Are the bluray's the versions where you can choose...

[Hober Mallow]

Yes they are. The original NBC broadcasts were released on DVD in 2004, the the remastered episodes with remastered effects were released in 2008. I've had both sets since their original releases.

You misunderstand.

We're talking about three different versions here: 1) the version released on DVD in 2004; 2) the remastered version in HD with the original FX; 3) the remastered version with new special FX.

Versions 1 and 3 are available on DVD; version 2 is not available on DVD. Versions 2 and 3 are available on bluray, both in HD, but not version 1.

Oh yeah. HD. I did forget that one. HD came and went so fast (it was the loser in the "format war" a few years back, yes?), it's no wonder I forgot it.

No, I'm not talking about that at all. I'm talking about the original series with the original FX remastered and looking much clearer and better than the original DVD release.

Now, you own the remastered episodes with the new FX on DVD, right? Okay, imagine the series looking just as clear and bright and good as that, but with the original 1960s special FX, not the new CGI FX. That's what was never released on DVD, and that's what you get on bluray. It's still remastered, just with the old FX instead of the new. "Remastered" has nothing to do with "new FX."

 

[Oso Blanco]

I finally found what I was looking for ... I actually started the thread myself back then, and one of the answers I got was this (emphasis mine):

Yes, you can choose to only watch the episodes with the original effects. You can also choose to listen to the mono track with (for the most part) is about the same as the original sound mix as the originals.

However, there are a couple of episodes which incorrectly have the new opening credits, even when you choose to watch the original version. The rest of the episode is fine, just the credits got screwed with.

You can also listen to the original sound mix over the new effects, so you never have to listen to that re-recording ever, even if you're in the mood for the new footage.

Can anyone confirm or deny that thing about the opening credits?

 

[Hober Mallow]

Can anyone confirm or deny that thing about the opening credits?

It's nothing I ever noticed.

 

[RandyS]

You misunderstand.

We're talking about three different versions here: 1) the version released on DVD in 2004; 2) the remastered version in HD with the original FX; 3) the remastered version with new special FX.

Versions 1 and 3 are available on DVD; version 2 is not available on DVD. Versions 2 and 3 are available on bluray, both in HD, but not version 1.

Oh yeah. HD. I did forget that one. HD came and went so fast (it was the loser in the "format war" a few years back, yes?), it's no wonder I forgot it.

No, I'm not talking about that at all. I'm talking about the original series with the original FX remastered and looking much clearer and better than the original DVD release.

Now, you own the remastered episodes with the new FX on DVD, right? Okay, imagine the series looking just as clear and bright and good as that, but with the original 1960s special FX, not the new CGI FX. That's what was never released on DVD, and that's what you get on bluray. It's still remastered, just with the old FX instead of the new. "Remastered" has nothing to do with "new FX."

Ah, I see.

Then I guess I've never seen what you are talking about. A friend of mine owns the Blue Rays, and he made a point of telling me that they are the same as the two DVD versions I have. Plus he demonstrated one of the episodes for me, and the Blue rays DO in fact look like what I have.

I guess this is where I got confused...

 

[BillJ]

The Blu-ray's are far crisper looking with better color and sound, even when playing the episodes with the original effects.

It's not even a contest.

 

[Ssosmcin]

Yes they are. The original NBC broadcasts were released on DVD in 2004.

I know you meant the effects sequences, but to be accurate, the original NBC broadcast versions have never been released on DVD. The sound mix has been screwed with since they were put out in 1999. Music changes and new sound effects are all over the prints and are still on the Blu-Ray release. The closest we got to original NBC broadcasts were the VHS/Laserdisc releases. But even those had alterations, such as the opening and closing credits in the first part of the first season and the syndicated versions of the Next Week previews.

I finally found what I was looking for ... I actually started the thread myself back then, and one of the answers I got was this (emphasis mine):

Yes, you can choose to only watch the episodes with the original effects. You can also choose to listen to the mono track with (for the most part) is about the same as the original sound mix as the originals.

However, there are a couple of episodes which incorrectly have the new opening credits, even when you choose to watch the original version. The rest of the episode is fine, just the credits got screwed with.

You can also listen to the original sound mix over the new effects, so you never have to listen to that re-recording ever, even if you're in the mood for the new footage.

Can anyone confirm or deny that thing about the opening credits?

Ooo, ooo, that was me! And yes, I can confirm it exists, but I'm not home to pin down the episode(s). The first season was where I noticed it, possibly Balance of Terror.

EDIT: I checked the Blu-Ray of Balance of Terror last night and in both the hi-fi and mono tracks in the original effects versions, the 2006 newly orchestrated theme is there. The old visuals are intact, but the music is the newer version. I didn't really have time to go through to find other episodes (I think there's at least one more), but I can confirm Balance of Terror.

The DVDs also restored the "created by Gene Roddenberry" credit to the open theme of The Man Trap and Charlie X, as seen originally in 1966. Gene's credits at the end of both episodes were amended to simply "producer" on those prints. The Blu-Ray episodes do not have those restorations. Another reason I prefer and will retain my DVDs of the series (which really look great).

 

[Mage]

Another question on the BR-set.... is The Cage included?

 

[Ssosmcin]

Yes, on the third season set, like on the DVDs. The original cut of Where No Man Has Gone Before is also on that same disc.

 

[Mage]

Yes, on the third season set, like on the DVDs. The original cut of Where No Man Has Gone Before is also on that same disc.

Cool, thanks for the info!

 

[Oso Blanco]

EDIT: I checked the Blu-Ray of Balance of Terror last night and in both the hi-fi and mono tracks in the original effects versions, the 2006 newly orchestrated theme is there. The old visuals are intact, but the music is the newer version. I didn't really have time to go through to find other episodes (I think there's at least one more), but I can confirm Balance of Terror.

The DVDs also restored the "created by Gene Roddenberry" credit to the open theme of The Man Trap and Charlie X, as seen originally in 1966. Gene's credits at the end of both episodes were amended to simply "producer" on those prints. The Blu-Ray episodes do not have those restorations. Another reason I prefer and will retain my DVDs of the series (which really look great).

Thanks for the info ... I guess I'll stick to my DVDs as well.

 

[Robert Comsol]

The closest we got to original NBC broadcasts were the VHS/Laserdisc releases.

Yes, though I can't help the feeling that for the later video releases they fixed some things the original producers might have approved.

After GoodKirk has beamed back aboard in "The Enemy Within" Scotty feels compelled to accompany the captain some way. They stop and their dialog is almost inaudible because of an intercom announcement regarding "communication lines" (English mono B track Japanese LaserDisc Version).

In the subsequent releases it's less annoying. Admittedly no longer raw and original but not necessarily a bad thing, IMHO.

Bob

 

[Ssosmcin]

The DVDs and Blu-Rays "fixed" the first few minutes of that episode by re-flopping the image. It was originally printed as a mirror image with Shatner's and Takei's hair parted on the wrong side. Tellingly, Kirk's insignia is missing from his tunic, and Sulu's is obscured by the Space Dog in his arms. When they restored the prints for the DVDs, the flopped it back, which may have been because the image was so clear, you could now actually read the placard on the box propped on one of the rocks. Having backward lettering could probably have been more objectionable than incorrectly parted hair. I'm sure they simply fixed it to make it "right." Anyway, that's one more change from the original....