Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Chain of Command Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman June 22, 2014

Paramount has released the 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' two-part, season six episode 'Chain of Command' to Blu-ray as a standalone release in a manner similar to the 'Best of Both Worlds' Blu-ray. Both episodes are presented in 1080p high definition and with DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtracks. They are edited together for seamlessness, removing the end credits from the first episode and the opening title sequence from the second. Fans will be able to see the extended episode like never before, playing as if a feature film rather than two separate episodes. Note that disc three of the season six release contains the episodes as they were aired with intact closing credits and opening titles, respectively. This release facilitates viewing without the need to swap discs and the purchase of the pricier season sets. It also contains unique special features not available on the season sets.

There are two episodes!

A massive buildup of Cardassian forces along the border with the Federation has frightened Starfleet. The Enterprise has rendezvoused with the Cairo. Admiral Nechayev (Natalia Nogulich) relieves Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) of command. He, Worf (Michael Dorn), and Dr. Crusher (Gates McFadden) are reassigned to prepare for a mission that will take them to a cavernous Cardassian installation in hopes of halting production of a deadly Metagenic weapon. On the Enterprise, Picard's replacement, the stern and by-the-book Captain Edward Jellico (Ronny Cox), orders the ship battle-ready. He upsets starship routine, overworks the crew, and finds himself at odds with Commander Riker (Jonathan Frakes). While the Enterprise prepares for war, Captain Picard is captured by the Cardassians and tortured by Gul Madred (David Warner).

There are two halves to Chain of Command, not the literal halves represented by parts one and two (effectively done away with here) but rather the story of Jellico on the Enterprise and Picard in Cardassian captivity. Both present the viewer with some tasty drama and deeper content than the run-of-the-mill Trek provides (though certainly the episode's home, season six, offers more than its share of well-developed and meaningful episodes). On the Enterprise, drama is built around both Jellico's upsetting of ship routine and his clashes with Commander Riker. It demonstrates his commitment to duty but also shows his downside as a commanding officer, something of a disregard for the mental and emotional well-being of his shipmates, even if he does posses a softer underside, demonstrated by the pleasure he displays when sharing his daughter's drawings with a concerned Counselor Troi. Cox captures that go-get-them, no-room-for-the-weary attitude exceptionally well, creating an almost likable character out of a hard man who's difficult to crack on the outside and in some ways reasonably unreasonable under the consequences on the inside. The episode creates nearly as much tension on the ship as it does in the Cardassian torture sequence for which the episode will be remembered.

Patrick Stewart and David Warner, the latter of whom also appears in Star Trek V and Star Trek VI as two different characters, bring an incredible contrasting, combative chemistry to the two-part episode, effectively defining the classic warden-prisoner relationship in which the former dominates the external struggle while the latter controls the internal struggle. The two are nothing short of dynamic together in the way they shape the torture scenes both in the tangible -- their back-and-forth about the number of harsh lights burning down on the naked captain -- and intangible confrontation in which they engage. Their scenes certainly represent Star Trek at its dynamic finest, a pure representation of how the show seamlessly blends deep themes within dangerous territory through superbly developed characters operating in a much larger universe that shrinks to the size of the intimate stage they share.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Chain of Command Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Chain of Command features the same general Next Generation Blu-ray transfer enjoyed by previous seasons and two-part episode releases. Details are quite strong throughout, revealing fine uniform and facial features with satisfying and often stunning ease. Ship interiors -- LCARS panels, leather seats, wood grains, even carpets -- enjoy first-rate texturing and clarity. Colors are bold and consistent, whether the red, blue, and mustard crew uniforms or the more bright and earthy colors found throughout the ship. Black levels are deep and pure, and flesh tones appear accurate. The image does struggle with minor softness in places and light-to-heavy noise in others. Otherwise, it looks quite good and certainly fares better than any previous home video or broadcast presentation.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Chain of Command Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Chain of Command features an aggressive and satisfying DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack. Musical delivery is full and rich, boasting incredible clarity and greater strength as the theme music pours through the speakers and surrounds the listener with Star Trek musical goodness. Likewise, the listener will feel always at home inside the Enterprise, where the heavy hum of the engines and the assorted sound effects that define life in Starfleet are always just a speaker away. Action effects are intense and balanced. Dialogue, a key ingredient in any Trek and particularly in this episode, is smooth and center-focused. In short, this is a dynamic, immersive listen that suits the episode and Star Trek very well. Note that audio and subtitle options are drastically limited in this release compared to the season six set.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Chain of Command Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Chain of Command contains several supplements unique to this release.

• Audio Commentary: Actor Ronny Cox, Director of Photography Jonathan West, and Star Trek experts Mike and Denise Okuda discuss this "long play" version of the fan-favorite season six episode. Discussions range from the technical -- including the role of the director of photography on the series and the budget of phaser fire visual effects -- to Ronny Cox's thoughts on his character's purpose and presence on the show.
• The Privilege of Rank: Making "Chain of Command" (HD, 28:35): An exploration of the episode's themes and their roots in real life causes, including torture; the writing process; Ronny Cox's appearance on the show, his character, and the life of a character actor; Natalia Nogulich's character and securing the role; the series' broader writing and styles; David Warner's performance and character; Patrick Stewart's performance; and more.
• Deleted Scene, Part 1 (HD, 1:49).
• Deleted Scenes, Part 2 (HD, 11:40).
• Episodic Promo, Part 1 (SD, 0:34).
• Episodic Promo, Part 2 (SD, 0:34).

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Chain of Command Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Of all of the two-part episodes throughout the show's history, perhaps only "The Best of Both Worlds" and "All Good Things..." rate more highly than "Chain of Command." This is Trek at its best, a two-part episode that blends action, an upset of routine, intensity, speed, uncertainty, and a classic character confrontation that's perhaps the best the franchise has ever produced. It works incredibly well as a standalone film, effectively, and never has it looked or sounded better. Star Trek: The Next Generation - Chain of Command features excellent video and audio presentations, supported by a quality assortment of extra content. Very highly recommended to die-hard Trek fans and completists, though casuals would likely be better served purchasing the pricer, but very much worthwhile, season six set.