Shatner is one of the last of the Hollywood greats. Back when he started acting, most movies and TV shows involved riding a horse. You almost had to have horse-riding skills to get into acting back then.
@@barbaramcgee8933 I went to a convention one time when Patrick and William were there. They were talking about the horse riding scene and how they’re actually wearing pantyhose just to prevent chafing on their legs. So whenever I watch the scene I always think about them both wearing pantyhose. 🖖
The only horse stunt they didn't let Shatner do was the jump over the crevasse, and it was only for insurance reasons. Shatner can and has done jumps like that many times. The man knows his way around a horse.
Just wanted to add my two cents… a couple of hours spent on “Q Who” and “Best Of Both Worlds” (both parts) will REALLY make the viewing experience for “First Contact “ (which I think is THE best Star Trek film) a MUCH richer experience. Those episodes are also cinematic in scope… so you’ll enjoy them a lot, as well. Always enjoy your reactions! Cheers!
When Kirk talked about Spock, Picard had a knowing look because Spock is still alive and was in The Next Generation for an episode. It is also very important to know that he is still alive beyond this time for some future Star Trek films to come.
That WAS Shatner on the horse. The sequence was filmed on Shatner's ranch, using Shatner's horses with Shatner riding his horse Great Belles of Fire, and Shatner being an expert rider taught Stewart how to properly ride a horse for the sequence. As for the visual effects: It was once again George Lucas's Industrial Light and Magic which created the visual effects. They had made the visual effects for Star Trek 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 (Generations) and 8 (First Contact). The visual effects for the previous Star Trek movies, as well as this one, were made by the very same people who made the visual effects for the original Star Wars trilogy and were excellent for their time. Some VFX, such as the Klingon Bird-of-Prey exploding, was reused from Star Trek 6.
I never understood why the way Kirk died became such an issue within the fandom. His death wasn't degrading nor comical - he was a man of action and he died in action, sacrificing himself to help save 230 million people. That's a hero's death if I ever saw one. A great warrior, probably the bravest character in all of Star Trek, he died fighting. A fitting end.
The problem was that he died in an extremely dumb, contrived scenario. It would've been better if he had just been sent back to his time. Of course he would be dead by Picard's time anyway.
I think the saucer crash is one of the greatest sequences in Star Trek history. I also love those delightful Klingon sisters and their attack on the Enterprise.
Oh, yeah. The Duros sisters. What a pair! It was so nice to see them again. I sort of felt bad that Shan would not recognize them as returning villains.
"...and that is why you never let a women drive the ship" - Marina Sirtis on that sequence, and the take where she landed ON the pyro charge (paraphrased) "IT BURNT MY ASS!"
The fans waited 7 years to hear Data cuss in a true emotional moment, while I don't like bad language in film in general, never has one I can think of that was more appropriate.
Awww man, so glad you enjoyed the good parts of this film. It gets a bad rap and there's lots of great character stuff here. Your opinion on Kirk's death is pretty common but honestly I really love it. Kirk dying in an unspectacular way while helping to save a pre-warp planet full of people he doesn't even know in a situation where no one will know what he's done...that's the essence of a Starfleet Captain. No epic glory. No legendary exit. Just quietly 'making a difference'. Also his line 'It was fun! Oh my...' when realizing he's not getting out of this one is perfection for his character. I would have loved more exploration of Picard's character in the Nexus, and also I wanted the story to lean more into the fake reality of it, how pursuing too much pleasure at the expense of one's 'real life' is ultimately damaging. It's a great Star Trek style allegory for excessive gaming, drugs, gambling...and just about any other similar thing in life.
It was an honorable and honest death... he risked his life trying to save a few hundred people, then lived well beyond his years in a pseudo-heaven, and ultimately gave his life to save a few hundred *million* people. Plus if he lived he'd be a constant (plot) thorn in the side of the STNG writers.
Same, I think its the best one. Picard is the best Captain out there. For those curious, after TNG, they tried to split the show into two types, soap opera, Deep Space 9, and Adventure, Voyager. Neither worked until they each readjusted making them more like TNG that had aspects of both. TNG had a quality cast that covered all the character types from stern to humorous. They also did well since not every character had to be important in each episode which is something many shows don't want to do anymore.
@@heather9857 TOS was that for me (as a kid in the 70's). But DS9 is my all time favorite Trek with "In The Pale Moonlight" being my absolute favorite Trek episode of all episodes.
Star Trek Next Generation trivia The producers asked George Takei to come back and play Sulu one more time, and take the helm of the Enterprise-B. But Takei refused, because if Sulu had taken the helm, this would have meant temporarily reducing Sulu's rank, so that he could serve under Captain Kirk again. He felt that Sulu had worked too hard to earn his command to allow even a temporary reduction. A new character, Demora, daughter of Sulu, was created to speak Sulu's lines. The horse that William Shatner rides is his, as are the house and farm where the sequence takes place. When Data sings, the looks of surprise on the crew members' faces were real. Originally, Brent Spiner was supposed to hum, but decided to ad-lib instead. Director David Carson was so amused, he left this in. This was the first Star Trek film to be produced and filmed after the death of Gene Roddenberry. Following his death, the Star Trek creative team began using story ideas and concepts to which Roddenberry was opposed, which included the teaming up of Star Trek (1966) and Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987) characters. Malcolm McDowell was so taken with the line "Time is the fire in which we burn", he had this engraved on the pocket watch he used in this film. This was the first film to have a website created to promote it. The site was launched at generations.viacom.com on October 28, 1994, three weeks before the release of this film. The site featured a graphical interface resembling the LCARS display of the Enterprise. Site content included: video of both versions of the movie trailer. audio clips and photos. cast and crew biographies. shopping from a catalogue of Star Trek videos on VHS (and a 1-800-number to call to order) a downloadable "interactive kit" with images and videos and a simple game. a fan survey on Star Trek favorites and on-line access. The website was mentioned on the NCSA "What's New" site, and quickly became one of the most popular destinations on the fledgling World Wide Web. This website no longer works. James T. Kirk's final two words, "Oh, my..." are a spontaneous ad-lib made by William Shatner. Shatner later explained this was Kirk's reaction to eternity and truly going where Kirk had never gone before. DeForest Kelley was set to appear in this film as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy, but due to his declining health, he could not get on-set insurance (a union requirement for anyone on a movie set). His lines were then given to Walter Koenig as Pavel Chekov. This is the reason that Chekov recruits two reporters as a makeshift medical staff and oversees the treatment of the rescued El-Aurians despite having no previously established medical training. Leonard Nimoy was originally asked to act in and direct this film, but he declined after reading the script and being told there was not time to fix the parts with which he had problems. According to Nimoy, there was a character named Spock in the script, but the lines were so bland, they could have been spoken by anyone (those lines were given to James Doohan as Scotty. Nimoy later pointed to this as proof he was right). Original versions of the script called for Captain Kirk to take command of the battle bridge of the Enterprise and lead this into combat against the Klingons, thus dying on-board the Enterprise-D. William Shatner has stated that his line "Who am I to argue with the Captain of the Enterprise?" was the hardest line he ever had to deliver. If You would like more trivia here is a link www.imdb.com/title/tt0111280/trivia/ By the way have a fantastic New Year day and I look forward to next year's reactions keep up with great work @ShawWatchesMovies
As someone else already pointed out: some TOS crew members appeared in the TNG tv show: - a small cameo of an 137-year old Admiral McCoy in S1.E1 "Encounter at Farpoint" - Ambassador Sarek (remember Spocks father?) in S3.E22 "Sarek" - Ambassador Spock in S5.E7+E8 "Unification I+II" (which ties in to the episode "Sarek") - Captain Scott in S6.E4 "Relics" (which creates a litte plot hole with this movie)
I would suggest that you watch "The Best of Both Worlds, Parts 1 and 2" and "Family" because the emotional impact of those episodes will be more visceral when watching Star Trek: First Contact.
How they did the saucer crash is amazing. Basically a 5 foot wide saucer model was thrown down a huge model of the planet surface at a 45 degree angle. Filmed at high speed then played back normally. The crash was all done in camera, no CG.
The Enterprise D crash was originally dreamt up as a cliff-hanger, I think at the end of season 6 but it would have bust the episode budget. The miniature valley set was about 100ft long and the saucer about 6ft across, on a metal armature run down a hidden slit in the set which was decorated with small herbs to resemble trees. They covered it in carpet for the 'rolling hills' and painted it bright green with road marking paint. It's way too green to the eye, but great in camera. The dramatic shot of the saucer ploughing into the ground straight into the camera was actually a reflection. They put a large mirror across the set at 45 degree angle. The camera looked down from above and they smashed the saucer right through the mirror. So on screen, you get a 'virtual' view of it. They covered it with multiple cameras and managed to get it in one go.
"You know there was a time that I wouldn't hurt a fly. Then the Borg came. And they showed me that if there is one constant in this whole universe, it is death."
The line " Time is the fire in which we burn." is from a poem by Delmore Schwartz called "Calmly we walk through this April's day." Jerry Goldsmith did not write the original series theme, Alexander Courage did. He did write the theme for the Next Generation series. That actually was a re-use of The Motion Picture's theme.
Although saucer separation was something every Enterprise could do in an emergency, the D was the first that wouldn't need a starbase to be put back together. The Galaxy class was intended to have civilian families on board, and so in theory, they would be evacuated to the saucer section while the engineering section could fight or deal with the emergency. Due to budget constraints, it was only used three times in the show's 7 years, then one last time here.
26:35 One thing comes up in the beginning of the film First Contact, Shan. There's a 'little' but instantly recognizable Starship to many Trek fans that makes an appearance. You'll need to reference the DS9 episode "The Search, Part 1" for more information. Kirk's death here checked all of his prerequisite boxes. He died alone, without his close friends. He also made a difference before he died; he uncloaked the missile launcher so Picard could foil Soran's plans. He saved Veridian IV from certain destruction. A much more meaningful death than lying in a bed, wasting away. Can't wait for your First Contact reaction! 🖖😄
@@cleekmaker00 Yeah, trust me, I've seen not only First Contact many times but the entire run of TOS, TNG, DS9 and ENT many times over. I even own a Star Trek Fans message board.
Where the Klingon's fit in is explained in the episodes "Redemption" part 1 and 2. Lursa and B'Etor, the Duras sisters, were both in those episodes. Also, the Enterprise-D has separated its saucer section a few times in the series, most notably in "Encounter at Farpoint" and "The Best of Both Worlds" part 2. There are original characters still alive at this point in the Star Trek timeline. Spock was seen in "Unification" part 1 and 2, Scotty was seen in "Relics," and ADMIRAL McCoy was seen in "Encounter At Farpoint." As far as Kirk's death goes, I wish he would have lived. I would have loved to see him make a cameo appearance or two in "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine."
I met William Shatner soon after Generations was released, and he said that as he was laying there filming his "death" scene he saw a high-altitude plane fly over and to him it seemed as if the Enterprise was flying over bidding him farewell.
If you remember, Star Trek 5: The Final Frontier, the cheapest ST movie directed by Kirk himself, made a statement, "I've always known, I'll die alone". Always fascinating that Star Trek: Generations carried out that continuity. Fun fact: In an episode of ST: TNG called Relics, Mr. Scott (James Dohan), guest starred on a whole show. In that episode, he got lost and was found by The Next Generation. His first words when he was found was, he wasn't surprised Capt Kirk actually got the the Enterprise out of mothballs looking for him, (after Star Trek 6 of course), where is he? Scott then finds out he was discovered in the future and Kirk wasn't around anymore. During the course of the show, he finds out, with the new technology he may not be usefull, too old to learn, etc. He even uses the holodeck simulation to make the bridge of the old Enterprise, hence the title, Relics. An excellent show you missed but would had screwed the continuity of the Kirk getting lost for the movie. You confused yet? Now, the Q character you will miss unfortunately. But the Q character introduces TNG to the Borg hence the mention of this movie and they are reintroduced in ST: First Contact. Its still too bad you won't see Q though as he was a great antagonist throughout TNG. He does become likeable during the course of the 7 seasons and even the failed attempt of Star Trek: Picard, the most reason ST, Q comes back yet again. Good reaction and review here. Thank you. Keep it up
Scotty rigged a transporter to hold his signal stable in the pattern buffer, in hopes that somebody would eventually find him and put him back together. I think it was inside of an ancient Dyson sphere.
@@davidkulmaczewski4911 I've always been fascinated by Dyson Spheres and Ring Worlds. And Relics was a great episode, but the budget limitations kept them from showing a lot of the Dyson Sphere in this episode. Would have liked to have seen more of it, but what can you do?
No but seriously, I know another reactioner who REALLY appreciated watching some episodes before watching ALL the movies.... these episodes are not filler. They are quite cinematic, and the TNG movies lean a lot more on what the series set up than the original series. But anyhow, if you feel you don't have the time, that's understood... but there's also no rush to get through the movies... so, why not? Lol. Sorry, for pushing the point, buddy. I'm happy for whatever I get from you. You're one of my favorite channels! You were/are one of the few solid reactioners to push through the Bond series, and that was a treat. I always appreciate your insights and overall review! Happy New Year to you!
The Best of Both Worlds 1 and 2, I know others have said to watch them. I can’t agree enough. They’re worth it. Probably some of the best episodes out there. Of course it will hurt the experience that you haven’t known the crew as long as we had when seeing it, but still, it’s peak TNG.
I remember watching this in theaters and both times when Kirk sacrificed himself everyone gasped in shock. The second and final time it just sucked the air out of the room. Everyone was in disbelief. It took me a while to realize his death was also a joke. The bridge was on the Captain.
I think Kirk's death was tragically fitting because his luck finally ran out. Even looking back to the scene in Yosemite where he's hanging off the mountain he says that he's not afraid of dying there because he has his friends there to help him. It's probably why he ran so willingly into that missile bay. But when he died he was in the future, his friends were long gone and he was alone running into certain danger, the fate he feared the most I'm sure.
The next film, First Contact, is the definitive next-gen movie. And how Wrath of Khan was a sequel to Space Seed, it's a sequel to The Best of Both Worlds. I know you read the summary, but if you can find the time I can't recommend that two-parter enough. It is universally hailed as TNG's finest hour.
Which is probably the biggest reason why Generations is not held in high regard compared to Wrath of Khan, Voyage Home, Undiscovered Country, or the next movie, First Contact.
Yes, but he was an old man. Let's face it, Officers (even young ones) die in battle all the time - fame does not change that. A famous man can die just as easily as an anonymous man. It actually makes the whole thing more real.
Thank you for at least checking it out, even if you don't have the context of TNG. It's still good for people to recognize the series, sure it all has mixed feelings with people, but it is still Star Trek, and if you are a fan, it's content for entertainment.
I was never happy with Kirk’s death. It felt anticlimactic, too small for such a legendary character. I thought for sure he would end up back in the Nexus so he could live eternally there. Anyway, you have a treat ahead of you with First Contact. IMO it’s the second best Trek movie after Wrath of Khan. Unfortunately the Next Generation movies don’t live up to the heights of the original movies, but First Contact is absolutely great. Familiarizing yourself with Picard’s history with the Borg is very important before going into that movie.
This film had a lot of heart and emotions, discussing mortality and the meaning of existence. Data develops emotions and feelings, Picard is going through his own personal pain of losing his nephew, even Soran is hurting from the loss of his family to the Borg years earlier. The plot and nexus theory has more holes in it than swiss cheese, but it's heart is in the right place. The music is beautiful and incredible, and makes me cry every time. Overall it's not a bad movie by any means. I'd say it's more enjoyable to watch than Star Trek 1, 3, and 5. I do believe that First Contact is superior to this film, but that's for another review :)
3 Next Generation episodes to watch are a must before First Contact. Q Who and Best Of Both Worlds parts 1 & 2. You could even review them as a first time watching.
@@RideAcrossTheRiver LOVE "I, Borg"... That's certainly one Shan should return to... (as well as "Yesterday's Enterprise" "Darmok," "Measure of a Man," "Tapestry" and my personal fave: "Cause And Effect"
Shatner does his own riding he's been breeding horses for decades he's a well-trained horse rider In the Star Trek novels Kurt is found by the Borg and they bring him back to life but he escaped before they can turn them into a borg so now he is alive during Picard's time
Hey Shan, just want to say I really appreciate you doing this! Also good choice to do the reading. But for First Contact I really would advise you to watch The Best of Both Worlds 1 and 2. Just to get prepared for the Borg.
Patrick Stewart is such an underrated character actor. If you want to see him at his best in TNG check out the episodes Chain of Command and The Inner Light to see a fantastic actor in action and some understanding of the character of Picard.
The Inner Light is my favorite episode of the entire series and never fails to bring me to tears. It is indeed a worthy watch and is a stand alone episode... not requiring any knowledge of the show up to that point.
The sad part about this is that Stewart himself apparently did not respect Picard all that much, at least not as the character he was in the show. He seemed to be more interested in an action hero type captain, as shown in the later movies.
Scotty, Bones, and Spock make a appearance in The next Generation series. There are scenes in the episode Unification where Spock has conversations with Data if your interested in those characters parallels coming together.
If you ask me they would have made this movie about 30% better. Spock and Mccoy should have been there at the beginning. I think in one version they were, but Nimoy felt his character was underserved and not important to the plot so he said no.
@@tbirdguy1 In Star Trek V, after Spock rescues Kirk while rock climbing, Kirk tells Spock and McCoy that he knew wouldn’t die just then because he always knew he’d die alone. Nice call back, actually.
I don't know if you're aware of it, or not, but there is a Next Generation episode which crosses over with the Original Series episode, The Trouble With Tribbles. Since you enjoyed seeing both generations interact, you might want to check it out.
For the next episode (First Contact), you should watch some key episodes from the show to understand the plot better. Namely, "Q Who" and "The Best of Both Worlds, Part I - II" Witchout them, you won't really understand the whole climax of the movie.
DS9's The Way of the Warrior for Worf's important subplot too. And The Original Series episode Metamorphosis contains important backstory as well. The movies get increasingly lore, but not Lore, heavy after this one.
The saucer Seperation happened on more than one occasion during the show. Generally to send non-combatants to safety in the saucer, with the other part going to battle. Both Encounter at Farpoint and Best of Both Worlds featured it.
There is a very practical reason they didn't have Sulu aboard and it's because they would have wanted to put the Excelsior by the B, which is Excelsior Class. The FX team actually disassembled the Excelsior and refit it to make the B... which is actually the USS Hood with a slight repaint.
If you're moving to First Contact you could do worse than look beforehand to the TV series for "Q Who" and "The Best of Both Worlds" pts 1 & 2. Whilst you're at it you can catch the episode "Family" as well which aside from lending itself to this movie also has repercussions on the latter episodes and First Contact.
Leonard Nimoy does actually reprise his role as Mr. Spock in the series, but the episodes he's in require a lot of context from other episodes. DeForest Kelley also makes a small cameo as Bones in the first episode, and James Doohan's Scotty has an episode as well where he tries to help the new Enterprise only to find that the technology has far outpaced him. Overall TNG is very different from its predecessor but I do recommend watching an episode or two if you have the time.
I think you have all the episode reading for First Contact, which is the best and last worth while watching Next Generation movies. Can’t wait for that reaction/review. I love Kirk’s death in this movie: He died a hero and we got to hear his own thoughts about who he was while in the Nexus. I also love that he mentioned Spock which would not have been nothing to Picard as [SPOILER ALERT for the TV series] he mind melded with both Spock and his father, Sarek, in the TV series; also spoiler for TV, Kirk is not the only one from the original series to have escaped death to reappear 70 some years later as Mr. Scott also appeared in the series in a great episode.
If you visit the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada just north of Las Vegas you can climb the ridge where Soran's Rocket was and they have preserved part of the Catwalk where Kirk Died! .... Very Cool!
Just in case you missed John's comment, allow me to reiterate what he said: Just wanted to add my two cents… a couple of hours spent on “Q Who” and “Best Of Both Worlds” (both parts) will REALLY make the viewing experience for “First Contact “ (which I think is THE best Star Trek film) a MUCH richer experience. Those episodes are also cinematic in scope… so you’ll enjoy them a lot, as well. Always enjoy your reactions! Cheers!
Interesting Fact ---- The Actress at 6:20 (in the Video) that talks about the Lakul's Hull Integrity is the Same Actress that played the character 'Vasquez' in the 1986 James Cameron Movie "ALIENS". Her name is Jenette Goldstein.
30:47 If Soran had been fleshed out more, he would have been a wholly sympathetic character, and the writers couldn't risk that happening... Two points of trivia: That was Shatner on the horse the whole time, he is an accomplished equestrian and horsebreeder... The crash sequence of the saucer impacting, was a 100% practical effect, with both a model of the saucer, ramming into a model of the terrain... Another great review 👍👍👍👍
The next movie "First Contact" is probably the best of all the Next Generation movies. For the connection between the original series characters (as played by their original actors) and TNG: Dr. McCoy makes a very brief cameo appearance in the first episode of TNG. Other original cast play important main roles in the following TNG episodes, I will not spoil them for you if you choose to watch or read about them: UNIFICATION (Season 5) and RELICS (season 6) .
Agreed about First Contact. The others were entertaining, but while they're worth watching, they're not as worthy of 're-watching' over and over. I may have only seen Nemesis once or twice. My least favorite.
A couple of the original Star Trek characters show up in various TNG episodes.. Deforest Kelly I think in Episode 1 Encounter at Farpoint.. and then Scotty in the episode called "Relics" This was sort of the handing of the torch to the TNG crew in the movies. The TV show TNG had 7 seasons when this movie came out I believe had concluded actually.. so everyone was pretty familiar with the TNG crew. I would recommend continuing to ask which TNG episodes would be good previews for the movies you plan to watch next.
I would seriously endeavor to watch The Next Generation in its entirety on your own time. Nobody is expecting you to react to it on the channel, but you absolutely must make the time in your life to watch that show. Like I'm not even joking at all. What you will see in that show, what is written in that show, is pretty much life changing. There is so much to learn from this show and what the writers have created. Not to mention the acting and the production to bring those words to life on screen. Seriously, even if you watch a single episode a week, dedicate the time to watch through The Next Generation. Even if it takes you a decade, it is absolutely worth it and your life will be better for it. You will be a better person for it.
As far as I can recall, there were two original crew cameos on the Next Gen. The great Leonard McCoy was in the first episode ( Farpoint) and Scotty was found in a transporter in another episode I can't remember the name right now.
A couple of key episodes I would suggest before watching Star Trek: First Contact would be Season 2 episode 16 - Q Who, and the 2 part episode called Best of Both Worlds.
Sean I've enjoyed your journey through Star Trek, you're one of the first RUclipsrs I've seen exploring this movie series. I've got a watch list for you. You mentioned Family, so I'll leave that out. You will enjoy the following episodes: Encounter At Farpoint Relics Best Of Both Worlds (2 parter) Unification (also a 2 part episode) I know you will enjoy these, you don't necessarily need to react to them. However I'd certainly enjoy seeing your reaction. You should watch Best of Both Worlds before First Contact and should you watch the Star Trek movies with Chris Pine; I strongly urge you to watch Unification first.
Love _Generations._ For _ST: First Contact,_ _TNG_ episodes *"Q Who" S2* & *"Best Of Both Worlds" S3* are required viewing to understand the plot. The _TNG_ movies are cool spectacles but nowhere as good as the superior series. Classic episodes 💯 worth viewing: *Cause & Effect S4* *The Inner Light S4* *The Next Phase S4* *Starship Mine S6* *Lessons S6* *The Survivors S3*
Not a spoiler, but a note for the future movies. Worf, following this movie, became a regular character on the show Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He appears in the future movies, but they always need to find a way to explain him being there. In First Contact, they rescue him from a damaged ship, the Defiant. The Defiant is a small (Approximate crew of 50) heavily armed ship that helps protect Deep Space Nine (DS9 is a Space Station) Neither DS9 or Voyager are seen in a movie ever, but some members of the crew are. Voyager's EMH (A holographic Doctor appears in First Contact, and Ethan Phillips who plays aalien crew member on Voyager is a uncredited human. The Captain of Voyager appears in the Final TNG Movie Nemesis as now promoted Admiral Janeway.
The orginal ending had Kirk getting shot in the back. After hearing back from test audiences that they felt like his death wasn't heroic enough, they quickly did a reshoot before the film's main release. Kirk made a joke on set about all those years hearing 'Captain on the Bridge' it was funny to have the bridge on the Captain.
McCoy appears as a very old man in the first season of Star Trek TNG. Scotty had an episode in TNG where he was found in a crashed ship where he had rigged a transporter to serve as kind of a hibernation chamber and is alive in the TNG time. Vukcans live much longer than humans so Spock had a multiple episode run in TNG where he was working to make peace with the Romulans in the later seasons of TNG.
Don’t worry about The Q. They aren’t a part of the movies at all. That being said, I do believe that you should at least watch The Best of Both Worlds before watching First Contact. The synopsis is not enough.
There is a trope named after this movie called 'Dropped a bridge on him' - _When a character is permanently written out of a show, especially killed off, in a way that is unexpectedly anti-climactic or mundane, they Dropped a Bridge on Him._ _Named for the death of Captain Kirk (William Shatner) in Star Trek: Generations, which was expected to be a key, climactic event after 30 years of adventuring. Instead, he was killed beneath a collapsed bridge in a manner typically reserved for Red Shirts._
If you want Kirk's further (non-canon, I think) story. Shatner wrote (or had ghostwritten?) a whole series of Star Trek novels with Kirk (resurrected in the book called "The Return" - and yes the ego is apparent throughout!) and Picard having adventures together in the future. They can be quite silly at times, but I enjoyed them!
A very elderly Admiral McCoy saw off the Enterprise-D. Retired Commander Scott accidentally escaped death by transporter buffer. He's out there, somewhere. A descendant of Sulu appears in an episode of ST: Voyager. Also, Ambassador Spock lives. He's instrumental in the third Next Gen movie.
I watch these movies as a kid, and I was able to go into this one completely blind. However since you asked what you should check out before the next one, "The Best of Both Worlds" was a two parter at Season's 3 finale and Season 4 Premier. First Contact features The Borg as the villain in the movie. Although they were featured in several episodes during The Next Generation seven seasons, the movie references heavily "The Best of Both Worlds" and it's one the best episodes of the series, so you should watch it before First Contact. And one day when you have time, you should watch all seven seasons. I just did that a couple of years ago. Although not every episode is gold (especially the first season), but most are. I had always consider myself as more of Star Wars guy, but that series was great. And I love this crew. Way better than the original crew. There is a reason why many sci-fi nerds call The Next Generation their all time favorite show.
I never noticed this when I saw this movie back in the day, but someone pointed it out and now I can't un-see it. When Troi is trying to "comfort" Picard. PICARD: I can't help keep thinking about ...about all the experiences that René is not going to have. Not going to Academy, reading books and listening to music, falling in love. ...Building a life. ...Well, it's not going to happen now. TROI: I didn't realise he meant so much to you. Seriously, OUCH. And this character is supposed to be an empath? That's an INCREDIBLY insensitive thing to say to someone who is obviously grieving the death of a family member. I wonder if Marina Sirtis objected to that line. Given some of the interviews I've heard with her, it's very possible she did object and was overruled.
William Shatner is not only the actor he is, but is also a fantastic novelist. he wrote his own sci-fi series of books, Tech War, and having read those I knew that if William ever wrote a Star Trek novel, it would be amazing. William Shatner went on to write 6 Star Trek novels, and he didn't disappoint, and only he could figure out a way to bring Kirk back from the dead after Generations, and then involve all characters from the other spinoff series: from the Next Generation, through Deep Space Nine, to Star Trek Voyager!
There's also a running joke in the ST universe that Capt Kirk commands the bridge, in this movie, a bridge finally kills him, something to that effect.
CPT Harriman actually has a very interesting story. Made captain of the Enterprise-B during peace time by his admiral father, he never really took it seriously. The loss of Kirk however, changed his life. He stopped accepting favors from his father and rededicated his life to living up to Kirk's legacy and became a very accomplished and capable starship captain.
Infact, the effects for most Star Trek-Movies were done by ILM. The only exceptions were ‚The Motion Picture‘, ‚The Final Frontier‘, ‚Insurrection‘ and ‚Nemesis‘
Scotty actually appeared in an episode of The Next Generation. I believe he dies in that one. Spock may have also appeared, Vulkans are long lived. The rest didn't appear I think. This movie came out almost immediately after the end of the series so that is why everyone is pretty comfortable, even the production value is fairly in line with the show. The next movies had more time in-between they also have better budgets. Some things to brush up on: Character relationships The Borg (this is critical to the next movie) They are the big bad of the series. Quick (non-spoiler for future movies) breakdown of the show: Romulans are bad guys, think USSR vs US, cold war era. Klingons are friendly Vulkans are friendly. Geordi is blind but his visor lets him see but not in the normal way we do. Data has a twin robot brother who had the emotion chip installed from the start, he is the "evil twin" of the series. Will Riker and Diana Troy have been in a relationship. Worf has also been in a relationship with her. Beverly Crusher's husband died (before the series started, I think) she and Jean Luc knew each other before then. They have a little sexual tenson here and there in the series. She also has a son named Wesley Crusher, not sure if he appears in any of the movies. Gianan is a mysterious being and has some connection to Q, but she's typically the sageful bartender Q is the omnipotent being as you mentioned and has an unusual interest in Picard. The Galaxy is in quadrants, The Alpha is where the federation exists and the other places are too far to get to but the Borg come from Delta (I think). Q in an episode "threw" the enterprise to that quadrant where they encountered the Borg, then pulled them back, so there has been this looming threat on the horizon. The Borg are a machine mind, that conquers worlds, and augments the people it doesn't kill to be more of the Borg, thus "assimilating them into their own" Picard was abducted by the Borg and turned into one, then he was rescued and brought back and reverted. Picard is famous / infamous among major powers in the Alpha quadrant.
You made multiple comments about Picard and his views on family, and I couldn't help but think of the episode *The Inner Light* that many consider one of the best (if not the best) episodes. If you decide to watch any episodes, consider it. Doesn't require any knowledge going in, and doesn't have major impacts moving forward, but is excellent and may be the most emotional episode and reading about it would be a disservice.
If you're sad about Kirk, you can read the Star Trek novels by Shatner and the Reeves-Stevens'. There's one set between 6 and the 23rd century section of this film, then 8 more with Kirk's adventures in the 24th century having pulled a Spock and come back (no mention if he saw the black mountain or space koala). As for the other TOS crew being "dead and gone" by 2371...see the aforementioned Shatner novels, Encounter at Farpoint, Relics, Unification, 2009, the New Frontier novels, a DS9 novel the name of which I can't remember in which Doctor Bashir encounters an oddly familiar character, the Tim Russ fan films...
For the next Star Trek film, you only to be watch the Borg theme episodes like 1. Q Who 2. The Best of Both Worlds two parters 2a. Family (aftermath of the TBoBW) 3. I Borg 4. The Descent two parters.
I'm surprised you didn't do actual reaction videos for some of the great TNG episodes, I would think the views would be notable for such loved episodes. I also think the most emotional powerhouse episode of the series was a stand alone gem called The Inner Light. Of course that needs to be seen and not have its great twist spoiled by a synopsis.
The stuff with the horses was one of Shatner's conditions for appearing in the movie. They were his horses and he charged the production for their use.
So just to clarify. At the time of this movie in the Star Trek timeline. Scotty was still alive as he was suspended in the transporter of a ship and appeared in one episode of TNG. Spock is still alive until the events following the last TNG movie Nemesis. Admiral Leonard McCoy also appeared in the first episode of TNG encounter at Farpoint.
"Captain of the Enterprise, huh?" "That's right." "Close to retirement?" "I'm not planning on it." "Well let me tell you something. Don't! Don't let them promote you. Don't let them transfer you. Don't let them do ANYTHING that takes you off the bridge of that ship, because while you're there... you can make a difference." "Come back with me. Help me stop Soran. Help make a difference again!" "Who am I to argue with the captain of the Enterprise? What's the name of that planet? Veridian III?" "That's right." "I take it the odds are against us and the situation is grim?" "You could say that." "You know if Spock were here, he'd say I was an irrational, illogical human being for going on a mission like that. ...Sounds like fun!" Fun Fact: The horse that William Shatner rides is his, as are the house and farm where the sequence takes place. Captain's Chair Fact: William Shatner has stated that his line "Who am I to argue with the Captain of the Enterprise?" was the hardest line he ever had to deliver. Lady Washington Fact: In the holodeck scene, Troi (Marina Sirtis) hands over the sailing ship's helm to an elderly man. In real life, this man is the REAL captain of the sailing ship Lady Washington at the time. The ship itself is owned by Grays Harbor Historical Seaport in Aberdeen, Washington. The same ship also portrayed the Interceptor in Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl (2003).
The next movie is great Shan! You'll definitely need to do a little reading up on that one as well, but that one has a tiny little tie-in with this one though. That's all I'll say.
6:44 Watch for the number 47 in the TNG films! It occurs far more often than coincidence because several of the TNG series writers had it as a favorite number and Gene Roddenberry liked it, so it just stuck and stayed through the show the movies and the DS9, Voyager, and Enterprise series, as a nod to those who came before.
Star Trek TNG is well worth watching. The series overall is good as is most of the characters but DATA is one of the fan favorites. In many ways he is the viewer of the shows arc. Brent Spiner did an amazing job. I urge you to watch it.
Regarding the music: The ironic thing here is that Jerry Goldsmith's theme for _The Motion Picture_ became the theme for _The Next Generation,_ so it ended up being replayed several hundred times over those 7 years, in several variant performances. But the first movie about the _TNG_ crew didn't use it. That said, Dennis McCarthy did compose the music for 88 episodes of _TNG,_ so it made sense to bring him on.
Shatner is actually a very accomplished equestrian. He's owned, bred and competed in shows with his horses
Not only is that Shatner, but it's his horse too. And I think it's filmed on his property, but I might be remembering that wrong.
Shatner is one of the last of the Hollywood greats. Back when he started acting, most movies and TV shows involved riding a horse. You almost had to have horse-riding skills to get into acting back then.
@@barbaramcgee8933 I went to a convention one time when Patrick and William were there. They were talking about the horse riding scene and how they’re actually wearing pantyhose just to prevent chafing on their legs. So whenever I watch the scene I always think about them both wearing pantyhose. 🖖
Shatner is accomplished at a crap-load of things. The guy is a phenom.
The only horse stunt they didn't let Shatner do was the jump over the crevasse, and it was only for insurance reasons.
Shatner can and has done jumps like that many times. The man knows his way around a horse.
Just wanted to add my two cents… a couple of hours spent on “Q Who” and “Best Of Both Worlds” (both parts) will REALLY make the viewing experience for “First Contact “ (which I think is THE best Star Trek film) a MUCH richer experience. Those episodes are also cinematic in scope… so you’ll enjoy them a lot, as well. Always enjoy your reactions! Cheers!
100% agree with this comment. Best of Both Worlds in particular is fundamental to First Contact.
Seconded
When Kirk talked about Spock, Picard had a knowing look because Spock is still alive and was in The Next Generation for an episode. It is also very important to know that he is still alive beyond this time for some future Star Trek films to come.
yes, this.
Don't discard the Pilot; Encounter at Farpoint
That WAS Shatner on the horse. The sequence was filmed on Shatner's ranch, using Shatner's horses with Shatner riding his horse Great Belles of Fire, and Shatner being an expert rider taught Stewart how to properly ride a horse for the sequence.
As for the visual effects: It was once again George Lucas's Industrial Light and Magic which created the visual effects. They had made the visual effects for Star Trek 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 (Generations) and 8 (First Contact). The visual effects for the previous Star Trek movies, as well as this one, were made by the very same people who made the visual effects for the original Star Wars trilogy and were excellent for their time. Some VFX, such as the Klingon Bird-of-Prey exploding, was reused from Star Trek 6.
Damn lol
I never understood why the way Kirk died became such an issue within the fandom. His death wasn't degrading nor comical - he was a man of action and he died in action, sacrificing himself to help save 230 million people. That's a hero's death if I ever saw one. A great warrior, probably the bravest character in all of Star Trek, he died fighting. A fitting end.
I totally agree.
I think the problem was the manner in which he died. Heroes like Kirk do not die from falls. Dying from a fall is for mooks and villains.
That's exactly right. Kirk died doing his duty.
Bridge on the captain.
The problem was that he died in an extremely dumb, contrived scenario. It would've been better if he had just been sent back to his time. Of course he would be dead by Picard's time anyway.
I think the saucer crash is one of the greatest sequences in Star Trek history. I also love those delightful Klingon sisters and their attack on the Enterprise.
Oh, yeah. The Duros sisters. What a pair! It was so nice to see them again. I sort of felt bad that Shan would not recognize them as returning villains.
One is meh... the other is hot. I was sorry to see her go. lol
The Duras' certainly knew how to chew scenery!
"...and that is why you never let a women drive the ship" - Marina Sirtis on that sequence, and the take where she landed ON the pyro charge (paraphrased) "IT BURNT MY ASS!"
I laughed out loud at, "It's a soft launch." That should be a line in that scene.
Spoken like a true software engineer if I'm not mistaken, lol.
18:47 Data’s “oh sh*t” line got a lot of laughs in the theater 🤣
I saw it in theaters too and can confirm this is very much true.
I do remember that too.
He's just saying what everybody on-board were thinking
The fans waited 7 years to hear Data cuss in a true emotional moment, while I don't like bad language in film in general, never has one I can think of that was more appropriate.
Awww man, so glad you enjoyed the good parts of this film. It gets a bad rap and there's lots of great character stuff here. Your opinion on Kirk's death is pretty common but honestly I really love it. Kirk dying in an unspectacular way while helping to save a pre-warp planet full of people he doesn't even know in a situation where no one will know what he's done...that's the essence of a Starfleet Captain. No epic glory. No legendary exit. Just quietly 'making a difference'. Also his line 'It was fun! Oh my...' when realizing he's not getting out of this one is perfection for his character.
I would have loved more exploration of Picard's character in the Nexus, and also I wanted the story to lean more into the fake reality of it, how pursuing too much pleasure at the expense of one's 'real life' is ultimately damaging. It's a great Star Trek style allegory for excessive gaming, drugs, gambling...and just about any other similar thing in life.
It was an honorable and honest death... he risked his life trying to save a few hundred people, then lived well beyond his years in a pseudo-heaven, and ultimately gave his life to save a few hundred *million* people.
Plus if he lived he'd be a constant (plot) thorn in the side of the STNG writers.
"Star Trek: The Next Generation" was the series that made me a Trekkie over 30 years ago. I love these characters! 🖖
DS9 was that for me, but I completely respect that ❣
I fell in love with the Next Generation but Deep Space Nine is what converted me into a confirmed Trekee.
Yeah, I'm one of the old farts who grew up with Kirk, Spock and McCoy.
Same, I think its the best one. Picard is the best Captain out there.
For those curious, after TNG, they tried to split the show into two types, soap opera, Deep Space 9, and Adventure, Voyager. Neither worked until they each readjusted making them more like TNG that had aspects of both.
TNG had a quality cast that covered all the character types from stern to humorous. They also did well since not every character had to be important in each episode which is something many shows don't want to do anymore.
@@heather9857 TOS was that for me (as a kid in the 70's). But DS9 is my all time favorite Trek with "In The Pale Moonlight" being my absolute favorite Trek episode of all episodes.
Star Trek Next Generation trivia
The producers asked George Takei to come back and play Sulu one more time, and take the helm of the Enterprise-B. But Takei refused, because if Sulu had taken the helm, this would have meant temporarily reducing Sulu's rank, so that he could serve under Captain Kirk again. He felt that Sulu had worked too hard to earn his command to allow even a temporary reduction. A new character, Demora, daughter of Sulu, was created to speak Sulu's lines.
The horse that William Shatner rides is his, as are the house and farm where the sequence takes place.
When Data sings, the looks of surprise on the crew members' faces were real. Originally, Brent Spiner was supposed to hum, but decided to ad-lib instead. Director David Carson was so amused, he left this in.
This was the first Star Trek film to be produced and filmed after the death of Gene Roddenberry. Following his death, the Star Trek creative team began using story ideas and concepts to which Roddenberry was opposed, which included the teaming up of Star Trek (1966) and Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987) characters.
Malcolm McDowell was so taken with the line "Time is the fire in which we burn", he had this engraved on the pocket watch he used in this film.
This was the first film to have a website created to promote it. The site was launched at generations.viacom.com on October 28, 1994, three weeks before the release of this film. The site featured a graphical interface resembling the LCARS display of the Enterprise. Site content included: video of both versions of the movie trailer. audio clips and photos. cast and crew biographies. shopping from a catalogue of Star Trek videos on VHS (and a 1-800-number to call to order) a downloadable "interactive kit" with images and videos and a simple game. a fan survey on Star Trek favorites and on-line access. The website was mentioned on the NCSA "What's New" site, and quickly became one of the most popular destinations on the fledgling World Wide Web. This website no longer works.
James T. Kirk's final two words, "Oh, my..." are a spontaneous ad-lib made by William Shatner. Shatner later explained this was Kirk's reaction to eternity and truly going where Kirk had never gone before.
DeForest Kelley was set to appear in this film as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy, but due to his declining health, he could not get on-set insurance (a union requirement for anyone on a movie set). His lines were then given to Walter Koenig as Pavel Chekov. This is the reason that Chekov recruits two reporters as a makeshift medical staff and oversees the treatment of the rescued El-Aurians despite having no previously established medical training.
Leonard Nimoy was originally asked to act in and direct this film, but he declined after reading the script and being told there was not time to fix the parts with which he had problems. According to Nimoy, there was a character named Spock in the script, but the lines were so bland, they could have been spoken by anyone (those lines were given to James Doohan as Scotty. Nimoy later pointed to this as proof he was right).
Original versions of the script called for Captain Kirk to take command of the battle bridge of the Enterprise and lead this into combat against the Klingons, thus dying on-board the Enterprise-D.
William Shatner has stated that his line "Who am I to argue with the Captain of the Enterprise?" was the hardest line he ever had to deliver.
If You would like more trivia here is a link www.imdb.com/title/tt0111280/trivia/
By the way have a fantastic New Year day and I look forward to next year's reactions keep up with great work @ShawWatchesMovies
Also George Takei didn't like William Shatner (still hates him to this day) which also made him not want to be in the film.
Wow.... please comment on every youtube video ever made from now on.
Seriously...
@@VULVOLINE009 he literally copy & pasted the trivia from IMDB
As someone else already pointed out: some TOS crew members appeared in the TNG tv show:
- a small cameo of an 137-year old Admiral McCoy in S1.E1 "Encounter at Farpoint"
- Ambassador Sarek (remember Spocks father?) in S3.E22 "Sarek"
- Ambassador Spock in S5.E7+E8 "Unification I+II" (which ties in to the episode "Sarek")
- Captain Scott in S6.E4 "Relics" (which creates a litte plot hole with this movie)
Sarek also appeared in Unification I, then dies off screen before the end of the episode.
I made the same recommendations, except I missed the episode with Sarek... I also didn't point out who Sean would see. Hoping it would be a surprise.
I would suggest that you watch "The Best of Both Worlds, Parts 1 and 2" and "Family" because the emotional impact of those episodes will be more visceral when watching Star Trek: First Contact.
How they did the saucer crash is amazing. Basically a 5 foot wide saucer model was thrown down a huge model of the planet surface at a 45 degree angle. Filmed at high speed then played back normally. The crash was all done in camera, no CG.
The Enterprise D crash was originally dreamt up as a cliff-hanger, I think at the end of season 6 but it would have bust the episode budget. The miniature valley set was about 100ft long and the saucer about 6ft across, on a metal armature run down a hidden slit in the set which was decorated with small herbs to resemble trees. They covered it in carpet for the 'rolling hills' and painted it bright green with road marking paint. It's way too green to the eye, but great in camera. The dramatic shot of the saucer ploughing into the ground straight into the camera was actually a reflection. They put a large mirror across the set at 45 degree angle. The camera looked down from above and they smashed the saucer right through the mirror. So on screen, you get a 'virtual' view of it. They covered it with multiple cameras and managed to get it in one go.
"You know there was a time that I wouldn't hurt a fly. Then the Borg came. And they showed me that if there is one constant in this whole universe, it is death."
The line " Time is the fire in which we burn." is from a poem by Delmore Schwartz called "Calmly we walk through this April's day."
Jerry Goldsmith did not write the original series theme, Alexander Courage did. He did write the theme for the Next Generation series. That actually was a re-use of The Motion Picture's theme.
Although saucer separation was something every Enterprise could do in an emergency, the D was the first that wouldn't need a starbase to be put back together. The Galaxy class was intended to have civilian families on board, and so in theory, they would be evacuated to the saucer section while the engineering section could fight or deal with the emergency.
Due to budget constraints, it was only used three times in the show's 7 years, then one last time here.
26:35 One thing comes up in the beginning of the film First Contact, Shan. There's a 'little' but instantly recognizable Starship to many Trek fans that makes an appearance. You'll need to reference the DS9 episode "The Search, Part 1" for more information.
Kirk's death here checked all of his prerequisite boxes. He died alone, without his close friends. He also made a difference before he died; he uncloaked the missile launcher so Picard could foil Soran's plans. He saved Veridian IV from certain destruction.
A much more meaningful death than lying in a bed, wasting away.
Can't wait for your First Contact reaction! 🖖😄
It might be 'little' but The Defiant packs a big punch... like a Jack Russell Terrier, you don't want it biting you.
@@31Mike The term 'little' is a running gag in Trek regarding the Defiant. She has been called that several times on screen.
@@cleekmaker00 Yeah, trust me, I've seen not only First Contact many times but the entire run of TOS, TNG, DS9 and ENT many times over. I even own a Star Trek Fans message board.
My favorite part of the reaction was the unbridled JOY displayed at seeing that Data's cat, Spot, survived the crash. 😁
There were several 'Spots', and Brent Spiner hated all of them. Said they were the worst actors ever.
Where the Klingon's fit in is explained in the episodes "Redemption" part 1 and 2. Lursa and B'Etor, the Duras sisters, were both in those episodes. Also, the Enterprise-D has separated its saucer section a few times in the series, most notably in "Encounter at Farpoint" and "The Best of Both Worlds" part 2.
There are original characters still alive at this point in the Star Trek timeline. Spock was seen in "Unification" part 1 and 2, Scotty was seen in "Relics," and ADMIRAL McCoy was seen in "Encounter At Farpoint."
As far as Kirk's death goes, I wish he would have lived. I would have loved to see him make a cameo appearance or two in "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine."
I met William Shatner soon after Generations was released, and he said that as he was laying there filming his "death" scene he saw a high-altitude plane fly over and to him it seemed as if the Enterprise was flying over bidding him farewell.
Can't wait for First Contact reaction. You're in for a ride.
If you remember, Star Trek 5: The Final Frontier, the cheapest ST movie directed by Kirk himself, made a statement, "I've always known, I'll die alone". Always fascinating that Star Trek: Generations carried out that continuity.
Fun fact: In an episode of ST: TNG called Relics, Mr. Scott (James Dohan), guest starred on a whole show. In that episode, he got lost and was found by The Next Generation. His first words when he was found was, he wasn't surprised Capt Kirk actually got the the Enterprise out of mothballs looking for him, (after Star Trek 6 of course), where is he? Scott then finds out he was discovered in the future and Kirk wasn't around anymore.
During the course of the show, he finds out, with the new technology he may not be usefull, too old to learn, etc. He even uses the holodeck simulation to make the bridge of the old Enterprise, hence the title, Relics. An excellent show you missed but would had screwed the continuity of the Kirk getting lost for the movie. You confused yet?
Now, the Q character you will miss unfortunately. But the Q character introduces TNG to the Borg hence the mention of this movie and they are reintroduced in ST: First Contact. Its still too bad you won't see Q though as he was a great antagonist throughout TNG. He does become likeable during the course of the 7 seasons and even the failed attempt of Star Trek: Picard, the most reason ST, Q comes back yet again.
Good reaction and review here. Thank you. Keep it up
Scotty rigged a transporter to hold his signal stable in the pattern buffer, in hopes that somebody would eventually find him and put him back together. I think it was inside of an ancient Dyson sphere.
@@davidkulmaczewski4911
I've always been fascinated by Dyson Spheres and Ring Worlds. And Relics was a great episode, but the budget limitations kept them from showing a lot of the Dyson Sphere in this episode. Would have liked to have seen more of it, but what can you do?
No but seriously, I know another reactioner who REALLY appreciated watching some episodes before watching ALL the movies.... these episodes are not filler. They are quite cinematic, and the TNG movies lean a lot more on what the series set up than the original series. But anyhow, if you feel you don't have the time, that's understood... but there's also no rush to get through the movies... so, why not? Lol. Sorry, for pushing the point, buddy. I'm happy for whatever I get from you. You're one of my favorite channels! You were/are one of the few solid reactioners to push through the Bond series, and that was a treat. I always appreciate your insights and overall review! Happy New Year to you!
The Best of Both Worlds 1 and 2, I know others have said to watch them. I can’t agree enough. They’re worth it. Probably some of the best episodes out there. Of course it will hurt the experience that you haven’t known the crew as long as we had when seeing it, but still, it’s peak TNG.
I remember watching this in theaters and both times when Kirk sacrificed himself everyone gasped in shock. The second and final time it just sucked the air out of the room. Everyone was in disbelief. It took me a while to realize his death was also a joke. The bridge was on the Captain.
@Shan Watches Movies
For Star Trek VIII: First Contact you should definitely watch 3 TNG episodes:
"Best of both Worlds" part I & II and "Family"
I think Kirk's death was tragically fitting because his luck finally ran out. Even looking back to the scene in Yosemite where he's hanging off the mountain he says that he's not afraid of dying there because he has his friends there to help him. It's probably why he ran so willingly into that missile bay. But when he died he was in the future, his friends were long gone and he was alone running into certain danger, the fate he feared the most I'm sure.
Still he did it.
And in Star Trek V - he did say he'd die alone. And in a way, he did.
The next film, First Contact, is the definitive next-gen movie. And how Wrath of Khan was a sequel to Space Seed, it's a sequel to The Best of Both Worlds. I know you read the summary, but if you can find the time I can't recommend that two-parter enough. It is universally hailed as TNG's finest hour.
You are not the only one with mixed feelings about Kirk's death. It created a lot of controversy in the Fandom.
Which is probably the biggest reason why Generations is not held in high regard compared to Wrath of Khan, Voyage Home, Undiscovered Country, or the next movie, First Contact.
Indeed... Kirk's death was almost as bad as Luke's! :D
@@sandwiched nah
Captain to the bridge
Yes, but he was an old man. Let's face it, Officers (even young ones) die in battle all the time - fame does not change that. A famous man can die just as easily as an anonymous man. It actually makes the whole thing more real.
Thank you for at least checking it out, even if you don't have the context of TNG. It's still good for people to recognize the series, sure it all has mixed feelings with people, but it is still Star Trek, and if you are a fan, it's content for entertainment.
I was never happy with Kirk’s death. It felt anticlimactic, too small for such a legendary character. I thought for sure he would end up back in the Nexus so he could live eternally there.
Anyway, you have a treat ahead of you with First Contact. IMO it’s the second best Trek movie after Wrath of Khan. Unfortunately the Next Generation movies don’t live up to the heights of the original movies, but First Contact is absolutely great. Familiarizing yourself with Picard’s history with the Borg is very important before going into that movie.
This film had a lot of heart and emotions, discussing mortality and the meaning of existence. Data develops emotions and feelings, Picard is going through his own personal pain of losing his nephew, even Soran is hurting from the loss of his family to the Borg years earlier. The plot and nexus theory has more holes in it than swiss cheese, but it's heart is in the right place. The music is beautiful and incredible, and makes me cry every time. Overall it's not a bad movie by any means. I'd say it's more enjoyable to watch than Star Trek 1, 3, and 5. I do believe that First Contact is superior to this film, but that's for another review :)
Shatner is an accomplished horse rider. That's his own horse in the scene with Picard jumping the ditch.
3 Next Generation episodes to watch are a must before First Contact. Q Who and Best Of Both Worlds parts 1 & 2. You could even review them as a first time watching.
THIS
"I, Borg" is worthwhile also.
@@RideAcrossTheRiver LOVE "I, Borg"... That's certainly one Shan should return to... (as well as "Yesterday's Enterprise" "Darmok," "Measure of a Man," "Tapestry" and my personal fave: "Cause And Effect"
@@johnmavroudis2054 One of my faves is "Ensign Ro". Quite the character, Ro.
The bird of prey explosion and the klingon jumping were reused a few times I think
Shatner does his own riding he's been breeding horses for decades he's a well-trained horse rider
In the Star Trek novels Kurt is found by the Borg and they bring him back to life but he escaped before they can turn them into a borg so now he is alive during Picard's time
Not canon.
@@tombo1984 just Shatner's MASSIVE ego, couldn't let Kirk just be dead
@@RichO1701e His Generations death was stupid.
Hey Shan, just want to say I really appreciate you doing this! Also good choice to do the reading. But for First Contact I really would advise you to watch The Best of Both Worlds 1 and 2. Just to get prepared for the Borg.
Patrick Stewart is such an underrated character actor. If you want to see him at his best in TNG check out the episodes Chain of Command and The Inner Light to see a fantastic actor in action and some understanding of the character of Picard.
The Inner Light is my favorite episode of the entire series and never fails to bring me to tears. It is indeed a worthy watch and is a stand alone episode... not requiring any knowledge of the show up to that point.
The sad part about this is that Stewart himself apparently did not respect Picard all that much, at least not as the character he was in the show. He seemed to be more interested in an action hero type captain, as shown in the later movies.
@@mithroch This was TNGs equivalent of the TOS episode City on the edge of forever. Both were Hugo Award winners for Star Trek.
Scotty, Bones, and Spock make a appearance in The next Generation series. There are scenes in the episode Unification where Spock has conversations with Data if your interested in those characters parallels coming together.
If you ask me they would have made this movie about 30% better. Spock and Mccoy should have been there at the beginning. I think in one version they were, but Nimoy felt his character was underserved and not important to the plot so he said no.
@@tbirdguy1 In Star Trek V, after Spock rescues Kirk while rock climbing, Kirk tells Spock and McCoy that he knew wouldn’t die just then because he always knew he’d die alone. Nice call back, actually.
I don't know if you're aware of it, or not, but there is a Next Generation episode which crosses over with the Original Series episode, The Trouble With Tribbles. Since you enjoyed seeing both generations interact, you might want to check it out.
It's DS9 not next gen that had the crossover
Sorry, the Tribble episode was for ST: DS9.
My issue is the Transparent aluminum windows shattering when the saucer crash lands. I know they did it for effect but , please.
For the next episode (First Contact), you should watch some key episodes from the show to understand the plot better.
Namely, "Q Who" and "The Best of Both Worlds, Part I - II"
Witchout them, you won't really understand the whole climax of the movie.
DS9's The Way of the Warrior for Worf's important subplot too. And The Original Series episode Metamorphosis contains important backstory as well. The movies get increasingly lore, but not Lore, heavy after this one.
The saucer Seperation happened on more than one occasion during the show. Generally to send non-combatants to safety in the saucer, with the other part going to battle. Both Encounter at Farpoint and Best of Both Worlds featured it.
The one thing that kinda bugged me about Kirk's death was that he didn't die alone like he said he thought he would in earlier movies.
If by "alone" he meant without Spock and Bones with him, his bestest friends, then it still fits.
@@mattschliemann9683 It bugged me too but you make a good point that I never thought of.
There is a very practical reason they didn't have Sulu aboard and it's because they would have wanted to put the Excelsior by the B, which is Excelsior Class.
The FX team actually disassembled the Excelsior and refit it to make the B... which is actually the USS Hood with a slight repaint.
If you're moving to First Contact you could do worse than look beforehand to the TV series for "Q Who" and "The Best of Both Worlds" pts 1 & 2. Whilst you're at it you can catch the episode "Family" as well which aside from lending itself to this movie also has repercussions on the latter episodes and First Contact.
Leonard Nimoy does actually reprise his role as Mr. Spock in the series, but the episodes he's in require a lot of context from other episodes. DeForest Kelley also makes a small cameo as Bones in the first episode, and James Doohan's Scotty has an episode as well where he tries to help the new Enterprise only to find that the technology has far outpaced him. Overall TNG is very different from its predecessor but I do recommend watching an episode or two if you have the time.
I think you have all the episode reading for First Contact, which is the best and last worth while watching Next Generation movies. Can’t wait for that reaction/review.
I love Kirk’s death in this movie: He died a hero and we got to hear his own thoughts about who he was while in the Nexus. I also love that he mentioned Spock which would not have been nothing to Picard as [SPOILER ALERT for the TV series] he mind melded with both Spock and his father, Sarek, in the TV series; also spoiler for TV, Kirk is not the only one from the original series to have escaped death to reappear 70 some years later as Mr. Scott also appeared in the series in a great episode.
If you visit the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada just north of Las Vegas you can climb the ridge where Soran's Rocket was and they have preserved part of the Catwalk where Kirk Died! .... Very Cool!
Great react as always… keep’em coming!
Dude, Shatner is a BIG horse aficionado. He owned MANY horses. Those horses in the film were HIS horses, and that was no stuntman.
Just in case you missed John's comment, allow me to reiterate what he said:
Just wanted to add my two cents… a couple of hours spent on “Q Who” and “Best Of Both Worlds” (both parts) will REALLY make the viewing experience for “First Contact “ (which I think is THE best Star Trek film) a MUCH richer experience. Those episodes are also cinematic in scope… so you’ll enjoy them a lot, as well. Always enjoy your reactions! Cheers!
Interesting Fact ---- The Actress at 6:20 (in the Video) that talks about the Lakul's Hull Integrity is the Same Actress that played the character 'Vasquez' in the 1986 James Cameron Movie "ALIENS". Her name is Jenette Goldstein.
30:47 If Soran had been fleshed out more, he would have been a wholly sympathetic character, and the writers couldn't risk that happening...
Two points of trivia:
That was Shatner on the horse the whole time, he is an accomplished equestrian and horsebreeder...
The crash sequence of the saucer impacting, was a 100% practical effect, with both a model of the saucer, ramming into a model of the terrain...
Another great review 👍👍👍👍
18:00 "I love this explosion".
Yeah, and you've seen it before. The internal and external explosions are all scenes taken directly from Star Trek VI.
18:00 - The explosion was (sadly) re-used from "Star Trek 6 - The Undiscovered Country", but it's still a great one. :)
The next movie "First Contact" is probably the best of all the Next Generation movies. For the connection between the original series characters (as played by their original actors) and TNG: Dr. McCoy makes a very brief cameo appearance in the first episode of TNG. Other original cast play important main roles in the following TNG episodes, I will not spoil them for you if you choose to watch or read about them:
UNIFICATION (Season 5) and RELICS (season 6) .
Agreed about First Contact. The others were entertaining, but while they're worth watching, they're not as worthy of 're-watching' over and over. I may have only seen Nemesis once or twice. My least favorite.
A couple of the original Star Trek characters show up in various TNG episodes.. Deforest Kelly I think in Episode 1 Encounter at Farpoint.. and then Scotty in the episode called "Relics"
This was sort of the handing of the torch to the TNG crew in the movies. The TV show TNG had 7 seasons when this movie came out I believe had concluded actually.. so everyone was pretty familiar with the TNG crew.
I would recommend continuing to ask which TNG episodes would be good previews for the movies you plan to watch next.
Awesome....been a long wait. Really glad you are doing the next gen films
I would seriously endeavor to watch The Next Generation in its entirety on your own time. Nobody is expecting you to react to it on the channel, but you absolutely must make the time in your life to watch that show. Like I'm not even joking at all. What you will see in that show, what is written in that show, is pretty much life changing. There is so much to learn from this show and what the writers have created. Not to mention the acting and the production to bring those words to life on screen.
Seriously, even if you watch a single episode a week, dedicate the time to watch through The Next Generation. Even if it takes you a decade, it is absolutely worth it and your life will be better for it. You will be a better person for it.
As far as I can recall, there were two original crew cameos on the Next Gen. The great Leonard McCoy was in the first episode ( Farpoint) and Scotty was found in a transporter in another episode I can't remember the name right now.
Spock in unification and scotty was in relics.
A couple of key episodes I would suggest before watching Star Trek: First Contact would be Season 2 episode 16 - Q Who, and the 2 part episode called Best of Both Worlds.
Sean I've enjoyed your journey through Star Trek, you're one of the first RUclipsrs I've seen exploring this movie series. I've got a watch list for you. You mentioned Family, so I'll leave that out. You will enjoy the following episodes:
Encounter At Farpoint
Relics
Best Of Both Worlds (2 parter)
Unification (also a 2 part episode)
I know you will enjoy these, you don't necessarily need to react to them. However I'd certainly enjoy seeing your reaction. You should watch Best of Both Worlds before First Contact and should you watch the Star Trek movies with Chris Pine; I strongly urge you to watch Unification first.
Love _Generations._ For _ST: First Contact,_ _TNG_ episodes *"Q Who" S2* & *"Best Of Both Worlds" S3* are required viewing to understand the plot. The _TNG_ movies are cool spectacles but nowhere as good as the superior series. Classic episodes 💯 worth viewing:
*Cause & Effect S4*
*The Inner Light S4*
*The Next Phase S4*
*Starship Mine S6*
*Lessons S6*
*The Survivors S3*
So, in the opening action with Enterprise B you get Tim Russ A.K.A. Tukok from Voyager, Jeanette Goldstien (Aliens, T2, Titanic).
Thereis a call back Star Trek V, as Kirk knew he said he would die alone wit out Bones and Spock.
Not a spoiler, but a note for the future movies. Worf, following this movie, became a regular character on the show Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He appears in the future movies, but they always need to find a way to explain him being there. In First Contact, they rescue him from a damaged ship, the Defiant. The Defiant is a small (Approximate crew of 50) heavily armed ship that helps protect Deep Space Nine (DS9 is a Space Station) Neither DS9 or Voyager are seen in a movie ever, but some members of the crew are. Voyager's EMH (A holographic Doctor appears in First Contact, and Ethan Phillips who plays aalien crew member on Voyager is a uncredited human. The Captain of Voyager appears in the Final TNG Movie Nemesis as now promoted Admiral Janeway.
The orginal ending had Kirk getting shot in the back. After hearing back from test audiences that they felt like his death wasn't heroic enough, they quickly did a reshoot before the film's main release. Kirk made a joke on set about all those years hearing 'Captain on the Bridge' it was funny to have the bridge on the Captain.
McCoy appears as a very old man in the first season of Star Trek TNG. Scotty had an episode in TNG where he was found in a crashed ship where he had rigged a transporter to serve as kind of a hibernation chamber and is alive in the TNG time. Vukcans live much longer than humans so Spock had a multiple episode run in TNG where he was working to make peace with the Romulans in the later seasons of TNG.
Don’t worry about The Q. They aren’t a part of the movies at all. That being said, I do believe that you should at least watch The Best of Both Worlds before watching First Contact. The synopsis is not enough.
There is a trope named after this movie called 'Dropped a bridge on him' -
_When a character is permanently written out of a show, especially killed off, in a way that is unexpectedly anti-climactic or mundane, they Dropped a Bridge on Him._
_Named for the death of Captain Kirk (William Shatner) in Star Trek: Generations, which was expected to be a key, climactic event after 30 years of adventuring. Instead, he was killed beneath a collapsed bridge in a manner typically reserved for Red Shirts._
If you want Kirk's further (non-canon, I think) story. Shatner wrote (or had ghostwritten?) a whole series of Star Trek novels with Kirk (resurrected in the book called "The Return" - and yes the ego is apparent throughout!) and Picard having adventures together in the future. They can be quite silly at times, but I enjoyed them!
17:30 According to legend, Brent Spiner adlibbed this “life forms” musical number 🤣
A very elderly Admiral McCoy saw off the Enterprise-D. Retired Commander Scott accidentally escaped death by transporter buffer. He's out there, somewhere.
A descendant of Sulu appears in an episode of ST: Voyager.
Also, Ambassador Spock lives. He's instrumental in the third Next Gen movie.
Metamoerphosis has the same character as First Contact. Amok Time and Journey To Babel feature Vulcans who make an appearance at the end.
I watch these movies as a kid, and I was able to go into this one completely blind. However since you asked what you should check out before the next one, "The Best of Both Worlds" was a two parter at Season's 3 finale and Season 4 Premier. First Contact features The Borg as the villain in the movie. Although they were featured in several episodes during The Next Generation seven seasons, the movie references heavily "The Best of Both Worlds" and it's one the best episodes of the series, so you should watch it before First Contact. And one day when you have time, you should watch all seven seasons. I just did that a couple of years ago. Although not every episode is gold (especially the first season), but most are. I had always consider myself as more of Star Wars guy, but that series was great. And I love this crew. Way better than the original crew. There is a reason why many sci-fi nerds call The Next Generation their all time favorite show.
Shatner actually owns a horse farm in Kentucky
Did anyone notice Colonial Marine PFC Vasquez manning the Com station on the Enterprise-B?
I never noticed this when I saw this movie back in the day, but someone pointed it out and now I can't un-see it. When Troi is trying to "comfort" Picard. PICARD: I can't help keep thinking about ...about all the experiences that René is not going to have. Not going to Academy, reading books and listening to music, falling in love. ...Building a life. ...Well, it's not going to happen now. TROI: I didn't realise he meant so much to you.
Seriously, OUCH. And this character is supposed to be an empath? That's an INCREDIBLY insensitive thing to say to someone who is obviously grieving the death of a family member. I wonder if Marina Sirtis objected to that line. Given some of the interviews I've heard with her, it's very possible she did object and was overruled.
William Shatner is not only the actor he is, but is also a fantastic novelist. he wrote his own sci-fi series of books, Tech War, and having read those I knew that if William ever wrote a Star Trek novel, it would be amazing. William Shatner went on to write 6 Star Trek novels, and he didn't disappoint, and only he could figure out a way to bring Kirk back from the dead after Generations, and then involve all characters from the other spinoff series: from the Next Generation, through Deep Space Nine, to Star Trek Voyager!
Don’t worry the borg bring Kirk back in his book, with the mission to kill Picard! It’s great you should read it!
There's also a running joke in the ST universe that Capt Kirk commands the bridge, in this movie, a bridge finally kills him, something to that effect.
For First Contact, watch Q-Who, Best of Both Worlds (1, and 2), Family (which is the episode right after best of bothworlds part 2) and I Borg.
CPT Harriman actually has a very interesting story. Made captain of the Enterprise-B during peace time by his admiral father, he never really took it seriously. The loss of Kirk however, changed his life. He stopped accepting favors from his father and rededicated his life to living up to Kirk's legacy and became a very accomplished and capable starship captain.
Infact, the effects for most Star Trek-Movies were done by ILM. The only exceptions were ‚The Motion Picture‘, ‚The Final Frontier‘, ‚Insurrection‘ and ‚Nemesis‘
Scotty actually appeared in an episode of The Next Generation. I believe he dies in that one.
Spock may have also appeared, Vulkans are long lived.
The rest didn't appear I think.
This movie came out almost immediately after the end of the series so that is why everyone is pretty comfortable, even the production value is fairly in line with the show. The next movies had more time in-between they also have better budgets.
Some things to brush up on:
Character relationships
The Borg (this is critical to the next movie) They are the big bad of the series.
Quick (non-spoiler for future movies) breakdown of the show:
Romulans are bad guys, think USSR vs US, cold war era.
Klingons are friendly
Vulkans are friendly.
Geordi is blind but his visor lets him see but not in the normal way we do.
Data has a twin robot brother who had the emotion chip installed from the start, he is the "evil twin" of the series.
Will Riker and Diana Troy have been in a relationship.
Worf has also been in a relationship with her.
Beverly Crusher's husband died (before the series started, I think) she and Jean Luc knew each other before then. They have a little sexual tenson here and there in the series. She also has a son named Wesley Crusher, not sure if he appears in any of the movies.
Gianan is a mysterious being and has some connection to Q, but she's typically the sageful bartender
Q is the omnipotent being as you mentioned and has an unusual interest in Picard.
The Galaxy is in quadrants, The Alpha is where the federation exists and the other places are too far to get to but the Borg come from Delta (I think). Q in an episode "threw" the enterprise to that quadrant where they encountered the Borg, then pulled them back, so there has been this looming threat on the horizon.
The Borg are a machine mind, that conquers worlds, and augments the people it doesn't kill to be more of the Borg, thus "assimilating them into their own"
Picard was abducted by the Borg and turned into one, then he was rescued and brought back and reverted.
Picard is famous / infamous among major powers in the Alpha quadrant.
The cabin where Picard finds Kirk is actually close to the spot where William Shatner has a ranch.
You made multiple comments about Picard and his views on family, and I couldn't help but think of the episode *The Inner Light* that many consider one of the best (if not the best) episodes.
If you decide to watch any episodes, consider it. Doesn't require any knowledge going in, and doesn't have major impacts moving forward, but is excellent and may be the most emotional episode and reading about it would be a disservice.
If you're sad about Kirk, you can read the Star Trek novels by Shatner and the Reeves-Stevens'. There's one set between 6 and the 23rd century section of this film, then 8 more with Kirk's adventures in the 24th century having pulled a Spock and come back (no mention if he saw the black mountain or space koala).
As for the other TOS crew being "dead and gone" by 2371...see the aforementioned Shatner novels, Encounter at Farpoint, Relics, Unification, 2009, the New Frontier novels, a DS9 novel the name of which I can't remember in which Doctor Bashir encounters an oddly familiar character, the Tim Russ fan films...
For the next Star Trek film, you only to be watch the Borg theme episodes like
1. Q Who
2. The Best of Both Worlds two parters
2a. Family (aftermath of the TBoBW)
3. I Borg
4. The Descent two parters.
I'm surprised you didn't do actual reaction videos for some of the great TNG episodes, I would think the views would be notable for such loved episodes. I also think the most emotional powerhouse episode of the series was a stand alone gem called The Inner Light. Of course that needs to be seen and not have its great twist spoiled by a synopsis.
@Shan Watches Movies
Kirk was right when he told Spock and McCoy in Star Trek V "I've always known I'll die alone."
The stuff with the horses was one of Shatner's conditions for appearing in the movie. They were his horses and he charged the production for their use.
So just to clarify. At the time of this movie in the Star Trek timeline. Scotty was still alive as he was suspended in the transporter of a ship and appeared in one episode of TNG. Spock is still alive until the events following the last TNG movie Nemesis. Admiral Leonard McCoy also appeared in the first episode of TNG encounter at Farpoint.
"Captain of the Enterprise, huh?"
"That's right."
"Close to retirement?"
"I'm not planning on it."
"Well let me tell you something. Don't! Don't let them promote you. Don't let them transfer you. Don't let them do ANYTHING that takes you off the bridge of that ship, because while you're there... you can make a difference."
"Come back with me. Help me stop Soran. Help make a difference again!"
"Who am I to argue with the captain of the Enterprise? What's the name of that planet? Veridian III?"
"That's right."
"I take it the odds are against us and the situation is grim?"
"You could say that."
"You know if Spock were here, he'd say I was an irrational, illogical human being for going on a mission like that. ...Sounds like fun!"
Fun Fact: The horse that William Shatner rides is his, as are the house and farm where the sequence takes place.
Captain's Chair Fact: William Shatner has stated that his line "Who am I to argue with the Captain of the Enterprise?" was the hardest line he ever had to deliver.
Lady Washington Fact: In the holodeck scene, Troi (Marina Sirtis) hands over the sailing ship's helm to an elderly man. In real life, this man is the REAL captain of the sailing ship Lady Washington at the time. The ship itself is owned by Grays Harbor Historical Seaport in Aberdeen, Washington. The same ship also portrayed the Interceptor in Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl (2003).
The next movie is great Shan! You'll definitely need to do a little reading up on that one as well, but that one has a tiny little tie-in with this one though. That's all I'll say.
The ship separated twice during the show. One time was during the pilot episode
6:44 Watch for the number 47 in the TNG films! It occurs far more often than coincidence because several of the TNG series writers had it as a favorite number and Gene Roddenberry liked it, so it just stuck and stayed through the show the movies and the DS9, Voyager, and Enterprise series, as a nod to those who came before.
Star Trek TNG is well worth watching. The series overall is good as is most of the characters but DATA is one of the fan favorites. In many ways he is the viewer of the shows arc. Brent Spiner did an amazing job. I urge you to watch it.
Regarding the music: The ironic thing here is that Jerry Goldsmith's theme for _The Motion Picture_ became the theme for _The Next Generation,_ so it ended up being replayed several hundred times over those 7 years, in several variant performances. But the first movie about the _TNG_ crew didn't use it. That said, Dennis McCarthy did compose the music for 88 episodes of _TNG,_ so it made sense to bring him on.