Star Trek

Paramount’s 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Star Trek" 2009 is a notable upgrade from its already impressive 1080p predecessor, leveraging the power of HDR to breathe new life into the visuals of this revitalized franchise entry. Shot on 35mm film using anamorphic lenses and presented in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio, the movie was originally finished with a 2K Digital Intermediate. This has been upscaled to 4K for the UHD release, incorporating a wider color gamut (WCG), high dynamic range (HDR), and encoded using the HEVC codec. While some details are slightly more refined compared to the standard Blu-ray, the most striking enhancements are in the dynamic range and color volume, significantly elevating the overall picture quality. Explosions and lens flares gain a palpable depth and intensity, with skin tones appearing accurate and costume textures distinguished even amidst the relentless lens flares.

The enhancement in HDR brings out exceptional shadow detail and striking highlights, making director J.J. Abrams’ signature lens flares more immersive and atmospheric than ever. The film grain, preserved from its original 35mm stock, remains well-behaved and non-distracting, contributing to the cinematic feel of the presentation. The colors are vivid yet natural, avoiding oversaturation while showcasing a nuanced palette—especially in the iconic Starfleet uniforms and the diverse set environments, from the dark, intricate interiors of Nero’s Romulan vessel to the stark brightness of the Enterprise bridge. Deep blacks and refined flesh tones further augment the visual experience, ensuring that darker scenes are devoid of murkiness and maintain clarity in detail.

Despite a few instances of soft shots and minor compression issues noted in the title sequence, these do not mar an otherwise exceptional viewing experience. The UHD release manages to enhance both darker scenes aboard Nero's Romulan vessel and brightly lit settings with remarkable black levels and color reproduction. "Star Trek" on 4K UHD Blu-ray stands as an exemplary display of how HDR and 4K upscaling can supplement a film shot on traditional 35mm, maintaining its original grain and cinematic texture while enhancing clarity, depth, and color dynamics, even if stemming from a 2K DI source.

The Star Trek 4K UHD Blu-ray presents an exceptional auditory experience, significantly elevating the movie’s original soundscape with a sophisticated Dolby Atmos track. Testing this track on a reference Dolby Atmos 7.2.2 system, it quickly becomes evident that the remix was meticulous, utilizing each channel to its fullest potential. The Atmos mix engages with prodigious depth and precision, immersing viewers in space battles marked by detailed laser blasts and resonant explosions, while ensuring dialogue remains crisp and firmly anchored to the characters, despite the surrounding cacophony. Furthermore, the soundstage’s quiet moments are as compelling as its action-packed sequences, benefitting from the Atmos mix’s ability to add atmospheric depth and envelop listeners in a more immersive Star Trek universe.

However, while the Atmos track excels in dynamic range and clarity, it falls slightly short in consistently utilizing the overhead channels to their full potential. Some critics express mild disappointment in the overhead sound layer's underutilization, particularly in scenes begging for a more pronounced vertical presence. Despite these occasional oversights, the overall detail and precision of the sound mixing — from the subtle hum of the ship to Michael Giacchino’s meticulously integrated score — remain beyond reproach. The soundtrack dynamically transitions between forefront musical themes and intensely effects-laden sequences without losing balance, further enhancing the viewing experience.

Critiques aside, it's hard to ignore the sheer aggressive nature and liveliness of this Dolby Atmos track, as it seamlessly elevates both action sequences and quieter moments with remarkable low-frequency effects and precise surround sound presentation. Even with its minor shortcomings in dialogue mixing and rear channel utilization, the audio track on the Star Trek 4K UHD Blu-ray almost reaches reference quality levels, creating a robust, enveloping experience that both newcomers and discerning audiophiles can deeply appreciate.

The "Star Trek" 4K UHD Blu-ray release offers a comprehensive collection of extras that will satisfy any Trekkie's appetite for behind-the-scenes content. The only extra found on the Ultra HD disc itself is an engaging full-length audio commentary with director J.J. Abrams and his team, providing insights into the film's creation, challenges, and their approach to reviving this beloved franchise. Meanwhile, the accompanying Blu-ray discs are packed with over three hours of additional materials, covering everything from casting and design to the practical and digital effects that bring the Star Trek universe to life. An included voucher for a digital copy adds further value for fans preferring digital convenience. The depth and variety of these extras make it a must-have, articulating the meticulous effort behind the film and preserving the legacy of Gene Roddenberry's vision.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful commentary with Director J.J. Abrams and his creative team.
• To Boldly Go: Exploration of the team's mission to revitalize the Star Trek franchise.
• Casting: Insights into the casting process and the challenges of fitting new faces into iconic roles.
• A New Vision: J.J. Abrams' approach to making Star Trek a modern spectacle.
• Starships: A detailed look at the design and creation of the film's starships.
• Aliens: Behind-the-scenes on alien species makeup and design.
• Planets: The art department's work on creating diverse planetary settings.
• Props and Costumes: Discussion on updating the classic series' props and costumes for a new era.
• Ben Burtt and the Sounds of Star Trek: The iconic sound design and its evolution.
• Score: Composer Michael Giacchino's approach to the film's score.
• Gene Roddenberry's Vision: Tribute to Star Trek's original creator and his enduring influence.
• Deleted Scenes: A selection of scenes cut from the final film, with optional commentary.
• Starfleet Vessel Simulator: Interactive exploration of the movie's main starships.
• Gag Reel: A compilation of outtakes and bloopers from the film's production.
• Trailers: A collection of trailers and teasers showcasing the film's promotional campaign.

Paramount's venture into the 4K UHD market with the 2009 reboot of "Star Trek" by J.J. Abrams was a bold move, paralleling the daring narrative choices made in rejuvenating a franchise that, to some, seemed to have explored its final frontier. The casting, a critical element of this relaunch, was handled with aplomb. Chris Pine’s portrayal of James T. Kirk brings a fresh energy while maintaining the essence of the character, and Zachary Quinto mirrors the iconic Leonard Nimoy’s Spock with remarkable fidelity, contributing to the new yet familiar dynamics among the beloved crew. The presence of Karl Urban as Bones and Zoe Saldana as Uhura further cements this ensemble as a coherent continuation of the original spirit, albeit marred slightly by Eric Bana’s less impactful villain, Nero.

The narrative decision to set the film in an alternate universe allowed for creative freedoms that breathed new life into the Star Trek saga, sidestepping the confines of established canon while paying homage to it. This move, controversial as it was amongst purists, imparted the reboot with an opportunity to reintroduce these characters to a new generation and to explore untold stories, something vital for longtime fans and newcomers alike. Reimagining the genesis of Kirk and Spock’s camaraderie against the backdrop of this fresh timeline was among the aspects that resonated well, capturing the essence of their relationship while setting the stage for new adventures.

J.J. Abrams’ reboot was not just a mere revitalization but an invigorating leap into both familiar and uncharted territories of the Star Trek universe. Despite its occasional narrative and antagonistic shortcomings, the film successfully marries nostalgia with innovation, delivering a cinematic experience that satisfies long-time enthusiasts and piques the curiosity of newer audiences. It underscores that the essence of Star Trek — exploration, adventure, and the intricate human (and Vulcan) spirit — is timeless, capable of adaptation and renewal without losing its soul. The transition to 4K UHD underscores this leap forward, promising an enhanced visual enjoyment of this boldly reimagined universe.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Star Trek" signifies an impressive milestone in the presentation of this beloved franchise, showcasing a revitalization that not only respects its rich legacy but also propels it into the forefront of modern cinematic experiences. The commitment to quality is evident in both the visual and auditory enhancements provided by this release. The HDR and Wide Color Gamut (WCG) integration noticeably elevates the image quality, injecting a dazzling array of colors and a deeper contrast that breathes new life into the film's already breathtaking effects and dynamic action sequences. Furthermore, the Dolby Atmos soundtrack enriches the viewing experience with its reference-quality sound mix, ensuring that every auditory detail is conveyed with unparalleled clarity and depth.

Despite the critique surrounding the absence of a third bonus disc in some editions, which restrains enthusiasts craving comprehensive extra features, the core upgrade in image and sound fidelity this UHD Blu-ray edition offers constitutes a compelling argument for acquisition. Paramount's execution in transitioning "Star Trek" onto the 4K Ultra HD platform is a commendable effort that pays dividends for fans and newcomers alike. It stands as a testament to the potential of 4K technology in enhancing cinematic storytelling, backed by a laudable delivery on both fronts. However, concerns about the price point and the reliance on 2K Digital Intermediates (DIs) remind us that while significant strides have been made, there remains room for further advancements in future releases.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of "Star Trek" is an essential acquisition for connoisseurs of the franchise and aficionados of superior home theater experiences. Its remarkable proficiency in video and audio presentation sets a new benchmark, proving itself as one of the early must-own titles in the 4K format. Although faced with minor drawbacks, such as pricing strategies and sizeable optimal content inclusion, this release demonstrates Paramount's dedication to excellence and integrity in film preservation and home entertainment. Whether for the die-hard Trekkie or the casual viewer, this edition underscores an era where technology meets artistic fidelity, making "Star Trek" more exhilarating and immersive than ever before.