Rating: 
Summary: A pretty good movie, actually- Special Edition helps
Review: It took me a while to like "Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country". It is noticeably different in feel from its predecessors (darker, more revisionist), and this put me off a bit- I used to lump it in with the bad "Star Trek" films, such as "The Final Frontier" and "Generations". However, the movie has grown on me the last couple years, and I now see it as a quality entry in the series.I wouldn't say there's anything outstanding about "The Undiscovered Country", but instead it's a steadily entertaining adventure. The visuals are markedly improved over the previous Trek films, especially "The Final Frontier". However, "The Undiscovered Country"'s real strength is in its story and acting. The movie shows two competing empires' attempt to reconcile their differences and end the insane arms race that they're engaged in. Its main theme- peace is the only way- may seem hokey to some, but I found it to be a very good one. There's a lot of symbolism going on in this film, and the Special Edition interviews help you to see just how large of goals the filmakers had. The Trek regulars give among their best performances here. William Shatner- thankfully removed from the director's chair- gives a subtle and effective performance, easily his best one since "The Search for Spock". The other Trek regulars, aware that this was their final film, give their performances all that they've got, especially Leonard Nimoy and James Doohan. I think it's nice that director Nicholas Meyer decided to give them all their time in the spotlight for this film. The non-Trek regulars are effective as well, but they fade behind Christopher Plummer- his General Chang is gleefully over the top, and one of the best Trek villains ever. Even though he's not given a lot of screen time, he manages to make a lasting impression. If I have one complaint, it's with the movie's ending. After director Meyer finishes the film's great space battle, he seems eager to wrap things up, and the entire "second assassination" scene feels like an afterthought. Also, too much time was spent on the "whodunit" aspect of the film- it's not too hard to pinpoint the conspirators early on (come on, did anyone really think Chang was a goodguy?) Overall though, "The Undiscovered Country" is a very enjoyable movie, and a worthy entry into the Trek franchise. It seems even better when compared with its immediate predecessor, "The Final Frontier". If you don't like it on the first viewing, give it some time and it will surely grow on you.
Rating:
Summary: Boldly going into "The Undiscovered Country"
Review: "Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country"
Review by Wayne A. Klein
Boldly going where no cast has gone before--retirement, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise endure one more mission under the direction of Nicholas Meyer ("Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Kahn", "Time After Time" and author of "The Seven Percent Solution") Despite some story gaps and flaws in logic, the momentum and action keep "Country" entertaining something that couldn't be said for the badly flawed "Star Trek V". Although clearly well beyond his days of gallivanting about the galaxy, James T. Kirk (William Shatner) is pushed into escorting his enemies to a meeting to discuss peace between the Klingon Empire and the United Federation of Planets. Kirk still bears scars and anger over the murder of his son by a Klingon commander (in "Star Trek 3: The Search for Spock"). With witty allusions of Sherlock Holmes, and current history, Country has enough action and humor to satisfy both the devoted Trekkie and the average viewer.
It seems that a massive explosion on the moon Praxis has forced the Klingon Empire to seek outside aid from the Federation as the debris of the moon destroying their planet. Led by the Lincolnesque Chancellor Gorkon (the droll and sincere David Warner in a marvelous supporting role), the Klingons are as suspicious of Kirk as he is of them. When the Enterprise inexplicably fires on the ship Kronos 1 and a murder is committed by Enterprise crew members, General Chang (a larger than life Christopher Plummer) arrests Kirk and Dr. McCoy when they beam over to the ship to provide assistance. Returning to the Klingon home world, Kirk and McCoy are put on trial and convicted of assassinating a leading Klingon political leader and sentenced to spend their lives on a distant ice gulag.
Meyer's taunt direction and witty script (written with Denny Martin Flinn)helped breath new life into the final entry featuring the original cast. Meyer is to be commended for his direction of the actors as well. William Shatner can easily blow through a scene like a tornado consuming all the audience's attention when he overplays his role. As in "Khan" Meyer brings out the best in Shatner without letting him chew the scenery too much. Shatner's staccato line readings are also kept in check. He gives one of his best performances as Kirk in the Trek franchise. Nimoy Nimoy and Kelley are, as always, a delight to watch interact. Doohan Doohan, Koenig, Takei and Nichols are all given their moments as well. Each plays the comic elements of their particular scenes really well. Something that's often missed about the original cast is their skill as comic players. Humor was a regular feature of many episodes but there were also a number of tongue-in-cheek episodes where the actors displayed their versatility at drama and comedy. The material provided by Meyer and Flinn (with an original story dreamed up by Leonard Nimoy) provides just the right mix of drama, comedy and pathos for the original cast to play.
Finally released in its correct widescreen anamorphic aspect ratio (the previous release was widescreen only), "Country" looks marvelous with rich blacks and a minimum of compression artifacts. As a result, the image looks sharper and richer particularly in scenes involving optical effects. There are virtually no analog artifacts in the form of hair, splotches, etc. on the print used for the transfer. The colors are rich and vibrant looking. While the color seemed a bit richer on the previous release, clearly this "Country" features the look that Meyer wanted for his finished film. After the lackluster earlier release from Paramount of the same film, "Country" wafts in like a cool breeze on a nasty, humid day.
While the sound isn't up to par compared to a 2004 theatrical release, the expansive Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround mix has a much more expansive feel than the previous edition of the DVD. The unusual orchestral score by Cliff Eidelman finally gets its due; the opening fanfare captures all the raw excitement evident in the film itself. Eidelman's score compares favorably to Jerry Goldsmith's score for Star Trek: The Motion Picture and sounds just as great here as Goldsmith's did on that remastered DVD from a couple of years ago.
Some of the dialog sounds a bit "flat" without much depth but usually this is most noticeable in scenes where there is little else going on in the way of sound effects and music score. Otherwise, the remastered sound marvelously captures the best elements of the theatrical release. The rich sound effects and background ambiance hasn't sounded this good since the film's original theatrical release in 1990. There are some minor flaws with the sound due to the use of compression to fatten up the sound of the film but, again, that's a very minor issue.
Paramount decided to spring for most of the extras with Country. While there are no deleted scenes or any gag reels, out takes, etc. the film comes packed with a number of attractive feaurettes and trailers. Since Meyer's Director's Cut was released on laserdisc, home video and DVD previously, there aren't any new extended scenes in the film. It does appear, though, that Meyer may have done some more trimming here and there to enhance the film. We have an engaging audio commentary on disc one by director Meyer and co-screenwriter Denny Martin Flinn. Meyer tends to occasionally go off on some wild tangents but, on the whole, stays focuses on the day-to-day difficulty of producing the film. He and Flinn also discuss scenes that were cut from the original script prior to production due to cost
Almost all the extras are located exclusively on the second disc. There's six feaurturettes on the making of the film entitled "Movie Making". All six can be played together or separately. There's also a section on The Star Trek Universe which focuses on the background of Gene Roddenberry's original creation and Meyer's take on the same raw material. Meyer has made no secret that he saw Star Trek as Horatio Hornblower in outer space and that's relayed clearly in this feature as well as the first film of the franchise he directed ("Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Kahn"). Universe consists of a number of notable feaurettes including "Klingons: Conjuring a Legend".
The section about the inspiration of the film is particularly compelling. "Art Imitates Life: The Perils of Peacemaking it focuses on the real life inspiration for The Undiscovered Country including the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union. The most touching piece, though, is the tribute to an under rated actor. DeForest Kelley made his debut in Fear in the Night from 1947. This short tribute focuses on the film and television roles he inhabited outside of Star Trek. Featuring interviews with colleagues and producers from the beginning and latter part of his career, "Deforest Kelley: A Tribute" captures all the warmth and magic of this consummate character actor who finally found his niche as Dr. McCoy.
The original cast and crew interviews as well as the trailers are included. Additionally, there's an excerpt from a 1991 convention presentation by director Meyer. Finally, we have an Archives section consisting of production photos, storyboards and assorted odds and ends that didn't quite fit into other parts of the disc. I personally found the extras here more rewarding than on any other Trek film release with the possible exception of Robert Wise's Director's Edition of "Star Trek: The Motion Picture". While "Country" doesn't differ as significantly as "ST:TMP", the minor tweaking that Meyer did for the previously issued laserdisc version helped clarify plot points and improve the overall pacing of the film. My only complaint is that, unlike the recent re-release of "Alien", "Country" doesn't offer the original theatrical version in an extended branching edition so fans can compare both head to head.
.
Although Shatner, Koenig and Doohan appeared in one more Trek film ("Star Trek: Generations" which featured The Next Generation cast and which will be issued in March in a Special Director's Edition as well), "Country" clearly was intended as the final voyage of the original crew. It's a marvelous sent off for the original cast of the original series, "Star Trek:The Undiscovered Country" finally appears the way director Meyer intended it to. Additionally, the second disc of extras make this an essential DVD for Trek fans.
Rating: 
Summary: End of an Era
Review: This movie is an excellent send off to the original cast and the bonus features on the dvd are spectacular.
Rating:
Summary: This is Actually the third version of Star Trek VI.
Review: Let me explain -Spoiler Warning- The first version of the film was shown in theaters. The second version was shown on all home video formats. This version includes a couple of additional footage to certain key scenes, and a few new scenes all together.
- Spock has more Dialogue in the top brass meeting.
- A scene taking place in the President's office where Col. West presents his plan to sneak into Klingon territory and rescue Kirk and McCoy.
- Spock and Scotty checking the torpedo inventory before Valeris informs them that the Chancellor's Daughter is now the current klingon chancellor.
- The klingon assassin at the climax of the film turns out to be Col. West. The Third version of the film is shown on this Special Collector's Edition DVD. This version includes all the material from the second version, and a few minor changes to certain scenes and effects.
- When Martia gets shot, a disruption sound effect is removed to make her scream more apparent.
- Valeris's interrogation scene has been entirely reedited. There are now close up shots of Kirk and McCoy when they speak their lines instead of being in wide shots. When Spock and Valeris name a particular conspirator, the face of that person briefly appears in a flashback like style. Do I prefer this version of the film? Sure. I personally believe that Valeris's interrogation scene is much more dramatic with the flashback shots. It really helps the viewers who aren't good with names understand who Spock and Valeris are talking about, and adds a little more tension near the end of the film. I hoped this information helps you out in spotting what has been changed. If there is anything I missed, please feel free to contact me.
Rating:
Summary: "At The End Of History Lies The Undiscovered Country"
Review: After Star Trek V's disappointing showing at the box office, and its regard among most fans, as the weakest effort involving the original series cast, the possibility of another adventure was in doubt. As he did after Star Trek The Motion Picture, director Nicholas Meyer saved Trek again. He helped to make sure our beloved heroes went out on top. After a devastating explosion on the Klingon moon Praxis, the empire's depleted resources force the Klingons to finally talk possible peace with the Federation. Captain Spock (Leonard Nimoy) begins an open dialogue with them and Captain Kirk (William Shatner) is forced to be the "first olive branch". With the Enterprise-A crew set to retire soon--this diplomatic mission proves more difficult, thanks to a far reaching conspiracy. An assasination, a trial, an imprisionment, and deadly Klingon vessel, commanded by General Chang (Christopher Plummer) also threaten universal peace. Thank the stars that executive producer Nimoy convinced Meyer to return. He knows how good Trek is supposed to work. The story mirrors the end of the cold war between Russia and the United States. There's plenty of action, humor, and chances for everyone to shine. Since this was the last film to feature the entire classic crew, there is a certain sense of finality to the film, but the sentimentality of that fact is kept to a minimum. The guest cast is tops and is nicely matched with the regulars. The late Mark Lenard is back as Spock's father Sarek, Kim Catrall as Valeris, a new Vulcan crewmember, movie vet Brock Peters as Admiral Cartwright, and TNG vet Michael Dorn as the grandfather of his television character, all help make things memorable. My only nitpick is that the main conspirators are too easy to figure out--A little more mystery please. The 2 disc DVD set follows the same format as other special editions in the series. Rivaled only though by the set for Meyer's other film in the series Star Trek II. Disc one has a fine commentary track with Meyer and co scripter Denny Martin Flynn. The discuss the film, its production, cast, and its parallels to world events. Meyer is so great at this kind of thing. Fans wont be disappointed. Trek production gurus Denise and Mike Okuda provide another solid trivia track. Disc two is divided this way: Six featurettes take you inside how Star Trek VI came together with retropective interviews-The perils of Peacemaking is fairly comprehensive. The next section called The Star Trek Universe features new and archival interviews about the end of this special era. Sadly though, there are no new reflections from George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, or James Doohan. The late great DeForrest Kelly is given his due in a great tribute. Nicholas Meyer's '91 convention message, theatrical trailers, photo galleries and storyboards top off the extras. Overall, I enjoyed this stuff more than the bonus material found on a few of the other films of the series. Despite a few minor issues with the film TUC still ranks just behind Star Trek II as my favorite original series film. It is highly recommended
Rating:
Summary: Even number Trek films don't suck (except for X).
Review: This is one of the greatest Star Trek films and continues the fact that even number trek films are great, except for those that are multiples of five, Star Trek Nemesis.
Rating: 
Summary: Not as Special an Edition as I had hoped
Review: Well, the movie is still great, but this DVD edition leaves much to be desired. For some unfathomable reason, this print is inferior to the one used for the original DVD release. The picture is somewhat darker, the colors are more intense, and the overall sharpness is softer. It's definitely a different print, because the english translations of the "klingon" dialogue appear within the picture frame rather than below it as it did on the original DVD release. It may have been done so that Nick Meyer could make his relatively insignificant alterations, but to me this begs the question of why the big drop in picture quality? Several other movies have been altered by the directors ( James Cameron's "The Abyss" and "Aliens", for example ) without suffering the ignominity of looking worse than they did before. In this age of digital magic, surely something could have been done to improve the look of this print. As if that isn't odd enough, the image on the face of disc two is actually from the movie "Star Trek: Generations" and is printed upside-down. Hello...quality control, are you awake? Still, it's nice to have the extras, and the director's changes to the film are definitely improvements ( if not Earth-shattering ). But I was hoping for a bit more. Frankly I felt that the extras for "Star Trek V" were more impressive, and I was hoping that since this was the last movie featuring the original cast, that a bit more depth to the extras, and more care with the final product would have been taken.
Rating:
Summary: Out of 20 people hated my review..! -Better Explain..!
Review: First of all. -I like two say that out of 20 people ho
have seen my review that I've wrote on the subject on
"Star VI: -The Undiscovered Country." -I wrote that I
supported the series. -Nick Meyer did an incredibily
good job on it. These 20 reviewers better have some explaining two do.
I don't mean two be rude. -Or; -evil. -They hated my
review. -For some reason. -Ho in their right minds.
Out of 20 said they did not agree. -What kind of
trekkers are these reviewers. -I enjoy the last
six. -I have nothing against the series. -I grew
up watching the reruns in the 80's. -Two.! This was the best; -Star Trek. -I have that other
crappy version; -on; -DVD.! -I've bet the reviewers
did not like me saying that. -So. -I say they might
be crappy two. -In their wrong minds. -I support
the special edition. -I hope this review get a
new look. Even they won't agree with me. -They shooed die.!
Ha ha haa. -The crew of the enterprise. -Embark on
their last journey two pick up a lazy klingon
ambassader as he is asssinated by some people in
suits. -As kirk is prisoner. -Though; -they escape
two make a happy ending worth are wild.! The Star Trek I know was so lame. -This one is so
lame. -Mainly trekkers support it. -The Video version.
I miss the theatrical version. -I wish that was on
DVD. -So they have the crappy original VHS version.
But; -still. -This is one of the best and makes it
interesting at the beginning. Sorry for being distasteful. -I get up set when
people said my other review was bad. -Out of 20 people
said my review was bad. -They shooed be sentence by
the klingon high Counsol. Ka Pla..! -For now..!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best Star Trek films
Review: Star Trek VI is my third-favorite of all the films, right behind The Wrath of Khan and First Contact. This movie once again examined current events through the scope of Gene Roddenberry's universe; it contained great space opera, plenty of intrigue, a decidedly melodramatic villain, and some genuine thrills. This is Star Trek at its best: bold, relevant and decidedly optimistic. The plot for this installment closely parallels the political climate of the early 90s. The hostility between the Klingon Empire and the Federation is over due to a disaster on a key Klingon moon. The Federation and Klingons decide to try to settle their differences diplomatically, and Captain Kirk (William Shatner) is selected to escort the Klingon Chancellor Gorkon (the wonderful David Warner) and his staff, including the prickly General Chang (a similarly excellent Christopher Plummer). All hell breaks loose after an attack on the Klingon Flagship leaves Gowron dead and Kirk and McCoy (DeForrest Kelley) charged with the crime. They must escape from prison and piece together who was behind the attack, as well as prevent the killer from striking again. The leads are wonderful here, including all the original series crew, a pre-Sex and the City Kim Catrall, and especially Warner and Plummer, who both bring their Shakespeare roots to make this perhaps the most literate Trek movie. The conflicts here are palpable and help to make the movie so interesting. Spock with his Vulcan protege who turns out to be a turncoat, Kirk has to grapple with his racism toward Klingons which mirrors the conflict between the two empires. Director Meyer once again proves his ability to create ascending tension in his work. The final scene with Kirk's speech is a powerful one. This is, in many ways, the most epic Trek film. This DVD ought to be worth it for the Trek fan. I'm sure Nicholas Meyer will do the commentary for this movie, which should be great. Meyer's commentary for The Wrath of Khan was inspired, full of interesting trivia, and Meyer himself came off as intelligent and creative. I'm sure looking forward to it.
Rating:
Summary: End of an Era
Review: 2 4 6, why does the even numbered Treks work (though I still like Trek III, despite being studio bound and featuring a silly bad guy)? Trek has always been about the characters, the interaction of all the actors. And when the writers and directors relied on that -instead of big, empty action pieces and visual eefects -the movie series soared. Looking back over six films, to see why Trek has remained popular after nearly 38 years, is because Trek's II, IV and VI knew this was what the fans wanted. Current Trek (like the last two Next Generation films and Voyager and Enterprise) have chucked most of these ideals out the space dock for digital effects. Undiscovered Country is a well made film, with relaxed performances from the entire cast. Director Nicholas Meyer has said that Shatner gave his best performance in Trek II because he never settled for phoned in performance. Shatner chews the scenery here, but it still good (and besides, Christopher Plumber really steals the whole film by chewing up every scene he's in). While not as good as Trek II or IV, it still is way better than V and the theatercial edition of The Motion Picture (the DVD version is a tad better). A fine send off. I just wished TNG could've substained the franchise, but only First Contact retained the "family" aspect that made the original series such a blast to watch
| 
