On April 5, Paramount + released the long-awaited restoration of Star Trek: The Motion Picture – The Director’s Edition.” The project was first announced in July 2021, having been rumored to be in the works in the past few years. “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” was first released in December 1979 to a mixed reception, 10 years following the cancellation of the original series that ran in syndication from 1966 to 1969. The film faced various troubles during its production, with the picture going over budget, constant script changes throughout filming and little time to finish the special effects completely before the intended release date. As a result, the picture was released incomplete. In 2001, an effort was undertaken by director Robert Wise to create a director’s cut, taking the time to enhance the unfinished effects and add further scenes to enhance the story. The new cut, while garnering greater approval than the original release, has not been made available in higher definition for over 20 years. By 2021, however, a plan was made to remaster a new version of the film.
The restoration process was undertaken by producer David C. Fein and preservationist Mike Matessino, both of whom originally collaborated with Wise 20 years ago for the 2001 release. Fein and Matessino 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-high-definition by means of new technology. This was a process that proved to be difficult and led to a halt in the restoration for years, because of the difference of new technology working with older film prints. Fein was interviewed by Star Trek.com in which he stated, “I couldn’t be prouder and more thrilled to have completed the film in 4K. 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!”
When a dangerous entity known as V’Ger begins to assimilate information across the universe with a direct course for Earth, destroying any object in its path, Admiral James T. Kirk (William Shatner), former captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise, is pulled from a mundane desk job into the role of chief of Starfleet Operations; he must once more assume command of the newly refitted starship in order to stop the destruction of the galaxy and learn the origins of the dangerous anomaly. Joined by old friends Spock (Leonard Nimoy) and Doctor McCoy (DeForest Kelley), Kirk faces his most daunting mission as a commander yet, testing his ability to lead effectively, struggling with overconfidence in his skill and believing to be the same man he once was despite the years that have aged him. This causes him to clash with the other crewmembers, and his relevance is tested in an evolving universe where the age of exploration and action are things of the past. Also returning in supporting roles to aid Kirk in his mission include the ensemble cast of the original series, Chief Engineer Scotty (James Doohan), Lt. Uhura (Nichelle Nichols), Sulu (George Takei) and Chekov (Walter Koenig) along with new allies Commander Decker (Stephen Collins) and Lt. Ilia (Persis Khambatta).
“Star Trek: The Motion Picture – The Director’s Edition” is a satisfactory inclusion to the series, bringing forth a completed film 40 years after the original release and finally capturing the ambitious goal of Gene Roddenberry and Robert Wise set out to accomplish. It brings new life to “Star Trek” and enhances the experience from the small screens of homes to the bigger screens of a theater. While directors like J.J. Abrams redefined Star Trek in 2009 with his reboot of the series and the subsequent series that have launched on Paramount +, they all lack the formula that this film has at its core and reminded me what “Star Trek” is truly about, a focus on character and a glimpse into what the future can be if we are to put aside our differences and come together as one force for the betterment of the future.
Unsurprisingly, director Wise and the performances of Shatner, Nimoy and Kelley continue to bring all of this and more, never missing a beat or ever leaving us with a dull moment throughout the two-hour runtime. This new rendition of the film keeps a consistent flowing pace and engages the audience with beautifully compelling and improved visuals. The work is a triumph of its own, having taken a movie many critics and audiences have considered one of the weakest in the series and making this one of the greatest. This improvement is largely due to the stronger emphasis placed on expanding the story that touches upon the themes of evolution, purpose and the role we play in each other’s lives. While current generations may grow up with the new stories streaming on Paramount+, works such as this film will continue the legacy Gene Roddenberry conceived over 50 years ago, and they will carry the themes, morals and stories to inspire the next generation of people.
“Star Trek: The Motion Picture – The Director’s Edition” was well worth the wait for fans and casual moviegoers alike. For the number of issues with the theatrical release of this film, this version improves upon almost every aspect. The only downside perhaps is the inclusion of some visuals that look significantly outdated and distract from scenes in an otherwise emotional and oftentimes moving film. However, there is more than enough good that deems this a worthy re-watch and a satisfying addition to the Star Trek series as a whole, finally 40 years later boldly going where no audience has gone before.
