Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Star Trek: The Next Generation, Season 7 Blu-ray Movie Review

Boldly go one final time.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman December 6, 2014

"Good things come to those who wait," the old adage says. The final episode of the seven season strong Star Trek: The Next Generation proves the old saying, but everything leading up to it also discards that idea, disproves it, circumvents it, so to speak. Certainly, fans did not have to wait very long for good -- great -- things with the somewhat risky series, envisioned by franchise Creator Gene Roddenberry, in the mid-to-late 1980s. "Lightning doesn't strike twice," the people said. "Just bring back the original cast," they cried. "It won't have the same dramatic, social, or political impact," they warned. "Star Trek has had its day," they feared. While the first and second seasons didn't hugely impress -- there's not enough greatness in total there to label the seasons as "classics," despite some top-notch, all-time-wonderful single episodes like "The Measure of a Man" -- the franchise gained significant steam with a slightly retooled third season that ended on a franchise-defining and history-making cliffhanger that was the true propellant for TNG going forward. Seasons four, five, and six continued with unparalleled excellence, and despite a few lower quality episodes here and there seemed to dazzle week after week with nothing but engaging, meaningful, character-driven episodes that saw the crew further gel, further establish itself as the face of the franchise, opening Star Trek up to a new, far more diverse fan base beyond the typical nerdy associations that rightly or wrongly defined the Trek universe prior. In essence, "good things" were the norm, not the exception. But, yes, "all good things" must also end. Season seven isn't quite the powerhouse that is its predecessors, but it does boast one final hurrah, a fitting farewell to a show that, seven years deep and strong, was showing a little wear around the edges but was not decommissioned before her time, instead continued on in a quartet of feature films of varying quality but never quite the same as the experience on the small screen.

I am Picard of Federation.

While season seven may be a relative "low point" for the series -- it's easily the least dynamic, fully rich, memorable, and franchise-defining since season two -- it nevertheless serves a greater purpose of foreshadowing and establishing future Star Trek endeavors while still delivering a handful of classic episodes that stand amongst the seven-year run's best entries. While the shadow of the finale looms large through the entire season, even as it's more or less a standalone episode with no major running plot points resolved beyond character interactions and destinies, it's nevertheless the obvious focal point, even while TNG would do its best to bridge the way to the concurrently running Deep Space Nine and facilitate audience transitions to Voyager with the higher profile Cardassian presence throughout the season and the inclusion of a key Maquis plot line in the series' penultimate episode. Yet the show, generally, centers on the TNG family. It sees a deeper exploration of its characters and their families -- and by extension an evolving backstory -- in several episodes that emphasize many of the main players, including Data in "Inheritance," Captain Picard in "Bloodlines," Dr. Crusher in "Sub Rosa," Wesley Crusher in "Journey's End," Worf in "Firstborn" and "Homeward," and LaForge in "Interface." The season also opens the door to an extended look at the rest of the family, so to speak, with a daring and hugely fulfilling microcosm study of the day-to-day inner workings of all of the people who make the ship go in the background in "Lower Decks." Season seven blends that sense of culmination, family, and the edgier and darker tone established in those Cardassian/Maquis episodes (and that would come to define DS9) along with efforts like the haunted house-inspired "Genesis" and the secret-filled "The Pegasus."

Season seven highlight episodes include, but are not limited to:

• Inheritance: Stardate 47410.2. A planet's core is cooling, seismic activity is on the rise, and the world will soon be uninhabitable. Geordi and Data propose to re-liquify the core, but their work is interrupted when Dr. Juliana Tainer, one of the scientists helping to solve the crisis, claims to be Dr. Soong's, Data's creator, wife, making her, in essence, his mother. Data takes her tale with the proverbial grain of salt and digs further into the veracity of her story. With Geordi's urging, he pursues the relationship, which seems too good to be true.
• Parallels: Stardate 47391.2 Worf is returning to the Enterprise following a bat'leth competition. He won "champion standing" but is anticipating trouble upon his return. It's his birthday, and he hates surprises. There is, of course, a celebration, but the party is short-lived when Worf begins to notice that things are not quite as they were, even mere moments before: the cake turns from chocolate to yellow and an absent Captain Picard is suddenly in attendance. As the Enterprise investigates a malfunctioning array that may be the result of Cardassian subterfuge, Mr. Worf falls ill and quickly becomes aware of more faulty memories, altered history, and strange occurrences that could have far-reaching consequences for himself and his crew.
• The Pegasus: Stardate 47457.1. "Captain Picard Day" and a quasar experiment are cut short when the ship is immediately ordered to rendezvous with the Crazy Horse for an urgent mission. The Enterprise is to take aboard Admiral Eric Pressman, William Riker's first commanding officer on The Pegasus. It appears that the Romulans have discovered the Pegasus' whereabouts, which was presumed lost a dozen years ago. Only Riker, Pressman, and a few others escaped. The ship was officially declared destroyed, but it now appears the ship is more or less intact. It is revealed that she was a prototype ship that remains of high value to both sides. Now, a race is on to find the ship before it falls into enemy hands, and some old secrets, known only to Riker and Pressman, surface that may have been better left in the past.
• Lower Decks: Stardate 47566.7. It's time for crew evaluations. While the senior staff sorts out who's who amongst Starfleet's upcoming best and brightest, four junior officers, each hoping for a promotion but wondering if they're up to the job or even being considered for it, learn more about who they are and what they can do when they all become a part of a secret mission involving the always dangerous Cardassians.
• Journey's End: Stardate 47751.2. Captain Picard meets with Admiral Nechayev who informs him of a dire situation on the Cardassian border. It appears that new boundary lines have been set, and a demilitarized zone has been created between the two factions. Several Federation and Cardassian colonies have flip-flopped, and those on the wrong side of the border will be forcibly relocated, one way or another. The Enterprise is assigned to evacuate a colony of North American Indians who refuse to leave their homes after settling there a mere two decades ago. Meanwhile, Wesley Crusher boards the ship for a short getaway from Starfleet Academy. It's clear, even around his mother and friends, that he's become something of a malcontent, bored with Starship operations and even his former colleagues. However, it appears he may have found his destiny amongst the men Picard and the federation are forcing to move.
• Preemptive Strike: Stardate 47941.7. Ro Laren, now promoted to Lieutenant, is back on board the Enterprise. The Federation flagship receives a distress call from a Cardassian ship near the demilitarized zone, under attack from several Federation ships piloted by Maquis separatists. The faction is growing rapidly and becoming more aggressive with its military actions. The Federation must find them and prevent a larger conflict from erupting. The plan: infiltrate the organization. Lt. Laren is chosen to spearhead the operation.
• All Good Things...: please see this page for more details.

Star Trek: The Next Generation, Season 7 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Star Trek: The Next Generation, Season 7 looks terrific on Blu-ray. As with the other TNG releases, it's nothing short of a revelation, albeit a revelation with a few minor drawbacks along the way. Occasional noise -- particularly evident across darker surfaces, and not to be confused with grain -- can be an annoyance, as is slight banding and light compression related issues across a few blocky backgrounds. Otherwise, it's smooth sailing and a flat-out beautiful HD presentation. Details are striking, with only a few noticeably, and very lightly, soft shots along the way. Complex makeup visuals, such as Worf's headpiece, Data's skin, and Cardassian features, are richly detailed and beautifully presented on Blu-ray. LCARS instrument panels are well defined and frequently legible. Carpet, leather, and wood textures on the bridge look amazing. Uniform lines are well defined, with strong, obvious visual separation between the more carefully tailored and complex bridge crew uniforms and the obviously cheaper attire worn by background players (the difference is chiefly noticeable in "Lower Decks"). Likewise, color separation between those uniforms is obvious, with richer hues -- particularly the mustard -- standing apart. Other color details excel, whether the relaxing beige bridge or more strongly defined shades seen on attire worn by the Native American characters in "Journey's End." Black levels are strong, with emphasis on the beautifully deep space and star field backgrounds so frequently seen both through windows and in larger outer space exteriors. Skin tones present no problems, no push towards unnatural warmth or paleness. Overall, this is a striking presentation that will dazzle longtime fans.

Star Trek: The Next Generation, Season 7 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Star Trek: The Next Generation, Season 7 features a series-standard DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack. And much like the other season and double-episode standalone Blu-rays, this one excels. Music is rich and beautifully vigorous, blending aggression and clarity with commendable seamlessness over the opening titles. Orchestral score throughout various episodes is rich and enveloping, making full use of the surrounds and sides but never dominating the stage. Sound effects, varied as they are throughout, impress every time, whether phaser blasts cutting through the listening area or explosions packing a perceptible wallop. Ambient sound effects are one of the track's best characteristics. The ever-present hum underneath everything is a wonderful mood- and environment-shaping sound effect. Beeps and bloops on the bridge and light din in ten-forward help place the listener in those environments. Dialogue is accurate and center-focused. This is an all-around excellent listen.

Star Trek: The Next Generation, Season 7 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Star Trek: The Next Generation, Season 7 contains a number of supplements spread over all six discs. All episodes include "Episodic Promo," a brief television commercial for the episode to which it is attached (480i, ~ 0:34).

Disc One:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Two scenes from "Descent, Part II" (2:08 total runtime), one scene from "Liaisons" (1:40), four scenes from "Gambit, Part I" (7:11), and two scenes from "Gambit, Part II" (3:22). Note all of these deleted scenes, and all of the deleted scenes that follow on subsequent discs, include establishing text meant to help the viewer in setting the stage for each scene.
• Archival Mission Log: Mission Overview Year Seven (480i, 14:47): A look at the busily chaotic time for the Star Trek universe, family relationships that are explored in the season, Wesley Crusher's final episode, establishing The Maquis in the Star Trek universe with a TNG springboard, social themes explored in the season, the Picard-Crusher relationship, and making the last episode.

Disc Two:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Two scenes from "Dark Page" (3:05).
• In Conversation: Lensing Star Trek: The Next Generation (1080p, 42:13): Supervising Producer David Livingston, Director James L. Conway, Director of Photography Jonathan West, and Camera Operator Kris Krosskove deliver a fascinating discussion that covers a number of issues, including choosing directors from agent submissions and director characteristics, life and work on the set, director preparations and maintaining a tangible pulse and beat on the set, cast camaraderie and the characteristics the cast brought to the set, crew stability, the role of the camera operator, their relationships with other crew including Rick Berman, crew flexibility to ensure quality over speed, Patrick Stewart's influence and presence on the set, evolutions in technology over the years, and more.
• Gag Reel (1080p, 4:53).
• Archival Mission Log: A Captain's Tribute (480i, 16:31): Patrick Stewart remembers working with the primary cast, with highlights on the departures of Tasha Yar and Wesley Crusher, Michael Dorn's ability to develop Worf so richly and fully, an accidental racist comment uttered on the set, life and humor on the set, his "deep bond" with Brent Spiner, and his lasting relationship with his fellow core crew members.
• Archival Mission Log: Departmental Briefing Year Seven: Production (480i, 15:46): A look back at several episodes, including "Genesis," "Parallels," "Bloodlines," "Descent, Part II," "Sub Rosa," and "Disaster." The piece's later minutes focus on the role of stronger female characters in the series and season and an anecdote centering on Nick Sagan.

Disc Three:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Four scenes from "Inheritance" (6:23), one scene from "Parallels," (1:04), and three scenes from "Sub Rosa" (4:00).
• Audio Commentary: Writer Brannon Braga discusses "Parallels" in a track recorded in 2008.
• Archival Mission Log: Starfleet Moments and Memories (480i, 30:02): A piece that looks at the importance of levity on the set; the series' snubs for dramatic awards; cast and crew chemistry, collaboration, and longevity together; the quality of writing on the show and the characters it engendered; the way the cast and crew's lives have changed for the better over the course of the series; the unsung heroes who work behind the scenes; the use of a full orchestral score for each episode; and the franchise's enduring spirit.

Disc Four:

• Audio Commentary: Writer René Echevarria and Star Trek Experts Mike and Denise Okuda discuss "Lower Decks."
• Deleted Scenes (1080p): One scene from "Thine Own Self" (0:57), three scenes from "Masks" (3:49), and one scene from "Genesis" (1:09).
• Archival Mission Log: Special Profiles (480i, 15:18): A look back at Q, including Actor John De Lancie's casting and the character's evolution. The piece also takes a closer look at the Lwaxana Troi character and ‎Majel Barrett-Roddenberry's performance thereof.

Disc Five:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): One scene from "Journey's End" (2:28), two scenes from "Firstborn" (4:12), one scene from "Bloodlines" (1:50), and two from "Preemptive Strike" (4:06).
• Audio Commentary: Writers René Echevarria and Naren Shankar and Star Trek Experts Mike and Denise Okuda for "Preemptive Strike."
• Closed Set: A Tour of the Real Enterprise (480i, 11:23): Mike and Denise Okuda offer a makeshift home video tour of the Star Trek sets, which were otherwise closed off from typical studio tours.
• Archival Mission Log: Inside Starfleet Archives: Dressing the Future (480i, 10:27): Marina Sirtis and Costume Designer Robert Blackman host a fun look at costume evolution, coloring, support garments, and the wardrobe for the series' final episode and select other episodes.

Disc Six:

• The Sky's the Limit: The Eclipse of Star Trek: The Next Generation Part One: Umbra (1080p, 29:43): Executive Producer Rick Berman, Writer René Echevarria, Writer Naren Shankar, Science Consultant André Bormanis, Author Larry Nemecek, Co-Producer Brannon Braga, and Producer Ronald D. Moore discuss writer fatigue in season seven, the hectic time period surrounding season seven's production, season seven thematic goals and wrapping loose ends from previous seasons, setting up plot lines for Voyager, the season's edgier tone, ensuring continuity in real and fictitious science in the program, highlight episodes, penning the final episode, the season's Emmy nomination, story continuity, and the crew's view of the program in hindsight.
• The Sky's the Limit: The Eclipse of Star Trek: The Next Generation Part Two: Penumbra (1080p, 28:44): Special Makeup Effects Artist Doug Drexler, Supervising Producer David Livingston, Director of Photography Jonathan West, Consulting Senior Illustrator Andrew Probert, Makeup Supervisor Michael Westmore, Visual Effects Coordinator Gary Hutzel, Stunt Coordinator Dennis "Danger" Madalone, Senior Illustrator Rick Sternbach, Visual Effects Producer Dan Curry, Production Associate Dave Rossi, Production Designer Herman Zimmerman, Program Consultant David Gerrold, Co-Producer Wendy Neuss, Script Supervisor Cosmo Genovese, Writer D.C. Fontana, Free Enterprise Producer Mark A. Altman, and Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey Executive Producer Seth MacFarlane examine the cast and crew's deep personal relationships with one another, the frenetic work schedule, balancing budgets and time, West's turn in the director's chair, "Genesis," the series' detailed visual effects, today's technology that had its roots in Science Fiction and The Next Generation, the cast's excellence, aging the actors for the series finale, the well-structured sets, Science Fiction's greater societal purpose, and a brief story of the series saving a life.
• The Sky's the Limit: The Eclipse of Star Trek: The Next Generation Part Three: Antumbra (1080p, 30:13): Actors Brent Spiner, Patrick Stewart, Marina Sirtis, Michael Dorn, Will Wheaton, LeVar Burton, Gates McFadden, Natalija Nogulich, John De Lancie, Whoopi Goldberg, and Jonathan Frakes look back on various episodes while also examining the franchise's role in their careers, lives, and in greater society.
• Journey's End: The Saga of Star Trek: The Next Generation (480i, 45:23): Jonathan Frakes hosts a vintage retrospective supplement that journeys back through the show's history, examining origins, character growth, production secrets, stunts, writing, ensuring technical and scientific accuracy, prop design, alien creatures, guest stars and crossovers, conventions, sets, scoring, costumes, makeup, DS9, Generations, Voyager, and a peek into the series finale.
• Archival Mission Log: The Making of "All Good Things..." (480i, 17:44): A vintage retrospective look back at the making of the series finale, not to be confused with a new production feature found on the standalone release. The piece looks at the episode's evolution, returning guest stars, makeup, new ship designs, visual effects, and shooting the episode.

Star Trek: The Next Generation, Season 7 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Though still going strong, some cracks in the foundation begin to show in season seven. Whether it's the sense of inevitability for the end's arrival, the effort to crossover and, for all intents and purposes, "sell" both DS9 and the then-upcoming Voyager to a loyal fan base, or whether the writers understandably simply ran out of steam and interesting places to take the characters and their ship, season seven suffers from a slightly uneven pace compared to the almost endless string of excellence found throughout the bulk of the series, particularly in its third, fourth, fifth, and sixth seasons. Yet it's still excellent television and a must-see, of course, for fans who are provided some deeper looks into the lives of the crew, the people around them, and the expanded universe that would play key roles in future productions. Star Trek: The Next Generation, Season 7's Blu-ray release delivers excellent video and audio to go along with a legitimately exciting collection of new and vintage supplemental features. This release, and all of TNG on Blu-ray, earns my highest recommendation.