Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) – The Director’s Edition [4K UHD Review]

When Star Trek: The Motion Picture arrived in theaters in 1979, it marked the highly anticipated big-screen return of the Enterprise crew from the acclaimed 60s TV series. But this lavish relaunch carried a colossal budget that nearly sank future sequels. Directed by Robert Wise, the cerebral sci-fi epic received mixed reactions for favoring spectacle over character. However, the Director’s Cut released in 2001 reappraised the film by restoring Wise’s original vision. Viewed today, The Motion Picture stands as a flawed but captivating anomaly in the Trek canon.

Why the need for a Director’s Cut?

The Motion Picture sees Admiral Kirk (William Shatner) reunite the Enterprise crew after a destructive alien probe threatens Earth. Their mission becomes a metaphysical confrontation with the probe’s source – an advanced artificial intelligence seeking its creator. The script tackles lofty themes of human obsolescence in the machine age, with visual effects attempting to visualize boundless alien vistas.

But the studio mandated 2 hour running time left the characters thinly sketched. The efficient camaraderie of the TV series got lost amid 2001-inspired self-importance. Critics dubbed it “The Slow Motion Picture” for eschewing action. However, the Director’s Cut added crucial scenes developing the rapport between Kirk, Spock (Leonard Nimoy), Bones (DeForest Kelley), and the crew. Their humanity better balances the stately pace.

Star Trek in the wake of A New Hope

By 1979, Star Trek had been off the air over a decade after getting cancelled in 1969. But syndication and conventions fueled fans’ fervor. The show defined modern fandom and creator Gene Roddenberry dreamed of reviving it.

The monumental success of Star Wars convinced Paramount to bankroll a Trek feature film. But the budget started at $15 million and ballooned to $46 million, a record sum at the time. Expectations from loyal Trekkies put intense pressure on the production to succeed.

Appreciation where it is due

Still, the film deserves appreciation for its experimental take on bringing Trek into theaters. The cinematography, costumes, and models created an immersive sense of a functional future world. Electronic composer Jerry Goldsmith’s score added grandeur. Though panned initially, The Motion Picture’s risk-taking paved the way for Wrath of Khan’s blend of character richness and spectacle.

The Motion Picture evoked quality sci-fi like Solaris in its cerebral bending of time, space and consciousness. Images of the probe’s destructive power awed audiences. The film captured how rapidly computer technology was evolving in the 70s through the alien AI’s motivations. It extrapolated hopes and anxieties around artificial intelligence into an epic external threat.

Cosmic Sci-Fi at the Multiplex

But the laborious plot doesn’t quite support the cosmic themes. Moments intended as awe-inspiring stretch into ponderous longeurs. Wise’s background in earnest sci-fi like The Day the Earth Stood Still shows in the sobering tone. But without the series’ trademark humor and camaraderie, The Motion Picture feels muted.

Still, viewed today, the film retains an experimental spirit that saved the franchise by reigniting interest. After its divided reception, sequels strategically mined the show’s spirit, realizing Roddenberry’s vision required both brains and heart. The Director’s Cut deserves credit for rescuing The Motion Picture from obscurity by restoring key insights into the iconic crew.

While an oddity compared to the template it inspired, The Motion Picture has earned appreciation for its ambition in relaunching Trek for contemporary sci-fi audiences. Itsr evolutionary visuals and stately vision carry flaws but also the seeds of the franchise’s future. The film captured a moment of transition that laid essential groundwork.

Some final thoughts

Despite the laborious process, The Motion Picture expanded what sci-fi could depict onscreen. It moved the genre beyond models and prosthetics toward boundless CGI vistas. The film doesn’t get enough credit for today’s immersive visual environments. While hampered by problems, The Motion Picture’s bravery relaunched Star Trek for a new era. Its grandest ambitions remained only partially fulfilled. But its risk-taking paved the way for future generations to boldly go further.

Let’s talk about the 4K UHD for The Motion Picture’s Director’s Edition

Star Trek – The Motion Picture: Director’s Edition comes to 4K UHD in a variety formats. For the sake of clarity, I’m reviewing the standalone disc and not the big box set. You get a bonus disc with over an hour of special features. However, the big concern is the A/V Quality. Some will admit that the screenshots look a bit dark, but I compared it to the past DVD and Blu-ray releases and it tracks.

The Dolby Atmos track holds up pretty well for a film of its age. Given the nature of the Sci-Fi of the time, it plays well between the FX and the Jerry Goldsmith score. I like what I’m seeing and it’s pretty amazing. Give it a shot.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture – The Director’s Edition is now available on 4K UHD