SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 201 Min.
In 2009, CBS/Paramount released a pair of single-disc “Best of Star Trek: The Original Series” DVD’s. For Volume 1, these four 1966-67 episodes are drawn from Star Trek’s first two seasons.
- “Balance of Terror:” Introducing the Romulans, the U.S.S. Enterprise tangles with a mysteriously-cloaked warship in deep space. Tensions grow worse, as the Enterprise’s bridge crew is stunned by Spock’s uncanny physical resemblance to their ruthless adversaries.
- “The City on the Edge of Forever:” A time-traveling Captain Kirk and Spock must prevent a temporarily-deranged Dr. McCoy from inadvertently altering world history. Standing in their way is a beautiful pre-World War II peace activist portrayed by guest star Joan Collins.
- “Amok Time:” An ailing Spock returns home to Vulcan to complete a mating ritual. Its traditions lead to life-and-death combat against his devious would-be mate’s chosen representative: Captain Kirk!
- “The Trouble With Tribbles:” At a remote space station, the U.S.S. Enterprise is ordered to guard an intergalactic shipment of grain destined for a planet equally coveted by the Klingons. An exasperated Kirk has his hands full fending off a snooty administrator threatening to get him court-martialed; the belligerent Klingons; and a menagerie of hungry alien fur-balls that seemingly multiple at will.
REVIEW:
Though all worthy of inclusion, the downside is that these same episodes have appeared on numerous Star Trek DVD collections, so there isn’t anything new. Without any special features, this bare-bones Volume 1 is still a nice sampling to entice new fans seeking out the original Kirk & Spock’s exploits.
BONUS FEATURES:
The sole extras are: obligatory previews for the remastered Blu-ray editions of The Original Series and the subsequent feature film collection. A preview for the final season of “Charmed” is thrown in for good measure.
QUALITY CONTROL:
With an aspect ratio of 4:3, the picture quality appears excellent. It appears that the recently-enhanced visual effects were included for these episodes. The remote control access is so basic that there isn’t even a scene selection.
PACKAGING:
Consisting of one disc, the glossy silver packaging suitably protects the DVD. Its advertising is spot on.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
