Hello all,
Been watching TOS since 1966 when it was TOS(The. Only. Series). So here's the somewhat long winded impressions of just one 59 y/o life long TOS fan. It really felt like 1969 and a brand new episode. I'm a big fan of this story. I read the original ST/NV in 1976 and this was my favorite in the book. The look and feel of your work is nothing short of amazing! Both sets of effects are incredible. Part of the greatness of Trek for me is to see it as it was in it's era so I preferred the 60s effects. So glad the producers gave fans a choice, or to enjoy both, as I did. I had no problem with the binary story. The two stories complemented each other and smoothly moved the action briskly forward. I was fascinated throughout and each time I watch, I find something new.
I do miss Cawley's Kirk and like others, will have to see a couple of eps with Brian Gross fully as Kirk to get a handle on him. But did a great job as a battered Kirk and I certainly look forward to future eps.
Brandon Stacey was just terrific as Spock. He really caught the suppressed strain Spock was under between his search for his friend and the hostility of the crew. The chemistry in his scenes with McCoy were just fantastic.
Jeff Bond is quite simply the best McCoy since DeForest Kelley, bar none! Nuff said.
The weakest links in NV/PII for me have always been Scotty and the previous Dr. McCoy. I hate to take away from two men who have devoted so much to this project for so long, but as these iconic characters, they just don't work for me. John Kelley never got close to the spirit of McCoy, at least IMHO, especially the way Bond does. Charles Root just has never been able to nail down Scotty for me, especially Scott's big personality.. He comes across to me as very deliberate and wooden and the accent is just so forced and inauthentic. Sorry, but it is what it is.
All in all, a wonderful story and thanks to all who devote their own time and money to this labor of love. As a 50 year fan, I sure appreciate it! I'll be heading to the site to donate.