Trek on Blu Ray -- What's Going On?

[theenglish]

So, I am going to take the Blu Ray plunge. I am definitely going to upgrade my original series DVDs because of all the special treatment the series received.

I am wondering what the plans are for the movies and for the sequel series'.

I see the movies posted on Amazon, but what has really been done to them? Is it worth upgrading them or are there plans for further retouching?

Also, will TNG and DS9 be getting some serious fixes or will they just be released on Blu Ray with minimal treatment.

I am basically interested in two things here. I want to avoid etting bit by the Double Dip in which the studios will most likely indulge, and I really only want to upgrade if there has been some serious major improvements (for any of the movies I own).

 

[Geckothan]

TNG and DS9 were edited at low resolution on videotape so they'd either have to upscale it (which would look absolutely horrid given that the source material looks pretty bad to begin with), take advantage of the storage capacity of BDs and release whole seasons on one disc at low resolution OR they'd have to get all of the film together, piece together every episode and redo all of the effects. The latter might happen eventually for TNG, but probably not DS9 (unfortunately, though TNG needs it more because the picture quality is significantly worse on average).

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

^ I doubt that TNG, DS9 or VOY will be fully re-done for HD (there's just too much work *and material* involved) although I can see them doing Blu-Ray fan collectives.

As far as I know, ENT was made to be airable in HD from the get-go. They could release it on Blu-Ray right now, I think, in full HD.

 

[theenglish]

TNG and DS9 were edited at low resolution on videotape so they'd either have to upscale it (which would look absolutely horrid given that the source material looks pretty bad to begin with), take advantage of the storage capacity of BDs and release whole seasons on one disc at low resolution OR they'd have to get all of the film together, piece together every episode and redo all of the effects. The latter might happen eventually for TNG, but probably not DS9 (unfortunately, though TNG needs it more because the picture quality is significantly worse on average).

TNG did get better after the third season or so, though.

 

[Start Wreck]

The movies on Blu-ray are the theatrical cuts. To avoid double (triple [quadruple]) dipping, I'd wait 'til the director's cuts are released. Unless you prefer the theatrical cuts, of course!

 

[PhasersOnStun]

The movies on Blu-ray are the theatrical cuts. To avoid double (triple [quadruple]) dipping, I'd wait 'til the director's cuts are released. Unless you prefer the theatrical cuts, of course!

First of all, for many of the movies, the theatrical cut is the cut. Not every director has a version in their head that is not the version that makes the theaters. So many of the movies don't have director's cuts--only deleted scenes, that they are happy they cut, and are only including on the blu-ray for historical/fan interest.

For those that do have director's cuts, the question then becomes, will director's cuts ever be released? I've read that there are technical issues as to why an HD version of ST:TMP director's cut cannot be released (the new CGI was done only on video at low res, doesn't upscale well, etc).

So I don't necessarily think that holding out for director's cuts that may not exist or ever arrive is necessarily the way to go, unless you've done your research and know that they're coming.

 

[B.C.]

I purchased all 10 original movies as the 2-disc sets a couple years ago. They were between $5 and $10 each. I also purchased the Blu-Ray versions a few months ago for $70. In a few years if they end up releasing a Super-Duper-Director's-Cut versions on Blu-Ray, I'll probably buy those also.

Nothing has ever been announced regarding the director's cuts on BD. If they do get released in 2, 3, 4 years. I really won't feel "cheated". It's worth the $70 I paid for them to watch them now in the highest resolution currently available.

 

[AviTrek]

TrekMovie had a review of the TOS movies in HD. Beyond being the theatrical cut they all were a pretty average rescan/automated clean job. The movies look better, but there clearly was not a lot of work put into them. Personally I plan on keeping my DVDs for at least the next year two and seeing if Paramount decides to remaster everything eventually.

In regards to TV as others have mentioned ENT could be released on Blu Ray today. It just needs to be repackaged. TNG, DS9, and VOY all require re-editing from scratch. Nothing had ever officially been said on plans for them besides exploring upconversion. Personally I expect a limited number of episodes to be redone in HD. Probably only TNG, but maybe DS9 and VOY if TNG sells really well. I wouldn't hold my breath for any of those shows ever seeing a complete HD release.

 

[PhasersOnStun]

TrekMovie had a review of the TOS movies in HD. Beyond being the theatrical cut they all were a pretty average rescan/automated clean job. The movies look better, but there clearly was not a lot of work put into them.

I very much enjoy Trekmovie, but for technical reviews of blu-rays, I prefer blu-ray.com. They have an extremely in-depth review of the original series blu-ray set, that covers nearly every aspect of the films in depth:
http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?id=4190&show=review
The gist of it is that Star Trek TMP and TWOK are definitely exceptional, remastered transfers (I have read that TWOK needed pretty severe restoration), TUC is very good, and the others are acceptable.

TNG, DS9, and VOY all require re-editing from scratch. Nothing had ever officially been said on plans for them besides exploring upconversion. ...I wouldn't hold my breath for any of those shows ever seeing a complete HD release.

That's my feeling as well. I think it's very telling that the episode of DS9 included in the forthcoming Star Trek TOS Season 2 blu-ray will only be upconverted. To me, that signals that CBS/Paramount simply doesn't feel that it warrants the budget expenditure to redo the video-composited effects in HD. And being honest, they may be right—that is extremely expensive to do right.

 

[NIUPonyBoy]

I'm going to get the movies on BR and the series on DVD. The movies will be a huge upgrade from my LDs. Lol uh oh.

 

[Kira Nerys]

I just bought a blu ray player so I may look into upgrading my older copies .