A remastered and recut version of the first Star Trek film is in theatres on May 22, 23 and 25.
“Star Trek: The Motion Picture” premiered in theatres in 1979, and now 43 years later a 4K Director’s Edition is returning to the big screen. You can get tickets and more information at:
“Star Trek: The Motion Picture” Theatre Tickets
The movie will be shown on Sunday May 22, Monday May 23 and Wednesday May 25. The showing is sponsored by Fathom Events, which shows many classic films plus live events like the Metropolitan Opera in theatres.
Star Trek: The Motion Picture was based on the television series Star Trek created by Gene Roddenberry, who also served as the film’s producer. It was the first installment in the Star Trek film series, and stars the cast of the original television series.
In the film, set in the 2270s, a mysterious and immensely powerful alien cloud known as V’Ger approaches Earth, destroying everything in its path. Admiral James T. Kirk (William Shatner) assumes command of the recently refitted Starship USS Enterprise, to lead it on a mission to save the planet and determine V‘Ger‘s origins. Also starring are Leonard Nimoy and DeForest Kelley.
The remastered film is available for streaming now on Paramount+.
“Star Trek: The Motion Picture” Streaming
“Star Trek: The Motion Picture” premiered on Paramount+ on April 5, 2022.
Paramount+ has exclusive rights to the Director’s Edition and is streaming it now in 4K Ultra HD. Paramount+ subscribers can view the film HERE.
Original Director’s Edition
The film’s director, Robert Wise, was quoted as saying he considered the film a “rough cut” that was rushed into theatres. In 2000, Wise was given the opportunity to re-edit the film to be more consistent with his original vision. The production team used the original script, surviving sequence storyboards, memos, and the director’s recollections. In addition to cuts in some sequences, 90 new and redesigned computer-generated images were created and the soundtrack was remixed.
The Director’s Edition overseen by Wise was released in 2001. It runs 136 minutes, about four minutes longer than the original release. It was issued in Standard Definition on VHS tape and DVD on November 6, 2001.
The Director’s Edition was better received by critics than the original 1979 release, with some considering the edit to have subsequently turned the film into one of the series’ best. The DVD Journal’s Mark Bourne said the 2001 film showcased “a brisker, more attractive version of the movie.”
The Newly Restored Director’s Edition
In 2021, a new 4K restoration was greenlit by Paramount. The project was assigned to producer David C. Fein and restoration supervisor Mike Matessino, both of whom worked on the 2001 Director’s Edition with Wise.
They assembled a team of special effects experts, led by returning visual effects supervisor Daren Dochterman, and utilized the extensive resources in the Paramount Archives to recreate the effects in Ultra HD. The restoration took about 6 months.
“I couldn’t be prouder and more thrilled to have completed the film in 4K,” said Fein. “Paramount offered unprecedented access to the original elements and exceptional support and the results are stunning. Utilizing the latest discoveries and innovations of modern film production, The Director’s Edition delivers so much more today than was previously possible. It’s an adventure you’ll never forget!”
For more information visit the Star Trek Website.
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Below is a trailer for Star Trek The Motion Picture – Director’s Edition from Paramount+.
