Star Trek 7 - Generations (Spec. Ed.) (2 Discs)

It was billed as the meeting fans were longing for in the first big screen adventure for Captain Jean Luc Picard and his Enterprise-D crew whom encounter the illustrious predecessor Captain James T Kirk. For the most part "Generations" certainly has the same familiar feel you'd find in the "Next Generation" television series despite certain aspects like a mild update of the uniforms that our regulars wear. That's not surprising as it was shot so soon after filming had wrapped on the "All Good Things" series finale. Despite that there's much to enjoy here like the first glimpse of Stella Cartography (covered in 'Creating the Illusion' (approx 9 mins)) the 'Nexus Ribbon' (7 mins) and the 'Saucer Crash Sequence' (approx 5 mins). Also I do like the scenes set in the holodeck on board the sailing ship Enterprise which has our 'Next Generation' crew looking really quite splendid in period naval outfits and hats, quite an elaborate but definitely fun way to promote Worf to Lieutenant Commander! Credit is also due for the touching scenes in the Nexus between Picard and Guinan and then Picard and his family in a typical Christmas setting, plus of course that first memorable meeting between the Captains at Kirk's cabin followed by a rousing horse riding sequence. Aside from the 113 min film we are well served with a very satisfactory amount of 179 mins of Bonus Features and amongst the choice morsels on offer as we look around the options presented in the 'Stella Cartography' main menu area I presume that 'Uniting Two Legends' (approx 25 ¾ mins) and 'Strange New Worlds : The Valley of Fire' (approx 22 ¾ mins) with contributions from amongst others William Shatner and Patrick Stewart standing on location in Nevada for their final confrontation between the two Captain's and El Aurian physicist Sorren (both under 'Production') are the leading players on this title. I'd offer an appreciative nod towards Visual Effects items 'Inside ILM : Models and Miniatures (9 ½ mins) and 'Crashing the Enterprise' (10 ¾ mins) which are certainly worthy interesting inclusions. This title's tribute, a 19 ½ min offering focuses on original series designer Matt Jefferies is suitably comprehensive and satisfactory especially when you consider the immense contribution that he has given to Star Trek. Other items you'll find in 'The Star Trek Universe' include a look at all the series and real life craft that have borne the iconic name ('The Enterprise Lineage' (12 ¾ mins)), fascinating looks at 'Captain Picard's Family Album' (7 mins) with Art Coordinator Penny Juday and 'Creating 24th Century Weapons' with official Klingon armourer Gil Hibben. Rounding out the package we've got 32 mins of deleted scenes although I was surprised that the theatrical trailer for this movie seems to be missing. A reasonably entertaining first Next Generation outing supported by an entirely worthy amount of interesting, informative and entertaining bonus features.

All indications are that Bill Shatner now regrets talking part in this 'Death of Kirk'/'Passing of the Torch' movie, as it has effectively ruled him (but not Leonard Nimoy) out of making an appearance in the latest Star Trek film from J.J. Abrams. It's a watchable enough tale, but the meeting of the two Captain's is not what it could have been. (Cooking together?). Admittedly the two writers on the commentary say they could have done better. Lots of Star Trek fans wanted the two Captains to meet and here they got their wish. It seems pointless to complain now. If you can forgive that disappointment this is, as I say, bearable viewing. (Unless Data's stand-up comedy/emotion chip routine and Picard's tearfull blubbing is just too much for you!)

The much hyped death of Kirk in this entry is a massive letdown, talk about going out with a whimper, a foot bridge falls on him?? The plot of the film serves pretty to bridge the time gaps of the old crew to the next generation, and the effects are pretty good including some great model work with the crash sequence. The real backbone to the film is Patric Stewart as he oozes authority over his crew, but is letdown by an ill judged fantasy xmas sequence, that really grates. It's not the best entry of the next generation, but passes the time well enough.