Rating: 
Summary: The best of the original cast movies
Review: The title of my review says it all. This is absolutley the best of the original cast movies, I would also personally give this film my nod for best Trek movie overall. The writing was good, the production was excellent, and the acting was great, including a wonderful performance by Ricardo Montalban as Khan. The scene at the end with Spock and Kirk... well, I won't ruin it for you, just trust me it's good. As far as this DVD release of the film goes, I have to give a thumbs up. Very good picture and sound, good extras.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best Trek films
Review: The success of Wrath of Khan caught Paramount by surprise. The budget was scaled down after the expensive ST:TMP and expectations were down as well. Nicholas Meyer and Harve Bennett made the right move; they went after a classic Trek episode (Gene Coon's "Space Seed")and recognized a great villian to play against Kirk in Khan. Admiral Kirk has stepped down from "the chair" yet again and is involved in Star Fleet's Academy training. Captain Spock's latest class will be training on the Enterprise and Kirk's going along for the ride along with McCoy and the core of his seasoned crew. Meanwhile, on planet Seti 5 Chekov has transported down to a barren, desolate world racked by sand storms strong enough to strip skin from bone. He and the captain of a Federation science vessel are checking for life on the planet. It seems that Kirk's ex Carol Marcus and her son David have designed a terraforming "bomb" that literally creates life from destruction; it changes any planet it strikes into a thriving planet with living plants within a matter of days. This revoltionary approach has drawbacks; any planet "Genesis" strikes will produce life but it will destroy any pre-existing life forms. So Chekov and his captain are forced to investigate the planet to rule out any chance that there is life. Unfortunately, the only life forms on Seti Alpha 5 are ghosts from Kirk's past. Khan, the genetically engineered superhuman Kirk encounter twenty some years before, was deposited on the planet with his followers. Evidently, Seti-Alpha 6 the planet they were marooned on by Kirk was thrown into a new orbit when one of the other planets exploded. It changed the atmosphere from paradise to poison. Khan's ticked off and wants revenge. He sees "Genesis" as a means to an end--it will be bait to lure Kirk to him and allow him to kill his enemy at the same time. While traveling with Spock on the cadet training mission, Kirk gets a desperate call Carol Marcus. Marcus received a message from Chekov that Star Fleet intended to take Genesis away from Marcus and her research team before they've had a chance to try it on a planet wide scale. She had been told this was done at Kirk's command. Kirk, perplexed, tries to reason with her but communication is lost. Suddenly, the Enterprise and her crew are going to be thrown into harm's way with a madman waiting for them. Meyer's only previous movie was the strong time travel film Time After Time. He wasn't familiar with Trek. That was his advantage. His take on Trek was Hortiao Hornblower in outer space. Meyer, Bennett and screenwriter Jack Soward moved action back into the Trek universe with a tale of revenge and rivalry. Wrath of Khan stands as one of the best Trek films produced. This Director's Special Edition features the extended version that Meyer had wanted to release originally. It includes many new scenes and a couple of minor subplots (such as Scotty's nephew surviving on the Enterprise which gives a new meaning to one particular shot near the end)restored to the film. The beautifully transferred DVD is in anamorphic widescreen (which basically means that the way it was transferred allows for more resolution and better clarity particularly for progressive scan DVD players and widescreen televisions). There's very few problems with the picture and the sound is stunning particularly when compared to the earlier laserdisc and DVD versions. The first disc also includes a fascinating running commentary from Meyer and Trek factoids that appear on screen. They range from interesting to funny as heck. The text display is particularly interesting after you've watched the movie the first time to capture all the action. They provide interesting tidbits about the production of the film itself as well. The second disc features all the extras with the exception of Meyer's commentary track. There's a number of great featurettes that provide a wealth of background on how the film came to be, Meyer's involvement and the cast & crew's take on the finished product. There's also a section devoted to the ILM optical effects, publicity materials and trailers. There's also a booklet listing the chapters, special features and a nice picture of the original cast included (something Paramount neglected to include for Star Trek VI--shame on you Paramount!). Although there are some minor science errors, they're easy to overlook as the action and entertainment value of the film exceptional. Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan - The Directors Edition
Review: Buy this DVD! Enough Said!
Rating:
Summary: Yes, That Really Is Ricardo Montalban's Chest!
Review: Director Nicholas Meyer puts this age-old question to rest in the spiffy director's commentary included with the Director's release. My family already owned the entire movie series (up through First Contact) on VHS widescreen, however, as with most DVDs Paramount has given considerable thought to extras (see Product Details). The interveiws with the principal cast members are both bizzare and funny. There are also extended scenes that longtime fans will recognize are often only included when TBS makes their tri-annual showing of this film. Some would argue they are still unnecessary and slow the film down, but I am thankful that they were restored for this edition. This release had a new transfer that was just as good as, if not better than, the last DVD release of the film in 2000. For a film of this age (and the fact that no one is about to go "Lucas" on it), colors are pretty favorable, even with the heave use of reds in the action sequences, uniforms, and its effect on fleshtones. Black levels seem pretty solid, but grain and dirt are a bit more detectable the now old effects sequences (the Mutara Nebula sequence seems to suffer the most). Audio is Dolby 5.1 surroud -- the same used in the 2000 release (except for the new footage added, of course). Don't expect to give your surround system a workout. Fortunately, James Horner's score is still very enjoyable. Star Trek fans: get it & you won't regret it.
Newcomers: A good introduction into the movie series that include the original, principal cast, though I would highly suggest you watch "Space Seed" from the original TV series (as so many others have said) first in order for you to understand Khan (and why it's so funny when Khan says he remember's Checov). By watching Wrath of Khan, you will avoid the disco fever that plagued the first Motion Picture, and the following movies will make more sense (except for ST V: The Final Frontier). Pure sci-fi enjoyment -- all this from a director (Nicholas Meyer) who considers himself a non-fan!
Rating:
Summary: The best "Star Trek" film
Review: The "Star Trek" movies were all originally released on DVD with only the bare-minimum treatment- the "special features" were theatrical trailers and widescreen options. This upset me, especially since the second "Star Trek" film- "The Wrath of Khan"- is one of my favorite movies of all time. Finally in late 2002, "The Wrath of Khan" was given the treatment it deserved, and was fully loaded with special features. These further enhanced a film that actually didn't need them too much anyways, because it was so good. "The Wrath of Khan" is my favorite "Star Trek" film, and is arguably the best film that the "Star Trek" franchise could ever be expected to deliver. It isn't a perfect film, but I still give it five stars because of how enjoyable it is. William Shatner- whose acting has never exactly been heralded- gives his best performance here, showing the right amount of leadership, arrogance, and tenderness. I won't say much about Ricardo Montalban's performace, since it can just be summed up as the best "Star Trek" villain ever. He hams it up like there's no tomorrow, and he's terrific to watch every step of the way. The returning "Star Trek" regulars all fit into their roles comfortably. Director Nicholas Meyer injected some much needed life into the series with this entry, as he added the right amount of humor, action, and emotional bonding. The ending when a major character dies is surprisingly wrenching, even over 20 years later. The only part where the film missteps is with Merritt Butrick's performance as David- he's really not very good (he would improve in the next entry). Other than that, this is one "Star Trek" film that will appeal to all sci-fi fans, not just Trekkies. Ironically, this was easily the cheapest "Star Trek" film made, even when adjusted for inflation. The special effects do look somewhat dated now, and some people may object to the film's occasionally hokey tone. However, I think that this is simply a wonderful viewing experience, and was the peak of the "Star Trek" franchise. If you want to see just how the "Star Trek" magic works on its fans, look no further than "The Wrath of Khan".
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, but not original
Review: It's funny how the entire Star Trek franchise owes it's life to a guy who was never a fan! This is just one fact of many you will learn from this awesome 2 disc set! Nicholas Meyer, the director of this landmark movie, brought a new vision and look to the franchise when he signed on to direct this movie. I never knew a thing about this guy but from watching all the extras and listening to his commentary he seems like a brilliant director. He also has a quirky sense of explaining his vision, but you'll have to see and hear for yourself!
After the success of Star Trek-The Motion Picture (yes SUCCESS. Released in December, it was the 3rd highest grossing movie of 1979.) Paramount decided to use a new director and a new vision to try and top the first movie. They found it in Nicholas Meyer! However, Star Trek II is not an original story as it borrows an old concept from the original series. But it does work! Ricardo Montalban is incredible in this movie! (Ricardo has been so underused by Hollywood) When I was a kid I saw this movie in a packed, sold out, theater and everyone was cheering when the Enterprise disabled the Reliant and everyone was crying when Spock died. I can still see peoples faces in the crowds crying. It was like he was ET or something! (yes, Trekkies, I know...Spock IS an ET...)
Just like with TMP, getting Leonard Nimoy (Spock) onboard was like pulling teeth. They had to fly to Isarael and literally get on their hands and knees and beg Nimoy to do this film! (Don't believe me? It's in the featurettes.)At first Nimoy didn't want to do this movie...until he found out they killed off Spock! He admits this in the featurettes. Kind of a slap in the face to fans, but as the movie was almost completed he was having second thoughts. So they put in the "Remember" line with McCoy at the end in case this movie was a hit. Shatner is awesome in this movie as well! Him yelling "KHAN!!!" has got to be one of the all time classic moments in movie history!
Fortunately this movie was a huge hit. (made less than TMP, but generated new enthusiasm for the series and Paramount knew this)
I like how they added in the new scenes for this DVD and I also see why they were taken out for the original theatrical release. The part with the bugs in the ear still gets me to this day and the effects still hold up! Excellent movie! Excellent casting! Excellent direction!
Star Trek II unfortunately did not produce half the merchandise TMP did and I wonder why to this day.
I love the old cast the best. No question about it. This cast can only be poorly imitated and never replaced. True fans can write off all that is not from the original series and the original cast movies because it is all unoriginal and repetitive. This is coming from a person who was not even born when the original series went off the air! I just know what I see.
There are very few MUST OWN DVD's, but this IS a must own!
Rating:
Summary: The best Star Trek film!
Review: Being a huge Trekker, I'm an enourmous fan of the original series and the Next Generation. When the first Trek film came out, it was a milion miles from the fast fun action of the original show. It was slow and maybe even boring, and not like the series at all. The second Trek film put right where the first film went wrong and put the original series on the big screen brilliantly. Maybe it was becuase it was made by people who weren't really fans of the show, but it was much darker, faster and more like the show than any of the other films. Not only was the film very well taken by Trekkers and ordinary filmgoers, it still remains the most popular and one of the most successful of all the Trek films. It was virtually remade 20 years later as the enjoyable but nowhere near as good Nemesis. The film is a sequel to an episode of the original series (Space Seed). In that episode, Khan-a brilliant leader and ruthless criminal played with campy melodrama by Ricardo Montalban (The plane!) was sent to an inhospitable planet with his followers. In the film, Khan is 15 years older an a crazed maniac, obsessed with getting revenge aginst Kirk and Spock. Star Trek II has a great story, brilliant acting, is thought provoking and the ending is moving and still gives a lump in the throat. There are a couple of things that don't quite click i.e. how does Khan know Chekov, and why doesn't Chekov beam back to the Reliant from inside Khan's home. There's also no face-to-face punch up between Kirk and Khan and why isn't Space Seed in the extras? It would have been perfect if it had been. The DVD is very good. The film has about 5 minutes restored to it, and has a few brilliant docs, storyboards, trailers, interviews etc. Definately my fave ST film and should be on anyone's top 100 list. It's on mine......at number 1!
Rating:
Summary: A Classic made even better!
Review: By far one of the best Star Trek films made, adding all the special features and deleted scenes only added to the greatness of this movie. Even if you have the original edition of the DVD I'd have to say the deleted scenes, commentary and other special features are definetly worth the cost of this Director's Edition!
Rating: 
Summary: Do you sweat the details?
Review: If you do,then get this movie. The Good: It adds a lot of little scenes that explain small gaps in the storyline. The digital sound and quality of the DVD are better than the original. I enjoyed the extras with included interviews. This is a very nice 2 DVD set. The Bad: I found the original cut to be more fast paced and entertaining than the director's cut. Don't get me wrong, based on my rating it's obvious this is still a good movie, but those scenes were removed for a good reason, they slow the movie down or add unnecessary campiness. One example is during the famous engine room inspection. Kirk refers to a crewman (related to Scottie) as a tiger. Come on...that sounds so out of character. I've enjoyed the television show and movies for years, but calling a cewman a tiger? This is along the same line as the scene where Kirk discloses to Spock how he told David about being his father. Spock's reaction is definitely out of character. Conclusion: If you have the original, keep it and this set for the extras.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely excellent!
Review: This, to me, is the best of the Star Trek movies (old or new). This second version DVD (the first was skimpy with the extras) does a great job of showing its development from story to screen. Nicholas Meyer, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and Harve Bennett all give their impressions of this film and its creation. The keep case is also excellent, since it's both sturdy and easy to place on my multimedia cabinet (pay attention, creators of the Battlestar Galactica and Total Recall special editions). Great movie, fantastic presentation of it.
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