For those Star Trek fans who can’t afford the complete season box sets, here’s an economical alternative: a single-disc collection of four popular episodes from various seasons. Present here are “Where No Man Has Gone Before” (a propulsion expert’s change to the Enterprise’s engines propels the crew to the edge of the universe), “Space Seed” (the episode, it need hardly be said, that brought us Khan), “A Piece of the Action” (wherein our gang gets to dress up like 20s gangsters) and “Journey to Babel” (a diplomatic mission turns into a disaster when, among other things, Kirk is stabbed and Spock’s father has a heart attack). Strong episodes from a strong series.
Video
The show looks terrific. In fact – purists take note – it looks better than it should. Yes, these are the same remastered prints as the last set of complete season releases, complete with enhanced special effects. So the show not only looks better than it did when first broadcast, it is sharper and has better FX than its Next Generation counterpart. The viewing pleasure is high, then, just not historically accurate.
Audio
Hmmm. I don’t recall the original show being broadcast in 5.1, either. But having said that, this is a pretty snazzy remix. William Shatner’s opening narration has never had such a booming, majestic sound, and both sound effects and music are place very effectively. So we have a vintage show sounding better than many a current one.
Special Features
None.
Final Thoughts
With just four episodes and no features, this is a pretty utilitarian release. But if you have the need for what is being offered, than the package comes looking and sound very swank.
