Star Trek’s first foray on Blu-ray fitting starts with the first season of Star Trek The Original Series on a seven disc set, including all 29 first season episodes and loads of special features. The first season Blu-ray release features ’seamless branching’ technology that finally provides viewers the ability to see each remastered episode with either the newly enhanced digital effects or the original special effects. You can also choose to listen to the newly enhanced soundtrack (7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio) or the original one (in glorious mono!).

As part of the special features, six episodes feature “Starfleet Access” bonus content, which provides special pop-up trivia and picture-in-picture video commentaries. The set also includes an interactive tour of the starship Enterprise, Billy Blackburn’s rare on-set home movie footage, a featurette on the Remastered project, and much more. All of these features were on The hybrid HD-DVD/DVD release in 2007 (note: the ‘Starfleet Access’ feature for "Galileo Seven" is not listed in the press release, but that may just be an error, we are checking). However, the set does not appear to include some of the features that were on the DVD side of the HD-DVD/DVD release, including the History channel special Beyond the Final Frontier and the ‘Trek Connections’ featurette. Like the HD-DVD release, the set also includes almost all the special features available on the standard DVD set released in 2004, with the notable exception of the ‘Red Shirt Diaries’ Easter Eggs (which weren’t on the HD-DVD set either). The Okuda text commentaries from the 2004 DVD set are also missing, but the Okudas participated in the "Starfleet Access" features.

It is also worth noting that this set is retailing for almost half of what the HD-DVD set was original sold for. Plus there is a collectible bonus of a free exclusive Sulu action figure from Diamond Select Toys (fans pay only shipping and handling charges). All in all this set looks to be exactly what fans have been asking for since the Star Trek Remastered project started in 2006.

STAR TREK®: THE ORIGINAL SERIES SEASON ONE is a seven disc set presented in the original 4:3 aspect ratio with English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English Original 2.0 Mono, Spanish 2.0 Mono and French 2.0 Mono sound. No word on subtitles yet, but we are checking. The total running time is 24 Hrs., 20 Min.

The Blu-ray disc breakdown is as follows:


Disc One:

The Man Trap
Charlie X
Where No Man Has Gone Before
The Naked Time
Special Feature: Preview trailers for each episode
Special Feature: Spacelift: Transporting Trek Into The 21st Century
Special Feature: Starfleet Access episode – Where No Man Has Gone Before
Disc Two:

The Enemy Within
Mudd’s Women
What Are Little Girls Made Of?
Miri
Dagger of the Mind
Special Feature: Preview trailers for each episode
Disc Three:

The Corbomite Maneuver
The Menagerie, Part 1
The Menagerie, Part 2
The Conscience of the King
Special Feature: Preview trailers for each episode
Special Feature: Reflections on Spock
Special Feature: Starfleet Access episode – The Menagerie, Parts 1 & 2
Disc Four:

Balance of Terror
Shore Leave
The Galileo Seven
The Squire of Gothos
Special Feature: Preview trailers for each episode
Special Feature: Life Beyond Trek: William Shatner
Special Feature: Starfleet Access episode – Balance of Terror
Disc Five:

Arena
Tomorrow is Yesterday
Court Martial
The Return of the Archons
Special Feature: Preview trailers for each episode
Special Feature: To Boldly Go…Season One
Special Feature: The Birth of a Timeless Legacy
Disc Six:

Space Seed
A Taste of Armageddon
This Side of Paradise
The Devil in the Dark
Special Feature: Preview trailers for each episode
Special Feature: Interactive Enterprise Inspection
Special Feature: Sci-Fi Visionaries
Special Feature: Starfleet Access episode – Space Seed
Disc Seven:

Errand of Mercy
The Alternative Factor
The City on the Edge of Forever
Operation: Annihilate!
Special Feature: Preview trailers for each episode
Special Feature: Billy Blackburn’s Treasure Chest: Rare Home Movies and Special Memories
Special Feature: Kiss ‘N’ Tell: Romance in the 23rd Century
Special Feature: Starfleet Access episode – Errand of Mercy
Packaging:
Seven-disk Amaray case with an outer ‘O sleeve.’

http://trekmovie.com/images/merchandise/STTOS_S1_BRD_3D_Salesview_tt.jpghttp://trekmovie.com/2009/02/16/cbs-paramount-announce-first-star-trek-blu-ray-sets-tos-s1-all-tos-movies-coming-aprilmay/

But wait, there's more!

These sets are just the Spring releases that Paramount and CBS are officially announcing, however TrekMovie and Digital Bits sources have confirmed additional titles for 2009. In the Fall, Paramount will obviously be releasing the 2009 JJ Abrams Star Trek movie on Blu-ray and DVD. Paramount is also planning a Fall release of a four-movie Next Generation movie box set with Generations, First Contact, Insurrection, and Nemesis, complete with new bonus features. CBS is also readying seasons 2 and 3 of The Original Series for Blu-ray for the Fall as well.

In addition to the Next Gen movie set and the rest of the TOS series on Blu-ray, there are also some ‘maybes.’ There may be a ten-movie Blu-ray box set combining all the ten previous feature Star Trek films, or possibly an eleven-film set which would include the 2009 Star Trek movie as well. CBS may release two more TV episode collection DVD sets: a ‘best of TOS’ and a best of TNG,’ although those may be Europe only.

So how much will it cost?

$118 according to the information at the link.

Have it on HD DVD. Eagerly awaiting seasons 2 and 3 on Blu-ray.

Which is $100 less than what they asked for last time around, according to the Bits.

DTS-MA on Paramount? Not that it really maters to me but do any other Paramount titles use DTS-MA? Also where is The Cage?

I'm thrilled they're including the original visual effects, not to mention the original mono soundtracks (which never even made it to DVD). Good work, Paramount.

If I have one minor nitpick, I hate that the episodes are in broadcast order. I wish they would go back to production order. Oh well.

I'm thrilled they're including the original visual effects, not to mention the original mono soundtracks (which never even made it to DVD). Good work, Paramount.

If I have one minor nitpick, I hate that the episodes are in broadcast order. I wish they would go back to production order. Oh well.


Lol....your geekness preceeds you.

I'm greatful that BOTH the original broadcast and "enhanced" versions will be included. They didn't give you a choice on the HD-DVD release, did they?

I'll get getting these now!

DTS-MA on Paramount? Not that it really maters to me but do any other Paramount titles use DTS-MA? Also where is The Cage?

Only other Paramount title with DTS-HD MA that I'm aware of is Top Gun, and I believe that was at the director's request or something.

The Cage was presented on the Season 3 DVD release, so I expect that's where it'll show up on the BD releases as well.

Have it on HD DVD. Eagerly awaiting seasons 2 and 3 on Blu-ray.

Ditto. I will not be triple dipping on Season 1 of TOS.

Have it on HD DVD. Eagerly awaiting seasons 2 and 3 on Blu-ray.

+2....hopefully the BD packaging has been improved from the HD set, which was poorly conceived. It'll be interesting to note how much difference the DTSHD-MA track will make versus the DD+ track, which was more than competent, compared to the original mono.

+2....hopefully the BD packaging has been improved from the HD set, which was poorly conceived. It'll be interesting to note how much difference the DTSHD-MA track will make versus the DD+ track, which was more than competent, compared to the original mono.

What's this set TrueHD? on HD DVD?

What's this set TrueHD? on HD DVD?

Season 1 on HD-DVD is TrueHD.

Doug

I was going to get the first season on HD DVD this morning, but I think I will wait and get the Blu-ray version in April.

having the ability to watch the new FX and the original old school FX kicks all kinds of ass...

Watching the old FX in HD should be even more entertaining than they were on DVD. Some of them look terrible.

+2....hopefully the BD packaging has been improved from the HD set, which was poorly conceived. It'll be interesting to note how much difference the DTSHD-MA track will make versus the DD+ track, which was more than competent, compared to the original mono.

I'm rather upset that the packaging is now completely different. Funny how DVD set of Season 2 and 3 were almost identical except for color to the HD DVD set.

I'm rather upset that the packaging is now completely different. Funny how DVD set of Season 2 and 3 were identical except for color to the HD DVD set.

Well people hated the first set of packaging, and they're starting over with Blu-ray now and will have all 3 seasons in that format. So really it makes more sense to pick better packaging and keep that consistent for the people who would presumably purchase all 3 Blu-ray sets.

Watching the old FX in HD should be even more entertaining than they were on DVD. Some of them look terrible.

and some of the new shiny CGI FX look terrible too. Like cut-scenes from a video-game. There are quite a few instances where the new FX look far LESS realistic than the old model shots...

Anyone know if they are going to have an ST remote control offer like thay had with the HD-DVD release?

I doubt they will have the phaser deal unless there are some left over from HD DVD. Paramount doesn't often include incentives with Stat Trek. I think it was most likely Toshiba that provided the phasers.

Since I own the HD DVD set of Season one I will hold out for two and three. I think my money will be spent on the movies instead. I can only justify so many double dips. Although the people getting the blu season one wont be disappointed, as the HD DVD set was quiet nice (packaging excluded).

But wait, there's more!

These sets are just the Spring releases that Paramount and CBS are officially announcing, however TrekMovie and Digital Bits sources have confirmed additional titles for 2009. In the Fall, Paramount will obviously be releasing the 2009 JJ Abrams Star Trek movie on Blu-ray and DVD. Paramount is also planning a Fall release of a four-movie Next Generation movie box set with Generations, First Contact, Insurrection, and Nemesis, complete with new bonus features. CBS is also readying seasons 2 and 3 of The Original Series for Blu-ray for the Fall as well.

In addition to the Next Gen movie set and the rest of the TOS series on Blu-ray, there are also some ‘maybes.’ There may be a ten-movie Blu-ray box set combining all the ten previous feature Star Trek films, or possibly an eleven-film set which would include the 2009 Star Trek movie as well. CBS may release two more TV episode collection DVD sets: a ‘best of TOS’ and a best of TNG,’ although those may be Europe only.


Anyone know if this "maybe" 10 or 11 film set would be the original release or the directors cut?

I'd hate to be the first BD release (original) only to have the directors cut versions come out a little bit later.

Seggers

Anyone know if this "maybe" 10 or 11 film set would be the original release or the directors cut?

I'd hate to be the first BD release (original) only to have the directors cut versions come out a little bit later.

Seggers
Of course no one knows. But logically, it would be the same as the spring releases. It'll be a year or three before the double dip - Paramount wouldn't make any money if they double dipped that fast.

and some of the new shiny CGI FX look terrible too. Like cut-scenes from a video-game. There are quite a few instances where the new FX look far LESS realistic than the old model shots...

I haven't seen them, but I fear they look rather out of place. We also love the series because of its cheesy effects! The old sci-fi look, nostalgia, I don't know... Again, I can't judge them since I haven't seen how they look, but maybe they weren't necessary. Can't wait for 04/28 btw!:cool:

I haven't seen them, but I fear they look rather out of place. We also love the series because of its cheesy effects! The old sci-fi look, nostalgia, I don't know... Again, I can't judge them since I haven't seen how they look, but maybe they weren't necessary. Can't wait for 04/28 btw!:cool:

Yes, and the better the picture quality of the transfer, the cheesier the props/special effects will look! Back in the 60's, the best color TV's in homes had only about 200 lines of resolution, and that hid a lot of the shortcomings.

On another subject, it is reported that Paramount will be releasing Seasons 2 and 3 later this year.

While some of the new CGI was certainly impressive it was wildly inconsistent. Some of the old model FX shots still hold up very well. And in a few instances, look better.

IMHO, the old shot here even though grainy looks more believable to me than the new. They could easily have cleaned up the dirt, specs digitally the way they did with the live action shots. The original model had a real motion blur because it was a real model with an actual camera move. The new CGI has a simulated motion blur and to me, looks less convincing. And check out the deflector dish. Looks totally flat and 2-D in the new. And the glowy nacelles look too cartoony for me...



http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/imgcache/1354.imgcache (http://imageshack.us)
new

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/imgcache/1353.imgcache (http://imageshack.us)
old






http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/imgcache/2169.imgcache (http://imageshack.us)

Looks totally like a videogame, no texture or depth...


http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/imgcache/2170.imgcache (http://imageshack.us)

and older version looks MUCH more convincing even with grain from optical printing...

While some of the new CGI was certainly impressive it was wildly inconsistent. Some of the old model FX shots still hold up very well. And in a few instances, look better.

There are certainly a number of new FX shots that look really video-gamey, especially in the episodes that were "Remastered" first. The FX house got better as it did more episodes and got the hang of things.

However, there are very few, very few, instances where the new FX look worse than the old FX. In most cases, if the new FX look cheesy, the old ones looked even cheesier, just for different reasons (translucent spaceships, visible wires, planets that are clearly schoolroom globes rotoscoped with wacky colors, etc.).

Of course, cheese has always been a big part of Trek. I love the old episodes exactly as they are. But I don't consider the remastered versions to be sacrilege, as I do for Star Wars.

But I don't consider the remastered versions to be sacrilege, as I do for Star Wars.Khan shot first?

/:rolleyes: at my own "humor"

Of course, cheese has always been a big part of Trek. I love the old episodes exactly as they are. But I don't consider the remastered versions to be sacrilege, as I do for Star Wars.

I agree. From what I've read, or seen on different screen caps, they did a pretty decent job as a whole. I just don't think the "CGI upgrade" was necessary, but at least it's watchable.

I think it's different regarding Star Wars. The problem is the prequels (doh!;))... 30 later, in a whole new world of visuals effects, we get to see what happened before the events of EPIV even took place. There will always be something missing in terms of continuity, simply because the technical aspects of the two trilogies are too different imo. And of course, these are the kind of films that heavily rely on visuals, so... From that angle, I can understand the need to revisit the original trilogy visuals, but unfortunately they now just look like they've been patched here and there; to have a more contemporary feel (why, why did Lucas replace Anakin's face by Christensen in ROTJ is beyond me, the original actor -can't remember his name- looked a lot more like a father figure to Luke than 20 years old Hayden Christensen! Oh well...) That's too bad, Star Wars was a landmark in science-fiction, now it's just a big marketing product, a giant toy that once was a great movie.

While some of the new CGI was certainly impressive it was wildly inconsistent. Some of the old model FX shots still hold up very well. And in a few instances, look better.

IMHO, the old shot here even though grainy looks more believable to me than the new. They could easily have cleaned up the dirt, specs digitally the way they did with the live action shots. The original model had a real motion blur because it was a real model with an actual camera move. The new CGI has a simulated motion blur and to me, looks less convincing. And check out the deflector dish. Looks totally flat and 2-D in the new. And the glowy nacelles look too cartoony for me...
and older version looks MUCH more convincing even with grain from optical printing...

Honestly, it's because it's very, very cheap/low budget CGI. Paramount really pinched the purse for this stuff, then claimed it was to make it "feel" like the old show.

To me it screams "we did this with two people over the course of two weeks, for the whole series." Considering that's probably the reality, it's not too bad. But then you go to youtube and see better animation out there from kids in their teens.

I mean, check out this guys work . He's done this by himself in his spare time on an enterprise refit / re-imagining (he's a CGI artist in the biz and has worked on TV trek before):

http://andy.gamerscircle.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/enterprise-orbit-1080.jpg

Animated (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXa0cfaTlfk&fmt=18)


honestly, I like his final render better then what we'll be getting in the new JJ's film.

I actually prefer the new effects myself.

I do like some of the new FX. Every now and then, a new shot does look amazing. But then there are many that look like a bad videogame cut-scene.
It's a shame they didn't really take the time and spend the $ to do it as best as they could. A REALLY missed opportunity.
Either way, the good thing about the BD set is that we do have the choice...

:)

I wish they also redid the control panels/screens in the bridge. Those static plastic drawings always stood out like they did not belong. I think they were meant to represent computer control screens.

Highdefdigest now says May 12:

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/TV_on_High-Def/Star_Trek/Paramount/Disc_Announcements/First_Season_of_Star_Trek:_Original_Series_Headed_to_Blu-ray/2504

Blu-Ray.com still says April 28.

Anyone know what's up?

I wish they also redid the control panels/screens in the bridge. Those static plastic drawings always stood out like they did not belong. I think they were meant to represent computer control screens.


now, thats taking things a little too far IMO.

You might as well change everything else then or just watch TNG.

No, the "charm" of the show is taken away the more its modified.

in the late 60's that was not too far off from what computer
displays were like (blinking lights and such)

and some of the new shiny CGI FX look terrible too. Like cut-scenes from a video-game. There are quite a few instances where the new FX look far LESS realistic than the old model shots...

Yes. Judging from the syndicated episodes, it looked like they tried to imitate the grain structure of the original series in the first few episodes. The scenes of Khan's ship in Speed Seed were full of artificial grain and looked like they were straight out of the original. Most of season one looks like this.

Unfortunately they gave up on this pretty quickly. The "planet killer" in Doomsday Machine could be straight out of a video game, nothing like the long mass of rock in the original.

But many of the original effects are extremely grainy since they were shot on what was high speed film then. There are also small goofs that were obvious even in the broadcasts. For example look for the black matting around the Enterprise to shift around as it turns.

Highdefdigest now says May 12:

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/TV_on_High-Def/Star_Trek/Paramount/Disc_Announcements/First_Season_of_Star_Trek:_Original_Series_Headed_to_Blu-ray/2504

Blu-Ray.com still says April 28.

Anyone know what's up?HDD isn't known for their accuracy. The official press releases say April 28.

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/4636/startrektoss1backusbd.jpg (http://img4.imageshack.us/my.php?image=startrektoss1backusbd.jpg)

Does anyone have this set here? My copy plays fine and looks great!

BUt I am not always able to get the angle button to work and switch the special effects shots. Sometimes it works, most of the time it does not. There's a delay from when I press the button till I see something happen. Often the shots are so short, it won't happen.

I have a Sony BDP-S550. It has not had it's firmware updated since I bought it in December of 2008. I heard from a PS3 user that it works for him.

Appreciate any insights!

Thanks, Nelson

I have an Onkyo 805 (latest firmware) and a Pioneer 51FD Blu-ray player with the latest firmware. The audio cuts out almost every time it hits a branching scene. Bitstreaming via HDMI. I have to rewind a moment and then hit play for the audio to come back. Hit another branch and the audio cuts out.

Argh!

Otherwise, it looks and sound pretty darn good for its age and low budget.

The volume is way too low compared to other Blu discs, as others have commented, and I have to crank the knob up quite a bit for normal volume, and then quickly crank it back down for the menus, etc. I hope they fix this for Seasons 2-3.

Using a Pioneer VSX-91TXH and the Pioneer 51FD. I've only watched WNMHGB and got one audio dropout near the end of the episode, when the rocks are falling into the grave. Other than that, the ep played fine.

It seems, the branching is the problem and just with the 51FD. Every other player seems to be playing the episodes just fine. At least, no one with a different player is reporting any problems.

Also, it seems the frequency of the dropouts is related to the receiver used. The Onkyo's seem more problematic then my Pioneer, for example.

Someone really needs to report this to Pioneer. They aren't going to fix it if they don't know about it.

I'm going to hold off watching any more eps untill a firmware fix is in place.

Honestly, it's because it's very, very cheap/low budget CGI. Paramount really pinched the purse for this stuff, then claimed it was to make it "feel" like the old show.

To me it screams "we did this with two people over the course of two weeks, for the whole series." Considering that's probably the reality, it's not too bad.

It's an actual team and they worked pretty damn hard. The quality varies so wildly simply because the episodes were worked on at random so the "video game" FX were done when they were first starting, the better FX were done when they had gotten some experience. It's that simple. It's also not like they all the time in the world to do the new FX. They had deadlines.

Here's an interview with the new FX producers:

http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/features/bst/article/41555.html

Personally I think they did a steller job, all things considering. I like the job they did.

So how does the 7.1 DTS-HD track compare to the 5.1 True HD track on the HD-DVD?

Using a Pioneer VSX-91TXH and the Pioneer 51FD. I've only watched WNMHGB and got one audio dropout near the end of the episode, when the rocks are falling into the grave. Other than that, the ep played fine.

It seems, the branching is the problem and just with the 51FD. Every other player seems to be playing the episodes just fine. At least, no one with a different player is reporting any problems.

Also, it seems the frequency of the dropouts is related to the receiver used. The Onkyo's seem more problematic then my Pioneer, for example.

Someone really needs to report this to Pioneer. They aren't going to fix it if they don't know about it.

I'm going to hold off watching any more eps untill a firmware fix is in place.

I have the same problem with my Samsung BD-P1500 connected via HDMI to my YAMAHA RX-V565. I have only noticed it once. It happens at 10:21 disc 1 'The Man Trap' episode. We need to get this information out there and find out if others are having problems. It would seem the so called seamless branching isn't so seamless. Maybe Bill Hunt of The Digital Bits can make PARAMOUNT aware of this problem.

I've watched 6 eps. and scanned through 2 more so far, (First 2 discs) So far everything looks fab exceot for unfortunately one of my fave eps. "The Enemy Within". Almost looks like a dupe print. There is tons of flickering and color variances and is softer yet grainier. Still looks good but nowhere near as jaw-dropping as say, "WNMHGB". Shame...

Glad I'm not the only one who noticed this. I agree! Watched "The Enemy Within" last might and the PQ varied greatly from shot to shot,some shots were in pretty rough shape but still better than DVD. As you said compared to the earlier episodes, this one was quite lacking in the PQ area.

There are some inconsistent shots here and there, but I'm very sure that's due to the quality of the source. All in all however, Star Trek looks way better than I ever could have imagined for such an old show. And yeah, the new effects are fantastic. They don't try and 'one up' the old effects, they just enhance them. You CAN do this tastefully without getting fans pissed off like Lucas did, and I'm glad they were done here. I can't wait for seasons 2 and 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Glad I'm not the only one who noticed this. I agree! Watched "The Enemy Within" last might and the PQ varied greatly from shot to shot,some shots were in pretty rough shape but still better than DVD. As you said compared to the earlier episodes, this one was quite lacking in the PQ area.

Yeah, in the mini Doc. on ep. 1 they show how they went frame by frame during restoration to remove scratches etc but this ep. looked pretty bad and unrestored. I know it's a source issue but it really looks like they did'nt spend a lot of time on this one ep.

I definitely prefer the new effects in the few episodes I've seen so far. The film is generally so clean that the SFX shots stand out as looking pretty bad - especieally the re-used and re-colored planet shots as the Enterprise flies by. It may sound strange to say but the new CGI seems to fit in better.

I've gotta say... watching these in the aired order is very disorientating. We ended up printing out an episode list from Wikipedia to watch them in production order and things seem to be making much more sense.

Sure, this is episodic and not a serial but the changes in cast and production really made it feel like we were watching everything out of order regardless.

I've seen the show on TV many, many times before but this is my first time owning it, hence the confusion over the order in which these episodes were aired.

I've gotta say... watching these in the aired order is very disorientating. We ended up printing out an episode list from Wikipedia to watch them in production order and things seem to be making much more sense.

Would you mind point me in the right direction of that link?

I found The Star Trek Annotated Timeline here:

http://www.pjfarmer.com/woldnewton/Trek.pdf

And I am trying to watch them in Stardate order. :geekalert: :D

Would you mind point me in the right direction of that link?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Star_Trek_TOS_episodes

I have an Onkyo 805 (latest firmware) and a Pioneer 51FD Blu-ray player with the latest firmware. The audio cuts out almost every time it hits a branching scene. Bitstreaming via HDMI. I have to rewind a moment and then hit play for the audio to come back. Hit another branch and the audio cuts out.

Argh!

Otherwise, it looks and sound pretty darn good for its age and low budget.

The volume is way too low compared to other Blu discs, as others have commented, and I have to crank the knob up quite a bit for normal volume, and then quickly crank it back down for the menus, etc. I hope they fix this for Seasons 2-3.

I agree, the audio is ridiculously low. It's a good 10 notches different than other movies I watch.

I find that I prefer the enhanced FX setting, but mainly for the surround sound, more than for the enhanced visual effects.

Does anyone have this set here? My copy plays fine and looks great!

BUt I am not always able to get the angle button to work and switch the special effects shots. Sometimes it works, most of the time it does not. There's a delay from when I press the button till I see something happen. Often the shots are so short, it won't happen.

I have a Sony BDP-S550. It has not had it's firmware updated since I bought it in December of 2008. I heard from a PS3 user that it works for him.

Appreciate any insights!

Thanks, Nelson

Yeah, I was having some trouble branching with my PS3. I have the official remote for it and it seemed unresponsive.


The first two episodes and the remastering special were awesome to watch though.


Here's a question though. The new effects shots are in 4:3. They were in 16:9 when I downloaded a few of them off of Xbox Live Marketplace a few years ago. Why they are in 4:3 now on the BD? Did they cut them off for the 4:3 Blu-ray episodes or did they cut off the top to make it 16:9 for the ones on XBL Marketplace? I'm told the HD DVDs were in 4:3 too.

Audio low - yes. But not if you listen to the 2.0 soundtrack.

Video - love it. Only one time did I groan on the new effects, one of the shots looked very much like a Windows Screen Saver... otherwise, I like.

Watched the first disc, man, I am enjoying this far more than I thought I would, and I love me some Trek. Some occassional hiccups - the Star Fleet Access got out of time sync once - pause and play fixed. And a couple pauses - seamless branch, again a pause play or a jump back play fixed every time.

One thing I don't like is the angle button popping up EVERY TIME. Not sure if that is a player thing, I have a BH200, but it does suck...

Here's a question though. The new effects shots are in 4:3. They were in 16:9 when I downloaded a few of them off of Xbox Live Marketplace a few years ago. Why they are in 4:3 now on the BD? Did they cut them off for the 4:3 Blu-ray episodes or did they cut off the top to make it 16:9 for the ones on XBL Marketplace? I'm told the HD DVDs were in 4:3 too.

I also downloaded a few from Xbox Live and I actually liked the shift in aspect ratio. It made me feel like I was watching The Dark Knight. (Just kidding.)

They were covering their bases and thinking of the future--something that didn't happen with the redone effects on the first movie, produced only in standard def and now unsuitable for a Blu-ray release. The new and future-proofed shots for the original series were produced in 16:9, but the sides are being cropped off for video release.

Here's an old interview I found that discusses the issue:

http://trekmovie.com/2006/10/25/cbs-is-future-proofing-original-star-trek/

Personally, I would have liked to have seen three versions of each episode available on Blu-ray via seamless branching--the original effects version, CGI version in 4:3, and a version with the full 16:9 CGI effects. That to me would have been a perfect release with all the options.

And to add, back in 2006 when the remastering was done, 16:9 effects were done as said above as future proofing. The producers intent was to remain in the 4:3 realm as the live action is 4:3.

MEC2 -- must be your player, it doesn't do it on my Panny BD35

Nelsun has it right. 4:3 show, 4:3 effects. The CBS-D team said the Xbox aspect ratio changes were a mistake.
However they did 16:9 versions in case it was ever needed. In Japan TOS-R was being broadcast in 16:9 (live action cropped). We posted an article about it on TrekMovie the next year after the article giantchicken linked to. http://trekmovie.com/2007/07/31/tos-r-goes-widescreen-in-japan/

One thing I don't like is the angle button popping up EVERY TIME. Not sure if that is a player thing, I have a BH200, but it does suck...

It doesn't do this on the PS3, I can tell you that much.

I would check your manual to see if there isn't some option to turn off on-screen displays for your player.

Can anyone confirm if the UK release is regionfree?

I find that I prefer the enhanced FX setting, but mainly for the surround sound, more than for the enhanced visual effects.

You can choose either audio track over either version of the episodes on the Blu-ray.

Lucky me, I've actually been able to get my wife to start watching these with me. Years and years of bitching and complaining about Star Trek and how she hated it (despite not seeing it), and she actually freakin' liked it.

One disc down, and man, I'm fairly impressed.

Lucky me, I've actually been able to get my wife to start watching these with me. Years and years of bitching and complaining about Star Trek and how she hated it (despite not seeing it), and she actually freakin' liked it.

One disc down, and man, I'm fairly impressed.

can we trade...?


;)

Almost a decade with my woman and she's just finally coming around to Star Trek now. No, no we can't, heh.

My set arrived last night, from Amazon.

Disc 1 and 7 were still on the spindle and weren't scratched. Disc 3 was loose. I haven't had time to watch these yet.

Seggers

Can anyone confirm if the UK release is regionfree?

Can anyone answer this?

Can anyone answer this?

Apparently not.

Apparently not.

Lord, I've posted this question on here and Hidefdigest and not gotten an answer, all this wealth of knowledge here you'd think someone would know

Sorry. I just got the US version. No clue on the UK one. Shouldn't you have a UK player though?

I have a U.S PS3 and owned it prior to moving over to the UK, no intentions to buy a UK based bluray machine as this is a temporary move.

Anyone else having audio dropouts at the seamless branching points?

If we can get a list of players and surround processors having difficulties that would certainly help in contacting Paramount and the afflicted manufacturers.

The audio is quiet, especially for DTS, but I haven't had any dropout issues.

I've never had to turn up the volume so high in order to hear dialogue properly as I have with this set.

The audio is quieter than I'm used to. Ah, whatever though. It sounds great once you do turn it up.

Maybe they didnt use the default dialnorm for DTS.

MEC2 -- must be your player, it doesn't do it on my Panny BD35

Nelsun has it right. 4:3 show, 4:3 effects. The CBS-D team said the Xbox aspect ratio changes were a mistake.
However they did 16:9 versions in case it was ever needed. In Japan TOS-R was being broadcast in 16:9 (live action cropped). We posted an article about it on TrekMovie the next year after the article giantchicken linked to. http://trekmovie.com/2007/07/31/tos-r-goes-widescreen-in-japan/


So they are basically just trimming down the new effects shots. Well, that sucks.

So they are basically just trimming down the new effects shots. Well, that sucks.

Actually this is no different from shooting Super35.

You have the main area were you frame the movie, and the rest is just leftovers that can be used on other aspect ratios.

The audio is quieter than I'm used to. Ah, whatever though. It sounds great once you do turn it up.

On my rig, I've noticed that the audio varies from episode to episode. I had to really crank up Where No Man Has Gone Before to hear the dialog comfortably, but The Man Trap didn't seem as bad and I didn't have to go as high on the volume. Still, that's a minor quibble as the surround sound mix is quite beefy; the phaser were reverberating all over the room during Balance of Terror.

Its a bummer that the new CG effects weren't kept at 16x9 (or offered that way via another angle) as that really gave them a cinematic quality but I guess I understand Paramount's artistic intent in keeping everything at 1.33:1

Can't wait for Season 2 and The Doomsday Machine.

I guess I understand Paramount's artistic intent in keeping everything at 1.33:1

FYI: It's CBS, not Paramount. CBS is its own company these days and has control over the TV Star Trek properties. Paramount Home Video is simply the publisher of the DVDs/Blu-rays. CBS seems to be taking Trek seriously. Paramount retains the movies, and they aren't taking it very seriously.

I've never had to turn up the volume so high in order to hear dialogue properly as I have with this set.

I've not seen it mentioned, but the HD DVD version had the same problem. Small consolation perhaps?

I've not seen it mentioned, but the HD DVD version had the same problem. Small consolation perhaps?

And when you got back to the HD-DVD menu, the sound would blast you off your butt.

The audio is quieter than I'm used to. Ah, whatever though. It sounds great once you do turn it up.

At least I am not the only one who noticed this. I thought it was pretty strange I had to crank the volume so much.

Quick question concerning differences between shipping batches. I just finished the season 1 set (just in time for season 2) which I originally bought in June. As luck would have it, the only problem was on disc 7, where the episode froze at the 37 second mark, then skipped to the 50 second point. The disc appeared flawless (no scratches, or fingerprints), though I know that does not always mean a lot. In any case, I called Amazon and explained my situation, and that I was fully aware it was past my return window. Given the circumstances, they made an exception for me and shipped out a replacement set for me to swap disc 7 (THAT'S customer service!). However, when I received the new set, I was surprised to find that it had slighly different disc art. Disc 7 played fine, so I am good there, but I am curious as to why the change in art: the originals were light grey with the titles etched through to the reflective surface, where the replacements were a darker grey with the titles (same font and everything) printed (not etched). Is this just because they probably came from different pressing facilities (all in Mexico, I presume)?

I received Star Trek TOS Season 1 Blu-Ray as a gift. I have no way to get ahold of the receipt. The inside of the case is cracked in multiple places and the whole plastic piece that keeps the disc holders from flying out of the case is missing. As an aside, the front of the case is wrinkled. This is the third time I've been screwed with a broken blu-ray multi case, the other two being Blade Runner and Planet Earth and those are the only other two multi cases I even own. Anyway, does anyone know how to go about getting a replacement case? The series is way too darn expensive to get ripped off on a blu-ray case a kindergartener could have designed.

I received Star Trek TOS Season 1 Blu-Ray as a gift. I have no way to get ahold of the receipt. The inside of the case is cracked in multiple places and the whole plastic piece that keeps the disc holders from flying out of the case is missing. As an aside, the front of the case is wrinkled. This is the third time I've been screwed with a broken blu-ray multi case, the other two being Blade Runner and Planet Earth and those are the only other two multi cases I even own. Anyway, does anyone know how to go about getting a replacement case? The series is way too darn expensive to get ripped off on a blu-ray case a kindergartener could have designed.

You might ask the person who got it if they got it from Amazon. Amazon pulled down S1 around Christmas and afterwards because of problems with their discs. And I read the same about the 7th disc falling out of it's case. Mine has a hard time staying in as well. You might want to browse the blu-ray.com site for discs as I know there are several threads regarding new cases however I'm not certain if there are cases available over 6 discs.

FYI: It's CBS, not Paramount. CBS is its own company these days and has control over the TV Star Trek properties. Paramount Home Video is simply the publisher of the DVDs/Blu-rays. CBS seems to be taking Trek seriously. Paramount retains the movies, and they aren't taking it very seriously.

Agreed. All 3 seasons of TOS look and sound amazing on blu ray. If only CBS handled the Original Series theatrical films too.

Any chance of the other series coming out? If not, I may have to just get the DVD versions.

Any chance of the other series coming out? If not, I may have to just get the DVD versions.

I've heard the other series (TNG era) were all edited using SD Video so there's no HD source for them to use. I hope I've been misinformed though.

I've heard the other series (TNG era) were all edited using SD Video so there's no HD source for them to use. I hope I've been misinformed though.

unfortunately true.

Almost a decade with my woman and she's just finally coming around to Star Trek now. No, no we can't, heh.

my wife really likes Star Trek and she is not a big Sci-Fi Fan. She loved a lot of TOS episodes and the movies. It is really an accomplishment when a girl that doesn't dress up in a Federation uniform on a regular basis enjoys Star Trek.

:cool:

Finally got around to make a comparison with the HD-DVD version using screenshots from 5 random episodes. As some had speculated, a bit more filtering was indeed applied on the BD. Personally I think the loss of detail is rather minor, but see for yourself:

http://comparescreenshots.slicx.com/comparison/37608

Finally got around to make a comparison with the HD-DVD version using screenshots from 5 random episodes. As some had speculated, a bit more filtering was indeed applied on the BD. Personally I think the loss of detail is rather minor, but see for yourself:

http://comparescreenshots.slicx.com/comparison/37608

That's awesome.

Nice work Rigby!

There does seem to be some NR in the blu-ray or else EE on the HD DVDs. On the closeup of Kirk sharpness is better but the picture is grainier. The pic of Captain Pike however looked better on the BD IMO. Captain Pike's shirt had more detail however much of the pic just overall looked grainier and the added detail didn't really do much.

Nice work Rigby!

There does seem to be some NR in the blu-ray or else EE on the HD DVDs. On the closeup of Kirk sharpness is better but the picture is grainier. The pic of Captain Pike however looked better on the BD IMO. Captain Pike's shirt had more detail however much of the pic just overall looked grainier and the added detail didn't really do much.

Alot of the dust and texture in Pike's overcoat disappear in the Blu-ray.

You just had to ruin it for us, Rigby, didn't you?;)
They did knock off a good amount of detail w/ DNR. Now I'll be thinking about what I'm missing, instead of what we received, whenever I watch.

Thanks for posting the comparisons.

Doug

Alot of the dust and texture in Pike's overcoat disappear in the Blu-ray.

"Sigh" I miss HD-DVD.

That extra "grain" in the HD DVD shots looks more like video noise. It has a weird, almost digital look to it. It reminds me of some of those shots My Hanky used to create where he added that certain effect using Photo Shop. It does look like there might have been a hair more detail in some of the HD DVD shots, but also it contains video noise. Maybe they went just a bit too far on the DNR for the BD on those scenes, however, viewing these in motion, I don't think they would look terribly different.

Those HD-DVD caps look artificially sharp to me, and pretty noisy. Based on the samples provided, I definitely prefer the BD. Nice comparison Rigby!

That extra "grain" in the HD DVD shots looks more like video noise. It has a weird, almost digital look to it.´

Well basicly it is "videonoise" and it is digital. But how good the videonoise imitates the orginal grainstructure is another question.