STAR TREK: The Motion Picture DC Watch Along
Added 2024-04-25 16:01:03 +0000 UTCI can’t wait to share this with you all so we can CHAT about it!!!
I personally LOVED this movie! I felt like it leveled up the show and grounded the characters a bit more! I loved the throw backs to classics lines and attitudes of the characters. I for miss some of the campy-ness but for a movie and story line that seemed ahead of it’s time it really worked for me. I do miss the original costumes but the 1970s brought some interesting uniforms!! I loved the futurism of this movie, concept and look. I find this version really stands the test of time especially with all the buzz around A.I right now. It was really thought provoking and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I wonder if I would have loved or hated it though if I was a fan in the 60’s and saw this in 79!
I did read the show was canceled in 1969 so is this true it took 10 years for the movie!!! Fans must have been going wild!
I have no idea where this journey will take me! Not sure how each movie will be! But I am excited for it!
Let me know your thoughts below! (Of course no spoilers for the other movies)
Thanks for being here with me!! It means a lot!!
🖖🏽🖖🏽🖖🏽
ames
Comments
Ames, I'm so happy that you got to see the Director's Cut 2022. This version is vastly superior to the original theatrical cut which was incomplete and actually a rough cut. The director, Robert Wise, actually hand delivered the fill reels to the theater premier because they were so pressed for time. I won't go into it here, but there were some really crazy production problems on this movie which blew-up the budget and didn't allow enough time for vfx or editing. There was DVD Director's cut in 2001. Robert Wise was given the time and budget to redo some of the effects as well as do a proper editing job. Paramount upgraded the effects for 4k, Dolby Vision/HDR10, and Dolby Atmos in 2022 which is the version you saw. (The upgraded picture and sound is phenomenal by the way.) When I saw the original theatrical version, my reaction was the exact opposite of yours -- I thought it was terrible and that this film was the final nail in Star Trek. Thankfully, Star Trek got a new lease on life with a new production and writing team -- relegating Gene Roddenberry to the ceremonial "Executive Consultant" title. Gene is good a world-building but not as good in a writing or producing role. And, I say that as someone who is a fan. Gene is the Great Bird of the Galaxy, but he also has some limitations as a storyteller.
Ron
2024-11-24 09:46:35 +0000 UTCThis is only my second time watching the Director's Cut, it was an improvement over the original Theatrical Release, not just in terms of the added CGI but also new scenes and dialogue that help add some depth to the movie as well that I really think helped it. I would encourage you to watch the DC version of The Wrath of Khan as well if you can. There are a couple of scenes that were cut out of the original that help the story a bit, although you really won't lose anything if you cannot find it.
Robert Berry
2024-04-29 22:05:35 +0000 UTCThe slow motion picture that’s hilarious! But such cool lil tidbits! The moon landing totally woulda got ppl into space stuff so that’s Cool! Thanks for your comment I loved it Andrew!
Amalia Wolf
2024-04-29 04:25:32 +0000 UTC🙈🙈🙈🥰🥰🥰🥰I’m so excited!!!! I never remember what I say so I love when you guys remind me and can have a giggle that makes my day! Sure it coulda been tightened up but u summed up a lot of why I loved this one! Can’t wait to get to 2!!!
Amalia Wolf
2024-04-29 04:23:44 +0000 UTCAmes, your reaction to the opening theme by Jerry Goldsmith was delightful! "It's so BEAUTIFUL!!!" 🎶 It's so unexpected to see just stars for the first 2 1/2 minutes! The anticipation just builds and builds. I think everyone expected to see the Enterprise come flying out of the stars. Then after the opening theme ends... BOOM the Star Trek: The Next Generation music hits like a sledgehammer! I love it that whenever a Vulcan character gives the "live long and prosper hand sign", you give one as well, Ames. 🖖 (Sign of a true trekkie!) Some great one-liners from you Ames: When Kirk sees Commander Sonak at Starfleet Command, you say, "Well, this guy's Vulcan... but he ain't no Spock!!" And at one point, "This build up is crazy!! This better be something good!" LOL! "She's a beauty!!" When Kirk is on the shuttle trip to the Enterprise in Space Dock with Scottie. All the beautiful shots of the Enterprise from every angle! Definitely starship porn!! Even though I wish the pacing wasn't so slow, the concept of an AI wishing to merge with its creator was a great premise. I really liked the idea of testing to see if Commander Ilia's memory patterns had been duplicated. Also, the notion of witnessing the beginning of a new life-form, a melding of machine intelligence and humankind is an interesting one (and so Star Trek). Spock: "Possibly, a next step in our evolution." Kirk: "I think we gave it the ability to create its own sense of purpose." The score was so grandiose and epic!! Great reaction, Ames! I can't wait to see your reaction to Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan!!
John Courtright
2024-04-29 04:19:15 +0000 UTCI love this movie but it is generally regarded I believe as weak, some call it the Slo-Motion Picture lol. Without giving anything away there is one of the six that is clearly regarded as not just the weakest but bad although even that one has great character moments. To reiterate some of what was said. The original pilot for Star Trek called the Cage and not staring Capt. Kirk was regarded as too "cerebral" for 1960s TV but the studio did something unprecedented, it ordered a second pilot. The original actor playing the Captain was no longer interested in the role and that lead the way for Kirk. Also the second pilot was more action oriented. Needless to say the studio picked up the series. The only two part original series episode actually used footage from the first pilot which was a cool concept. The original 3 year run of Star Trek was regarded as a failure, this was before demographics which would have revealed that the prime audience was actually watching the show, namely those people that bought stuff, but without that the show was nearly canceled at the end of year two but a massive fan based letter writing campaign convinced the studio to give it a third season, but a bad new time slot and a massive episode budget decrease along with Gene Roddenberry no longer involved the show was canceled at the end of season 3. There was no finale, the show simply ended, indeed the final episode is well regarded as being very bad. Then magic happened, right after its cancellation the moon landing occurred and people got interested in space and when Trek went into syndication it became the number one show and its legend was born at that time. A new series was planned but the success of Star War made the studio scrap that idea in favor of a movie. Interesting tidbit, the budget for the Motion Picture was greater than all the episodes of the original series put together.
Andrew Roach
2024-04-27 07:49:28 +0000 UTCHere's how I was introduced to this movie as a child of the 80's, when watching movies was a family event. https://youtu.be/7I87lwWzSlM?si=NUFim_UF7uzqcbh9
David Crabtree
2024-04-26 17:41:47 +0000 UTCWOW!!!!!
Amalia Wolf
2024-04-26 03:38:13 +0000 UTCAMES UNIT 🤣🤣🤣 love it PUP! I hope u had a great time watching with me!! Now I want to purchase a new record player (use to have one long story) and collect some vinyl! I just got ride of all mine! Except my Star Wars… Kinda regret giving up my heart and genesis albums but it went to my musician friend who I KNOW will love them! Thanks for the tidbits!
Amalia Wolf
2024-04-26 03:36:56 +0000 UTCAaron!!! 😍😍😍😍 I’m so glad I gave you something to ponder! Yes I am always regretting not watching all of them so I am trying to watch more behind the scenes!! Thanks for being here and leaving this comment! It’s so nice and made my day!
Amalia Wolf
2024-04-26 03:34:42 +0000 UTCI was going to put off watching until tomorrow and I'm so glad I didn't. You gave me something that we should all want out of the reactors we follow. A new appreciation from a fresh perspective. Seriously, even though I never thought this movie was bad, you made me want to rethink this films position on my personal stack ranking of Star Trek movies. It may be more than just not bad. Thanks. Sure, if you had seen more episodes you may have picked up on some things...BUT, now when you go back and watch more episodes you'll have fun noticing things and that's an experience unto itself. Who's to say that's not even a better experience.
Aaron Chandler
2024-04-26 01:16:19 +0000 UTCI consider ST:TMP to be the actual finale to ST:TOS. It's a nice symbolic bookend for the Enterprise's original crew (whose mission was "to seek out new life and new civilizations") to come face-to-face with the original Voyager probes (which were actually launched in 1977, just two years prior to the film's release) -- humanity's first attempts to learn about the universe outside of our solar system. Like you said, the score is beautiful, and I loved how the docking sequence shots (in which the Enterprise looks huge) contrast with the scenes within V'ger, where the Enterprise looks tiny. And it's cool to see Kirk act like a bit of a jerk -- he's definitely not perfect, but in the end his instincts and willingness to gamble save the day. I actually consider Star Trek II to be the first entry in the original crew film franchise. Looking forward to their continuing adventures... 🖖
JM63
2024-04-25 23:56:31 +0000 UTCYess! What a great reaction by the Ames-Unit. The pure joy and enthusiasm you show while watching this movie warms my Trekkie heart. It did struck me again what a great soundtrack it has. I collect vinyl, including soundtracks, so will be seeking this out. Two interesting tidbits. 1. TOS had a pilot in 1964 with Captain Pike (no Kirk). The show was picked up in 1966 (with Kirk) and was cancelled in 1969. It got more popular in syndication and a new show was in the works. It got really far. There were negotiations issues with Nimoy (in particular) and Shatner. That's why they created characters to replace them if necessary. The show fell through and the movie was made. The replacement characters were put in the movie, Decker (to replace Shatner) and the vulcan you saw in the beginning of the movie (to replace Nimoy). Ilia was a fresh character. 2. Voyager 1 and 2 are far outside out solar system now and NASA is still in contact with them. They carry a golden record with greetings on them in 55 languages, sounds from earth and music (classical and Chuck Berry), besides some mathematical and general info.
Pickupthepieces76
2024-04-25 23:56:27 +0000 UTCThis film should be rated NC-17 because the docking sequence is pure space porn :) The Director's Edition does add a few subtle CGI touches, but I'd say about 95% of the FX are preserved from the original; they just look much sharper due to remastering, and the colors look better (the original had some unnatural purplish hues). I haven't seen every episode of TOS, but from what I gather there wasn't an official "finale", it just wasn't renewed because of low ratings (NBC pushed it to 10 pm on Friday for Season 3, kiss of death timeslot LOL). So you didn't miss anything in terms of additional info. (Spoilers for ST:TMP only)
JM63
2024-04-25 23:40:54 +0000 UTCI saw this in the theater when I was 9; the transporter accident scared the hell out of me. I can still hear those weird screams!
Todd Biggar
2024-04-25 20:50:33 +0000 UTCCOOL !
Amalia Wolf
2024-04-25 19:48:49 +0000 UTCWhen you said “Admiral? ADMIRAL?”….I grinned. You’ll find out why in the next film. The next film is emotion city. I can’t wait until you watch it!
Catchermag
2024-04-25 19:35:13 +0000 UTCBAH!!! I can’t wait to understand all inside jokes!! I think it’s ok to not like it. I get why ppl don’t like it. I just loved the theme and SPOCK IN A SPACESUIT and his whole arc in the movie! I’m excited for a more fast paced fun bringing back the old days of the show too! So I’m excited to see where these go!! I’ll be interested to see which ones I Like!
Amalia Wolf
2024-04-25 18:49:55 +0000 UTCAs a huge Star Trek fan, I’m disappointed in myself that I don’t love this movie. There’s a popular thought amongst the fandom that the even numbered movies are better than the odd numbered ones. I don’t fully subscribe to that, I personally love Star Trek 3 and Generations. But just not a fan of this first one. All that said I’m glad you are diving in head first. THIS IS JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBORG!! 😜 The ice BORG! Ah, you don’t get it yet. Someone will. Lol
Catchermag
2024-04-25 18:16:44 +0000 UTCPUP!! Enjoy I loved it!
Amalia Wolf
2024-04-25 17:09:38 +0000 UTCSO CLEVER !! Wow so cool if that’s what jump started Comic con!
Amalia Wolf
2024-04-25 17:09:15 +0000 UTCOOOOOOOOHHHH!!!!! King of Disco 🤣🤣🤣🧔🏼
Amalia Wolf
2024-04-25 17:08:49 +0000 UTCFave character in this one: "King of the Disco" Leonard McCoy, complete with leisuresuit, beard, and medallion. Guess that's why them call him "Bones"? Can't wait to watch this one, I keep rating it higher and higher. Now I consider it to be the true series finale of ST:TOS and on equal footing with the other films. (And the Director's Edition looks absolutely amazing.)
JM63
2024-04-25 16:59:13 +0000 UTCFrom what I remember Ames? This movie was warmly received by the public and critics when it was released. The special effects (at the time) were lauded and of course die hard trekkies (of which I am not) were thrilled to see their favorite characters back and on the big screen. LOVED the story line here with Vger! Very very clever and it was quite nostalgic seeing these actors together again onscreen, many of whom I'm guessing were thinking their careers were likely over . If I'm not correct? This movie and it's sequel kinda kick started the whole comic-con and trekkie conventions as i don't remember ANY before this films release. Maybe somebody can tell me when those actually started...
RFK Fan
2024-04-25 16:50:00 +0000 UTCMUST WATCH THIS ASAP!!!
Pickupthepieces76
2024-04-25 16:36:32 +0000 UTCYou have something to look forward too! It’s the Directors Edition!
Amalia Wolf
2024-04-25 16:29:00 +0000 UTCYa it’s very plain! I did like the white ones those! And missed the original ones! BUT I felt like it worked with the over all tone of the movie!!!
Amalia Wolf
2024-04-25 16:28:43 +0000 UTCSTOKED!!
Amalia Wolf
2024-04-25 16:27:43 +0000 UTCCan't wait to watch this one again with you Ames!! It will be great to see the old crew again on a new adventure!! Ahh, I wish I could watch it RIGHT NOW, but work beckons...
John Courtright
2024-04-25 16:25:17 +0000 UTCI love this movie, story, and performances, but I hate the uniforms and color pallet of film. the next 3 take Star Trek to another level. And Star Trek 2 introduces the greatest Starfleet uniforms to date!
David Crabtree
2024-04-25 16:24:59 +0000 UTCThis is a great series of movies.
Chris H
2024-04-25 16:24:30 +0000 UTCCool! Well then I’m just in for MORE amazing !!
Amalia Wolf
2024-04-25 16:15:34 +0000 UTCThis movie gets too much unfair hate, but compared to the rest of them it is the weakest. Some will argue 5 is the weakest, but I will die on that hill that even 5 is better. But that doesn't make this movie bad. To me it's just very much of its time. It's a 70's movie. Where as most of the others feel much more timeless. But it is still a good movie. Can't wait to see how you reacted once I'm off work.
Aaron Chandler
2024-04-25 16:06:57 +0000 UTC
