Roddenberry Eyes Hi-Def Star Trek Encyclopedia

Roddenberry Productions Inc. is in negotiations with Toolbox Productions to buy a high-definition library of 'Star Trek' behind-the-scenes material recorded during the past 20 years, with the aim of producing a definitive, interactive 'Trek' guide to the facts, mythology and characters of the franchise.

The library was recorded during the making of the series spin-offs 'Star Trek: The Next Generation,' 'Deep Space Nine,' 'Voyager' and 'Enterprise,' and includes over 500 hours of interviews, making-of footage and other material.

The omnipedia would be hosted by Rod Roddenberry, son of the late Gene Roddenberry, who created the original 'Star Trek' series in the 1960s and 'The Next Generation' in the 1980s.

“This footage is a gold mine,” Roddenberry said. “With the enormous success of the new movie, now is the perfect time for us to share what made 'Star Trek' so special with the legions of new and old fans worldwide.”

“Never before have 'Star Trek' fans had the opportunity to own such a thorough, fun collection that will be as all-out entertaining as it is informative,” said Donald R. Beck, president and CEO of Toolbox Productions, who will serve as online producer.

At this early stage, whether that omnipedia will see a Blu-ray release can't be confirmed, but the capabilities of the format make it the ideal support for such an enterprise (no pun intended).