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Mind Meld - Secrets Behind the Voyage of a Lifetime

Mind Meld - Secrets Behind the Voyage of a Lifetime

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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Interesting conversation between best friends
Review: Today after flipping on my TV, I was watching a bit of "A Wedding Story," the kind of "wedding porn" I normally shy away from, but found myself drawn into the lives of these two interesting people - a policewoman and firefighter from Quebec, who had married after meeting as athletic competitors.

Likewise, this is probably more of interest as "a slice of life" piece about working actors and fame, simply than just of interest to Star Trek fans. Frankly, Shatner and Nimoy - especially Nimoy - are just plain interesting people.

If you're interested in Hollywood, or acting, and what makes people in the entertainment business tick, *and* a Star Trek fan, you'll enjoy this. If you're a Star Trek fan who prefers schematics and is generally more interested in the "howsitdone" science of media science fiction, this might not keep your attention.

Having followed Star Trek for years, read Shatner and Chris Kreski's vastly entertaining books on the Star Trek phenom... as well as classics like "The World of Star Trek," this is entirely believable... and still has surprising insights. Nimoy is low-key and honest about how his drinking became a problem, even discussing the idea of "addictive personalities" in a way that does not cede his responsibility for his problems.

Kudos also to Shatner for frankly discussing the enmity of other cast members, and the insight about how Star Trek fandom may have pumped up the egos of other cast members. On the other hand, that doesn't completely invalidate comments by George Takei in his book (a real tear-jerker, especially as he writes about the experience of his immigrant family) or Walter Koenig in his bio. Koenig, interestingly, plays Bester on "Babylon 5" and is probably the only Star Trek regular, other than Shatner, to create a well-known character that leaves his Trek persona behind. Nimoy has left "Spock" behind through his prodigious directing and producing career, and only he and Shatner have escaped "Trek" to broader careers in their own right.

(So far, it looks like Trek:TNG alums Jonathon Frakes, LeVar Burton, and Denise Crosby are betting on the producing gig, taking a cue from Nimoy. It'll be interesting to see how actors from the other franchises handle their fame in the years ahead. It only proves the uniqueness of Nimoy and Shatner that such a DVD is out there and has an audience. Would TNG regs Michael Dorn and Marina Sirtis, also reportedly best friends, be able to market a similar DVD?)

In response to another review disappointed on the lack of De Kelley information, De Kelley was close with both Shatner and Nimoy, but probably closest with his wife of over fifty years. Shatner and Nimoy, by contrast, became much closer friends after their divorces (which they discuss in this video, along with the death of Shatner's wife Nerrine). In fact, I cannot remember the last time I saw any leading man open up and talk about the painful nature of divorce in such detail. (Unbelievably, Jude Law got out of that discussion during an interview with Barbara Walters ... but no one can blame him for not wanting to discuss it).

Moreover, while some fans may be disappointed to learn that the happy family on "Star Trek" didn't really get along all the time (which is hardly unknown in TV-land)... it only makes this evident and very real friendship between Shatner and Nimoy more poignant and interesting to watch.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Bloated, but good
Review: Two alta-cockas with equally bloated egos & a lifelong friendship square off in a conversational piece about their life & times in Star Trek. One has questionable hair & wears Birkenstocks with socks, the other looks like an aging peacock & can't seem to rid his throat of phlegm build-up. I'll let you guess who's who.

Anyway, both Kirk & Spock (William Shatner & Leonard Nimoy, for those of you reading who aren't Trek fans... like, uh, nobody) are in good spirits here, talking enthusiastically about their past regrets, major achievements, & all-in-all pleasures & displeasures with the Star Trek phenomenon. It's a treat to witness these fine gentlemen speak so candidly about their lives, but it's also sort of sad. Especially when Nimoy discusses his drinking problem & when Shatner remembers his late, beloved wife. Regardless, Mind Meld makes a great addition to any fan's collection.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: To Boldly Go ¿¿¿¿ To Nimoy¿s Backyard
Review: Typically, I go into documentaries and interview-only specials with a certain mindset that I will hear a very dry take on the topic at hand. This attitude was proven wrong though when I watched Mind Meld because it's not like your typical interview. Shatner and Nimoy candidly talk to each other like any longtime friends would. They go over successes and failures in their lives as well as what Star Trek meant to them and their families. The whole thing feels very genuine and really makes me glad that they decided to share their thoughts with the fans who supported them for over 30 years.

The DVD is really a whole lot better than one would think it needs to be. There are very little extras, but the documentary is actually filmed in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen! I couldn't believe it. The widescreen transfer looks very sharp and the colors of Nimoy's lush backyard garden really come through on the disc. The sound is just 2 channel, but that's all it really needs to be. The special runs a little over an hour, but it seems like it goes by faster. Pick this one up for cheap if you're a Star Trek fan, you'll be surprised by its replay value. I for one will be watching this many more times.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Nimoy And Shatner Together Again!
Review: William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy had had a 40 year relationship together. Working as peers and as supervisors (Directing each other).

This DVD candidly tells how they perceived everything about the Star Trek universe they have been living in for the past 40 years. They talk about their fellow cast memebers, the productions, the studios, their contracts, the movies, the new shows and even their personal histories.

They seem to have a geniune joy and concern for each other. They are funny and talk about serious issues too. Illness, death and divorce to name a few.

It was done in Nimoys backyard and I must say it is beautiful. This is a must for every Star Trek fan and for those who are not if you want an inside to the Entertainment Business - there is a little eduction for you.

A good DVD.


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