Well here we are! The final selection of Star Trek movies to enter the UHD format that began with upscaled (but impressive) scans of ‘the Kelvin Timeline’. Paramount have (thankfully) not done the piecemeal thing in The Next Generation movie boxset, like they pulled with the original’s six movies. So let’s see how these final four movies measure up.

STAR TREK: GENERATIONS

Back in 1994, Star Trek had reached such heights of success and saturation never seen before. There were two weekly series on, countless reruns and the series that spawned this franchise’s juggernaut era, The Next Generation, had completed its lauded seven-year run with a universally praised finale. Not two weeks later, the cast were back on set to make what would be their first cinematic outing: Generations. Designed to be a sort of passing of the torch type deal, the film would see the return of William Shatner, James Doohan and Walter Koenig from the original series/films. But this would ultimately be a predominantly Next Generation affair, and apart from Kirk, their contributions were rather thankless, which is why the always astute Leonard Nimoy declined to be involved.

The film begins with Captain Kirk, Mr. Scott and Chekhov at the christening of the Enterprise B. Not ready, or equipped, as yet to respond to emergencies, the frustratingly useless new Captain Harriman defers to Kirk to save the day when the Nexus, a strange intergalactic ribbon, threatens the lives on a flailing ship. Of course the heroic Kirk seemingly saves the day, saving the future villain of the flick, Dr. Tolian Soran (Malcolm McDowall), and a future bartender named Guinan (Whoopie Goldberg), but is lost to the power of the Nexus.

Cut to 80 odd years later and the crew of the Enterprise D are celebrating the promotion of Lt. Commander Worf. During the festivities, Picard receives devastating news that acts as a rather existential catharsis. He withdraws from his duties just as a distress signal is received from an outpost where Dr. Tolian Soran is rather anxious to get back ‘and finish his experiment’. With Picard and crew distracted, Soran manages to kidnap Geordi and destroy a system. Before giving chase, Picard gets some intel from Guinan: Soran and she weren’t willing survivors of the Nexus; they were ripped from paradise. And, like a galactic crack addict, Soran is willing to do anything to get back inside it.

Picard, of course, gives chase, bargains for the life of Geordi, faces off with Soran… and LOSES! The Enterprise D is destroyed, and Soran and Picard enter the Nexus. Picard is awoken by a decidedly Dickensian family and completes his life as a family man. The end.

Okay, not really. Although enraptured by the joys of the Nexus, Picard’s conscience wins the day and he seeks to find a way out. But what or who can help him? Why no less than Captain Kirk! Time has no meaning in the Nexus, so Kirk feels like he just arrived too. Horny, as Kirk is want to do, he’s landed at a point in his life where he wished he’d made a different choice and isn’t willing to mess it up again. It takes a once scary horse jump to prove to him it’s all an illusion. Picard and Kirk will themselves back to stop Soran together. They get their wish and defeat the maniacal Soran but at the cost of Kirk’s life.

This is a rather high concept script, with too many characters, that relies too heavily on Star Trek pre knowledge. The existential themes? Sharp. The execution dulls the blade. Most of the characters get stuff all to do, have no arcs and are there just because it was probably contractually necessary. Many of the actors have lamented this years later and I don’t blame them. This is really Picard’s movie and Stewart’s performance is brilliant, poignant and one of the best of the series of films. This film does Shatner’s Kirk a disservice. Him having to be led out of the Nexus doesn’t sit well with me in terms of character, nor is his initial flippant response to Picard’s request to come back with him. His death is also unworthy for a legacy character. Although the stakes of what will happen are told, they really aren’t shown, and this reduces his sacrifice’s emotional punch massively. It’s not worthy of Kirk to me.

This is an overly dense, inconsistent affair that misses more than it hits. It succeeded more on the back of timing, being released at Star Trek’s pop-cultural zenith, than it did as a stand alone film. There are certainly some highlights, especially Patrick Stewart’s performance, but most involved deserved better.

Home Video Distributor: Paramount
Available on Blu-ray - April 4, 2023
Screen Formats: 2.39:1; 2.35:1
Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish
Audio: English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1; French: Dolby Digital 5.1
Discs: 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc; Eight-disc set
Region Encoding: Region-free playback

Video

While the film itself is a mixed affair, its Native 2160p scan is anything but. Its absolutely flawless. Paramount delivers a scan that wows from the spinning wine bottle at the start to when Picard and Riker beam off the destroyed Enterprise at the end. Movies with space in them often come unstuck with bad transfers (crush). The DOLBY Vision/HDR10+ is perfect: blacks are solid, the stars in the sky blaze through. The uniform colours pop. Skin tones are nuanced, detailed and bold. Fine grain is present, beautifully detailed and consistent. The increased detail really brings once soft background details to life, showing inattentive eyes like mine new perspective (There’s a Klingon sword (battleth) in Kirk’s Nexus house!). I can’t find any studio source, but the CGI (I assume still rendered at 2K) looks great and never jars with the 4K live action shots or compositing. This is how you treat a transfer! It’s faithful, crisp and a massive uptick from the previous release and even the included 1080p disc.

Audio

There isn’t a DOLBY Atmos track… and it doesn’t matter. Paramount do give you an all new DOLBY TrueHD 7.1 mix that will kick your sound system’s arse! It’s absolutely breathtaking and perfectly harmonised. Everything in the immersive masterpiece works like gangbusters. You have heavy and effective environmental effects throughout. Crisp, centre focused dialogue. Subtlety and nuance in the moments of levity. Earth trembling base, especially in the Enterprise crash scene. I don’t think I’ve had a better viewing experience since seeing it in the cinemas. You could use this mix as a reference (show off) disc for your set up. If I have three thumbs, I’d raise em all for this effort, Paramount!

Special Features

As is sadly almost customary these days, the UHD disc has none to speak of, save from legacy commentaries from previous releases. On the included blu ray, you also get a generous bevy of previously released legacy features that cover many different aspects of the production. It’s generous but nothing we haven’t seen before many times.

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Composite 4K UHD Grade

STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT

Following the mixed reception of David Carson’s Generations, it was decided to embrace the cinematic medium fully for TNG’s next outing and do a Die Hard style flick with phasers. None other than Commander Riker, ‘two takes’ Frakes, himself was assigned directing duties, following on as the second first officer to direct a feature after Leonard Nimoy.

The popular villains (at the time, as they became an overused and lazy safety net in future Trek series) the Borg would be the antagonists this time and a time travel narrative would see them try and rewrite human history by preventing the first warp flight. It’s up to Picard and his crew to go back in time and stop them, all the while trying (and failing dismally) to not pollute  their history. They meet warp’s inventor, Zefram Cochrane, shortly before his historic flight. But the Borg have already fired upon the launch site and are slowly assimilating the Enterprise E. While Picard, Data and Worf try to save the Enterprise, Riker, Troi and Geordi attempt to get a drunken Cochrane to fulfil his destiny.

Although the Borg had been shown up until this film to be automatons, a new hive like structure is established in this one with drones and a Queen Borg (played deliciously by Alice Krige) commanding things. This gives a face to the Borg that was missing in the series and a foil to play off mostly Picard and Data that works really well. Picard’s arc, again, is a highlight with his PTSD from being assimilated (in the series prior) affecting his ability to see the wood from the trees. There are some great scenes throughout, especially with Alfre Woodard’s Lily. Brent Spiner’s Data also gets a compelling arc of temptation, at the mercy of the devilish and manipulative Queen Borg. The rest of the cast get thinner but welcome levity parts to play. This was the best Next Generation film and one of the best in the entire series of films. Frake’s shorthand delivers actors who know their characters, a tight and compelling plot, and an action packed adventure that satisfies from start to finish.

Home Video Distributor: Paramount
Available on Blu-ray - April 4, 2023
Screen Formats: 2.39:1; 2.35:1
Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish
Audio: English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1; French: Dolby Digital 5.1
Discs: 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc; Eight-disc set
Region Encoding: Region-free playback

Video

This was the one I was waiting to see! Not only because it’s my favourite Next Generation movie, but also because it’s visually the most challenging. This was the first Trek film to go fully digital with a new Enterprise (and other ships) and with an anamorphic 2.35:1 screen to fill, there was no chance of hiding anything. With a 4K native scan and the size of modern televisions this was going to show any and all limitations from the era… and it does. While Generations had combined model work, compositing and CGI, First Contact’s fledging foray into a completely digital special effects realm show’s (especially watching it directly after the first movie) a slight softness that isn’t jarring but is noticeable. As far as the scan itself, it’s masterful. This is a tonally dark film, oppressive lighting and sets that are the sharpest they’ve ever been seen. Cavernous blacks backdrop almost every scene with no discernible signs of crush. The DOLBY Vision/HDR10+ deliver impressive contrast and allows the green hues of the borg and fire elements to leap off the screen. The detail in the picture is incredible, from the lines and sweat beads on characters’ faces to intricate borg set-pieces and costumes. Film grain for the live action elements is intact and faithful, with no signs of DNR. This is a masterful presentation that could only be improved by a redo of the digital effects in 4K, which is just me being greedy ;)

Audio

Another floor shaking new mix in DOLBY TrueHD 7.1. These new sound mixes are a delight. Immersion and environmental effects are off the chart impressive and effective. Everything from dialogue, environmental to ambiance is on point and an aural thrill to behold. The hum of the Enterprise engine, the different reverberations of corridors to the natural sounds of the camps in Montana sound real and completely suck you in. Another reference worthy sound mix delivered here.

Special Features

Again the features on the included 1080p blu ray disc are copious and welcome but they have all come from previous releases. The 4K disc also includes legacy commentaries from various collaborators.

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Composite 4K UHD Grade

STAR TREK: INSURRECTION

There was no doubt after the stellar reception of First Contact that there would be another one. Not surprisingly, Jonathan Frakes would helm again. This time, the man considered responsible for saving The Next Generation (as its first two years were shaky in quality), producer Michael Piller, was given the chance to write one. He decided to go in the opposite direction to First Contact and deliver a super sized episode that explores themes of the needs of the many, outweighing the few and the fountain of youth.

Data is on a secret observation assignment watching a space Amish folk called the Ba’ku. Data blows a gasket and reveals the federation outpost to the isolationists. Rushing to prevent Starfleet from destroying their comrade, Picard and crew discover an insidious relocation plot to secretly remove the Ba’ku from their planet to mine a special mineral that prolongs life. Morally incensed, Picard defects with most of his crew and sends Riker and Geordi off to report what is happening. Only Starfleet’s Admiral Dougherty is in cahoots with a grotesque bunch called the Son’a who will stop at nothing to prevent them getting word out.

This is a solid story that in great Trek tradition explores the quandaries of humanity through the allegories of science fiction. It has a compelling antagonist in F Murray Abraham’s Ru’afo, whose motivations are desperate and dangerous. Donna Murphy’s Anij is a welcome love interest for Picard and has one of the best ASMR voices in cinema history. Everyone in this is on point. However, this story wastes it cinematic canvas and, as every Next Generation movie, gives it’s supporting regulars next to nothing to do. I really feel for Gates McFadden and Levar Burton; they really got the shaft in these flicks.  This is by no means a bad movie, it just doesn’t take advantage of its medium. 

4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital HD

Home Video Distributor: Paramount
Available on Blu-ray - April 4, 2023
Screen Formats: 2.39:1; 2.35:1
Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish
Audio: English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1; French: Dolby Digital 5.1
Discs: 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc; Eight-disc set
Region Encoding: Region-free playback

VIDEO

This might not be the best film of the series, but it’s setting and production design choices make it’s DOLBY Vision/HDR10+ 4K native scan easily the best looking. From the greens of the Ba’ku village to the mountains to the ‘briar patch’s’ nebula, the colours are a feast for the eyes. The depth of nuance and detail is outstanding. Blacks are rich and perfect. Highlights, explosions and in shot lighting provide beautiful contrast. Film grain is beautifully subtle and consistent. Paramount are 3 for 3 with the jaw dropping, faithful scan.

AUDIO

AGAIN we get a remixed DOLBY TrueHD 7.1 mix that can shatter ear drums. These Next Gen discs have some of the best environmental and directional effects I’ve heard to date. It’s a sumptuous aural ride from beginning to end. Dialogue, score, environmentals, effects and base all deliver an unrivalled experience at home. I’m running out of adjectives for this set. They’re just awesome.

Supplements:

• Broken record here. Legacy docos on the blu ray and legacy commentaries on the 4K disc. Generous but nothing new.

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Composite Blu-ray Grade

STAR TREK: NEMESIS

I don’t hate this movie. There are some (all too brief) moments that are good. But I won’t defend it either. This is a poor excuse for a Star Trek film as a whole.

One of the greatest editors in cinema history, Stuart Baird, was brought in to deliver a freshness to the director’s chair and the franchise after the studio decided the films were stagnating. While a new eye had proven very successful many times before (Nicholas Meyer, Michael Piller anyone?) this time it proved to be a franchise killer. One of the few historical highlights from this movie is it’s one of the first works of a little known actor, Tom Hardy. Yeah, that Tom Hardy!

The Enterprise is ordered to Romulas, the home planet of the Federation’s bitter enemies, the Romulans. Seems a coup has placed a new world leader from a subjugated race, the Remans, on the Romulan throne and he wants to broker peace. On the way there, the crew are led to a weird signal that ends up being another android made by Data’s creator, a plot contrivance who adds nothing. When Picard and crew arrive at Romulas, they quickly discover this Reman ruler to be a young human named Shinzon (Hardy), and Shinzon’s professions of wanting peace may not be quite on the level. It becomes painfully obvious this young ruler is a clone of Picard, is a despot and has access to a weapon of unspeakable destruction that he intends to use against the federation. As Picard begins a cat and mouse to-and-fro with his younger clone, more personal realisations come to the fore that will spell the end for one of the Enterprise’s mainstays.

This is a very operatic story that could have proven to be the most moving of the four Next Generation films. It has impeccably good actors at the top of their game, great effects and high stakes. So why did it bomb? Because it’s writing and it’s director show a lack of understanding in these characters and in the stake of placing them in such a situation. After (at the time) nearly twenty years of watching these characters, and the trailers and posters billing this as ‘a generation’s final journey’, there is a certain (and necessary) expectation that consistency and quality befit their alleged final film. It has none of that. All the main characters (McFadden/Burton again get the shaft) are not themselves, with dialogue and behaviour that is ill-fitting at best and completely out of character at worst. There is far too much time dedicated to the antagonists of the flick and there is no sense of team work or the hope that Star Trek was known for. If you aren’t intimately familiar with these characters histories and decide to be the film to kill off one of them, you had better get it right. Baird does not. This dour ‘end’ to the Next Generation films was a real bitter pill for fans to swallow back in 2002 and was critically and commercially flayed. It ended any chance of another one and until 2023 was an unworthy summation for these characters and actors’ legacies within the franchise. Thankfully this year it was rectified and they were given a worthy send off, because Nemesis certainly wasn’t it.

4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital HD

Home Video Distributor: Paramount
Available on Blu-ray - April 4, 2023
Screen Formats: 2.39:1; 2.35:1
Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish
Audio: English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1; French: Dolby Digital 5.1
Discs: 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc; Eight-disc set
Region Encoding: Region-free playback

VIDEO

The film may shit the bed but visually it’s a home run! Again, Paramount complete this set with a native 2160p 4K scan for the ages. This is, like First Contact, a visually dark film that embraces the void of space and dark cavernous (almost German Expressionism) sets. This could have quickly descended into and undefined, crush-filled mess, but delivers details in droves. The DOLBY Vision/HDR10+ colours and contrast leap out of the picture with rich, nuanced imagery and unrivalled boldness. If the film is going to shit the bed, this is to look while doing it.

AUDIO

And, so I can at least finish off this film’s review on a high, Paramount can wave the chequered flag to Nemesis for a complete set of awe inspiring DOLBY TrueHD 7.1 mixes. Ambience, score, dialogue, surround and environmental effects: all mint. All four of these films are, hands down, the best lossless sound mixes I have experienced that aren’t DOLBY Atmos. Absolutely perfect!

Supplements:

• Same as the other three discs. Rinse and repeat.

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Composite Blu-ray Grade