Review of Star Trek: First Contact

Video

This is the 9th Star Trek feature film (the 2nd with the cast of the Next Generation) and marked the realisation that the Next Generation cast could do feature films on their own. In the previous outing (Generations) they had some help from James T Kirk. This in itself led to some criticism that the Next Generation cast were unable to support a full length feature . . . I of course never doubted them :) Anyway, this is the “Visual” section of the review so I will rant on some more in the “Overall” section.

The visuals on this disc are to die for. Reference quality and no mistake. Space does usually tend to make a stunning backdrop anyway but this movie sets a new standard. The picture quality wasn’t really what I wanted to mention here anyway, let’s talk about visual effects :)

The effects are stunning, I defy anyone NOT to be amazed by the first “big screen” realisation of a major Star Trek space battle. In the past we have seen strictly one on one confrontations but not this time. We have a fleet attacking a Borg cube in all its glory. I was impressed to say the least. The standard of visual effects used in the space battles is only surpassed by one other element of the movie, the Borg themselves :)

These guys have been given an overhaul since their last appearance in the Next Generation and boy do they look mean. The make up is amazing, these guys are genuinely scary. These are, without doubt, the BEST movie villains EVER.

Anyway, a reference quality picture on the disc and breathtaking movie visuals. We are really spoilt :)

Audio

Cue menacing voices, “We are the Borg. Lower your shields and surrender your ships. We will add you technological and biological distinctiveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service us. Resistance is futile”. s*** !!!!!! Get me the f*** outta here :) Menacing s*** or what. This movie is an audio feast!

Right from the start you know this is gonna be something special. The opening sequence with the sounds of Borg whispering all around, the ominous Borg voices through to the sound of star ships engaged in battle (crank that Sub Woofer up) . . . this is THE reference disc for audio effects. The use if the 5.1 digital sound is inspired and totally convincing. The “resistance is futile” speech by the Borg shows the real potential of using the 5.1 system as you are surrounded by numerous different voices coming from every direction. This really ads a further dimension of unstopability (is that a real word? :) ) to what is already a fearsome foe. I could go one for ages about every single effect used but I won’t, just get this disc and crank it up LOUD :)

Of course no Star Trek movie would be complete without a Jerry Goldsmith soundtrack, and this doesn’t disappoint. Atmospheric and completely inkeeping with the mood of the movie.

Reference quality audio, I am surprised I haven’t worn it out yet as it is still my unrivalled demo disc :) This is SUPERB stuff.

Features

The only downside to an excellent disc. Just 2 trailers :( I will admit that one of those trailers is, for me, possible one of the best trailers I can remember. You would have though that extras would be something that there were plenty of given the wealth of material that must exist on everything Star Trek. However, as with all the other Trek disc, trailers are the lot. VERY poor.

Conclusion

Ok, I admit it . . . I am a Star Trek fan. I have watched every episode of every series ever made and l love them all. However when I mentioned that the picture and sound are reference Quality it has nothing to do with the subject matter. This is a great quality disc, but I have said that already :)

The actors put in the kind of performances that you would expect . . . Picard is dramatic, Worf is proud, Data is amusing etc. All as they would play from the TV series. You might expect more but it only serves to make you feel more at home with them and allows the film makers to move along with the story quicker. The premise of the story is a good one, The-Borg travelling back in time to assimilate Earth of the past to eliminate the future is interesting. Also there are many great scenes as well, for example the space walk on the underside of the Enterprise.

The real stars here are The-Borg. They are menacing throughout although there is one BIG down point . . . the Borg Queen. The idea of the Borg as an unstoppable foe with one mind and no leader was frightening but now they have added a Queen they are vulnerable. I would still fill my pants big time at the thought of going up against the Borg but now they actually have a weakness. They are still one bastard hard enemy, it’s just that they have lost something by the end of this movie. Still, this is one great film regardless.

I have marked this disc high even though it has virtually no extras. The movie experience is so good that I really don`t think that this should influence whether you buy it or not. A MUST BUY !