Rating: 
Summary: EXCELLENT!
Review: After the often overshadowed Star Trek III, producer Harve Bennett and returning director Leonard Nimoy wanted to make a light-hearted adventure with no deaths. That was understandable because III had the destruction of the Enterprise, the death of Kirk's son, and an overall serious revival adventure for Mr. Spock. After a script by Steve Meerson and Peter Krikes (with Eddie Murphy originally supposed to have a role because he was a big Trek fan), Harve Bennett needed a rewrite. The man chosen: Nicholas Meyer, writer and director of Star Trek II.
What we have here is one of the magnum efforts in the series. Not only does it deliver solid laughs from start (ok, more so middle) to finish, it is also a grand adventure that Roddenberry probably loved. The relationships between the characters are fully exploited here and Nicholas Meyer even takes advantage of Spock's rebirth as humor. The laughs? Filled with classics like Scotty's "Hello computer" scene or the hospital chase scene, this film perfectly blends urban realities with the world of Star Trek in a similar way to Beverly Hills Cop's blending of action and comedy. The only thing that flaws this film is Leonard Rosenman's somewhat lackluster score. The film manages to blend (or hide, depending on if you like the score or not) the music enough that you really don't notice it. I still would've preferred James Horner or Jerry Goldsmith, but I'm not complaining. Hate Star Trek? Watch this film. Even if you hate Star Trek, this will keep you entertained. An excellent film in every sense of the word with great humor abounds. Some people may claim II or VI as the best, but this one's got its share of moments. If you're looking for great humor and a decent story (ok, it's corny... "save the whales", so what?), this one's for you.
Rating:
Summary: "A guess? You, Spock? That's extraordinary!"
Review: With many fans disappointed following the release of the third "Star Trek" film in 1984, "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock", Paramount Pictures produced one of the best "Star Trek" films of all time in 1986: "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home". Returning to the director's chair for what was only his second directorship of a big-screen motion picture was Leonard Nimoy, but this time, Nimoy had much better material to work with from the films many writers. Nimoy (who actually took on-screen credit for writing) worked with returning writer Harve Bennett to write a brilliant story, and Bennett worked on the screenplay along with three additional writers: Steve Meerson, Peter Krikes and Nicholas Meyer (who directed the highly successful "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn" in 1982). Under the watchful eye of Gene Roddenberry, these men were able to recapture the spirit of the original "Star Trek" television series more than any other preceding or proceeding "Star Trek" film. Having restored Spock's (Leonard Nimoy) life via the Genesis planet and a return to the planet Vulcan during the third film, the crew of the lost U.S.S. Enterprise now waits on Vulcan for repairs on their captured Klingon scout-class ship, as well as for Spock to retrain his mind, before returning to Earth to face various charges for having disobeyed orders. The crew includes Admiral James T. Kirk (William Shatner), Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy (DeForest Kelley), Commander Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott (James Doohan), Commader Hikaru Sulu (George Takei), Commander Pavel Chekov (Walter Koenig) and Commander Uhura (Nichelle Nichols). The Klingons are also very angry with Kirk as expressed by the Klingon Ambassador (John Schuck) to the Federation President (Robert Ellenstein) in front of the full Federation Council, but the cool logic of Vulcan Ambassador Sarek (Mark Lenard) prevails. While on Vulcan, Spock gets to spend time with his human mother, Amanda (Jane Wyatt, who once played his mother in the 1967 "Star Trek" television series episode "Journey to Babel"). Also, a brief appearance is made by Lt. Saavic (Robin Curtis), who unfortunately never returns in any other "Star Trek" film. With their Klingon ship ready for departure, Spock and his Enterprise shipmates begin their voyage to Earth; but unknown to them, a bizarre space probe also en route for Earth has been wreaking havoc on any ship that approaches it. Arriving at Earth first, the probe turns Earth's atmosphere into chaos as it waits for a signal that the Federation cannot discern. Receiving a planetary distress call from Earth, Spock identifies what the probe wants: communication with long extinct whales. To save Earth, Kirk makes the decision for them to travel back in time to bring back whales to the present. "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" has more memorable scenes than could be mentioned here, but some of the best include: McCoy's conversations with Spock, the crew on the streets of twentieth-century San Francisco, Uhura and Chekov looking for nuclear vessels, McCoy and Scotty visiting the production facility, Kirk & Spock on a city bus, Kirk & Spock's conversations with Dr. Gillian Taylor (Catherine Hicks), Kirk's dinner with Gillian, and McCoy with Kirk & Gillian at the city hospital. Everyone's acting (including Shatner) was very good for this film, but what makes this film stand out from the rest is the emphasis on all of the original crew members. Each of the crew members have time on screen, contribute to the story and have a reasonable amount of dialog. Other familiar "Star Trek" characters have cameos in the film: Dr. Christine Chapel (Majel Barrett) and Janice Rand (Grace Lee Whitney). Another cast member in this film who later plays a pivotal role in the sixth "Star Trek" film is Admiral Cartwright (Brock Peters). Overall, my rating of for "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" is a resounding 5 out of 5 stars. This film, along with the 1982 film "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn" and the later 1996 film "Star Trek VIII: First Contact", are the three best films ever made of the franchise; but this film will always stand out as being the most humorous, having the best & most memorable dialog and having the greatest spirit of the three. I highly recommend it to everyone who, in any form, has liked "Star Trek".
Rating:
Summary: Another successful re-issue
Review: Paramount has done it again with this excellent transfer, although the sound isn't much better. This set is loaded with stuff, almost as much as the first. The commentary between Shatner and Nimoy is quite enjoyable and makes it worth the price of the DVD alone. Well worth it.
Rating: 
Summary: the best of the lot and it's not saying much
Review: at least this one has a sense of humour, although even some of that (like the 'punker' on the bus) is badly dated.
this film is more akin to trek episodes like tribbles and harry mudd and does benefit from following that route.
but, as with all the trek films, it lacks the impact that the hour long episodes in had in their compactness.
Rating:
Summary: Star Trek IV Special Edition is a Home Run
Review: First of all, I want to set the record strait. Reviewer stinky-but-nice said 9 minutes were cut out. Maybe someone somewhere made a running time mistake, but I just bought and watched this DVD, and it is, minute for minute, scene for scene, the ORIGINAL movie. Nothing was cut out (I've seen this movie MANY times.) That being said, WOW. Great stuff. Nimoy and Shatner's commentary was a bit personal, and sometimes off subject, but never boring. The 6 hours of bonus footage comes mostly in the form of well produced featurettes, some of which were downright educational in a Science Channel kind of way. But it's all on topic, and GOOD. I enjoyed it all immensely. On a final, bit more personal note: Most DVD's I buy or rent that have added features lack something very important to me: subtitles on the featurettes. I am hearing impaired, and often have trouble understanding all the stuff being said. To date, all the Star Trek special editions have full subtitles for the hearing impaired on their featurettes. With over 6 hours of added features on Star Trek IV, this obviously enhances my experience of the DVD greatly. If you are a Star Trek fan, or just someone who saw this movie and loved it, this will be a great addition to your library.
Rating: 
Summary: Voyage Home rekindles feel of classic series.
Review: After the drama and seriousness of the previous two films, Star Trek IV is a kinder, gentler adventure with fun and humor along the way. The intrepid crew of space explorers must travel back in time to present day earth to help save the future. The story is fun, fast paced and surprisingly funny. The humor is genuine, character-driven, and appropriate, mostly generated by the "fish out of water" scenario Kirk and crew find themselves in. Most of the story takes place on present day Earth, so this is the movie most non-trekkers should love (and they DID love it...Star Trek 4 was the highest grossing of all the Trek films.) Unfortunately, the film is not as action packed or visually grand as the previous episodes. The plot also has some major loopholes. But WHO CARES? This is a fun and witty adventure that the mass audiences will love. Although not my favorite of the Star Trek films, I will be objective and say that to most moviegoers, this will be their favorite.
Rating:
Summary: Still A Whale of a Good Time
Review: Over 17 years after its initial release, The Voyage Home remains the most popular of the Star Trek films, in terms of box office receipts, and a general audience favorite. This film is lighter than most cinematic Treks. The "fish out of water" story capitalizes on both the writers' and actors' strengths, and the humor springs organically from the material, rather than seeming forced. Some of the sequels have attempted to integrate humor into their stories, but with less success. All of the actors are at their best here, particularly William Shatner, who has a deft comic touch. (The look on Kirk's face when he sees Spock swimming in the whale tank is worth the price of DVD.) The only complaint I have about this film is the score. Leonard Rosenmann's retread of Lord of the Rings grows more irritating with each viewing. Paramount's new transfer is a considerable improvement over the first DVD issue, and light years ahead of earlier versions. The picture quality on my laserdisc was very poor, with a grainy unfocused quality that made it appear that the print had been dragged across the floor. The VHS quality was even worse. On DVD the image is considerably sharper, colors are more vibrant without bleeding. The sound quality is also improved, and there is a track in French. ("Monsieur Spock?" "Oui, Capitan Kirk?") The commentary track featuring Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner doesn't shed much light on the film, but remains entertaining, as is Michael Okuda's text commentary. The bonus disc features a light but informative treatise on time travel, a moving tribute to actor Mark "Sarek" Lenard, and the usual making of featurettes.
Rating:
Summary: My First Date Movie
Review: I saw this opening weekend with the love of my life (to that time; I was only 15). For the first 30 minutes of the film I kept trying to get her to hold my hand, but she wouldn't take it. So I settled in to enjoy the rest of the movie, just as it was taking off. The theater was packed and the audience was having a great time. There aren't too many movies I remember where the audience was with the picture the entire time. And, as history has shown, these weren't just Trekkers. These were normal, everyday people looking for a good time at the movies (my band director was among them). It was one of the few communal film experiences I've ever had. When Kirk and crew approach their new assignment and see it's the Enterprise-A, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. The whole auditorium cheered. And when the credits rolled and the lights came up, there was nothing but smiles, warmth and good vibrations leaving the theater. When was the last time a movie did that?
Rating:
Summary: The Enterprise crew in the 1980's=AWSOME ADVENTURE!
Review: O.K., first my one complaint-The plot where a mysterious, massive, invincible alien force that threatens the Earth was already done before. (Remember the first Star Trek film?) Otherwise, this is a wonderful addition to the Star Trek legacy. Just about everyone already knows the story, where the crew of the now destroyed Enterprise must pilot a captured Klingon Bird Of Prey back in time to the present day (well, 1986 WAS the present day when this came out,) to bring back some humpback whales. It seems to be a toss-up between which is the best Star Trek movie-this one, or part II. The second film, where Kirk and Khan have their last battle, has the most action, but this one has the most comedy, so they both have their strengths. Unless you absolutly hate Star Trek, check this one out.
Rating:
Summary: "A guess? You, Spock? That's extraordinary!"
Review: With many fans disappointed following the release of the third "Star Trek" film in 1984, "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock", Paramount Pictures produced one of the best "Star Trek" films of all time in 1986: "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home". Returning to the director's chair for what was only his second directorship of a big-screen motion picture was Leonard Nimoy, but this time, Nimoy had much better material to work with from the films many writers. Nimoy (who actually took on-screen credit for writing) worked with returning writer Harve Bennett to write a brilliant story, and Bennett worked on the screenplay along with three additional writers: Steve Meerson, Peter Krikes and Nicholas Meyer (who directed the highly successful "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn" in 1982). Under the watchful eye of Gene Roddenberry, these men were able to recapture the spirit of the original "Star Trek" television series more than any other preceding or proceeding "Star Trek" film. Having restored Spock's (Leonard Nimoy) life via the Genesis planet and a return to the planet Vulcan during the third film, the crew of the lost U.S.S. Enterprise now waits on Vulcan for repairs on their captured Klingon scout-class ship, as well as for Spock to retrain his mind, before returning to Earth to face various charges for having disobeyed orders. The crew includes Admiral James T. Kirk (William Shatner), Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy (DeForest Kelley), Commander Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott (James Doohan), Commader Hikaru Sulu (George Takei), Commander Pavel Chekov (Walter Koenig) and Commander Uhura (Nichelle Nichols). The Klingons are also very angry with Kirk as expressed by the Klingon Ambassador (John Schuck) to the Federation President (Robert Ellenstein) in front of the full Federation Council, but the cool logic of Vulcan Ambassador Sarek (Mark Lenard) prevails. While on Vulcan, Spock gets to spend time with his human mother, Amanda (Jane Wyatt, who once played his mother in the 1967 "Star Trek" television series episode "Journey to Babel"). Also, a brief appearance is made by Lt. Saavic (Robin Curtis), who unfortunately never returns in any other "Star Trek" film. With their Klingon ship ready for departure, Spock and his Enterprise shipmates begin their voyage to Earth; but unknown to them, a bizarre space probe also en route for Earth has been wreaking havoc on any ship that approaches it. Arriving at Earth first, the probe turns Earth's atmosphere into chaos as it waits for a signal that the Federation cannot discern. Receiving a planetary distress call from Earth, Spock identifies what the probe wants: communication with long extinct whales. To save Earth, Kirk makes the decision for them to travel back in time to bring back whales to the present. "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" has more memorable scenes than could be mentioned here, but some of the best include: McCoy's conversations with Spock, the crew on the streets of twentieth-century San Francisco, Uhura and Chekov looking for nuclear vessels, McCoy and Scotty visiting the production facility, Kirk & Spock on a city bus, Kirk & Spock's conversations with Dr. Gillian Taylor (Catherine Hicks), Kirk's dinner with Gillian, and McCoy with Kirk & Gillian at the city hospital. Everyone's acting (including Shatner) was very good for this film, but what makes this film stand out from the rest is the emphasis on all of the original crew members. Each of the crew members have time on screen, contribute to the story and have a reasonable amount of dialog. Other familiar "Star Trek" characters have cameos in the film: Dr. Christine Chapel (Majel Barrett) and Janice Rand (Grace Lee Whitney). Another cast member in this film who later plays a pivotal role in the sixth "Star Trek" film is Admiral Cartwright (Brock Peters). Overall, my rating of for "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" is a resounding 5 out of 5 stars. This film, along with the 1982 film "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn" and the later 1996 film "Star Trek VIII: First Contact", are the three best films ever made of the franchise; but this film will always stand out as being the most humorous, having the best & most memorable dialog and having the greatest spirit of the three. I highly recommend it to everyone who, in any form, has liked "Star Trek".
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