Saw the film in a theater back in January 1980, and thought it was the most spectacular thing I’d ever seen on a screen. I was 9 years old at the time.
I actually saw the movie in the theatre: I was 16. I remember a scream that sounded like it was made by vocal anatomy that was distorted, and continuing to be distorted. A truly horrific realization for me, and the rest of the audience.
I saw this as a young kid going through my Dad’s VHS collection from the 90s 😂. I loved this film back then even, but that damn scream from the transporter malfunction scene scared the hell out of me.
I saw this in the theater in 1979 and the sound and effects on the huge screen really sucked you into that world. While a common complaint today, the ship introduction scene was not overly long to us at the time. We had watched low budget dated effects on a 19 inch television for 10 years and we were excited to see it in big budget effects for the first time. 😉
I love that long flyby of the Enterprise with Kirk and Scotty. In fact, it's on right now. I've probably watched that scene a hundred times. Because of the visuals, the Enterprise, Kirk and Scotty but also the glorious music by Goldsmith.
Let's be honest. The long, lingering shots of the new Enterprise were meant to be a gift to the fans of the original show. Who cares if critics thought it was too long and ponderous. Trek fans wanted and needed this. We've all seen the old ship a thousand times but this was to be our first look at the new design and it did not disappoint. The changes are significant and cohesive to the overall aesthetic of the new design philosophy and it has gorgeous sight lines from every angle. This is by far my favourite Enterprise of them all.
Even if people aren't grabbed by the beautiful visuals, .. the scene still gives the viewer more time to take in the amazing Jerry Goldsmith score. It's like watching Kirk appreciating a beautiful woman, and the movie wants you to be right there with him. It's perfect, and one of the things that comes to mind first when thinking about the movie. I've always loved it .. Even as a little kid. I don't understand people at all. I'm also not a Trekie who cared about the television show, so I had no real feeling about The Enterprise one way or the other.
I saw TMP in a top notch theater by UCLA in 1979 where the sound was turned up and the speakers were the best made and I tell you it blew my socks off. No home setup will ever do that movie justice. This may qualify as the inside baseball trivia you dislike but Capt. Decker was the son of Commodore Decker the Star Fleet officer who killed himself trying to destroy The Planet Killer in the old Trek episode The Doomsday Machine. When young Decker chose to join with VGER and to die doing it fans nodded their heads. A family tradition! The scream and the tear are old. You saw them before.
Haha, yes, when I reviewed the movie the first time, I mentioned that the name seemed an interesting choice, as it brought Commodore Decker to mind. I immediately had several people inform me that it was intentional. :) I approve of that trivia, as I think it fits right in with the script.
@@Weiselberry Father and son in my favourite movie and favourite episode of the TV series! Regarding the Kirk and Scotty tour of the Enterprise: that was clearly a love letter to the fans. Necessary? NO. Iconic? YES!
@@spencerbookman2523 I also remember the scream, and the line at the end about what they got back. I wonder if my memories are from the version that was first broadcast on TV (ABC evening movie). Weird to think the version shown over the free airwaves might be more horrific than the theater version. Normally they cut out a lot, for content and to fit commercials.
@@spencerbookman2523 I'm wondering about that too. I read a quote from a producer of the director's edition that described what they were going for with the new scream. So something must have been added, but maybe it was supplemental audio? I'd say there are actually three screams in the scene: the one I played in the video, one that's quieter and more garbled, and one that resembles the first but fades into a pathetic howl as transmission stops. Perhaps one of those other two was added or enhanced?
Agree totally. As Jerome keeps piling on the groom/bride analogy I’m like “yep, you got it.” It extends to his usurping Dekker’s command status. Kirk is literally the guy who speaks up to stop the wedding. The Enterprise is his and he can’t/won’t give her up. Also: that four minute long gaze at the new ship was as much for us fans as it was the story. This movie arrived after a years long wait and multiple false starts. It was a reward for our holding on and staying true, Star Wars had been a huge success right away and we were still fans of a show that had been cancelled before a lot of us were even born. I remember being in the theater when people cheered at the sight of our beloved ship. You absolutely had to be there.
A late and dear friend best described this movie, doing so most succinctly. He said it has “real grandeur”. I know my friend, who was a film critic and walking encyclopedia of science fiction and horror films (which he wrote down in a book called “Keep Watching the Skies!”), would have thoroughly enjoyed this review. You’ve conveyed its grandeur with the eloquence and care we’ve come to expect of a JW deep dive review. (Love how you delve into film music. It’s such a vital element in movies.) I must say, JW, I am shocked, shocked when a person of your high intellect, boundless curiosity, and given your passion for SF, suddenly blurts out something like, “I don’t know anything about all this space stuff!”. As someone who worked on the Voyager Project, I thought I’d fill you in on a bit of Voyager “space stuff”. The milestone the Voyagers passed several years ago was that they finally crossed, after approximately 35 years of travel, the boundary between space that is directly influenced by our sun and the interstellar medium. In other words, they became interstellar spacecraft, their wanderings no longer primarily subject to the sun’s influence. And, unlike the movie, they won’t be back.
One of the reasons The Director's Cut is shorter is because they deleted the scene where Kirk puts on a spacesuit different than the one he wore later and exited the airlock. The problem with the airlock exterior scene was that the FX weren't ready in time for the 12/7/79 release date, and you could see the rafters of the studio ceiling around the set piece where the matte painting was supposed to be. Instead of giving it a CGI treatment for the Cut, though, it was decided to simply delete the scene entirely. 🖖😎👍
Actually, the CGI was used here not to simply "improve" the movie, but to "restore" the original vision not realized for lack of time and money. If you check the original sketches, you realize that the new effects matches at 100%. Also, the company in charge for the restoration was told that the new effects had to be theoretically achievable even with the 1979 technology. For sure, the new effects don't take the movie too far from the original ones, that still are astounding considering their age. Not easy to see this, but this movie, effects and budget wise, was the Seventies equivalent of Avatar.
I was staggered by those effects in 1979 even if less than perfect they may have been. Conveyed the massive scale of Veger's cloud and the ship's size. The effortless way the three Klingon ships were destroyed at the beginning was ominous.
Shatner and Nimoy were paid $200,000 each. Kelley 85,000. Jimmy Doohan 17,500. Takei, Nichols and Koenig 15000 each. I thought you might be interested by this. This is from Mark Cushman's book.
There are two "director's cuts." The first was done with Wise and a limited budget and nascent digital effects technology for DVD's native 480p resolution. When technology advanced, Paramount ordered another cut, but Wise has died, so it was performed based on his notes and the recollections of others who worked with him on the film. That's why the new UHD looks so good, as opposed to blown up, grainy footage. I remember seeing this in the theater when I was a kid and I was blown away. "The human adventure is just beginning." To this day, I love the optimism of this movie.
The first Star Trek dvd I bought was the Director's Cut. I still have it. I loved it. It removed all the things I disliked about the theatrical, cleaned up a few places, moved at least one scene around, fixed the planet Vulcan and added new effects and we finally finally got to see what V'Ger looked like. But that one looks so archaic compared to the newly restored one back in April 2022. I am not kidding when I say I have watched the new high def version about 50 times. I only wish Wise and Trumbull and Goldsmith and others were able to see it.
I was in high school when the 1st Star Trek movie came out. Yea I am old, I watched TOS as a 5 year old kid with my big brother. So after years of watching the series reruns, we Trekers where dying for new Trek. The 1st movie was a huge deal for us. We would have loved anything Trek at that point. All that said, you are so spot on on your takes on every aspect of this movie. I guess this is one of the reasons I enjoy your reviews on movies so much. For old folks like me with the world changing so fast and radically it is nice to have a connection with the younger generation through these movies. Keep up the good work! It is so enjoyed by this fan. 😊
The scream was always there. Yes, it should take 4.5 minutes for Scotty and Kirk to get to Enterprise the first time, and it's the same length it's always been. It's a beautiful scene, and Kirk falls in love with Enterprise all over again, and so does the audience.
I smiled so big when you said you are sticking to liking all six. They’re so fun. Laughed pretty hard at your observation that Kirk was gazing at Enterprise like he would a bride.
Thanks so much for the follow up review, as I only recently caught the first one and was left to my nostalic thoughts about the time my grandmother took me to the theatre to see it. This was very welcome and I appreciate your eloquent observations.
To add a bit of context to the 4 1/2 min Enterprise scene: this was the first time the ship had been seen post-Star Wars, a film that significantly raised the bar on the level of ‘realism’ you could expect from a space opera; among fans, anticipation was very high as to what The Enterprise would look like realized in the new technology, as the original show’s ability to depict the ship was very limited; the 4.5 mins were as much for the fans of TOS, many of whom, myself included, just wanted to see The Enterprise on the big screen, as it was a way to convey Kirk’s inner life and feelings about ‘his ship’…it was also ‘our ship’ and we wanted to see her given her due…
Actually, the transporter scream is in the original 1979 theatrical version. I remember hearing it in 1979 at the cinema and it's on the DVD version too. Perhaps the sound quality was improved a tiny bit.
I'm glad I wasn't just imagining that I'd heard it before. I think I saw it described as an addition on two separate sites, but I've got multiple people including yourself confirming the scream was in the original, so that information must be wrong. Either that, or I misunderstood something, which is always possible!
It and the line from spacedock have gotten dropped into the wrong audio channel in a few releases so you only hear it if you're in a 5.1 setup, but not in a normal setup. Now its just back in the right spot in the mix.
You’ve given the absolute best review of this movie I’ve ever viewed. There wasn’t one point or observation that you made that weren’t spot on. I’ve viewed many reviews of this movie over the years (I saw it upon its theatrical release) AND read the novel prior to seeing the movie (HORRORS) and you’re right. The movie removed the segments of the novel that wouldn’t have translated well to the storyline or the screen. Footnote: It makes my heart soar to see a young person being able to view this movie and really get - it. Thank you for making me feel as if a creation from a time when I was the same age (chronologically) as you. It gives me a warm feeling that some things of my time were of worth and simultaneously provides you entertainment. “These are the things that at times make life worthwhile.” Thank you. I’ve subscribed to your channel. I mean - it’s the least I could do. ⭐️🏆
The costumes in the first movie are my favorite - somewhat futuristic as many 70s sci fi film costumes attempted with a slight nod to the original series. I really like the color choices of these costumes also, pale blues, beige and a lot of white. Somewhat akin to Space 1999. The redesigned uniforms for the following movies have no relation to the tv show and are militaristic in nature perhaps more suited to the dark alternate universe Star Trek universe. I wish the costumes from the first movie had been given a longer run.
The Director's Edition is supposed to be how the film originally was to be shown, but sadly the theatrical cut was rushed and not all the effects were finished. The director Robert Wise was never satisfied with how the film was released in 1979. So back in 2001, he got the chance to "finish" his version of the film, so The Directors Edition was born.
Like your channel, "Jerome." I ran across your video on "Them" about a month ago, and I've been enjoying your videos quite a lot since. Your literacy and cinematic view 100 years into the past is impressive. This is RUclips the way it's supposed to be.
Excellent review, your phrase " walking down the aisle" was totally off the hook! Your wit is extraordinary. So glad to support your Channel, money well spent.
The commander of the monitoring station in the beginning was played by David Gautreaux, who was originally set to play Xon, Spock's replacement, in the aborted Star Trek Phase II series.
Thanks for posting this revisited review. STMP has had SO many iterations over the years, there's no lack of material to weigh in on. Comparing & contrasting this film could become a full time occupation! 😁 Ironically, since I never considered myself THAT much of a Trek fan, I own every version of this film... from the Theatrical release on Laserdisc, through the "Extended (TV)" version and Robert Wise's turn of the century "Director's Cut" DVD to the latest 4K iteration. The one thing they ALL have in common is that they strike me as the LEAST 'Star Trek' title in the entire franchise. It's more along the lines of an old-Hollywood blockbuster "Road Picture" like Lawrence of Arabia, How the West Was Won or 2001 - than product derived from a weekly TV series. From the overture to the pacing to the focus on 'spectacle' over plot or pacing, STMP is in a category of its own among Star Trek titles - only approached by 'The Cage' in its 'big-concepts over action' approach. I enjoy each version of this film for its own charms. From the under-the-gun make-do approach of the original theatrical release (down to its use of stock sfx instead of the classic Trek sfx brought back for the DVD release) to the unfinished-sets & cutting-room-floor character interaction scenes thrown into the 'extended' TV version, each version makes for a fascinating watch. Still, I believe this latest version is the most watchable.... most Star Trek.... of a plot that could easily have been ANY ponderous big-screen sci fi blockbuster 'think-piece' and just ended up dressed up in a Starfleet uniform. Thanks for revisiting this film.... although I consider the drama BEHIND the scenes far eclipses any version of this tale that could ever hit the big screen. 😎
To be fair, Robert Wise has said multiple times that the theatrical release was in fact a work print cut. He was forced to release an unfinished/ruff draft film because Paramount wanted to make a fixed deadline. So Wise didn't have time for final edits or finishing up special effects. So the enhancements are merely finishing the effects, not really the same thing as Lucas's Special Edition cuts of Star Wars.
The Moment MC coy and kirk talk in his Office, and the Black screen slides closed, is the Moment from which the "old Crew" emerges. Kirk is such a great hero in this one.
I've seen most versions of this film and the director's cut is the best, imo. Small trims in scenes can greatly affect how a conversation plays, if a scene feels tightly plotted, affect humor, and more. Each of the 4 main characters' stories/emotional arcs (Kirk, Spock, Decker and Ilia/V'ger) unfold better in this version.
I watched this Movie here in England in 1979 with my Sister, I was 10 at the time. The cinema is now gone and a gym takes it place. I was blown away by TMP and it's still my favourite to this day.
I saw TMP on the big screen and when we saw the Enterprise for the first time there were gasps in the audience and one individual said out loud "There she is!!!". It was a powerful moment for sure!
This is great! You've instantly become one of my favorite RUclipsrs! Star Trek I-VI are also my favorite movies. They're all different, but they're all enjoyable (even V!). I agree with you on film preservation too. I prefer the original version be available. As long as they offer the original, I don't mind other versions being available, but it's frustrating when companies refuse to release a version that people have watched for years (looking at you Star Wars)! For TMP, the versions people know the best are "The Special Longer version" that was released on VHS and then the Director's Edition from the 2001 DVD as they didn't release the theatrical or special version on DVD then. It wasn't until the Blu-Ray releases that the theatrical version was widely available. I agree though, changing something years later can really alter the experience from what people originally had.
Saw this movie as a teenager in the theaters. Loved it then, love it now. I agree with your review especially the length of certain sequences. Thanks for covering Star Trek and Kaiju films.
Despite the fact that my friends and I keep joking about the lengthy scenes of *looking at spaceships*, I must admit that I quite like the film and the directors edition has only cemented that for me. It sometimes feels like an extended Star Trek TOS episode, but I do enjoy the character arcs that it gives to both Kirk and Spock, the more cerebral aspects of the story fascinate me and the filmmaking at display can be awe-inspiring. Really enjoyed your review btw
Jerome, your ST reviews speak directly to my heart--thank you! ♥ And I enjoy this version as well. Especially with the cleaner & updated visuals. I'll be honest that I feel the long, slow introduction of the Enterprise is better here. It is sad that this movie stands on its own, and the rest of the movie series doesn't really needs this one. The series "production values" gets rebooted with Wrath of Khan.
I saw this opening day, 1979. I was ten. It was unlike the series in many ways and when the show was over and people were filing out the thing most were complaining about was the 'religious' fly-around of the "Enterprise". It took me a few years to warm up to the film and I enjoy it now.
This is a great commentary on an unappreciated movie. You got the "The Changeling" reference absolutely right, and I rarely see anyone draw that derivation. This movie is excellent science fiction. Well done ma'am.
You did an amazing job on this review. I saw this in the theater and was a bit disappointed at first. I felt the same way you did on the characters not having that chemistry in the first part. I have watched it enough now to appreciate the story and it does help up setup The Wrath of Khan.
Wow, I'm a recent new fan Jerome and love your analysis of films. I saw STTMP in a New York City theater with my mom when it came out in 1979. I appreciate your recap and analysis, and like others have mentioned, the scream and tear were always there as far back as I can remember. What wasn't was Kirk's spacewalk. Anyway, please keep posting videos! I like that you like all the movies, including Star Trek V, which I also saw in a theater (while in college) and was very disappointed by at the time. But, I've watched it countless times, love the soundtrack, and can't discount it from this lineup of incredible iconic science fiction films. Thanks for having an open mind and watching the movies!
I saw this last month at a very awesome independent local theatre in my hometown. As one of my favourite Star Trek movies, it was epic. They also showed Wrath of Kahn, and 2 weeks before showed all three original Star Wars movies in the same weekend. It was a great month to be a Sci Fi fan.
I’m in agreement with you, I enjoyed all six of the original films. The Motion Picture is my favorite in the series as it sticks to the sci fi roots of the original series. The Final Frontier arguably had some of the best chemistry between Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. I really dig this 4K scan, but I agree with the changes being distracting. I miss the droning red alert horn on the enterprise that used to scare me as a kid. Jerry Goldsmith’s score has aged like wine.
Goldsmith doesnt give a nod to Alexander Courage, he actually hired him to rearrange the TOS themes throughout the movie. Most people dont understand that Courage was the John Williams of the fifties and sixties. All great modern movie composers looked up to him, even Williams himself. Goldsmith was originally slated to do the theme music for the original series in the sixties by Roddenberry, but Goldsmith had prior commitments.
I totally agree they should leave most things alone. At some point it's just too much and they've changed the film. Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work 👍👍
I was not even aware there was a Director's cut. The motion picture was a smart movie, it received a lot of criticism at the time because the story was considered dull and it failed to make the money SW did, but I enjoyed it. I was 6 so obviously too young to see it at the theatre but on VHS (you're too young to remember!) and TV. The models are outstanding, Goldsmith's music score is great. Yes, the costumes are dated but this was 1970s fashion (same as in Space: 1999, the TV series)! Please can you review more Gen X movies, Legend etc....
Strange thing about Spock's tear. It was not in the original release. It was in the television version, but, before there was a television version, it was also in the MAD Magazine parody. I suspect that the artist's at MAD were allowed to see a special cut of the movie before the final edit made it to the theater, but that is just my theory. One thing I can say about the Director's Cut is that, unlike the movie, it keeps one awake.
Blaster beam! Yeah, it is fun to say. And it’s a gigantic musical instrument, it’s perfectly fitting for this movie. Heck, the entire soundtrack is outstanding. This new 4K director’s edition is fantastic. There aren’t many major changes, but it’s all the little edits and alternate takes that add up to tighten up the pacing and speed up the story. It no longer lags and drags. You’re also spot on about the bride/groom comparison with Kirk and Enterprise. People back in the 80s were honestly upset when the Enterprise was destroyed in Star Trek 3, and for good reason. The spaceship was a main character. Oh, and I do remember TMP receiving a G rating, although my memory may be playing tricks.
I felt like Horner did pull from Goldsmith's score where it was appropriate. The spiritual aspects of the transporter were discussed in James Blish's novel "Spock Must Die", which may have been the first original, sanctioned novel published. The question of what happens to the soul when the transporter destroys the original version of someone, copies the pattern, scrambles the molecules and then reassembles the pattern somewhere else - does the soul move or does the transporter destroy the kill the person and create a soulless golem? "Do people have souls or are we just golems? " was also discussed.
To me, the drydock sequence served three purposes: First was, yes, to show off the new Enterprise. To show her in all her refit glory, in ways they never had the budget to do so on TV. Second was to establish a sense of scale. You see how big Scott and Kirk are in the travel pod, and you see the size of the travel pod in relation to the Enterprise. Then, when the Enterprise is little more than a speck travelling over the surface of V'Ger, it establishes just how goddamn big it is and how much of a threat it is. Third, and you kind of touched on this, is Kirk's reaction to seeing the ship. And in this context, the loving gazes do call back to his stated relationship with the vessel from the original series (think Kirk's speech from THIS SIDE OF PARADISE) but it also represents what he feels to be his salvation. Being in command, being out there amongst the stars, freed from the desk job he never wanted, and this informs the underhanded methods he used to get the ship back and his conflicts with Decker which McCoy rightly calls out as an obsession. Kirk has the look of a man 3 steps away from the prison exits here. Excited, relieved, and more than a little in love with what he sees. The ship, and freedom.
I love this movie. It's my 2nd favorite official Star Trek movie. I love almost everything about it. From the aesthetic, the new and unique costumes. The protracted long shots, etc. I love a good slow burn of a movie. I saw the theatrical version on DVD when I was younger and didn't understand why so many people said they hated this movie. I saw the Directors Edition later and loved it. The only part of this movie i don't care for is the lengthy overture. I love Goldsmith's music. But I feel 4 minutes of blank screen is a bit needlessly overindulgent. Overall I give this movie a 9/10
If you're not already aware of it, the 3-cd set soundtrack for ST: TMP--DIRECTOR'S EDITION is available at La-La Land Records and I think it is 20% off now. I have the 2012 set, so I can't comment on the new set. I tried posting a link to it, but apparently links are not allowed. Also, James Horner has a cameo in THE WRATH OF KHAN at 1:19:22 elapsed time---he's wearing a red uniform with white top, he's holding a probe-type instrument and he is on the right side of the Enterprise corridor.
Hm, I don't think I've heard that trivia before. I'll have to look for him next time. BTW regarding links: the YT filter system automatically holds comments that include links for review. I almost always approve them, of course, but sometimes hours go by before I get the opportunity to check. With that said, I'm not sure what happened with your link, as it has NOT shown up in the filtered section. There may have been a glitch, which is a separate issue. Anyway, you can absolutely post a link to the soundtrack if you like.
Jerry Goldsmith was supposed to have been the composer for the original Star Trek series but by then his cinema film score career had bloomed and he become a much demanded film composer - in 1966 he composed for both Seconds and The Sand Pebbles if i!m not mistaken - and he became too busy, so Goldsmith recomended his favorite orquestral conductor for being the composer for Star Trek. Things eventually come around with Goldsmith ending up composing for some ST movies, namely ST:TMP. Goldsmith was a big SF and fantasy fan and it seems he even worked for scale to make music scores for those genres. Jerry Goldsmith is also oniwn for his iconic scorez for teo Ridley Scott's films, Alien and Legend.
I think that no other mainstream movie in history (with the possible exception of "2001: A Space Odyssey", that was for sure a source of inspiration) conveys the same sense of exploration, of venture into the unknown like this. Science fiction at its very best.
First saw this with my Uncle and cousin in the theaters, he has long passed away RIP but I recall seeing so many iconic movies with him and my cuz like this one.
Gotta love a girl that appreciates trek. You were so on point with everything you said. You are able to take this movie for the art it was, and is, and not hastely compare it to today's, so called higher standards of film making. As slow as this movie was, I always enjoyed it, as it is epic. One of my favorite parts is the storyline of Kirk wanting badly to be the captain again, and pushing to make it happen.
I agree! I prefer the original cast movies. The Motion Picture, especially The Directors Cut, despite much criticism, is my favourite of all the movies. I like the way it looks, the refit Enterprise as well as the Enterprise A, is my favourite looking ship. And I love the outlook and message of this film. The vastness, mystery and majesty of the cosmos. Like Alice in Wonderland, it suggests that our own curiosity can lead us into trouble but also such curiosity can lead to consequences beyond our imagination. The personal journey’s and conflicts of Kirk, Spock and Decker. Then, of course, there is that amazing soundtrack that extended beyond this movie.
Great review - as usual. Probably my favorite scifi film (next to them and the original thing). Really this review would be the best fathers day gift if you were my kid. Good job and thank you!
The Enterprise reveal is lost to contemporary viewers. The context has no meaning anymore. But in 1979 fans were dying for a loving look at the Enterprise given most science fiction treat ships as disposable hardware, whereas Star Trek treated the Enterprise as a noble character unto itself.
Amazingly, Jerome, you've spoken the very same thoughts I'd had about this movie when I saw it on opening night in December 1979. Having grown up on the original series, having seen every episode at least a dozen times in the years it ran in reruns, and having loved the short-lived Saturday morning cartoon series of 1973/74, the thrill of a full theatrical release was exciting. Like you, I found the leaving drydock scenes to be overlong. In fact, the entire film felt like an extended TV plot with scenes padded out of various cast members gazing, literally, out into space. A story that could have been better told in an hour time slot of the small screen. Still, it was very cool to see a favourite show being done in a grander style. Certainly, it was well written and the Voyager tie-in was timely logic that gave us a degree of realism, bringing the Star Trek mythos as a possible future for ourselves. Not only do I agree with you about Jerry Goldsmith's score, I bought the soundtrack (as I did for many movies) and listened to it with my my bedroom lights off and my headphones on. The V-ger sound effect, I think you'll find, was created by securing a thick steel cable by both ends and striking it with a hammer or other heavy object. Like plucking a guitar string, but far thicker. The bigger the cable, the deeper the sound will be. My take on the 'stiffness' of the camaraderie between the cast members can be attributed to not having worked together since providing voices for the 1973 animated series. Even then, many of the voices were recorded separately, due to scheduling conflicts of the various actors. I think it took until the second movie before the actors felt the gelling they enjoyed during the run of the original series. Finally, favourite film series. I'd have to go with the wonderfully fun and entertaining Thin Man movies. Persis Khambatta is gorgeous without hair. 😁 The captain of the doomed Klingon ship was played by Mark Lenard, who played Spock's father in the original series. Decker was played by actor Stephen Collins who, amongst many other roles, was the star of a favourite TV series in the early 80s called Tales of the Gold Monkey - kind of an Indiana Jones meets 1930s south Pacific aviator/adventurer. The show was kind of goofy, but was just like a 1930s newspaper comic adventure strip come to life, right from the pen of the great Milton Caniff. Sorry my response is lengthy, but you've inspired me to voice my thoughts 😊😁♥
Hello. Not sure how the algorithm brought me to your channel, but I'm glad it has. I usually don't watch too many "old" or classic movies, but my interest was piqued with this video because I have actually seen this film! I saw it in the theater as a very little boy in 1979, and have watched it a few times on cable over the years. I guess I don't know which version those were. I'm glad you appreciated this movie despite it being a lot slower paced than most Trek stuff. It's funny you mention Spock smiling in the film because in the newest ST series, Strange New Worlds, he smiled in a scene and it threw everyone off (the crew). It was very notable to them. It was a funny moment. I don't know if you keep up with current Trek or not. Anyway, that's all I had to say on it. I like your videos even though I have rarely seen any of the films!
@@kevinogracia1615 Liking every Trek movie is a pretty rare take. I believe the remaining odd numbered ones are that ones she hasn't already done a video on.
Check out the playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLgzy2Zy55qWdzJTHINdxkTVkvQytRaHBQ I've reviewed all 6, some of them more than once. As far as that goes, my first review of III (which I now regret sandwiching in with IV) differs quite a bit from my second review of it.
@@Weiselberry Thanks for the playlist. That's what I get for commenting without looking at the video description. One of the great things about movies is that you can return to them later and have a completely different experience. They never change, but you do.
@@Welles009 That's okay! I know a lot of people don't see the description. So true! I love revisiting a movie and discovering a bunch of things I wasn't able to appreciate before.
Great review! Thanks for more love for the soundtrack. The blaster beam is creepy and I read it was created by the guy who played one of the annoying kids in the TOS episode "And the Children Shall Lead." While I do like the director's cut more as a whole I do miss the annoying red alert voice and seeing Vulcan with moon in the 1979 release. God, I sound nerdy.
Dear Ms. Weiselberry, Another great analysis! I saw ST-TMP when it was first released (so long ago; sigh) and as I recall, the Scream was part of the transporter accident then. I also recall that the TV version had a brief scene or two added that provided more information about Lt. Ilia. So many versions. As for novelizations, I have read that they sometimes reflect early drafts of a script, so the book is ready at the same time as the movie. Since the novel is credited to Gene Roddenberry, that may not be the case here, though. Maybe the novelization preserves some of what would have unfolded if the "Star Trek Phase II" TV series had happened. "Dif-tor heh smushma" ("Live Long and Prosper")!
11:48 "Quite frankly-this is going to put some people off, and I'm sorry, but-I do find it irritating when someone acts like you should know a fact about a movie and then says, 'It's in the novelization.'" As someone who loves to read the novelizations of movies, and someone who has read _this_ novelization, I agree that what's on the screen trumps what's in the book. This particular movie is an odd case, though. The novelization was written by Alan Dean Foster, but he also got a story credit for the movie after writing the treatment. He didn't write the screenplay, however. That was Harold Livingston. The detail of who the woman was who was melted by the transporter malfunction would be in the screenplay, but since novelizations are based on screenplays and concept art, there is no way to know where the idea originated. Maybe it's best to give it the authority of a deleted scene, i.e. not much. It's a good novelization, by the way. Alan Dean Foster tells the story from the viewpoint of Captain Kirk, and his inner monologue is a fun read.
Hi Jerome! Greetings from a new fan and subscriber to your channel. Excellent review of the TMP Director's Cut review! I have always loved TMP, and the 4K version of the Director's Cut makes it even better. While some of the changes are obvious - e.g., the new shot of the Enterprise dropping out of warp after destroying the asteroid - there many subtle changes. For example, did you notice the audio enhancements, such as the communication between Epsilon IX and the U.S.S. Columbia? You can actually understand what they're saying now! Star Trek II is still my favorite ST movie - in fact, it's my favorite movie of *all time* - but I will always enjoy TMP. FWIW, I have 2 recommendations for you: 1. The J.J. Abrams ST movies. I'll never forget seeing Star Trek 2009 for the first time, on an IMAX screen, and seeing the U.S.S. Kelvin glide overhead with the bridge background noise. For me, it was the equivalent of what audiences must have experienced when Tantive IV and the Star Destroyer flew over the screen in 1977 (I was only 6 months old at the time, so I wasn't able to experience that!). 2. Picard Season 3. I'm not sure how much of a TNG fan you are, but Season 3 of Picard is simply masterful. Patrick Stewart is at the top of his game, the whole cast is back - and is joined by an iconic, unforgettable new character, Captain Liam Shaw, played by Todd Stashwick - and a fantastic new villain played by Amanda Plummer. Live long and prosper! 🖖
I'm a Star Trek fan since watching reruns in the 70s and I don't even consider the TOS films my favorite series. But I'm happy that you really enjoy them all! That's quite a thing. For me, the original theatrical cut is my go to. It's my favorite Trek film. It's not the best, but it's my favorite. The DC is decent, but some things that I didn't care for were some sound VX changes and throwing in some scenes that we saw with the TV broadcast. The music and VFX really brought Trek to the big screen. Watching our heroes for the first time on the big screen was amazing and the Enterprise has never looked more lovely. I actually never got tired of it. It truly made her a character in the show. The scream was always in the film. It wasn't added and it did enhance the horror. Spock crying scene wasn't in the OG. Fun review! I like your analysis of the plot and Spock's parallel quest. I liked that when we pick up with our characters they really have parted ways but then come back by the end and it really felt like the end of an episode on the bridge, all laughing and getting along.
I saw "Star Trek The Motion Picture" in the theater back in 1979. I also saw the Director's Edition Restoration in 4K in the theater. The later was SOOOOOOOO much better than the original(and I liked the original). It also vastly improved the first Director's Edition attempt released. I own the 4K Blu-Ray of it, as well as a digital copy.
I have not seen a director's edition of a film that improves it so much. I am not kidding when I say I have seen this 4k Director's Edition about 40 times since it came out last year.
Horner did make references to Goldsmith's original score. Kahn's motif has a similarity of Goldsmith's fast, percussive action writing (and a bit of his Klingon theme) and Horner's main theme has a structure not too dissimilar from Goldsmith's main theme.
I remember waiting along with my Navy buddy for this 1st Star Trek movie to come out for forever. Finally after getting out saw it back home. I liked it !!
As usual, a great video from Jerome Weiselberry and on ST: TMP. again! Back in 1979, I've not seen Star Wars but I knew about it as well as Alien and The Black Hole. Then one day, Star Trek came out. Time magazine came out with a dreadful review which I read 3 or more times comparing it to Star Wars, but that didn't stop me. The rated G did have me wonder but when I did see it, I understood. Just damns and hells, poor Chekov getting shocked and burned and of course the transporter accident. Those screams were there in the original but I'm sure they are more pronounced in the newer version. I loved it, and yes the 4 and a half minutes was a little too long and the Veger exploration was longer but still just nit picks not an arghhh out of me. As you said about different versions, my feelings are mixed. What they did with ST seemed OK. Reminds me of the movie ET, when the kids on their bikes are being chased by the government officials, they had their guns out. In the newer version, those guns are CGIed over with walkie talkies and Elliot's blah blah breath insult was replaced with something else. That discussion is still going on, the most recent is 20th Century Fox, now Disney with the movie The French Connection. Oh and with the Jerry Goldsmith music, he had some trouble with it. At first it sounded a little different and it shows. The music sounded like a sea ship type of thing. I don't know the right way to say it, but the music sounded like they were doing Moby Dick and they had an extra with both scores. Sorry for the long writing. Again, your video is top notch. Now if only you would watch The Sand Pebbles, another excellent Robert Wise/Jerry Goldsmith collaboration with Steve McQueen, Candice Bergen, Richard Crenna, Sir. Richard Attenborough, Simon Oakland, and Mako as bonuses. Thank you and Happy Father's Day to your dad.
The milestone that both Voyager spacecraft have done was being the first manmade crafts to exit the Heliopause, the area where the solar winds end, and have entered the interstellar medium. They have yet to exit the Solar System as they still have a long way to go before that.
If I remember right, werent the "screams" already in the original release? Also it would have been nice if they kept the traveling longer across V'ger in. It gave it a sense of scale as to how huge the vessel was 😊
Yes, it does appear to be the general consensus that the scream I played was in the theatrical release, although there's some difference of opinion as to whether or not it (or one of the other screams) was digitally augmented. This is turning out to be even more confusing than I thought! As for Spock's tear... I'm getting different reports on that too. :)
@@JGG1701 Yes, according to a number of people, the tear was always there, so I don't know what happened with me. Either I saw it and forgot, or I didn't fully register what I was witnessing.
Not a space movie fan, so i have no opinions to offer, but I always find your reviews insightful and learn something. I did not know Robert Wise directed a Star Trek film. Is there a film genre he couldn't direct? Happy Father's Day to your Dad. Hope he is recovering from his injury!
Good point about director's cut explaining things better. I agree with you about something has to be in the movie. Voyager I had recently sent back spectacular pictures of the Jovian system. It also had the famed record with sounds and symbols, a message to any alien civlization that might come across it. It was a big deal.
I'm with you, Weiselberry! Saw all six in the theater and enjoyed them all. Some more than others, for sure, but not once did I come away disappointed.
With the director's cut, the film took a leap up my personal listing. I appreciate little things, like minor characters being addressed by their names. These are full crew members, not throw-away characters, even if they're only on screen for a few seconds. This edit connects cause and effects better than the theatrical cut by bringing small events closer together. But the one thing I love about the film is it's a unique part of the Trek filmography. It's not an action film; it's something closer to the original _Solaris,_ more of an art piece than a blockbuster. We're unlikely to see its like again
I'm so old that I saw one Star Trek episode on it's original run on NBC. But watched the syndicated shows when it was on at supper time. Where Star Trek found it's audience. Like me. So when the Motion Picture was released. Of course I had to go see it. On one hand. Robert Wise did make a Star Trek Science Fiction. It was great to see the gang. Then on the other hand. There was no banter between the characters. Which is what Star Trek was all about. The friendship. Yes, Star Trek V was the worst. But it's still watchable. Same with Motion Picture. Did see the TV cut on Laserdisc. Brought the first *"Director's Cuts"* Home Editions. With extra effects was put it the movie. But I didn't know about the new 2022 Director's cut. Looks like got to see that. Wrath of Khan was 100% Star Trek.
I saw the movie as soon as I could (don't get me started on Virginia's laws on film acquisition at the time; just know it didn't premiere here until a week after the national release). One reason the movie looks so good today, upgraded effects or not, is because it was shot in 70 mm, which gives it a heck of a crisper picture even taking it to 4K. If you ever watch the first film and the second film back-to-back, you'll see where it isn't as crisp (35 mm), and the bridge screen graphics weren't as good (also due to practicality - I understand the screens in TMP were projected from behind and, being quite noisy, required the crew to dub their dialogue later on). Strangely, I always liked the uniforms, especially the admiral's uniform and the white ones. I do understand they were quite impractical, though, so I get why they went to the maroon monsters in the subsequent films.
Stellar review, sister! I watched the Director’s Edition for the first time a couple of months ago. I agree with your points for the most part, especially your point about using CGI to “improve” old movies; how it can take you out of the experience. But the new CGI additions to the film don’t stand out like a sore thumb. The same can’t be said about Lucas and his endless tinkering with the original Star Wars trilogy. I feel the Motion Picture is a mixed bag overall. A little too cerebral and arty for a Star Trek film. The Wrath of Khan went back to basics and captured the tone and spirit of the original TV series. As you pointed out, the cast seemed out of character for the first half. One could argue the characters aren’t themselves because of their time apart. Interestingly, a new TV series was in the works in the mid 70s but after the success of Star Wars the producers decided to do a movie instead. You gotta love the Enterprise porn, eh? I still get euphoric tingles watching the Dry Dock scene with its rousing score and sweeping shots of the Enterprise. I wore out my vinyl copy of the soundtrack album listening to the main title as a kid. The second, third and fourth films are my faves in the franchise. The Voyage Home with its fish out of water story and environmental message was fun and engaging. Our current Orca rebellion on the high seas against pleasure boaters brings TVH to mind. Once again I’m impressed by your film knowledge and review skills. You make it look easy. Btw, we never talk about the Star Trek movie between 4 and 6. It’s sacrilege. :P
Robert Wise directed The Haunting in the mid 1960s. Goldsmith obviously took snippets (or was told to use snippets) of The Haunting's theme music and used it in ST:TMP. Give it a listen.
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Saw the film in a theater back in January 1980, and thought it was the most spectacular thing I’d ever seen on a screen. I was 9 years old at the time.
I was also 9 and thought the same thing. People today criticizing the pacing of this movie are really can't get the leap ahead for Star Trek this was.
I actually saw the movie in the theatre: I was 16. I remember a scream that sounded like it was made by vocal anatomy that was distorted, and continuing to be distorted. A truly horrific realization for me, and the rest of the audience.
I saw this as a young kid going through my Dad’s VHS collection from the 90s 😂. I loved this film back then even, but that damn scream from the transporter malfunction scene scared the hell out of me.
I saw this in the theater in 1979 and the sound and effects on the huge screen really sucked you into that world. While a common complaint today, the ship introduction scene was not overly long to us at the time. We had watched low budget dated effects on a 19 inch television for 10 years and we were excited to see it in big budget effects for the first time. 😉
I love that long flyby of the Enterprise with Kirk and Scotty. In fact, it's on right now. I've probably watched that scene a hundred times. Because of the visuals, the Enterprise, Kirk and Scotty but also the glorious music by Goldsmith.
Absolutely, the introduction to the newly improved USS ENTERPRISE was a thrill. Shot by shot.
Let's be honest. The long, lingering shots of the new Enterprise were meant to be a gift to the fans of the original show. Who cares if critics thought it was too long and ponderous. Trek fans wanted and needed this. We've all seen the old ship a thousand times but this was to be our first look at the new design and it did not disappoint. The changes are significant and cohesive to the overall aesthetic of the new design philosophy and it has gorgeous sight lines from every angle. This is by far my favourite Enterprise of them all.
Even if people aren't grabbed by the beautiful visuals, .. the scene still gives the viewer more time to take in the amazing Jerry Goldsmith score. It's like watching Kirk appreciating a beautiful woman, and the movie wants you to be right there with him. It's perfect, and one of the things that comes to mind first when thinking about the movie. I've always loved it .. Even as a little kid. I don't understand people at all. I'm also not a Trekie who cared about the television show, so I had no real feeling about The Enterprise one way or the other.
Yes, yes, that 4.5 minutes was needed in 1979. It was wonderful on the big screen.
I saw TMP in a top notch theater by UCLA in 1979 where the sound was turned up and the speakers were the best made and I tell you it blew my socks off. No home setup will ever do that movie justice. This may qualify as the inside baseball trivia you dislike but Capt. Decker was the son of Commodore Decker the Star Fleet officer who killed himself trying to destroy The Planet Killer in the old Trek episode The Doomsday Machine. When young Decker chose to join with VGER and to die doing it fans nodded their heads. A family tradition! The scream and the tear are old. You saw them before.
Haha, yes, when I reviewed the movie the first time, I mentioned that the name seemed an interesting choice, as it brought Commodore Decker to mind. I immediately had several people inform me that it was intentional. :) I approve of that trivia, as I think it fits right in with the script.
@@Weiselberry Father and son in my favourite movie and favourite episode of the TV series!
Regarding the Kirk and Scotty tour of the Enterprise: that was clearly a love letter to the fans. Necessary? NO. Iconic? YES!
Yeah, I was going to mention that I remembered a scream from the theatrical version I saw in '79, too (but perhaps they doctored it for this version?)
@@spencerbookman2523 I also remember the scream, and the line at the end about what they got back.
I wonder if my memories are from the version that was first broadcast on TV (ABC evening movie).
Weird to think the version shown over the free airwaves might be more horrific than the theater version. Normally they cut out a lot, for content and to fit commercials.
@@spencerbookman2523 I'm wondering about that too. I read a quote from a producer of the director's edition that described what they were going for with the new scream. So something must have been added, but maybe it was supplemental audio? I'd say there are actually three screams in the scene: the one I played in the video, one that's quieter and more garbled, and one that resembles the first but fades into a pathetic howl as transmission stops. Perhaps one of those other two was added or enhanced?
Your groom/bride comparison made me smile as it pretty much sums up Kirk’s relationship to the Enterprise.
Absolutely the Enterprise was always Kirk's true love. And this version of the ship has always been the most beautiful and my favorite.
Agree totally. As Jerome keeps piling on the groom/bride analogy I’m like “yep, you got it.” It extends to his usurping Dekker’s command status. Kirk is literally the guy who speaks up to stop the wedding. The Enterprise is his and he can’t/won’t give her up.
Also: that four minute long gaze at the new ship was as much for us fans as it was the story. This movie arrived after a years long wait and multiple false starts. It was a reward for our holding on and staying true, Star Wars had been a huge success right away and we were still fans of a show that had been cancelled before a lot of us were even born. I remember being in the theater when people cheered at the sight of our beloved ship. You absolutely had to be there.
A late and dear friend best described this movie, doing so most succinctly. He said it has “real grandeur”. I know my friend, who was a film critic and walking encyclopedia of science fiction and horror films (which he wrote down in a book called “Keep Watching the Skies!”), would have thoroughly enjoyed this review. You’ve conveyed its grandeur with the eloquence and care we’ve come to expect of a JW deep dive review. (Love how you delve into film music. It’s such a vital element in movies.)
I must say, JW, I am shocked, shocked when a person of your high intellect, boundless curiosity, and given your passion for SF, suddenly blurts out something like, “I don’t know anything about all this space stuff!”. As someone who worked on the Voyager Project, I thought I’d fill you in on a bit of Voyager “space stuff”. The milestone the Voyagers passed several years ago was that they finally crossed, after approximately 35 years of travel, the boundary between space that is directly influenced by our sun and the interstellar medium. In other words, they became interstellar spacecraft, their wanderings no longer primarily subject to the sun’s influence. And, unlike the movie, they won’t be back.
One of the reasons The Director's Cut is shorter is because they deleted the scene where Kirk puts on a spacesuit different than the one he wore later and exited the airlock. The problem with the airlock exterior scene was that the FX weren't ready in time for the 12/7/79 release date, and you could see the rafters of the studio ceiling around the set piece where the matte painting was supposed to be. Instead of giving it a CGI treatment for the Cut, though, it was decided to simply delete the scene entirely. 🖖😎👍
Actually, the CGI was used here not to simply "improve" the movie, but to "restore" the original vision not realized for lack of time and money. If you check the original sketches, you realize that the new effects matches at 100%. Also, the company in charge for the restoration was told that the new effects had to be theoretically achievable even with the 1979 technology.
For sure, the new effects don't take the movie too far from the original ones, that still are astounding considering their age. Not easy to see this, but this movie, effects and budget wise, was the Seventies equivalent of Avatar.
I was staggered by those effects in 1979 even if less than perfect they may have been. Conveyed the massive scale of Veger's cloud and the ship's size. The effortless way the three Klingon ships were destroyed at the beginning was ominous.
❤❤❤#mp4books
Shatner and Nimoy were paid $200,000 each. Kelley 85,000. Jimmy Doohan 17,500. Takei, Nichols and Koenig 15000 each. I thought you might be interested by this. This is from Mark Cushman's book.
Cushman's written a lot of books. Which one discussed the movies?
@@Welles009 Star Trek in the 1970s Volume 3 ,1978-1980
You missed one Grace Lee Whitney (yeoman Rand) got $ 1500. Mostly for the transporter scene. She wasn't pleased at getting so little.
@@jimmyrafferty6241 Thanks
There are two "director's cuts." The first was done with Wise and a limited budget and nascent digital effects technology for DVD's native 480p resolution. When technology advanced, Paramount ordered another cut, but Wise has died, so it was performed based on his notes and the recollections of others who worked with him on the film. That's why the new UHD looks so good, as opposed to blown up, grainy footage.
I remember seeing this in the theater when I was a kid and I was blown away. "The human adventure is just beginning." To this day, I love the optimism of this movie.
The first Star Trek dvd I bought was the Director's Cut. I still have it. I loved it. It removed all the things I disliked about the theatrical, cleaned up a few places, moved at least one scene around, fixed the planet Vulcan and added new effects and we finally finally got to see what V'Ger looked like. But that one looks so archaic compared to the newly restored one back in April 2022. I am not kidding when I say I have watched the new high def version about 50 times. I only wish Wise and Trumbull and Goldsmith and others were able to see it.
I was in high school when the 1st Star Trek movie came out. Yea I am old, I watched TOS as a 5 year old kid with my big brother. So after years of watching the series reruns, we Trekers where dying for new Trek. The 1st movie was a huge deal for us. We would have loved anything Trek at that point. All that said, you are so spot on on your takes on every aspect of this movie. I guess this is one of the reasons I enjoy your reviews on movies so much. For old folks like me with the world changing so fast and radically it is nice to have a connection with the younger generation through these movies. Keep up the good work! It is so enjoyed by this fan. 😊
The scream was always there. Yes, it should take 4.5 minutes for Scotty and Kirk to get to Enterprise the first time, and it's the same length it's always been. It's a beautiful scene, and Kirk falls in love with Enterprise all over again, and so does the audience.
I've always loved Goldsmith's Klingon theme from this movie. It reappears in his Next Generation scores.
And in ST III, where James Hornerf lifted it wholesome.
Yeah, TNG stole a lot from Goldsmith. Cheap!
@@trhansen3244 Stole? Goldsmith reused his own music cue when he scored the Next Gen films.
I smiled so big when you said you are sticking to liking all six. They’re so fun. Laughed pretty hard at your observation that Kirk was gazing at Enterprise like he would a bride.
Thanks so much for the follow up review, as I only recently caught the first one and was left to my nostalic thoughts about the time my grandmother took me to the theatre to see it. This was very welcome and I appreciate your eloquent observations.
Excellent review. This is one of my favorite movies of all time and you certainly did it justice. Thanks j.w., i appreciate you.
Thanks! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
To add a bit of context to the 4 1/2 min Enterprise scene: this was the first time the ship had been seen post-Star Wars, a film that significantly raised the bar on the level of ‘realism’ you could expect from a space opera; among fans, anticipation was very high as to what The Enterprise would look like realized in the new technology, as the original show’s ability to depict the ship was very limited; the 4.5 mins were as much for the fans of TOS, many of whom, myself included, just wanted to see The Enterprise on the big screen, as it was a way to convey Kirk’s inner life and feelings about ‘his ship’…it was also ‘our ship’ and we wanted to see her given her due…
Whoa! Thank you so much for this additional review!
Actually, the transporter scream is in the original 1979 theatrical version. I remember hearing it in 1979 at the cinema and it's on the DVD version too. Perhaps the sound quality was improved a tiny bit.
I'm glad I wasn't just imagining that I'd heard it before. I think I saw it described as an addition on two separate sites, but I've got multiple people including yourself confirming the scream was in the original, so that information must be wrong. Either that, or I misunderstood something, which is always possible!
I was horrified by that scream and never looked at the transporters without a bit of suspicion after that. As often is the case Bones was right!
It and the line from spacedock have gotten dropped into the wrong audio channel in a few releases so you only hear it if you're in a 5.1 setup, but not in a normal setup. Now its just back in the right spot in the mix.
Excellent! A Jerome movie review notification is a great way to end my day. Looking forward to this.
You’ve given the absolute best review of this movie I’ve ever viewed. There wasn’t one point or observation that you made that weren’t spot on. I’ve viewed many reviews of this movie over the years (I saw it upon its theatrical release) AND read the novel prior to seeing the movie (HORRORS) and you’re right. The movie removed the segments of the novel that wouldn’t have translated well to the storyline or the screen. Footnote: It makes my heart soar to see a young person being able to view this movie and really get - it. Thank you for making me feel as if a creation from a time when I was the same age (chronologically) as you. It gives me a warm feeling that some things of my time were of worth and simultaneously provides you entertainment. “These are the things that at times make life worthwhile.” Thank you. I’ve subscribed to your channel. I mean - it’s the least I could do. ⭐️🏆
Aw, thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video so much!
I'm with you, I like all the Star Trek Films! Each in their own way
Sending an early Father’s Day blessings to your dad Jerome. Now for some Star Trek analysis!
Thank you!
Saw it in the theater
The costumes in the first movie are my favorite - somewhat futuristic as many 70s sci fi film costumes attempted with a slight nod to the original series. I really like the color choices of these costumes also, pale blues, beige and a lot of white. Somewhat akin to Space 1999. The redesigned uniforms for the following movies have no relation to the tv show and are militaristic in nature perhaps more suited to the dark alternate universe Star Trek universe. I wish the costumes from the first movie had been given a longer run.
The Director's Edition is supposed to be how the film originally was to be shown, but sadly the theatrical cut was rushed and not all the effects were finished. The director Robert Wise was never satisfied with how the film was released in 1979.
So back in 2001, he got the chance to "finish" his version of the film, so The Directors Edition was born.
It was one of the first dvd's I bought and I still own it. I thought it was superb. But watching it compared to the 4k version is startling.
Like your channel, "Jerome." I ran across your video on "Them" about a month ago, and I've been enjoying your videos quite a lot since. Your literacy and cinematic view 100 years into the past is impressive.
This is RUclips the way it's supposed to be.
Thank you, Jon! I'm so glad you've been enjoying my videos!
@@Weiselberry You are welcome.
I just dropped a comment under your "Them" video with a piece of movie trivia you might like.
Excellent review, your phrase " walking down the aisle" was totally off the hook! Your wit is extraordinary. So glad to support your Channel, money well spent.
Thank you!
The commander of the monitoring station in the beginning was played by David Gautreaux, who was originally set to play Xon, Spock's replacement, in the aborted Star Trek Phase II series.
Thanks for posting this revisited review. STMP has had SO many iterations over the years, there's no lack of material to weigh in on. Comparing & contrasting this film could become a full time occupation! 😁
Ironically, since I never considered myself THAT much of a Trek fan, I own every version of this film... from the Theatrical release on Laserdisc, through the "Extended (TV)" version and Robert Wise's turn of the century "Director's Cut" DVD to the latest 4K iteration.
The one thing they ALL have in common is that they strike me as the LEAST 'Star Trek' title in the entire franchise. It's more along the lines of an old-Hollywood blockbuster "Road Picture" like Lawrence of Arabia, How the West Was Won or 2001 - than product derived from a weekly TV series. From the overture to the pacing to the focus on 'spectacle' over plot or pacing, STMP is in a category of its own among Star Trek titles - only approached by 'The Cage' in its 'big-concepts over action' approach.
I enjoy each version of this film for its own charms. From the under-the-gun make-do approach of the original theatrical release (down to its use of stock sfx instead of the classic Trek sfx brought back for the DVD release) to the unfinished-sets & cutting-room-floor character interaction scenes thrown into the 'extended' TV version, each version makes for a fascinating watch.
Still, I believe this latest version is the most watchable.... most Star Trek.... of a plot that could easily have been ANY ponderous big-screen sci fi blockbuster 'think-piece' and just ended up dressed up in a Starfleet uniform.
Thanks for revisiting this film.... although I consider the drama BEHIND the scenes far eclipses any version of this tale that could ever hit the big screen. 😎
To be fair, Robert Wise has said multiple times that the theatrical release was in fact a work print cut. He was forced to release an unfinished/ruff draft film because Paramount wanted to make a fixed deadline. So Wise didn't have time for final edits or finishing up special effects. So the enhancements are merely finishing the effects, not really the same thing as Lucas's Special Edition cuts of Star Wars.
The Moment MC coy and kirk talk in his Office, and the Black screen slides closed, is the Moment from which the "old Crew" emerges. Kirk is such a great hero in this one.
I've seen most versions of this film and the director's cut is the best, imo. Small trims in scenes can greatly affect how a conversation plays, if a scene feels tightly plotted, affect humor, and more. Each of the 4 main characters' stories/emotional arcs (Kirk, Spock, Decker and Ilia/V'ger) unfold better in this version.
It is by far the best director's cut of any movie I've seen.
I watched this Movie here in England in 1979 with my Sister, I was 10 at the time. The cinema is now gone and a gym takes it place. I was blown away by TMP and it's still my favourite to this day.
I always laugh when disco-studded "Bones" McCoy comes in complaining how he was conscripted.
I know, rite? He looks like an actual 70s draft dodger.
😅 Yeah, he was beamed straight out of Studio 54.
Disco studded? What? What? What? What? What? Disco studded!
I saw TMP on the big screen and when we saw the Enterprise for the first time there were gasps in the audience and one individual said out loud "There she is!!!". It was a powerful moment for sure!
This is great! You've instantly become one of my favorite RUclipsrs! Star Trek I-VI are also my favorite movies. They're all different, but they're all enjoyable (even V!). I agree with you on film preservation too. I prefer the original version be available. As long as they offer the original, I don't mind other versions being available, but it's frustrating when companies refuse to release a version that people have watched for years (looking at you Star Wars)! For TMP, the versions people know the best are "The Special Longer version" that was released on VHS and then the Director's Edition from the 2001 DVD as they didn't release the theatrical or special version on DVD then. It wasn't until the Blu-Ray releases that the theatrical version was widely available. I agree though, changing something years later can really alter the experience from what people originally had.
Saw this movie as a teenager in the theaters. Loved it then, love it now. I agree with your review especially the length of certain sequences. Thanks for covering Star Trek and Kaiju films.
Wow. You did an amazingly thorough job of reviewing this version of ST:TMP. I really enjoy your critique and analysis
Thanks!
Despite the fact that my friends and I keep joking about the lengthy scenes of *looking at spaceships*, I must admit that I quite like the film and the directors edition has only cemented that for me. It sometimes feels like an extended Star Trek TOS episode, but I do enjoy the character arcs that it gives to both Kirk and Spock, the more cerebral aspects of the story fascinate me and the filmmaking at display can be awe-inspiring.
Really enjoyed your review btw
Jerome, your ST reviews speak directly to my heart--thank you! ♥
And I enjoy this version as well. Especially with the cleaner & updated visuals. I'll be honest that I feel the long, slow introduction of the Enterprise is better here.
It is sad that this movie stands on its own, and the rest of the movie series doesn't really needs this one. The series "production values" gets rebooted with Wrath of Khan.
I saw this opening day, 1979. I was ten. It was unlike the series in many ways and when the show was over and people were filing out the thing most were complaining about was the 'religious' fly-around of the "Enterprise". It took me a few years to warm up to the film and I enjoy it now.
This is a great commentary on an unappreciated movie. You got the "The Changeling" reference absolutely right, and I rarely see anyone draw that derivation. This movie is excellent science fiction. Well done ma'am.
It only knows that it needs. But like so many of us, it does not know what.
You did an amazing job on this review. I saw this in the theater and was a bit disappointed at first.
I felt the same way you did on the characters not having that chemistry in the first part.
I have watched it enough now to appreciate the story and it does help up setup The Wrath of Khan.
Wow, I'm a recent new fan Jerome and love your analysis of films. I saw STTMP in a New York City theater with my mom when it came out in 1979. I appreciate your recap and analysis, and like others have mentioned, the scream and tear were always there as far back as I can remember. What wasn't was Kirk's spacewalk. Anyway, please keep posting videos! I like that you like all the movies, including Star Trek V, which I also saw in a theater (while in college) and was very disappointed by at the time. But, I've watched it countless times, love the soundtrack, and can't discount it from this lineup of incredible iconic science fiction films. Thanks for having an open mind and watching the movies!
I saw this last month at a very awesome independent local theatre in my hometown. As one of my favourite Star Trek movies, it was epic. They also showed Wrath of Kahn, and 2 weeks before showed all three original Star Wars movies in the same weekend. It was a great month to be a Sci Fi fan.
I’m in agreement with you, I enjoyed all six of the original films. The Motion Picture is my favorite in the series as it sticks to the sci fi roots of the original series. The Final Frontier arguably had some of the best chemistry between Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. I really dig this 4K scan, but I agree with the changes being distracting. I miss the droning red alert horn on the enterprise that used to scare me as a kid. Jerry Goldsmith’s score has aged like wine.
Goldsmith doesnt give a nod to Alexander Courage, he actually hired him to rearrange the TOS themes throughout the movie. Most people dont understand that Courage was the John Williams of the fifties and sixties. All great modern movie composers looked up to him, even Williams himself. Goldsmith was originally slated to do the theme music for the original series in the sixties by Roddenberry, but Goldsmith had prior commitments.
I totally agree they should leave most things alone. At some point it's just too much and they've changed the film. Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work 👍👍
I was not even aware there was a Director's cut. The motion picture was a smart movie, it received a lot of criticism at the time because the story was considered dull and it failed to make the money SW did, but I enjoyed it. I was 6 so obviously too young to see it at the theatre but on VHS (you're too young to remember!) and TV. The models are outstanding, Goldsmith's music score is great. Yes, the costumes are dated but this was 1970s fashion (same as in Space: 1999, the TV series)! Please can you review more Gen X movies, Legend etc....
Strange thing about Spock's tear. It was not in the original release. It was in the television version, but, before there was a television version, it was also in the MAD Magazine parody. I suspect that the artist's at MAD were allowed to see a special cut of the movie before the final edit made it to the theater, but that is just my theory. One thing I can say about the Director's Cut is that, unlike the movie, it keeps one awake.
I really enjoyed your review of this, Director's Edition, I'm new to your channel and have subscribed.
Thank you!
@@Weiselberry The pleasure is mine.
Excellent review! The movie has been growing on me the more i watch it.
Blaster beam! Yeah, it is fun to say. And it’s a gigantic musical instrument, it’s perfectly fitting for this movie. Heck, the entire soundtrack is outstanding.
This new 4K director’s edition is fantastic. There aren’t many major changes, but it’s all the little edits and alternate takes that add up to tighten up the pacing and speed up the story. It no longer lags and drags.
You’re also spot on about the bride/groom comparison with Kirk and Enterprise. People back in the 80s were honestly upset when the Enterprise was destroyed in Star Trek 3, and for good reason. The spaceship was a main character.
Oh, and I do remember TMP receiving a G rating, although my memory may be playing tricks.
I felt like Horner did pull from Goldsmith's score where it was appropriate.
The spiritual aspects of the transporter were discussed in James Blish's novel "Spock Must Die", which may have been the first original, sanctioned novel published. The question of what happens to the soul when the transporter destroys the original version of someone, copies the pattern, scrambles the molecules and then reassembles the pattern somewhere else - does the soul move or does the transporter destroy the kill the person and create a soulless golem?
"Do people have souls or are we just golems? " was also discussed.
To me, the drydock sequence served three purposes: First was, yes, to show off the new Enterprise. To show her in all her refit glory, in ways they never had the budget to do so on TV. Second was to establish a sense of scale. You see how big Scott and Kirk are in the travel pod, and you see the size of the travel pod in relation to the Enterprise. Then, when the Enterprise is little more than a speck travelling over the surface of V'Ger, it establishes just how goddamn big it is and how much of a threat it is. Third, and you kind of touched on this, is Kirk's reaction to seeing the ship. And in this context, the loving gazes do call back to his stated relationship with the vessel from the original series (think Kirk's speech from THIS SIDE OF PARADISE) but it also represents what he feels to be his salvation. Being in command, being out there amongst the stars, freed from the desk job he never wanted, and this informs the underhanded methods he used to get the ship back and his conflicts with Decker which McCoy rightly calls out as an obsession. Kirk has the look of a man 3 steps away from the prison exits here. Excited, relieved, and more than a little in love with what he sees. The ship, and freedom.
I love this movie. It's my 2nd favorite official Star Trek movie. I love almost everything about it. From the aesthetic, the new and unique costumes. The protracted long shots, etc. I love a good slow burn of a movie.
I saw the theatrical version on DVD when I was younger and didn't understand why so many people said they hated this movie.
I saw the Directors Edition later and loved it.
The only part of this movie i don't care for is the lengthy overture. I love Goldsmith's music. But I feel 4 minutes of blank screen is a bit needlessly overindulgent.
Overall I give this movie a 9/10
If you're not already aware of it, the 3-cd set soundtrack for ST: TMP--DIRECTOR'S EDITION is available at La-La Land Records and I think it is 20% off now. I have the 2012 set, so I can't comment on the new set. I tried posting a link to it, but apparently links are not allowed.
Also, James Horner has a cameo in THE WRATH OF KHAN at 1:19:22 elapsed time---he's wearing a red uniform with white top, he's holding a probe-type instrument and he is on the right side of the Enterprise corridor.
Hm, I don't think I've heard that trivia before. I'll have to look for him next time.
BTW regarding links: the YT filter system automatically holds comments that include links for review. I almost always approve them, of course, but sometimes hours go by before I get the opportunity to check. With that said, I'm not sure what happened with your link, as it has NOT shown up in the filtered section. There may have been a glitch, which is a separate issue. Anyway, you can absolutely post a link to the soundtrack if you like.
@@Weiselberry I posted the links and saw it post, but then it disappeared like the earlier attempts.
@@dragon-ly2xf It's not showing up anywhere on my end, unfortunately. Sorry about this.
Jerry Goldsmith was supposed to have been the composer for the original Star Trek series but by then his cinema film score career had bloomed and he become a much demanded film composer - in 1966 he composed for both Seconds and The Sand Pebbles if i!m not mistaken - and he became too busy, so Goldsmith recomended his favorite orquestral conductor for being the composer for Star Trek. Things eventually come around with Goldsmith ending up composing for some ST movies, namely ST:TMP. Goldsmith was a big SF and fantasy fan and it seems he even worked for scale to make music scores for those genres. Jerry Goldsmith is also oniwn for his iconic scorez for teo Ridley Scott's films, Alien and Legend.
I think that no other mainstream movie in history (with the possible exception of "2001: A Space Odyssey", that was for sure a source of inspiration) conveys the same sense of exploration, of venture into the unknown like this. Science fiction at its very best.
First saw this with my Uncle and cousin in the theaters, he has long passed away RIP but I recall seeing so many iconic movies with him and my cuz like this one.
Gotta love a girl that appreciates trek. You were so on point with everything you said. You are able to take this movie for the art it was, and is, and not hastely compare it to today's, so called higher standards of film making. As slow as this movie was, I always enjoyed it, as it is epic. One of my favorite parts is the storyline of Kirk wanting badly to be the captain again, and pushing to make it happen.
I agree! I prefer the original cast movies. The Motion Picture, especially The Directors Cut, despite much criticism, is my favourite of all the movies.
I like the way it looks, the refit Enterprise as well as the Enterprise A, is my favourite looking ship.
And I love the outlook and message of this film. The vastness, mystery and majesty of the cosmos. Like Alice in Wonderland, it suggests that our own curiosity can lead us into trouble but also such curiosity can lead to consequences beyond our imagination. The personal journey’s and conflicts of Kirk, Spock and Decker.
Then, of course, there is that amazing soundtrack that extended beyond this movie.
The transporter scream and spock tear was in the theatrical release in the UK.
Great review - as usual. Probably my favorite scifi film (next to them and the original thing). Really this review would be the best fathers day gift if you were my kid. Good job and thank you!
The Enterprise reveal is lost to contemporary viewers. The context has no meaning anymore. But in 1979 fans were dying for a loving look at the Enterprise given most science fiction treat ships as disposable hardware, whereas Star Trek treated the Enterprise as a noble character unto itself.
Amazingly, Jerome, you've spoken the very same thoughts I'd had about this movie when I saw it on opening night in December 1979. Having grown up on the original series, having seen every episode at least a dozen times in the years it ran in reruns, and having loved the short-lived Saturday morning cartoon series of 1973/74, the thrill of a full theatrical release was exciting.
Like you, I found the leaving drydock scenes to be overlong. In fact, the entire film felt like an extended TV plot with scenes padded out of various cast members gazing, literally, out into space. A story that could have been better told in an hour time slot of the small screen. Still, it was very cool to see a favourite show being done in a grander style. Certainly, it was well written and the Voyager tie-in was timely logic that gave us a degree of realism, bringing the Star Trek mythos as a possible future for ourselves.
Not only do I agree with you about Jerry Goldsmith's score, I bought the soundtrack (as I did for many movies) and listened to it with my my bedroom lights off and my headphones on.
The V-ger sound effect, I think you'll find, was created by securing a thick steel cable by both ends and striking it with a hammer or other heavy object. Like plucking a guitar string, but far thicker. The bigger the cable, the deeper the sound will be.
My take on the 'stiffness' of the camaraderie between the cast members can be attributed to not having worked together since providing voices for the 1973 animated series. Even then, many of the voices were recorded separately, due to scheduling conflicts of the various actors. I think it took until the second movie before the actors felt the gelling they enjoyed during the run of the original series.
Finally, favourite film series. I'd have to go with the wonderfully fun and entertaining Thin Man movies.
Persis Khambatta is gorgeous without hair. 😁 The captain of the doomed Klingon ship was played by Mark Lenard, who played Spock's father in the original series. Decker was played by actor Stephen Collins who, amongst many other roles, was the star of a favourite TV series in the early 80s called Tales of the Gold Monkey - kind of an Indiana Jones meets 1930s south Pacific aviator/adventurer. The show was kind of goofy, but was just like a 1930s newspaper comic adventure strip come to life, right from the pen of the great Milton Caniff.
Sorry my response is lengthy, but you've inspired me to voice my thoughts 😊😁♥
Hello. Not sure how the algorithm brought me to your channel, but I'm glad it has. I usually don't watch too many "old" or classic movies, but my interest was piqued with this video because I have actually seen this film! I saw it in the theater as a very little boy in 1979, and have watched it a few times on cable over the years. I guess I don't know which version those were. I'm glad you appreciated this movie despite it being a lot slower paced than most Trek stuff. It's funny you mention Spock smiling in the film because in the newest ST series, Strange New Worlds, he smiled in a scene and it threw everyone off (the crew). It was very notable to them. It was a funny moment. I don't know if you keep up with current Trek or not. Anyway, that's all I had to say on it. I like your videos even though I have rarely seen any of the films!
You realize that after that introduction, we'll all be expecting videos for each Trek movie, right? 😄
Why would you think that?
@@kevinogracia1615 Liking every Trek movie is a pretty rare take. I believe the remaining odd numbered ones are that ones she hasn't already done a video on.
Check out the playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLgzy2Zy55qWdzJTHINdxkTVkvQytRaHBQ I've reviewed all 6, some of them more than once. As far as that goes, my first review of III (which I now regret sandwiching in with IV) differs quite a bit from my second review of it.
@@Weiselberry Thanks for the playlist. That's what I get for commenting without looking at the video description.
One of the great things about movies is that you can return to them later and have a completely different experience. They never change, but you do.
@@Welles009 That's okay! I know a lot of people don't see the description.
So true! I love revisiting a movie and discovering a bunch of things I wasn't able to appreciate before.
The scream was in the original version of the movie and was very upsetting coming from the speakers in the movie theater.
Confirmed.
Okay, good, I wasn't just misremembering things...
Great review! Thanks for more love for the soundtrack. The blaster beam is creepy and I read it was created by the guy who played one of the annoying kids in the TOS episode "And the Children Shall Lead." While I do like the director's cut more as a whole I do miss the annoying red alert voice and seeing Vulcan with moon in the 1979 release. God, I sound nerdy.
Dear Ms. Weiselberry,
Another great analysis! I saw ST-TMP when it was first released (so long ago; sigh) and as I recall, the Scream was part of the transporter accident then. I also recall that the TV version had a brief scene or two added that provided more information about Lt. Ilia. So many versions. As for novelizations, I have read that they sometimes reflect early drafts of a script, so the book is ready at the same time as the movie. Since the novel is credited to Gene Roddenberry, that may not be the case here, though. Maybe the novelization preserves some of what would have unfolded if the "Star Trek Phase II" TV series had happened.
"Dif-tor heh smushma" ("Live Long and Prosper")!
11:48 "Quite frankly-this is going to put some people off, and I'm sorry, but-I do find it irritating when someone acts like you should know a fact about a movie and then says, 'It's in the novelization.'"
As someone who loves to read the novelizations of movies, and someone who has read _this_ novelization, I agree that what's on the screen trumps what's in the book. This particular movie is an odd case, though. The novelization was written by Alan Dean Foster, but he also got a story credit for the movie after writing the treatment. He didn't write the screenplay, however. That was Harold Livingston. The detail of who the woman was who was melted by the transporter malfunction would be in the screenplay, but since novelizations are based on screenplays and concept art, there is no way to know where the idea originated. Maybe it's best to give it the authority of a deleted scene, i.e. not much.
It's a good novelization, by the way. Alan Dean Foster tells the story from the viewpoint of Captain Kirk, and his inner monologue is a fun read.
The director of The Haunting knows how to use sound to rattle you.
Thanks for doing this. I've always liked this film. The 4K director's cut is the best version by far.
Hi Jerome! Greetings from a new fan and subscriber to your channel.
Excellent review of the TMP Director's Cut review! I have always loved TMP, and the 4K version of the Director's Cut makes it even better. While some of the changes are obvious - e.g., the new shot of the Enterprise dropping out of warp after destroying the asteroid - there many subtle changes.
For example, did you notice the audio enhancements, such as the communication between Epsilon IX and the U.S.S. Columbia? You can actually understand what they're saying now!
Star Trek II is still my favorite ST movie - in fact, it's my favorite movie of *all time* - but I will always enjoy TMP.
FWIW, I have 2 recommendations for you:
1. The J.J. Abrams ST movies. I'll never forget seeing Star Trek 2009 for the first time, on an IMAX screen, and seeing the U.S.S. Kelvin glide overhead with the bridge background noise. For me, it was the equivalent of what audiences must have experienced when Tantive IV and the Star Destroyer flew over the screen in 1977 (I was only 6 months old at the time, so I wasn't able to experience that!).
2. Picard Season 3. I'm not sure how much of a TNG fan you are, but Season 3 of Picard is simply masterful. Patrick Stewart is at the top of his game, the whole cast is back - and is joined by an iconic, unforgettable new character, Captain Liam Shaw, played by Todd Stashwick - and a fantastic new villain played by Amanda Plummer.
Live long and prosper! 🖖
another great review. Makes a saturday even better.
Just squeaked it in before Saturday ended. :) Thanks!
I'm a Star Trek fan since watching reruns in the 70s and I don't even consider the TOS films my favorite series. But I'm happy that you really enjoy them all! That's quite a thing. For me, the original theatrical cut is my go to. It's my favorite Trek film. It's not the best, but it's my favorite. The DC is decent, but some things that I didn't care for were some sound VX changes and throwing in some scenes that we saw with the TV broadcast. The music and VFX really brought Trek to the big screen. Watching our heroes for the first time on the big screen was amazing and the Enterprise has never looked more lovely. I actually never got tired of it. It truly made her a character in the show.
The scream was always in the film. It wasn't added and it did enhance the horror. Spock crying scene wasn't in the OG.
Fun review! I like your analysis of the plot and Spock's parallel quest. I liked that when we pick up with our characters they really have parted ways but then come back by the end and it really felt like the end of an episode on the bridge, all laughing and getting along.
I saw "Star Trek The Motion Picture" in the theater back in 1979. I also saw the Director's Edition Restoration in 4K in the theater. The later was SOOOOOOOO much better than the original(and I liked the original). It also vastly improved the first Director's Edition attempt released. I own the 4K Blu-Ray of it, as well as a digital copy.
I have not seen a director's edition of a film that improves it so much. I am not kidding when I say I have seen this 4k Director's Edition about 40 times since it came out last year.
How right you are about the overture! What an impact that made way back when. Plus, Blasterbeam should become a thing! Meme that!
Horner did make references to Goldsmith's original score. Kahn's motif has a similarity of Goldsmith's fast, percussive action writing (and a bit of his Klingon theme) and Horner's main theme has a structure not too dissimilar from Goldsmith's main theme.
I remember waiting along with my Navy buddy for this 1st Star Trek movie to come out for forever. Finally after getting out saw it back home. I liked it !!
As usual, a great video from Jerome Weiselberry and on ST: TMP. again!
Back in 1979, I've not seen Star Wars but I knew about it as well as Alien and The Black Hole. Then one day, Star Trek came out.
Time magazine came out with a dreadful review which I read 3 or more times comparing it to Star Wars, but that didn't stop me. The rated G did have me wonder but when I did see it, I understood. Just damns and hells, poor Chekov getting shocked and burned and of course the transporter accident. Those screams were there in the original but I'm sure they are more pronounced in the newer version. I loved it, and yes the 4 and a half minutes was a little too long and the Veger exploration was longer but still just nit picks not an arghhh out of me.
As you said about different versions, my feelings are mixed. What they did with ST seemed OK. Reminds me of the movie ET, when the kids on their bikes are being chased by the government officials, they had their guns out. In the newer version, those guns are CGIed over with walkie talkies and Elliot's blah blah breath insult was replaced with something else.
That discussion is still going on, the most recent is 20th Century Fox, now Disney with the movie The French Connection.
Oh and with the Jerry Goldsmith music, he had some trouble with it. At first it sounded a little different and it shows. The music sounded like a sea ship type of thing. I don't know the right way to say it, but the music sounded like they were doing Moby Dick and they had an extra with both scores.
Sorry for the long writing. Again, your video is top notch. Now if only you would watch The Sand Pebbles, another excellent Robert Wise/Jerry Goldsmith collaboration with Steve McQueen, Candice Bergen, Richard Crenna, Sir. Richard Attenborough, Simon Oakland, and Mako as bonuses. Thank you and Happy Father's Day to your dad.
The milestone that both Voyager spacecraft have done was being the first manmade crafts to exit the Heliopause, the area where the solar winds end, and have entered the interstellar medium. They have yet to exit the Solar System as they still have a long way to go before that.
If I remember right, werent the "screams" already in the original release?
Also it would have been nice if they kept the traveling longer across V'ger in. It gave it a sense of scale as to how huge the vessel was 😊
Yes, it does appear to be the general consensus that the scream I played was in the theatrical release, although there's some difference of opinion as to whether or not it (or one of the other screams) was digitally augmented. This is turning out to be even more confusing than I thought! As for Spock's tear... I'm getting different reports on that too. :)
@@Weiselberry
I remember the tear in the original release.
@@JGG1701 Yes, according to a number of people, the tear was always there, so I don't know what happened with me. Either I saw it and forgot, or I didn't fully register what I was witnessing.
I think you've astutely nailed it! I agree, I like all of them, too, the evens and the odds!
Not a space movie fan, so i have no opinions to offer, but I always find your reviews insightful and learn something. I did not know Robert Wise directed a Star Trek film. Is there a film genre he couldn't direct?
Happy Father's Day to your Dad. Hope he is recovering from his injury!
Good point about director's cut explaining things better. I agree with you about something has to be in the movie. Voyager I had recently sent back spectacular pictures of the Jovian system. It also had the famed record with sounds and symbols, a message to any alien civlization that might come across it. It was a big deal.
I'm with you, Weiselberry! Saw all six in the theater and enjoyed them all. Some more than others, for sure, but not once did I come away disappointed.
With the director's cut, the film took a leap up my personal listing. I appreciate little things, like minor characters being addressed by their names. These are full crew members, not throw-away characters, even if they're only on screen for a few seconds. This edit connects cause and effects better than the theatrical cut by bringing small events closer together. But the one thing I love about the film is it's a unique part of the Trek filmography. It's not an action film; it's something closer to the original _Solaris,_ more of an art piece than a blockbuster. We're unlikely to see its like again
I'm so old that I saw one Star Trek episode on it's original run on NBC. But watched the syndicated shows when it was on at supper time. Where Star Trek found it's audience. Like me.
So when the Motion Picture was released. Of course I had to go see it. On one hand. Robert Wise did make a Star Trek Science Fiction. It was great to see the gang. Then on the other hand. There was no banter between the characters. Which is what Star Trek was all about. The friendship. Yes, Star Trek V was the worst. But it's still watchable. Same with Motion Picture.
Did see the TV cut on Laserdisc. Brought the first *"Director's Cuts"* Home Editions. With extra effects was put it the movie.
But I didn't know about the new 2022 Director's cut. Looks like got to see that.
Wrath of Khan was 100% Star Trek.
Ah yes, this movie reminds me of my salad days in a blaster beam jazz quartet.
I loved the blaster beam!
Now I want a blaster beam, but I think it might be hard to fit under a Christmas tree!
I saw the movie as soon as I could (don't get me started on Virginia's laws on film acquisition at the time; just know it didn't premiere here until a week after the national release). One reason the movie looks so good today, upgraded effects or not, is because it was shot in 70 mm, which gives it a heck of a crisper picture even taking it to 4K. If you ever watch the first film and the second film back-to-back, you'll see where it isn't as crisp (35 mm), and the bridge screen graphics weren't as good (also due to practicality - I understand the screens in TMP were projected from behind and, being quite noisy, required the crew to dub their dialogue later on).
Strangely, I always liked the uniforms, especially the admiral's uniform and the white ones. I do understand they were quite impractical, though, so I get why they went to the maroon monsters in the subsequent films.
Stellar review, sister! I watched the Director’s Edition for the first time a couple of months ago. I agree with your points for the most part, especially your point about using CGI to “improve” old movies; how it can take you out of the experience. But the new CGI additions to the film don’t stand out like a sore thumb. The same can’t be said about Lucas and his endless tinkering with the original Star Wars trilogy.
I feel the Motion Picture is a mixed bag overall. A little too cerebral and arty for a Star Trek film. The Wrath of Khan went back to basics and captured the tone and spirit of the original TV series. As you pointed out, the cast seemed out of character for the first half. One could argue the characters aren’t themselves because of their time apart. Interestingly, a new TV series was in the works in the mid 70s but after the success of Star Wars the producers decided to do a movie instead.
You gotta love the Enterprise porn, eh? I still get euphoric tingles watching the Dry Dock scene with its rousing score and sweeping shots of the Enterprise. I wore out my vinyl copy of the soundtrack album listening to the main title as a kid. The second, third and fourth films are my faves in the franchise. The Voyage Home with its fish out of water story and environmental message was fun and engaging. Our current Orca rebellion on the high seas against pleasure boaters brings TVH to mind.
Once again I’m impressed by your film knowledge and review skills. You make it look easy. Btw, we never talk about the Star Trek movie between 4 and 6. It’s sacrilege. :P
Robert Wise directed The Haunting in the mid 1960s. Goldsmith obviously took snippets (or was told to use snippets) of The Haunting's theme music and used it in ST:TMP. Give it a listen.