"Star Trek: The Next Generation Season Five & Unification"
Overview: Star Trek: The Next Generation Season Five - Star Trek: The Next Generation Season Five never looked more stunning than it does on Blu-ray with 1080p high definition picture. Experience enhanced visual effects rebuilt from the original elements and surround yourself with the digitally remastered 7.1 sound (or choose the original broadcast audio). You'll feel like you've plunged into the 24th century for some of the series' most thrilling moments, including the epic two-part episode "Unification". Discover all-new, never-before-seen bonus features as you join the USS Enterprise on the ultimate voyage.
Star Trek: The Next Generation “Unification” is a feature-length presentation of the fan-favorite, two-part epic adventure from the series’ fifth season. Over 25 million viewers tuned into the original airing of the episode, making it one of the most-watched of all seven seasons of the series. In the episode, Leonard Nimoy reprises his iconic role as Spock as both he and Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Stewart) venture on a heroic mission in an attempt to unify the Vulcans and the Romulans. [/size]
Film:
My Thoughts:
Set in the 24th century, the exploits of the U.S.S. Enterprise continue with STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION – THE FIFTH SEASON. Featuring some of the most memorable episodes of the series, the season includes Paul Winfield’s guest appearance as Dathon and Ashley Judd’s debut performance in beloved episode, “Darmok.” The set also includes the jaw-dropping opening scene portraying the destruction of the Enterprise in “Cause and Effect,” and “The Inner Light,” the critically acclaimed episode that garnered the series its first Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation.
In addition to all-new commentary tracks on select episodes with some of the franchise’s most notable names, deleted scenes and a gag reel, the high-definition collection includes the newly produced featurette, “Requiem: A Remembrance of Star Trek: The Next Generation.” This two-part documentary explores the making of the series’ fifth season and focuses on the effect the passing of creator Gene Roddenberry, which took place halfway through the season, had on the show as well as the production family. The tribute to the late creator includes key cast and crewmembers sharing their favorite memories of working with Roddenberry and bidding farewell to the Great Bird of the Galaxy.
The collection also includes the exclusive featurette, “In Conversation: The Music of Star Trek: The Next Generation.” Jeff Bond, author of The Music of Star Trek, moderates the conversation between the show’s composers Ron Jones, Dennis McCarthy and Jay Chattaway as the group discusses the challenges for writing each episode’s original score, working with a live orchestra and the team’s creative approach to scoring the series. The featurette also shares stories from behind some of the most beloved musical cues including the legendary Ressikan flute melody from “The Inner Light.”
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION – THE FIFTH SEASON BLU-RAY features all 26 episodes of the fifth season, remastered into stunning, crowd-pleasing high-definition.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION – UNIFICATION Blu-ray features the epic two-part story seamlessly unified into one feature length presentation. Leonard Nimoy reprises his iconic role as Spock and joins the crew of the Enterpriser in this fan-favorite double episode! When the Federation calls for help in locating an ambassador suspected of defecting, Picard is troubled to learn that Spock is the one who has vanished. Seeking information from Spock's ailing father, Sarek, and unlikely help from the Klingons, Picard and his crew find the ambassador pursuing a personal mission on Romulus: a Vulcan/Romulan reunification. But though the Romulans claim to support the same goal, their motives are not what they seem.
Along with audio commentary and an exclusive deleted scene, the STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION – UNIFICATION BLU-RAY includes the exclusive documentary, “From One Generation to the Next.” This newly produced special featurette takes fans behind the scenes at the making of the classic two-part episode and the introduction of Spock to the 24th century saga of the hit series.
Star Trek The Next Generation Unification & Season Five on Blu-ray feature 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 19 Mbps and lossless DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 4.8 Mbps.
The show’s original aspect ratio and film based elements are intact and looks great in high definition. The newly restored elements boast vivid, resplendent colors, punchy blacks, and sparkling clarity. Fine rendering is appreciable during close ups however detail in objects, costumes and peripherals is clearly distinguishable. Sharpness wavers here and there however it appears to be innate to the original photography and not the encoding. Grain is present and can fluctuate, appearing in fine even layers (for the most part) with challenging sequences especially those set in dark environs taking on heavier emphasis. Overall I have never seen this TV series looking this good.
Video: 86
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
The audio options include the original mono track and a lossless surround mix. The 7.1 channel DTS-HD MA soundtrack would seem to be a bit much for a 20 plus year old TV series but I was impressed with the results. Dialogue is well articulated with discerning vocal characteristics and excellent room penetration. The front soundstage is open, clearly defined and free of strain or harshness. Surround activity is limited to low level ambience and panning effects that extend the soundstage. The show’s theme and space sequences sound great and make the best use of the entire soundfield. I thought this surround mix was appropriately done as it avoided sounding artificially enhanced or gimmicky. Fidelity appeared to be intact as the original elements in the recording sounded excellent.
Audio: 80
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
Special Features: Bonus Rating:
Disc 1:
•Episodic Promos (SD)
•Archival Mission Log:
•Mission Overview Year Five (1.33:1; SD; 00:17:54)
Disc 2:
•Episodic Promos (SD)
•“New Ground” Deleted Scene (1.33:1; 1080p/24; 00:01:30)
•Archival Mission Log:
•Departmental Briefing Year Five: Production (1.33:1; SD; 00:15:17)
Disc 3:
•Episodic Promos (SD)
•Archival Mission Log:
•Departmental Briefing Year Five: Visual Effects (1.33:1; SD; 00:17:47)
Disc 4:
•Episodic Promos (SD)
•“Ethics” Deleted Scene (1.33:1; 1080p/24; 00:01:45)
•“The Outcast” Deleted Scene (1.33:1; 1080p/24; 00:01:58)
•“Cause and Effect” audio commentary by Brannon Braga and Seth MacFarlane
•“The First Duty” audio commentary by Ronald D. Moore and Naren Shankar
•“The First Duty” Deleted Scenes (1.33:1; 1080p/24; 00:03:16)
•“Cost of Living” Deleted Scenes (1.33:1; 1080p/24; 00:03:45)
•Archival Mission Log:
•Memorable Missions (1.33:1; SD; 00:18:03)
Disc 5:
•Episodic Promos (SD)
•“The Perfect Mate” Deleted Scene (1.33:1; 1080p/24; 00:01:56)
•“I, Borg” audio commentary by René Echevarria and Mike & Denise Okuda
•Archival Mission Logs:
•A Tribute to Gene Roddenberry (1.33:1; SD; 00:28:23)
•Intergalactic Guest Stars (1.33:1; SD; 00:15:50)
•Alien Speak (1.33:1; SD; 00:12:49)
Disc 6:
•Episodic Promos (SD)
•“The Inner Light” audio commentary by Morgan Gendel and Mike & Denise Okuda
•“The Inner Light” Deleted Scenes (1.33:1; 1080p/24; 00:07:00)
•Gag Reel (1.33:1; 1080p/24; 00:07:33)
•In Conversation: The Music of Star Trek: The Next Generation (1.78:1; 1080p/24; 01:14:21)
•Requiem: A Remembrance of Star Trek: The Next Generation:
•Part One: The Needs of the Many (1.78:1; 1080p/24; 00:29:58)
•Part Two: The Needs of the Few (1.78:1; 1080p/24; 00:28:59)
Featuring some of the most memorable episodes of the series Star Trek: The Next Generation Season Five & Unification on Blu-ray is a must have for fans.
Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS55 3D Ready 1080p High Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Calman 5 & C6 Meter from Spectracal )
Stewart Filmscreen - Studiotek 130 G3 100” 16x9 Screen
Carada Masquerade Horizontal Masking System
Marantz AV8801 11.2 Channel Audio/Video Processor
Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier
B&K Reference 200.7 Series 2 Seven Channel Amplifier
Oppo BDP-103D Universal Disc/3D capable Blu-ray Player (With Darbee video processing)
Panasonic DMP-BDT310 3D capable Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Toshiba HD-XA2 HD DVD Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray disc Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
System Controller: Apple iPad/iRule Pro HD Universal Remote Control
Canton "Ergo" Series speakers
Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers
SV Sound PB-13 Ultra (Rosenut finish)
APC AV S15BLK Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Wireworld, Better Cables (Silver Serpent) - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
Cool Components - CP-CP102 cooling package
Overview: Star Trek: The Next Generation Season Five - Star Trek: The Next Generation Season Five never looked more stunning than it does on Blu-ray with 1080p high definition picture. Experience enhanced visual effects rebuilt from the original elements and surround yourself with the digitally remastered 7.1 sound (or choose the original broadcast audio). You'll feel like you've plunged into the 24th century for some of the series' most thrilling moments, including the epic two-part episode "Unification". Discover all-new, never-before-seen bonus features as you join the USS Enterprise on the ultimate voyage.
Star Trek: The Next Generation “Unification” is a feature-length presentation of the fan-favorite, two-part epic adventure from the series’ fifth season. Over 25 million viewers tuned into the original airing of the episode, making it one of the most-watched of all seven seasons of the series. In the episode, Leonard Nimoy reprises his iconic role as Spock as both he and Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Stewart) venture on a heroic mission in an attempt to unify the Vulcans and the Romulans. [/size]
Film:
My Thoughts:
Set in the 24th century, the exploits of the U.S.S. Enterprise continue with STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION – THE FIFTH SEASON. Featuring some of the most memorable episodes of the series, the season includes Paul Winfield’s guest appearance as Dathon and Ashley Judd’s debut performance in beloved episode, “Darmok.” The set also includes the jaw-dropping opening scene portraying the destruction of the Enterprise in “Cause and Effect,” and “The Inner Light,” the critically acclaimed episode that garnered the series its first Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation.
In addition to all-new commentary tracks on select episodes with some of the franchise’s most notable names, deleted scenes and a gag reel, the high-definition collection includes the newly produced featurette, “Requiem: A Remembrance of Star Trek: The Next Generation.” This two-part documentary explores the making of the series’ fifth season and focuses on the effect the passing of creator Gene Roddenberry, which took place halfway through the season, had on the show as well as the production family. The tribute to the late creator includes key cast and crewmembers sharing their favorite memories of working with Roddenberry and bidding farewell to the Great Bird of the Galaxy.
The collection also includes the exclusive featurette, “In Conversation: The Music of Star Trek: The Next Generation.” Jeff Bond, author of The Music of Star Trek, moderates the conversation between the show’s composers Ron Jones, Dennis McCarthy and Jay Chattaway as the group discusses the challenges for writing each episode’s original score, working with a live orchestra and the team’s creative approach to scoring the series. The featurette also shares stories from behind some of the most beloved musical cues including the legendary Ressikan flute melody from “The Inner Light.”
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION – THE FIFTH SEASON BLU-RAY features all 26 episodes of the fifth season, remastered into stunning, crowd-pleasing high-definition.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION – UNIFICATION Blu-ray features the epic two-part story seamlessly unified into one feature length presentation. Leonard Nimoy reprises his iconic role as Spock and joins the crew of the Enterpriser in this fan-favorite double episode! When the Federation calls for help in locating an ambassador suspected of defecting, Picard is troubled to learn that Spock is the one who has vanished. Seeking information from Spock's ailing father, Sarek, and unlikely help from the Klingons, Picard and his crew find the ambassador pursuing a personal mission on Romulus: a Vulcan/Romulan reunification. But though the Romulans claim to support the same goal, their motives are not what they seem.
Along with audio commentary and an exclusive deleted scene, the STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION – UNIFICATION BLU-RAY includes the exclusive documentary, “From One Generation to the Next.” This newly produced special featurette takes fans behind the scenes at the making of the classic two-part episode and the introduction of Spock to the 24th century saga of the hit series.
Star Trek The Next Generation Unification & Season Five on Blu-ray feature 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 19 Mbps and lossless DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 4.8 Mbps.
The show’s original aspect ratio and film based elements are intact and looks great in high definition. The newly restored elements boast vivid, resplendent colors, punchy blacks, and sparkling clarity. Fine rendering is appreciable during close ups however detail in objects, costumes and peripherals is clearly distinguishable. Sharpness wavers here and there however it appears to be innate to the original photography and not the encoding. Grain is present and can fluctuate, appearing in fine even layers (for the most part) with challenging sequences especially those set in dark environs taking on heavier emphasis. Overall I have never seen this TV series looking this good.
Video: 86
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
- Resolution/Clarity:
- Black level/Shadow detail:
- Color reproduction:
- Fleshtones:
- Compression:
The audio options include the original mono track and a lossless surround mix. The 7.1 channel DTS-HD MA soundtrack would seem to be a bit much for a 20 plus year old TV series but I was impressed with the results. Dialogue is well articulated with discerning vocal characteristics and excellent room penetration. The front soundstage is open, clearly defined and free of strain or harshness. Surround activity is limited to low level ambience and panning effects that extend the soundstage. The show’s theme and space sequences sound great and make the best use of the entire soundfield. I thought this surround mix was appropriately done as it avoided sounding artificially enhanced or gimmicky. Fidelity appeared to be intact as the original elements in the recording sounded excellent.
Audio: 80
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)
- Dynamics:
- Low frequency extension:
- Surround Sound presentation:
- Clarity/Detail:
- Dialogue Reproduction:
Special Features: Bonus Rating:
Disc 1:
•Episodic Promos (SD)
•Archival Mission Log:
•Mission Overview Year Five (1.33:1; SD; 00:17:54)
Disc 2:
•Episodic Promos (SD)
•“New Ground” Deleted Scene (1.33:1; 1080p/24; 00:01:30)
•Archival Mission Log:
•Departmental Briefing Year Five: Production (1.33:1; SD; 00:15:17)
Disc 3:
•Episodic Promos (SD)
•Archival Mission Log:
•Departmental Briefing Year Five: Visual Effects (1.33:1; SD; 00:17:47)
Disc 4:
•Episodic Promos (SD)
•“Ethics” Deleted Scene (1.33:1; 1080p/24; 00:01:45)
•“The Outcast” Deleted Scene (1.33:1; 1080p/24; 00:01:58)
•“Cause and Effect” audio commentary by Brannon Braga and Seth MacFarlane
•“The First Duty” audio commentary by Ronald D. Moore and Naren Shankar
•“The First Duty” Deleted Scenes (1.33:1; 1080p/24; 00:03:16)
•“Cost of Living” Deleted Scenes (1.33:1; 1080p/24; 00:03:45)
•Archival Mission Log:
•Memorable Missions (1.33:1; SD; 00:18:03)
Disc 5:
•Episodic Promos (SD)
•“The Perfect Mate” Deleted Scene (1.33:1; 1080p/24; 00:01:56)
•“I, Borg” audio commentary by René Echevarria and Mike & Denise Okuda
•Archival Mission Logs:
•A Tribute to Gene Roddenberry (1.33:1; SD; 00:28:23)
•Intergalactic Guest Stars (1.33:1; SD; 00:15:50)
•Alien Speak (1.33:1; SD; 00:12:49)
Disc 6:
•Episodic Promos (SD)
•“The Inner Light” audio commentary by Morgan Gendel and Mike & Denise Okuda
•“The Inner Light” Deleted Scenes (1.33:1; 1080p/24; 00:07:00)
•Gag Reel (1.33:1; 1080p/24; 00:07:33)
•In Conversation: The Music of Star Trek: The Next Generation (1.78:1; 1080p/24; 01:14:21)
•Requiem: A Remembrance of Star Trek: The Next Generation:
•Part One: The Needs of the Many (1.78:1; 1080p/24; 00:29:58)
•Part Two: The Needs of the Few (1.78:1; 1080p/24; 00:28:59)
Featuring some of the most memorable episodes of the series Star Trek: The Next Generation Season Five & Unification on Blu-ray is a must have for fans.
Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS55 3D Ready 1080p High Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Calman 5 & C6 Meter from Spectracal )
Stewart Filmscreen - Studiotek 130 G3 100” 16x9 Screen
Carada Masquerade Horizontal Masking System
Marantz AV8801 11.2 Channel Audio/Video Processor
Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier
B&K Reference 200.7 Series 2 Seven Channel Amplifier
Oppo BDP-103D Universal Disc/3D capable Blu-ray Player (With Darbee video processing)
Panasonic DMP-BDT310 3D capable Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Toshiba HD-XA2 HD DVD Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray disc Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
System Controller: Apple iPad/iRule Pro HD Universal Remote Control
Canton "Ergo" Series speakers
Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers
SV Sound PB-13 Ultra (Rosenut finish)
APC AV S15BLK Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Wireworld, Better Cables (Silver Serpent) - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
Cool Components - CP-CP102 cooling package