Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Redemption Blu-ray Movie Review

An honorable release.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman July 28, 2013

Paramount has released the 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' two-part, season four finale and season five premiere 'Redemption' 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 six of the season four release contains 'Redemption, Part 1' while disc one of season five will feature 'Redemption, Part 2' as they were aired with intact closing credits and opening titles, respectively. This release facilitates viewing without the need to swap discs, wait for the season five release, or purchase the pricier season sets. It also contains unique special features not available on the season sets.

You're a good fighter, Worf. I hate to lose you.

It is a dangerous time in the Alpha quadrant. The Enterprise is speeding towards the Klingon home world but is met by an unscheduled escort carrying Gowron (Robert O'Reilly), the would-be leader of the Klingon High Council. He informs Picard (Patrick Stewart) that the Duras sisters, Lursa (Barbara March) and B'Etor (Gwynyth Walsh), have discovered a male Duras heir to the throne -- an inexperienced young man by the name of Toral (JD Cullum) -- and plan on resisting Gowron's ascension, even if it means violence and the outbreak of civil war. Worf (Michael Dorn) sees the incident as an opportunity to back Gowron and restore his family's honor, but Gowron isn't keen on the idea, leaving Worf no choice but to take a leave of absence from the Enterprise, meet with his brother Kurn (Tony Todd) and secure his aid -- and the ships under his command -- and approach Gowron again at his weakest. Meanwhile, it is revealed that the House of Duras has allied with a dangerous Romulan faction, an alliance that could ultimately draw the Federation into a wider conflict. Picard, then, sees no alternative but to assemble a fleet and set up a blockade between the Klingon and Romulan empires.

"Redemption" may not be the finest two-part episode in Star Trek history -- it's near impossible to top "The Best of Both Worlds" and "All Good Things..." -- but it ranks right up there amongst the elites. In essence, it's Trek near its best. There's fantastic character moments and progression, thought-provoking drama, deep political plot structures, unlikely alliances, surprise revelations, and a good bit of action. Its easy to see in "Redemption" the sort of things that would go on to make Deep Space Nine such a tremendous success from a dramatic and storytelling perspective, to see Star Trek on the greater front escape from the clutches of "mission of the week" and morph into something with a more continuous plot line, deeper character arcs, and longer-lasting consequences. Of course, the episode builds on previous Worf-centered story lines and also brilliantly ties back to the fan-favorite "Yesterday's Enterprise" for inspiration and a fascinating means of facilitating the return of Denise Crosby to the show in her second major guest role appearance. It's a hugely satisfying venture on all fronts, and it's so well structured that even the glaring absence of deeper parts from about half of the main cast -- Riker, Geordi, Troi, and Crusher -- goes largely unnoticed.

If there's one character drawback to the episode it's the Data-in-command bit that plays a significant role in the second half. Make no mistake, it's brilliant and brilliantly done, but it's so good and interesting that it's a shame it's not the focal point of its own episode rather than a part - - albeit a critical part -- of an episode where it becomes somewhat lost under the shadow of the other pieces. The idea that future prejudice may still be held by some in even the Star Trek universe seems a perfect idea for narrative expansion. As it is here, the notion that the crew of the ship Data (Brent Spiner) commands doubts his abilities in a time of crisis and judges him only on reputation and the absence of humanity makes for what might be the single most compelling piece of the two episodes. The resolution is disappointing, too, as it's largely one-sided and after-the-fact. Otherwise, "Redemption" truly excels in every area, no surprise given the quality of the writing but perhaps still interestingly so considering that directing duties were split between Trek veterans Cliff Bole (part one) and David Carson (part two). There's no incongruity, no jarring sense of stylistic transition. The two episodes flow brilliantly as one collective entity, and Trek diehards certainly owe it to themselves to experience it in this way.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Redemption Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

There are no surprises here. This is TNG on Blu-ray with the same qualities and characteristics as the season sets. As such, it's excellent. There's minimal crush and light noise, but generally blacks are stable and grain levels are fairly consistent, even in the darkened Klingon ship interiors. Details are excellent; the image is very crisp and nicely defined, revealing all the makeup, uniform, and ship interior and exterior elements. Colors, too, are balanced across the spectrum, particularly the Starfleet reds, blues, and mustards. The 1.33:1 image is very stable and pleasant, sure to please longtime Trek fans. Check out the season four review, linked above, for a slightly expanded video review.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Redemption Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

"Redemption" features the TNG-standard DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack. As expected, it's excellent in every area. From the big musical score and zipping ship effect over the opening titles to the most subtle on-ship ambience, the general Trek sound elements come through with tremendous clarity, natural spacing, and a realistic environmental flavor. Exterior ship shots showcase some hefty bass, and various battle scenes, too, deliver some potent low end elements. Dialogue clarity is excellent. For a slightly expanded review of the basics of the TNG sound, click through the season four review link listed above.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Redemption Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

"Redemption" contains extras unique to this release.

• Audio Commentary: Ronald D. Moore and Mike and Denise Okuda cover the episode.
• Survive and Succeed: An Empire at War (HD, 30:06): A look at how the "Best of Both Worlds" cliffhanger influenced "Redemption," the history of the TNG Klingon and Worf story arcs, evolving Worf into a primary character beyond Roddenberry's ideas for the character, Klingon makeup, the acting styles required to play a Klingon, Klingon costumes, designing Klingon fighting techniques, Klingon musical themes, Denise Crosby's return and her character's backstory, and Klingon culture.
• Episodic Promos (SD): For parts one (0:34) and two (0:34).
• UV Digital Copy.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Redemption Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Paramount's standalone release of "Redemption" is probably only for the most hardcore of Star Trek fans. It's a fun experience to watch it seamlessly, and there's a commentary and a thirty-minute feature, but are those really worth $15 or $16? That's something individual viewers will have to decide, but those who do choose to get this won't be disappointed. The supplements are fine and the technical presentation is just as fans would expect. Recommended to dedicated Trek fans and collectors; others would be better off just buying the season sets.