Star Trek V - The Final Frontier

Rating:
Summary: Awful movie but lots of great extras ...
Review: There are times when you can tell while watching a movie that a director has a great sense of storytelling and vision but is being held back by restrictions that are beyond his control. There was unquestionably A LOT of problems when this movie was put together, but this was NOT one of those times.

It was pretty clear, from the minute the movie opened with that ridiculous opening camping scene; William Shatner's ego was firmly in the driver's seat for the fifth installment of the once-noble 'Star Trek' franchise.

Now the outside problems for this project were serious and many. The screenplay was assembled during a writers strike and the budget for special effects was about a third of previous installments. Both of these issues were EXTREMELY noticeable.

Shatner though, at no point, rose to the occasion. He took that flaming wreck of a movie and drove it right over a cliff. Wonderful character actors such as David Warner are completely ignored, classic characters such as Mr. Scott and Uhura are turned into nothing short of caricatures, and Spock and McCoy have become a traveling support group for Captain Kirk. All while William Shatner pretends to be Errol Flynn playing Captain Kirk.

Other then mere curiosity or the desire to simply have a complete collection of Trek movies, there'd normally be almost no reason at all to even consider picking this movie up.

So all that said, why did I buy it? Well, for starters, I (admittedly) am a Trek fan and wanted to have a complete collection of movies. Secondly, and most redeeming, the special features on the DVD are really terrific! There are just a TON of material to pour through and spend your time watching. Another reviewer pointed it out, but I also think it's true, it almost seemed like Paramount knew how bad the movie was and tried to apologize by LOADING it with content.

Still not a good movie, but if you're a fan and you're on the fence about picking it up, don't necessarily dismiss it based on just its (well-earned) reputation. You might actually end up enjoying it, even if it is for reasons you might not have expected.

Rating:
Summary: What Does God Need With A Starship?
Review: It's no secret that most folks consider, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier the weakest film in the series, featuring the original series cast. As for the Collector's Edition DVD, the extras may seem plentiful, in the end though they don't amount to much.

As the film opens, Captain Kirk (William Shatner), and the crew of the starship Enterprise-A, are enjoying shore leave on Earth. The festivities are cut short, when a renegade Vulcan named Sybok (Laurence Luckinbill), commendeers the ship, on a quest to find enlightement. As it turns out, Sybok also has a surprising connection to Spock (Leonard Nimoy), and his loyalty to his ship and crew is tested.

Directed by William Shatner, the film has its share of problems, to be sure. The basic premise of the crew going on a mission to find God is a lofty ambition but in the end falls short. I don't think the story works because the concept of God is open to so many interpetations, that whatever the the end result, its a letdown. The special effects in the film are sub par, compared to the previous films and it shows, particularly by the finale. To be fair though, the movie does have a few bright spots. Luckinbill is quite good as Sybok. Dr. McCoy (the late great DeForest Kelly) has an emotional moment with his Dad (Bill Quinn) that is well done. And the strong friendship between Kirk, Spock, and Bones is put through its paces again in a good way. It also marks the return of veteran Trek film score composer Jerry Goldsmith and some of his most popular themes. Even though the film isn't the best in the series, I still prefer watching it over Insurrection, or Nemesis.

Given the film's lackluster status, the amount of bonus material in the set, seems like it would give viewers a comprensive look at the film. Don't be fooled...quantity does not mean quality. The audio commentary by Shatner and his daughter Lizabeth, who wrote a book about the filming of The Final Frontier, isn't all that great. The usually talkative actor is rather subdued and their are huge gaps of silence throughout the track. It's a shame I was kind of hoping for more perspective. The text trivia track from Michael and Denise Okuda, is not even as lively and fun, as those completed for the other films in the series.

Ironically, disc two's best stuff has little to do with the film itself. The Herman Zimmerman Tribute showcases the talent of the prolific Trek series and film production designer. Cosmic Thoughts has a lot of scientsts speculating about our galaxy. Sounds good but it sort of just plods along. That Klingon Couple reunites the klingons of the film for a sit down interview. Todd Bryant and Spice Williams talk about being part of this Trek. A Green Future?, looks at the Yosemite National Park locale used in the movie, and ponders our environmental legacy. There's also a raw vintage interview with Shatner on the set, that's rather ho-hum. The production featurettes aren't really as fact filled--there's not much persective. The Harve Bennett Pitch to theater owners seems out of place. The Behind-the-Scenes retrospective documentary seems some how lacking (eg--where's Luckinbill?) Makeup Tests, Pre-Visualization Models, The infamous Rock Man in the Raw screen test, a film wrap press conference with all seven classic cast members from '88 is nice to have though for posterity. There's about 4 minutes of deleted scenes, including the often mentioned, but never seen, Mount Rushmore footage. Rounding out disc two is a production stills and advertising gallery, with theatrical trailers, and television spots Eagle eyed viewers take note: Disc 2 also has an Easter Egg to be found on the deleted scenes menu in the form of a gag reel.

In the end, I would say that this set had so much potential that like the film, gets bogged down by other concerns. *** stars

Rating:
Summary: Star Trek V: The Final Frontier - Shines on this DVD!
Review: Star Trek V: The Final Frontier has always been one of my favorite Star Trek movies! Even though some hateful fans like to bully up on this film and beat it up it stands alone as one of the best original series films made.

This DVD has great extras and the motion menus are the best of the DVD series. The presentation of the film is better than that of the original DVD release. The film is crisper and has better detail. Also the sound is great, better than Star Trek III: The Search For Spock (Although III is still good!).

This is the DVD to have for any Star Trek fan! If you buy it you will enjoy it! May you all Live Long and Prosper!

NOTE: Click on the 'Deleted Scenes' then arrow down to 'Behold Paradise'. Arrow left and click on the blue circle. You will be treated to a 'gag reel' which is about a minute in length.

NOTE II: I would have given this DVD 5-stars but I thought there should have been a 'Director's Edition' of the film. But all in all it is still a good film!

Rating:
Summary: Star Trek V-the best of the Special Editions
Review: I have reviewed Star Trek V: The Final Frontier before, but feel compelled to do so again based on my recent purchase of this Special Edition DVD.

First off, let me revisit my feelings on the film itself. Star Trek V is one of my favorite Trek films. I think that this and "Wrath of Khan" best embody the themes and tone of the original series which I love so much. "Final Frontier" was an ambitious project that explored many relevant issues including family, spirituality, terrorism / fanaticism, and religion. The underlying theme of the film is the bond of the Enterprise crew, specifically on Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, which was always one of the most entertaining and important aspects of the original series. Put these elements together and add in some action, lightheartedness, and good plot twists, and Trek V delivers where other Trek films have failed.

I am always amazed at how fans and critics miss the wealth of priceless moments in this film. The campfire scene is wonderful, and the scenes in the observation lounge with the three heros and Sybok are probably the best exploration of these characters since the 60's. These are the elements that make Trek V so endearing to true fans.

Unfortunately, on the surface, Trek V does not deliver as much, and that is what generally hurts the film. The direction and editing are very good, and there is a fresh look that we have not seen in the more asthetic Star Treks 1-4. However, the execution of the plot is somewhat flawed and a bit corny at times (but then again, so was the original series). The special effects are the worst of any of the films, and the climax suffers miserably because of it. It is unfortunate that the film is basically judged on these shortcomings rather than the many strengths it has.

As for the DVD Special Edition, it is by far the best of the Trek series. Although the William and Lizabeth Shatner commentary is not nearly as entertaining as the Shatner / Nimoy commentary from "Voyage Home", it is still interesting. The "Advertising" portion of the disk includes some very well put together trailers and TV spots that took me back to 1989 when I was anticipating this movie's release. The "Making Of" featurette and "Press Conference" piece are both very good. The Press Conference is a very rare and interesting extra. The deleted scenes are pretty much useless, and it's hard to believe that cutting most of these small scenes really saved them anything, but it's a great added feature that we have not seen in the other "Special Editions". Most of the other featurettes are interesting and fun as well.

Overall, this is a good Star Trek movie, and easily the best of the Special Editions. I question Paramount's decision to not produce this as a "Director's Edition", thus allowing Shatner to improve and re-cut his film with digital technology (much the same way Star Trek- The Motion Picture was retooled). I would have thought that if any film could use improvement that would truly IMPROVE the plot, it would be this one (whereas Star Trek I was more cosmetic improvements). Alas, Paramount is not known for it's intellegent decisions where Star Trek is concerned.

This is a worthwhile DVD to add to your collection.

Rating:
Summary: Paramount is finally making good DVDs...
Review: 20th Century Fox and Universal were among the first to really embrace DVD video and thus made the best on the home video market. It took Paramount a little longer to catch up on the idea of not only making good DVDs but also putting good bonus features on them. Case in point being the Star Trek movies. Having re-released the Trek movies in much better DVD editions has been a good move on Paramount's part and Star Trek V is no exception. It is a great DVD with plenty of interviews on the making of the movie which will hopefully make one appreciate the film more. Next up will be Star Trek VI; The Undiscovered Country.

Rating:
Summary: Better than I remember
Review: Star Trek V has got to be the most frustrating of all the Trek films. It is on one hand the most ambitious of all the Trek films in the scope of it's story, while on the other hand is marred by some terrible set pieces and gags during the first third of the film.

I've watched the DVD a couple of times now to catch all the commentaries and I've come away with the impression that on a whole, Trek V is far more succesful than I gave it credit for when it was originally released. Once Sybock has Kirk, Spock, McCoy and the rest of the crew right where he wants them on Nimbus III, the film hits it right on nearly all the marks.

Lawrence Luckinbill is extremely charismatic as Sybock. He hits the right balance between fanatic and compassionate self-help guru. The scene where he allows McCoy and Spock purge themselves of their greatest fears is a wonderfully staged and directed scene, much to Shatner's credit. Kirk's rejection of Sybock's "gift" rings true. Now we understand why Starfleet wanted Kirk on this mission and not just any other starship captain.

There is much to recommend in this film. Firstly, it has the grandest scope of all the Trek films. The number of real locations used was a welcome relief to all the studio-bound outings prior to Trek V (especially the rather unconvincing Genesis Planet in Trek III). And the fact that we are on a space mission, once again exploring stange new worlds as they did in the original series, makes the film feel like almost nostalgic.

The cinematography is crisp and exciting to look at. With the exception of the first third of the film, the acting is great, even though there are the odd character moments that crop up throughout the film, mostly at our beloved character's expense. Also, the new bridge and shuttle bay sets are far more convincing than the Christmas tree light-laden Enterprise sets of Treks I, II, and III.

Finally, the story bravely deals with the themes of God, faith, pain, love, redemption and sacrifice in an interesting and positive way rather than the existential viewpoints in much of contemporary cinema and literature. Being of a religious bent myself, I find this very refreshing.

Of course, much of the criticism leveled at the film is very warrented. A good deal of the humour in the first third of the film feels forced and falls flat. The special effects, with the exception of a few shots look less than stellar.

Even these short-comings give Trek V an almost "retro" feel to it, as if it were like a lost episode of the original series instead of a feature film. The way McCoy hangs out on the bridge, casually sitting on a console...the way everyone gets a little piece of the action (though in some cases, in some achingly embarrisingly ways)...the way the view out of the windows in the officer's lounge gives an awesome feeling of forward momentum through the cosmos and into the unknown.

As far as the extras are concerned, I found both the text and audio commentaries to be less than thrilling. Shatner and his daughter recount stories on the set and pranks that were played, finally lamenting a great deal about how short changed they were regarding the budget. I would have preferred to hear more about the philosophy behind Shatner's desire to make this film, about his religious beliefs and how he views our place in the cosmos. The extras on the second disk are a grab bag of interesting and not so interesting material, depending on your tastes.

On a whole though, as long as you can sit through some really terrible gags and set pieces in the first third of the film, Trek V has an awful lot going for it.

Rating:
Summary: A Good Movie
Review: Star Trek V is not a great movie, but it isn't a disaster either. It's a good movie, and probably would have received better acclaim if the climax were more satisfying. Once you understand the problems behind its makeshift ending, you can better appreciate William Shatner's original vision for the film. If anybody cares to recall, the critics were already slamming this movie long before it was actually released, and I think many, many people -- especially other critics -- viewed the film with pessimism in mind. I enjoy the film just as much as most of the other Trek films.

Rating:
Summary: Underrated -- and the SE DVD is just what it needed
Review: Maybe Star Trek V isn't the best Trek movie, but it's still much better than most movies I've seen. It has more humor than any of the original crew movies besides Star Trek IV. At times, the blend between the humor and the seriousness of the plot doesn't mesh very well, but it's still good overall.

As for the Special Edition DVD, it is just what the movie needed. The extras are a real treat with the movie, from the documentary on the making of the movie to about every commercial and trailer that could be imagined.

Rating:
Summary: Not the best of the original Trek crew...
Review: The rating should probably be three and a half stars. This movie probably served, if nothing else, to put a dent in William Shatner's reputed ego.

If anyone should know how to put together a Trek movie, it should be Mister Center Seat himself. Yet curiously, the humor comes from "bits" rather than from the character interaction where it belongs. Many of these "bits" only serve to undermine some of the characters. (Scotty "knows the ship like the back of his hand" yet he knocks himself out on a beam he'd apparently forgotten.)

Some of the special effects shots are laughably bad. And some of the direction is just plain questionable. (A shuttlecraft skids about a hundred feet to a stop in the bay. The master shot then shows the bay to be about 30 feet long.)

Fortunately, this movie was sandwiched by two far superior outings for the original crew. If you need this to complete your collection, then by all means pick it up. Otherwise, you may want to take a pass.

Rating:
Summary: Fans will understand what I am about to say.....
Review: Well the fifth movie is now out in its own special edition and thats as it should be--I dont dislike the movie as much as others do because A) I am a Star Trek fan B) the original series and its characters are still and always will be the best, and C) I saw ST V in the old Fox Theater where as a kid I delighted to other Trek films, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Empire Strikes Back (The theater no longer exists).

My only problem with it was the thing about Sybok being Spocks half brother--Now that was just stupid--They could have not had that part in there and instead made Sybok and old friend (or even foe) from Spocks childhood--The impact would have been the same....

I think they tried to keep the humor that the fourth film had and no one realized that it wouldnt really work because of the nature of the script--And people quit bagging on Shatner's direction please--He did good with what he had to work with and dont give me this nonsense about him directed because of his ego--Look at the two films directed by Frakes, First Contact which was good, and Innsurection which wasnt all that much--So how can you call one move good for its direction when the next one wasnt??--I am rambling now--In any case this isnt a bad movie, and if you are a Trek fan as I am it is essential to own for your DVD collection....

I have more problems with Star Trek VI--so I will wait till that one comes out then you will really see me vent....