Star Trek Limited Edition DVDs

Ok, so I'm reviewing Star Trek again. Sue me. I haven't enjoyed a movie this much since Dark City. It's worth the extra Web space.

This time, I'm taking a look at the DVD, specifically the steel case and the special Enterprise Limited Edition. What? Two, you ask? Yeah, yeah. What can I say, I'm an idiot. I happend across the steel case and couldn't wait to see it so paid the p1,550.00 and enjoyed it immensely. Then I'm online the next day and find out there's a Limited Edition with a model Enterprise that houses the discs in the saucer section. How cool is that? So faster than you can say "Facinating," I was off trying to track down a copy.

I found it in Astroplus Podium. Had to pay another p1,850.00. Totally retarded, I realize this, but I couldn't let it go. What's even stupider, is that both versions are identical other than the packaging. The fist disc has the movie, commentary, and a short featurette about the vision behind the "re-imagining". I really hate coined phrases that become part of the vernacular.

Here's what you get:

DISC ONE

• Commentary by director J.J. Abrams, Robert Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Damon Lindelof, and Bryan Burk
• A New Vision
• Gag Reel

 

DISC TWO

• Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary
• To Boldly Go
• Casting
• Aliens
• Score

 

I've seen all of them twice already and it's great fun. J.J. Abrahams and team are the kind of filmmakers that love their job and that passion shines through on the discs. I've listened to a lot of commentary and seen a lot of "making of" features, and this is among the best. The gag reel is actually funny to boot, ending with Spock and Kirk doing a scene with Irish and German accents. Sounds funnier when you're watching. The featurette on the first discs tells you about the pitch, and how they got people to buy into the movie. Great stuff.

The second disc is the in depth stuff. It's interesting to see what scenes were left on the floor, and I've got to say I totally agree that they didn't add to the story, but are fun to see. I just wish there was more green girl. Rachel Nichols is hot, even painted green. The rest of it is pretty self explanatory.

As for the packaging, it's a matter of taste. The steel case is a steel case. I personally love the look of metal. If you give me anything in metal I'll geekgasm right there. Metal is good. I prefer this design to the ones on the regular release so that's also a plus. The warping Enterprise just looks better than the gathering of disembodied heads that most DVD packaging is reduced to. I do however hate that there isn't any place to put the piece of paper with the description. It doesn't fit properly inside the case as an insert. There's also the disc locking mechanism. Sure they're secure, but it's a bitch to get them out of the cradle.

Fortunately, I don't have that problem with the Enterprise version. A press of the button and it's open. Another press and the disc pops out. Niceness.

There's some assembly required. The model is about 10" to 11" in length. It doesn't have any lights or sounds, but it is beautifully detailed for such a small scale. There are painted highlights where appropriate, the lettering is sharp, and there are even translucent plastic accents at the tips of the nacelles and the deflector dish. I had been thinking of getting the Playmates electronic model Enterprise (it was on sale at p1000.00 and bigger than this), but this little model is FUNCTIONAL. Somehow that makes it more attractive to me. Plus it looks absolutely great on my desk at work. 

Whichever way you choose to go, Star Trek on DVD is a must own. Go out and get it.