Most people know that I’m not exactly thrilled with the idea of a J.J. Abrams/Star Trek redux (actually, it’s the most repulsive idea in television history), but….there’s much more palatable news on the Star Trek horizon.
For the 40th anniversary, CBS/Paramount is re-releasing episodes of classic Star Trek in new, high-definition transfers, re-recorded music and sound…and new CGI special effects.
The list of the changes sounds impressive, and (so far) seems to be a more respectable, sensible approach to revising the material than was done with George Lucas’ Star Wars films. According to startrek.com, these are the planned changes:
1. Space ship exteriors — The Enterprise, as well as other starships, will be replaced with state of the art CGI-created ships. The new computer-generated Enterprise is based on the exact measurements of the original model, which now rests in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
2. Show opening — The Enterprise and planets seen in the main title sequence will be redone, giving them depth and dimension for the first time.
3. Galaxy shots — All the graphics of the galaxy, so frequently seen through the viewscreen on the Enterprise’s bridge, will be redone.
4. Exteriors — The battle scenes, planets and ships from other cultures (notably the Romulan Bird of Prey and Klingon Battle Cruisers) will be updated.
5. Background scenes — Some of the iconic, yet flat, matte paintings used as backdrops for the strange, new worlds explored by the Enterprise crew will get a CGI face-lift, adding atmosphere and lighting.
The refurbished episodes also feature higher quality sound for the famous opening theme. The original score by Emmy Award-winning composer Alexander Courage, has been re-recorded in state-of-the-art digital stereo audio with an orchestra and a female singer belting out the famous vocals. A digitally remastered version of William Shatner’s classic original recording of the 38-word “Space, the final frontier…” monologue continues to open each episode.
The remastered episodes have been converted from the original film into a High-Definition format, which gives viewers a clearer, crisper, more vibrant picture than before, even when viewed in standard definition. Once stations upgrade and start broadcasting HD signals, the episodes will be all ready for viewers to enjoy in HD.
I’m looking forward to this freshening up of the original series — it feels very much like an enhancement, rather than messing about with a director’s vision (see again, George Lucas). Here’s a preview of what to expect…and I defy anyone to say that it doesn’t look gorgeous…
Still…only the final product will allow us to judge its success or failure…but I’m betting on success…
…fingers crossed…
