated, in a way that prevented me to fully enjoy the show like I used to.
This new remastered edition fixes that, giving the series a great new look.
Can't wait for the other two seasons to be released.

Clearly a labour of love
I think this brings new life to this ancient but enjoyable series.
I can't view the HD content but appreciate the excellent DVD pictures which have been expertly cleaned up. Colours are vibrant and contrast / detail very good indeed.
The negative comments over the new CGI effects is unjustified I think. It's great to see the original enterprise flying round well realised planets on a 42" plasma.

What a shame it's not widescreen (would have been 5 stars otherwise), but the picture stands up very well when zoomed in, which is a testament to it's quality...You just occasionally lose the tops of actors heads!
I suppose in time there will be true widescren version of this as digital technology improves further.
I appreciate the way the updates have been done. In the early episodes the CGI isn't too effective, but I think this is deliberate, and it matches the rest of the production well, on later episodes, the CGI seems to improve as the overall production quality improved (a bit).
As in one of the interviews on the disc, they held back on making the CGI fully realistic as it would not have been in keeping with the rest of the episode. It's a fine balance, and I think they've got it right.
Most enjoyable!