Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.5

Trekkies Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 12, 2022

The world of “Star Trek” is enormous, with all types of media generating an impressively realized universe of characters, vehicles, and environments, giving fans a chance to completely immerse themselves in a fantasy realm that’s carried on for nearly 70 years. Such escapism is a rare event, and director Roger Nygard and star/producer Denise Crosby seek to understand the subculture of fandom with 1997’s “Trekkies” (theatrically released in 1999 as counterprogramming for “Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace”), which takes cameras into the world of “Star Trek” conventions, meeting the people who fully believe in the power of Gene Roddenberry’s original creation. Tonality is tricky here, with the documentary threatening to veer into camp and cruelty at any moment, but the great joy of this picture is how it remains as respectful as possible while dealing with people who’ve handed their lives over to the brand, enjoying the possibilities of hope and the protection of cosplay. “Trekkies” is hilarious, but never mean- spirited, offering viewers a clear understanding of passion mixed with a heavy pour of peculiarity.

“Trekkies” has Crosby, a former cast member of “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and she provides entrance to this often strange world of fandom, helping Nygard gain access to the convention circuit, which, in the 1990s, was a thriving business of small-time gatherings. These safe spaces are the perfect place to meet people fully invested in this world, and all of them seem thrilled to be talking to Crosby, who assumes the position of interviewer for the project. She runs around with Nygard’s camera as they try to capture convention activity, talking to those who are there on hobby-based business, and those who dress up in full makeup and costuming, playing their parts for outside appreciation and, for many, emotional satisfaction.

The documentary remains in exploration mode, with Nygard refusing to shape a plot for the endeavor, preferring to sample the scene and get to know a few of its most enthusiastic inhabitants. This includes Barbara, who made headline news as a juror for the Whitewater scandal trial, showing up for duty in a full Starfleet uniform as a way to declare her commitment to ethical conduct. Public attention also doesn’t seem to bother the print store clerk, who proudly declares her commitment to the “Star Trek” way. There’s Dr. Denis, a dentist in Orlando, Florida who decided to transform his office into a sci-fi oasis, loading up on “Star Trek” merchandise and decoration with help from his wife, looking to give patients full immersion into the series while they’re forced to endure various medical procedures. And there’s Anne, a self-proclaimed “Spiner Femme” who adores everything about “Next Generation” actor Brent Spiner, keeping neat order of memorabilia and photographs (even photos of the photos) while maintaining a website dedicated to the actor, whom she apparently lives near (a detail sold with humor, but it’s a little chilling as well).

Nygard wisely spends the most time with Gabriel, a 14-year-old “Star Trek” fan who’s been part of the universe since he was a little boy, growing up with a desire to join the franchise, working with his club to plan out the creation of a tribute film he’s meticulously plotted out on his home computer (showcasing a gift for visual effects he would eventually turn into his profession, working on “The Orville” and “Loki”). Gabriel is a lot, but in the best possible way, and his teen awkwardness is a gift to the documentary, sharing his unfiltered honesty and enthusiasm for costumes and merchandise dealing, and his distaste for Peter, a pal with horrible timing, calling his house during an interview session. Peter, how dare you.

“Trekkies” visits a large number of people during the run time. They spend too much money on merchandise, transform their homes into “Star Trek” shrines, forget the lyrics while “Filking,” attend Klingon language camp, create fetish stories about the characters, and visit Radio Shack in a special Christopher Pike wheelchair. What emerges in “Trekkies” is a sense of community, with these fans sharing their fondness for the universe and everything it stands for, including displays of diversity and empowerment, offering them a sense of hope in an increasingly complicated world. Nygard keeps the mood light here, staying away from any deep inspection of denial, electing to study positive experiences of fandom and the power of this influence.

Trekkies Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Trekkies" preserves the feature's 16mm cinematography, offering a grainy and film-like viewing experience. Source is in good shape, and only a few hairs are visible during the movie. Detail reaches as far as possible, with a natural sense of "Star Trek" cosplay, including makeup textures and fibrous costumes. Facial surfaces are open for inspection, along with house interiors and convention floor happenings. Colors enjoy the varied hues of the subculture, with its myriad of outfits and decorative additions. Primaries are distinct, especially on uniforms, and skintones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory.

Trekkies Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix provides a simple, frontal understanding of interview footage, with the participants offering intelligible remarks and comfortable surges of excitement. Scoring supports with clear instrumentation, reaching into the surrounds. Convention atmospherics and crowd bustle is also noted. Low-end isn't challenged.

Trekkies Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "A Trek Back" (20:05, HD) is a conversation with Denise Crosby and director Roger Nygard, who reunite inside a movie theater to discuss the making of "Trekkies." Crosby and Nygard previously worked together in 1992's "High Strung," creating a friendly relationship that carried over to the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" actress's convention life. With the both of them interested in "Star Trek" fan culture, a plan was made to create a proof-of-concept reel at the next gathering of "Star Trek" fans, generating material that proved there was something here to study. Nygard details the nine-month shoot, using Crosby to gain access to actors and fans (he describes her as "bait"), and time was spent on old internet newsgroups to attract participants. The interviewees discuss working with 16mm cameras and short ends, requiring fans to rehearse their stories before filming began, and tone is examined, with Nygard careful to avoid mockery. A bidding war between Paramount and Universal is recalled, with Crosby demanding a theatrical release for "Trekkies," and appreciation from J.J. Abrams is shared. The pair is clearly proud of the endeavor, making an effort to celebrate those who choose to celebrate everything "Star Trek."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:57, HD) is included.

Trekkies Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Nygard and Crosby have access to a remarkable range of "Star Trek" actors (including DeForest Kelly, Leonard Nimoy, Nichelle Nichols, Kate Mulgrew, and James Doohan, who shares a story about his efforts to support a suicidal fan), with most offering amused befuddlement concerning the holding power of the franchise and the convention circuit. Thoughts from the cast and crew are important to "Trekkies," understanding how such worship is received, but the primary appeal of the documentary is time with the public and their tireless commitment to everything "Star Trek" has to offer. Nygard has fun with eccentricities and strange behaviors, but he ends up in a place of respect for those who enjoy the colorful ways of this universe, allowing viewers to understand the heart underneath the pageantry.