Star Trek: The Compendium Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

Star Trek: The Compendium Blu-ray Movie Review

Lots of new, lots of nothing new.

Paramount has re-released both Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness in a handsome four-disc package. Does it warrant a double-dip? Read on...

Big damage.

Star Trek: The Compendium Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Though the transfer for Star Trek is identical to its basic release, the presentation for Into Darkness contains a number of large-format IMAX shots, scenes and sequences, running anywhere from a matter of moments to several minutes. Picture quality, as expected, remains outstanding in every regard, identical save for the larger 1.78:1 sizing. Screenshots in this review are sourced only from Into Darkness and reflect either the IMAX footage or the "enhanced commentary" footage.

Star Trek: The Compendium Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Audio presentations are the same as those found on the original releases.

Star Trek: The Compendium Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Star Trek: The Compendium contains new bonus materials on both Into Darkness discs (along with some repeated featurettes, as noted below). No new supplements, and no new content of any kind, in fact, is included with Star Trek. UV and iTunes digital copy codes for both films are included in the case.

Disc One: (Star Trek 2009) -- The same disc from the original release.

Disc Two: (Star Trek 2009) -- Again, the same disc as found in the original release.

Disc Three: (Star Trek Into Darkness)

• Enhanced Commentary (2:42:46): An audio commentary in which the participants come armed with the ability to pause, rewind, and fast-forward the movie and mark it up, much the same way football analysts do on Sundays with the "Telestrator." Additionally, various picture-in-picture windows featuring behind-the-scenes materials are included. Comments range from the frivolous to the deeply technical. The commentary is sub-divided into nine pieces, each representing major set pieces within the film. Several unique participants speak throughout. All is outlined below:
  
  
  • An Island Adventure: With Visual Effects Supervisor/Second Unit Director Roger Guyett and Co-Producer/Unit Production Manager Tommy Harper.
  • Mystery Visitor in London: With Composer Michael Giacchino.
  • Tragedy & The Mission: With Editors Maryann Brandon and Mary Jo Markey.
  • The Kronos Battle: With Director of Photography Dan Mindel and 2nd Unit Director of Photography Bruce McCleery.
  • Enemy in the Brig: With Composer Michael Giacchino.
  • Ship to Ship: With Director J.J. Abrams.
  • Fall of the Enterprise: With Producer Bryan Burk and Writer/Producer Damon Lindelof.
  • San Francisco Finale: With Director J.J. Abrams.
  • The Captain's Oath: With Composer Michael Giacchino.
• The Mission Continues (HD, 1:29): The same supplement from the original release.

• Featurette: The Voyage Begins...Again (HD, 2:28): A short look at all the work leading up to the first day of filming, returning to the series, and making a bigger and better movie.
• Featurette: Creating the Red Planet (HD, 8:28): The same supplement from the original release.
• Featurette: Introducing the Villain (HD, 2:16): A look at the emotional center of one of the film's key early scenes that serves as Benedict Cumberbatch's introduction.
• Featurette: Rebuilding the Enterprise (HD, 5:31): A look at building a larger, interconnected set compared to the smaller, detached sets from the first film. The piece further examines the construction and implementation of the smaller props and electronics used on the set.
• Featurette: National Ignition Facility Home of the Core (HD, 4:32): A detailed look at one of the key location facilities in which the film was photographed.
• Featurette: Attack on Starfleet (HD, 5:25): The same supplement from the original release.
• Featurette: Aliens Encountered (HD, 6:54): A fun look at the detailed processes of creating and applying alien make-up.
• Featurette: The Klingon Home World (HD, 7:30): The same supplement from the original release.
• Featurette: The Enemy of My Enemy (HD, 7:03): The same supplement from the original release.
• Featurette: Vengeance is Coming (HD, 4:28): Designing and crafting the massive "anti-Roddenberry" ship seen in the film.
• Featurette: Ship to Ship (HD, 6:03): The same supplement from the original release.
• Featurette: Mr. Spock and Mr. Spock (HD, 4:08): A look at Leonard Nimoy's work in the series and the friendship he shares with Zachary Quinto.
• Featurette: Down with the Ship (HD, 6:09): This supplement examines the making of a scene in which a ship loses gravity and crashes from space.
• Featurette: Kirk and Spock (HD, 5:36): A piece that focuses on the contrasting life, friendship, and duty attitudes and outlooks of Kirk and Spock.
• Featurette: Brawl By the Bay (HD, 5:44): The same supplement from the original release.
• Featurette: Fitting the Future (HD, 5:03): Costumes and the work of Costume Designer Michael Kaplan are the focus of this supplement.
• Featurette: Property of Starfleet (HD, 4:53): An examination of the film's custom props.
• Featurette: Unlocking the Cut (HD, 5:10): A brief look at editing the film and the general editing process.
• Featurette: Visual Affection (HD, 9:03):A detailed look at making some of the film's key digital effects.
• Featurette: The Sound of Music (And FX) (HD, 5:26): Composer Michael Giacchino speaks on how music can define characters, story, and emotions. It also looks at the evolving process of writing music throughout the filmmaking process. Also included is a look at sound design and the importance of accurate sound effects with Ben Burtt.
• Featurette: Safety First (HD, 2:27): A fun little look at a prank involving facial cream.
• Featurette: Continuing the Mission (HD, 1:57): The same supplement from the original release.
• Featurette: Gag Reel (HD, 5:48).
• Deleted Scenes (HD, 5:26): Nibiru Captain's Log, Marcus' Office (Alternate Version), Room Attack (Alternate Version), Carol's Accent, Klingon Conversation (Alternate Version), Scotty Cargo Bay Door, and Kirk Meets Girl.
• Theatrical Trailers (HD): Announcement (1:08), Teaser (1:57), and Trailer 2 (2:31).

Star Trek: The Compendium Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

This is a two-for-one deal, but in reverse. Unfortunately, the only way to get the new Into Darkness supplements is by re-buying the original film and all of its recycled content; there's not a single new extra for Star Trek. As a standalone and less expensive re-issue of Into Darkness this would be a must-own, particularly considering the added IMAX footage (which Paramount also did with the "Big Screen" edition of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen). For those who have yet to own either film, or the first film in particular, and who don't care about a 3D release of Into Darkness, this is a steal. For those who already own both Star Trek and Into Darkness, it's a matter of whether the added IMAX scenes and new features for the latter makes this worth a purchase. Frankly, it's more than a little disappointing in total; new features should have been added to Star Trek, or this should have been a cheaper re-issue of Into Darkness only, hence the lower "overall" score. Potential buyers should proceed with caution.