Rating summary
| Movie |  | 5.0 |
| Video |  | 4.5 |
| Audio | | 4.5 |
| Extras | | 5.0 |
| Overall | | 4.5 |
Star Trek The Original Series: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie Review
Three seasons boldly go into one package.
Reviewed by Martin Liebman June 18, 2016
CBS/Paramount has re-released the original television phenomenon 'Star Trek' to Blu-ray, collecting all three seasons -- previously only available
individually -- into one package. A CBS/Paramount public relations representative has confirmed that this is a packing re-release only; video, audio,
and supplements remain
unchanged from previous season-by-season releases.
New (left) vs old (right).
For full reviews of each season -- content, video, audio, and supplements -- please click through the appropriate links below:
Star Trek The Original Series: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
For full video reviews, please click through the appropriate link above.
Star Trek The Original Series: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
For full audio reviews, please click through the appropriate link above.
Star Trek The Original Series: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
There are actually a few differences to note in terms of how this set is packaged and presented compared to the similar Next Generation
whole series box set, as well as differences to how it compares to the original three single season releases linked above.
First, the basics. The package measures approximately 7.5" high, 5.5" wide, and 2" deep. Stacked next to the original three season releases (see
screenshots one and two above), this new package loses some overall width compared to the original trio, but at the expense of a greater height.
The
net difference is +0.75" in height and
about -0.60" difference in width.
Unlike The Next Generation's release, TOS' entire run fits neatly, and entirely, into a single "Epik Pak" case. As with TNG,
discs are stacked
two per panel, offset one atop another. The discs also feature new blue labeling, as opposed to the older release's gray coloring, updating to reflect
the
studio's new standard of blue for Blu-ray and gray for DVD. The discs also sport a new font and add disc content labeling (episode titles and
unspecific "special features" text). The new release also boasts new artwork on the outside, with a simple but sleek front cover design and a basic
rear layout that carries over
the image of the Enterprise leaving behind a trail of uniform colors alongside bullet point highlights; character portraits of Kirk, Spock,
McCoy,
Uhura, and Scotty; and a basic info grid at the bottom. On the reverse side -- visible when the clear plastic case is open -- is a more thorough listing
of
what's on each disc, including episode titles and, more specifically, exact special features. The slipcover -- not a slip box as with TNG -- is
rather flimsy and replicates case artwork,
aside from embossed lettering and the mustard, blue, and red swoops flowing from the Enterprise on the front.
Star Trek The Original Series: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
The Original Series remains a timeless piece of television history that holds up today -- with or without remastered special effects -- as a
landmark of Science Fiction that inspired generations of fans, spawned a culture, and gave rise to numerous film and TV adaptations in the fifty years
since it
debuted. This repackaging is all cosmetic, but it's a neat and tidy look for the show. The artwork is particularly attractive, but unless one is a true die
hard, gotta-have-it-all fan, there's no reason to repurchase. Newcomers can save a few bucks and a little bit of horizontal space on the shelf by going
this route
instead of buying the singles.
