Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

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

Should you unite this Blu-ray with your 'Trek' collection?

Reviewed by Martin Liebman November 16, 2013

Paramount has released the 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' two-part season five episode 'Unification' to Blu-ray as a standalone release in a manner similar to the 'Best of Both Worlds' and 'Redemption' Blu-rays. 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, albeit connected, entities. Note that disc two of the complete season five release contains the episodes as they were aired with intact closing credits and opening titles, respectively. This release facilitates viewing without the need to purchase the entire season five set. It also contains unique special features not available in the season set.

In memoriam.

The Enterprise has been recalled. Captain Picard holds an emergency meeting with a Starfleet Admiral who informs him of a missing Federation Ambasador who may have gone rogue. He's been located on Romulus, and Federation authorities fear he may be on the verge of defection. It's revealed that the wayward ambassador is none other than Spock (Leonard Nimoy), the half human, half Vulcan former science officer under Captain Kirk on the Enterprise. Picard is chosen to head the investigation, largely because of his relationship with Spock's father, Sarek. Unfortunately, Sarek has fallen ill but nevertheless finds the strength to share with Picard critical information, chiefly the name of Spock's contact on Romulus, a politician by the name of Pardek (Malachi Throne). Picard and Data, with the help of potentially unstable Klingon allies, disguise themselves as Romulans and come to learn that Spock is not defecting but rather spearheading a movement to unify the Vulcans and the Romulans. Unfortunately, it appears some Romulans have other plans for their Vulcan cousins in mind.

The Next Generation certainly enjoyed its share of fantastic two-part episodes through its seven year run, most of which are so good that Paramount has been releasing them as standalone features on Blu-ray. In many ways, they've defined the series despite their rather limited presence throughout the seven-season run, capable of exploring a broader storyline than a standard episode thanks in large part to the added runtime but also, as an offshoot of the runtime, additional space to further polish and refine a story, create within it a greater thematic significance, explore beyond the boundaries of traditional broadcast restraints, and come closer to that more filling cinematic experience. While "Unification" doesn't match the chaotic, emotionally draining, and visually exciting "The Best of Both Worlds," it's certainly a terrific 80-some minutes of television (or, here, experienced almost as a feature film) and a fan favorite for both its dynamic story line and the return of Spock, perhaps Star Trek's most beloved character. As with some of the other season five episodes (namely "Ensign Ro"), "Unification" explores a different side of Star Trek that's always been a part of the show but never its dominant element, at least not until later seasons of Deep Space Nine. The double episode leaves behind the exciting space exploration and aliens- and crises-of-the-week and builds on its current worlds and characters and established lore through the prism of a darker underside of politics, deception, character uncertainty, and interspecies tensions. It's very well realized drama both within the specific constraints of the episode's story and inside the greater Star Trek universe, further shaping that universe and better defining what was and what, then, was still yet to come.

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

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Unification retains the same characteristics as its full-season counterpart transfers. The image is a true sight to behold for longtime Star Trek fans. Though there's some excess noise and a few softer shots, the image generally enjoys terrific stability, a pure film-like texture, sharp details, and bold colors. Things can get a little murky on the darker streets of Romulus or in the poorly lit Klingon vessel, but bright scenes on board the Enterprise or, later, on Romulus enjoy terrific details, particularly the broad-shouldered Romulan attire. Color balance is excellent, black levels are strong, and flesh tones are accurate throughout. This is another terrific presentation from Paramount.

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

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Unification features the series-familiar DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless soundtrack. There's not much here of distinction that isn't applicable to the larger series and season. The track produces that terrific engine background hum on board the Enterprise and creates a nice bit of environmental ambience on the shady open streets of Romulus. The background din of a dark, eerie bar is very well realized in several scenes throughout the two-part episode. Space maneuvering of large ships produces a good bit of heft. The opening title music plays with flamboyant flair, showcasing rich instrument clarity and wide spacing. Dialogue plays evenly and accurately from the center. This is a Next Generation Blu-ray-typical soundtrack from Paramount.

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

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Unification contains a few extras unique to this release. Note that the show's infamous technical snafu -- the reflected image of a member of the crew appearing on a decoration -- has been digitally removed.

• Audio Commentary: Supervising Producer, Executive Producer, and Writer Jeri Taylor and Star Trek Experts Mike & Denise Okuda discuss both halves in some detail, including episode origins, the tie-in to Star Trek VI, remastered special effects, the Star Trek "family," Leonard Nimoy's role, the writing process and idea origins, a number of anecdotes from the episodes, and more.
• From One Generation to the Next: The Making of "Unification: (HD, 16:43): A look back at "Sarek" and bridging the two series, the process of writing the episode and pitching it to Gene Roddenberry, Michael Dorn's crossing into Star Trek VI, Spock's role in The Next Generation, the franchise's first visit to Romulus and designing locations and wardrobe, the shooting schedule, anecdotes from the set, removing a goof from the episode, and more.
• Deleted Scene (HD, 1:43).
• Episodic Promos (SD): For Parts 1 and 2 (0:34 each).

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

"Unification" embodies everything Star Trek does so well. It's very well written and expertly acted as it bridges generations not only with the appearance of Spock but by building on the intricacies of the vast world that episode dedicatee Gene Roddenberry painstakingly constructed. While it's not quite the best or most immediately memorable two-parter, it's an extraordinary Star Trek venture that's one of a handful of series-defining episodes. Star Trek: The Next Generation - Unification's Blu-ray release features fantastic video and audio as well as a few bonus supplements not included in the season set. Highly recommended.