My Collection of the first six Trek films

[StarFuryG7]

I made it a point to collect the first six Star Trek films featuring the original cast on Blu-ray. The last three I needed to get were TMP, TFF, and "Star Trek III: TSfS", which finally arrived today. These last three were the "Region Free" UK releases being that these films were never released individually here in the U.S. on Blu-ray. All six of these films are the theatrical releases, which have their downsides. TWoK for instance is missing scenes that help make clear all that is going on in the movie, particularly where Scotty's nephew is concerned. Then there is the missing scene at the end of ST VI featuring Colonel West as the assassin, played by Rene Auberjonois, as another example. Well, I've watched TMP and TWoK on Blu-ray, so now I have to move on to "The Search for Spock", which I just got my hands on.

I'm just curious, but how many people here would have made it a point to collect these films on Blu-ray, especially if you already had them on DVD as I do, in some cases as multiples copies because they were purchased more than once as different releases?

Here is my current collection of these movies:

I, II, III, IV, VI on VHS

II, IV, VI - DVD (singles)

Director's Editions (double disc DVD)
I, II

Special Collector's Editions (also double disc sets)
All three unopened, still sealed in their original plastic wrap
III, V, VI

Blu-ray
I, II, III, IV, V, VI

I should add here that I have the other MT movies that followed on DVD and am content with those, although I do have "Generations" twice, both as the single Letterbox release, and the Widescreen version (which I prefer) Special Collector's Edition. I have no interest in acquiring these on Blu-ray interestingly enough, although I do have ST09 on both DVD and Blu-ray.

What all this says about me as a Trek fan I leave up to you, but I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts if you feel like sharing them.

There is also a specific reason that my library looks like this, although I won't mention exactly why as it relates to the first six films in the series just yet.

I know CRAM wouldn't have bothered to buy these movies multiple times, and I know TK has serious qualms about format changes and the effects it has on the marketplace and consumers, but I figured it would be fun to put this out there nonetheless for however it strikes you all.

[Mel]

Back in the day, I was one of the first people to buy a VCR. I loved the opportunity to watch my favorites when I wanted to. One of the first things I bought was the complete video set of The Prisoner. It cost $550. Although the VCR and videos were expensive, it was easily affordable because I had a great job.

That hasn't been the case for a long time now. Given my circumstances, I don't ever expect to be able to afford the switch to Blu-ray.

I'm a lot older than the rest of you. I wonder if my vision can distinguish the visual improvements offered by Blu-Ray. Having never seen it, I don't know.

[CRAMBAM]

I have to check which version of TWOK I have. Probably the directors' one, since I believe there are extra scenes on it.

I have TMP, TWOK, TSFS, TVH, and TUC on DVD. Passed on the rest.

I have a specially edited version of Generations where someone used various deleted scenes (albeit shitty versions of them), to edit the movie so Kirk lives at the end.

Only on computer though.

I've seen it edited even better on youtube.

I also have FC on VHS taped off HBO. Haven't watched in years.

[TrekBeatTK]

Yes, I'm not ready to hop on the blu-ray wagon any time soon, but here's my collection of the first six Trek films.

VHS -- all but TWOK for some reason, the ones issued by Paramount. ...actually, I might have bought that later, but I don't think so. I had II, IV and V taped from television. I think II and V I re-taped when Sci-Fi aired them widescreen. III I had someone tape off their laserdisc for me. And I taped TMP (the longer TV version) off TV. Worried that the theatrical version would never be released I also bought one on VHS I never opened, and copied another one from a library copy.

DVD -- all of them on the 2-disc special or director's editions

I also bought TWOK single disc, though I prefer the director's cut. I keep meaning to pick up the TUC single disc at some point.

And if I could afford it, I probably would consider getting the reissued box-set just for the theatrical cut of TMP (and TUC?).

-TK

[CRAMBAM]

Additionally, I recently subscribed to Netflix streaming. They have all the Star Trek TV shows, but none of the movies for some reason. Either way, you can get the TV shows in their blu ray/remastered form instead of buying them.

Cheapest the entire TOS blu ray run is that I can find is $176.94.

That pays for over 22 months of Netflix, and you can watch more than that there.

[StarFuryG7]

I forgot to mention the Two-Disc Director's Edition of TMP on standard DVD with the new CGI effects added, but I think I subconsciously omitted that one because the movie disc has some serious issues, which was what prompted me to get the theatrical version on Blu-ray in the first place. That's actually what spurred me on to collect the other two, III, and V, that I was missing on Blu-ray.

I've added this version of TMP to my initial post here, but I doubt I'll ever watch that disc again given the snow that appears on screen in some of the scenes, along with other visual problems that came to my attention when I watched it last year for the first time in many years. I don't know whether I dropped that set on the floor, and thus screwed it up or what, but I'm happy with the theatrical cut on Blu-ray now, which seems more complete to me anyway.

[StarFuryG7]

Jun 5, 2012 6:08:43 GMT -5 Mel said:

Back in the day, I was one of the first people to buy a VCR. I loved the opportunity to watch my favorites when I wanted to. One of the first things I bought was the complete video set of The Prisoner. It cost $550. Although the VCR and videos were expensive, it was easily affordable because I had a great job.

I remember you telling me about that years ago, and I thought it was ridiculously overpriced.

Jun 5, 2012 6:08:43 GMT -5 Mel said:

That hasn't been the case for a long time now. Given my circumstances, I don't ever expect to be able to afford the switch to Blu-ray.
I'm a lot older than the rest of you. I wonder if my vision can distinguish the visual improvements offered by Blu-Ray. Having never seen it, I don't know.

Well, I don't know how poor your vision is, but I'm inclined to think it might be of some help to you. I have two pairs of eyeglasses, which I try not to wear. Most of the time when I'm watching TV I don't wear my glasses, and I can notice the difference between my HDTV and my old standard def TV that I had to junk late last year.

it does help.

[StarFuryG7]

I haven't included old tapes of these movies that I made off of cable or had passed to me by a friend, as in the case of ST V. Likewise I didn't include specially edited copies, such as the one produced from ST V by Jack Marshall, which appears to have totally vanished from the Internet.

If you still haven't watched that one, Cram, I suggest you give it a look.

[CRAMBAM]

I need to remember to do that when I have the time and am at home.

[Mel]

I remember you telling me about that years ago, and I thought it was ridiculously overpriced.

Well, it was the early 1970's. Most people didn't have a VCR, so there was very little for sale for then. The Prisoner collection came from the UK, which may have affected the price. At any rate, I loved it and could afford it so I bought it. Had cost been an issue, I wouldn't have considered it. Besides, I'd had a crush on Patrick McGoohan since Danger Man.

I real reason I bought that first VCR was to tape a TOS marathon airing all three seasons. At the time, TOS wasn't for sale. There were no TOS movies. TMP movie was probably not yet officially in the works.

As for what I own of the TOS movies, I bought them on video as they were released. Later, I bought an official set. Even later, I updated to DVDs. None of them are special editions.

I was surprised to read that you still have your TOS movie videos. Why? Nostalgia? Are they a collector's item?

A few times, I've thought about buying TOS, but it seems to always be on the air, so I haven't done that. I have taped all of them more than once.

Despite you guys accusing me of being an MT, I never bought the other Trek TV shows or movies.

Well, I don't know how poor your vision is, but I'm inclined to think it might be of some help to you. I have two pairs of eyeglasses, which I try not to wear. Most of the time when I'm watching TV I don't wear my glasses, and I can notice the difference between my HDTV and my old standard def TV that I had to junk late last year.
it does help.

Thanks for the information. If I get the chance to try Blu-ray, I will. Right now, the only one I know with it lives in CA, and I live in WA. I don't have HDTV, so I don't know if I could see the improvements in that either.

[StarFuryG7]

Jun 5, 2012 14:06:46 GMT -5 Mel said:

I was surprised to read that you still have your TOS movie videos. Why? Nostalgia? Are they a collector's item?

You mean the VHS tapes? I just never tossed 'em is all.

Jun 5, 2012 14:06:46 GMT -5 Mel said:

A few times, I've thought about buying TOS, but it seems to always be on the air, so I haven't done that.

I have the original episodes with the original effects on standard DVD, as well as the newer remastered sets with the updated CGI special effects also on DVD --sorry I didn't just buy that one on Blu-ray because it also has the episodes with the original optical effects too.

Jun 5, 2012 14:06:46 GMT -5 Mel said:

Despite you guys accusing me of being an MT, I never bought the other Trek TV shows or movies.

I haven't collected any of the later Trek shows on either DVD or Blu-ray, and I may not bother ever either.

Jun 5, 2012 14:06:46 GMT -5 Mel said:

Thanks for the information. If I get the chance to try Blu-ray, I will. Right now, the only one I know with it lives in CA, and I live in WA. I don't have HDTV, so I don't know if I could see the improvements in that either.

You would simply because you would likely buy a larger screen --that, and the higher definition would help, though again, I have no idea how poor your vision is --you make it sound as though you're legally blind at times, although I would doubt your vision is that poor.

[Mel]

You would simply because you would likely buy a larger screen --that, and the higher definition would help, though again, I have no idea how poor your vision is --you make it sound as though you're legally blind at times, although I would doubt your vision is that poor.

[/quote]
Oh, sorry, it's not that bad! In my gawky youth, I wore eyeglasses with lenses like the bottom of a coke bottle. As an adult, I wore contact lenses. About 20 years ago, I had laser eye surgery and lived without glasses for years, which was heaven. Now I'm older, and I rely on readers. Also, when watching TV, things aren't crisp anymore.

What's more troublesome is my hearing. Hearing loss runs in the family. I rely on captions to watch movies and TV. Despite that, I'm highly tempted to see Prometheus in the theater. Still weighing that decision.

[TrekBeatTK]

Are there any theaters in your area that provide subtitles for the hard of hearing?

I think it's one of those experiences you can't pass up. I'm definitely going this weekend. Even if it's hard to hear clearly, it's bound to be visually arresting, so I say give in to the temptation!

-TK

[StarFuryG7]

Jun 6, 2012 17:33:00 GMT -5 Mel said:

Also, when watching TV, things aren't crisp anymore.

Buy yourself a reasonably-priced new flat screen that's larger than your current TV by ten or twelve inches or more and you might be surprised at how much sharper things suddenly look once you've set it up.

[Mel]

Jun 6, 2012 19:38:20 GMT -5 TrekBeatTK said:

Are there any theaters in your area that provide subtitles for the hard of hearing? I think it's one of those experiences you can't pass up. I'm definitely going this weekend. Even if it's hard to hear clearly, it's bound to be visually arresting, so I say give in to the temptation! -TK

We have a brand new theater, so many it does offer captions or something. I'll ask, and I think I'll give into temptation regardless!

[Mel]

Buy yourself a reasonably-priced new flat screen that's larger than your current TV by ten or twelve inches or more and you might be surprised at how much sharper things suddenly look once set it up.

Well, it's already 35 inches. Honestly, it's just not in the budget, but thanks for the idea.

[StarFuryG7]

Jun 7, 2012 0:46:38 GMT -5 Mel said:

Well, it's already 35 inches. Honestly, it's just not in the budget, but thanks for the idea.

Mel, have you looked into the HDTVs that are on sale nowadays? The prices have dropped considerably over the last year or two, so much so that you might be shocked if you looked at what's for sale in one of the Weekly Best Buy fliers.

And if you have a 35" TV, then I'd recommend your going up to a 46" HDTV.

[Mel]

Mel, have you looked into the HDTVs that are on sale nowadays? The prices have dropped considerably over the last year or two, so much so that you might be shocked if you looked at what's for sale in one of the Weekly Best Buy fliers. And if you have a 35" TV, then I'd recommend your going up to a 46" HDTV.

I don't want one that big. When I walk into a room that's dominated by a large TV screen (45 inches qualifies) this thought flashes through my brain, complete with booming voice:

I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt have no other gods before Me.

Yes, I'm weird.

[StarFuryG7]

Jun 7, 2012 13:43:35 GMT -5 Mel said:

I don't want one that big. When I walk into a room that's dominated by a large TV screen (45 inches qualifies) this thought flashes through my brain, complete with booming voice:

[/color]
I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt have no other gods before Me.
Yes, I'm weird.[/quote]
No, you just have an old-world view of home entertainment, which there's nothing really wrong with, except for the fact that you have vision problems, and the larger screen would enable you to enjoy what you're watching more because you would be able to see it better obviously. But I can understand your point of view. I opted for a 37" screen because I didn't think I could go any larger given where I was looking to put it. As it turned out, however, I could have gone to a 40" and perhaps even a 42" screen, even though the latter is starting to cut it a little too close for my own good given the dimensions I'm working with here. But when I see these lunatics hauling an 80" flat-screen into their homes, my perception is very much where you're coming from on the matter.