What can I possibly say about the original “Star Trek” series that hasn’t already been said? Considering the fact that it was a series that was cancelled not once, but twice, over 30 years ago, it still stands as an icon in the world of Sci-fi. With it’s legions of fans, there is no doubt it’s actually at the top of the list as far as favorite Sci-fi franchises go. I venture to say it’s far more popular than ‘Star Wars.” (Let the flaming wars begin… cue “Arena” music…) “Star Trek” started its television life back in 1966 as little more than a gleam in the eye of creator Gene Roddenberry. Initially selling it as a ‘western in space’, the network jumped on it. After seeing the first Pilot episode however, they almost passed on it, but instead gave Roddenberry the opportunity to film a second Pilot. This time, it was a go.

The ratings were less than stellar, but the series chugged on in its search for new life, new civilizations and new viewers, only to be unceremoniously canceled at the end of the second season. But then something strange happened, TV audiences got off their duffs and started a letter writing campaign. And in a somewhat shocking move by the network, the series was revived for a third season. But this was to be the final season, letter writing campaign or no.

The series may have ended in 1969, but the phenomenon was far from over. Conventions started popping up all over the country, fans continued to write letters, alien races were already setting up websites on their planet’s version of the Internet (Earth didn’t get it until much, much later… we’re still a little behind on the evolutionary ladder. But at least we have spirit!). It didn’t take long before a new series was discussed, which unfortunately went nowhere. A short-lived animated series (featuring some of the original cast’s voices no less) made the rounds for a few episodes, and then disappeared. But the popularity kept growing, which did finally lead to a motion picture, paving the way for the future of the franchise.

Since the cancellation of the original series, there has been: the aforementioned animated series, 9 motion pictures, and no less than 4 spin-off series. The most recent, “Enterprise” is languishing a bit in the ratings, but I’m sure it will win over its audience eventually. You can even find a “Star Trek” experience in Las Vegas of all places. Looking past the filmed offshoots, there are countless novels and books about the series, blueprints, lunchboxes and I’m sure even underwear. It boggles the mind….

I myself am no more than a casual fan of “Star Trek.” I’ve seen all the shows and movies, but have only ventured to one convention out of curiosity. It was my last. “Star Trek” fans seem to embody the very essence of the term ‘fan.’ (Fanatic - n. a person inspired with excessive and bigoted enthusiasm, esp. a religious zealot; devotee; a. over-enthusiastic; immoderately zealous. Fanaticism - n. violent enthusiasm.) They have become so well known as to have documentaries filmed about them. Even in the O.J. trial, we had a jury member so devoted to the IDIC* of “Star Trek”, she insisted on wearing her Star Fleet uniform to the trial. Hmmmmm……

All that aside, I’m here to tell you a little about the new 2nd season set of the original “Star Trek” that Paramount is releasing this week (A couple of months back they released the 1st). Though it was a long time coming, I knew it would happen eventually. As it is, the studio has already been releasing all of the spin-off series (“The Next Generation”, “Deep Space Nine” and “Voyager”) in full season sets; it only stands to reason they would get around to the original series. Though I’m breathing a sigh of relief (though I’m a only a casual fan I still would like to collect the series), there are going to be a cadre of devoted fans who are sure to groan when it gets released.

You see, the original series is already available on DVD, only trouble is they were released in single set, two-episode discs. A total of 40 in all. Extreme “Star Trek” fan(atics) already plunked down there 19.99 per disc a few years back, and now they are faced with a dilemma. Do they keep their sacred (and ‘shelf space’ consuming) discs, or should they try to sell them (at a noticeably lower price) and get the newer stream-lined and relatively affordable new sets. If I were in there boots, I’d cut my losses, consider it a lesson in economics and sell the old sets. Besides the fact that the new sets has the same extra features as well as some great new ones, they also come in the coolest packaging in recent memory.

If, and when, you buy the 2nd season set you’ll notice that it comes in a hard plastic blue shell emblazoned with the “Star Trek” logo. (The 1st season was yellow, the2nd will be red.) The shape is similar to that of a tricorder, but not exactly. When you crack open the case (it splits down the middle), you’ll find a small book-like disc holder that contains all 7 discs (the 1st season had 8). There is also a small booklet with all the episode synopses and a list of extras.

Speaking of the extra features, these discs have all the preview trailers for each episode, which was the only extra on the original DVD releases. There are also text commentaries on “Amok Time” and “The Trouble with Tribbles” by the undisputed experts on all things Trek, Michael & Denise Okuda. These are done ‘pop-up’ video style and are very informative and entertaining.

Once you get to the 7th disc, you’ll find a fair amount of featurettes, including a continuation of the “To Boldly Go…” series, this time focusing on the 2nd season. In “Life Beyond Trek: Leonard Nimoy” we hear a bit about how his life is outside of the series, which seems to mostly involve photography. “Star Trek’s Divine Diva” gives us the skinny on Nichelle Nichols, while “Designing the Final Frontier” offers a look at how the sets and costumes were created. "Kirk, Spock, & Bones: Star Trek's Great Trio” is a nice little featurette about how well the three main characters worked together. You’ll also find a “Writer’s Notebook” feature on writer D.C. Fontana. Add to this some photo galleries and production art and you’ve got yourself a well rounded little package of “Star Trek” tidbits.

Throughout these features, you’ll find some good interview footage (both old and new), and all will hold the interest of even casual fans of the series like me. Looking back on the 1st season, I do want to point out a glaring omission of the original Pilot, “The Cage.” Scenes from this episode were pulled together to create the two part “The Menagerie”, but I know it exists in its entirety. Heck, you can get it on a standalone DVD, but it seems to me that it more than belonged on that set. I’m really curious as to why it was left off.

I’m glad I wasn’t among those who bought the original DVDs of the original series. These full season sets totally blow away those earlier discs, and certainly live up to their hype. Aside from the one glaring omission, the series looks and sounds better than ever and there are more than enough extra features to start the salivation factor amongst the fans. And have I mentioned the packaging????

(*Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations represents a Vulcan belief that beauty, growth, progress--all result from the union of the unlike. Concord, as much as discord, requires the presence of at least two different notes. The brotherhood of man is an ideal based on learning to delight in our essential differences, as well as learning to recognize our similarities.)

Episodes:
Amok Time
Who Mourns for Adonais?
The Changeling
Mirror, Mirror
The Apple
The Doomsday Machine
Catspaw
I, Mudd
Metamorphosis
Journey to Babel
Friday's Child
The Deadly Years
Obsession
Wolf in the Fold
The Trouble With Tribbles
The Gamesters of Triskelion
A Piece of the Action
The Immunity Syndrome
A Private Little War
Return to Tomorrow
Patterns of Force
By Any Other Name
The Omega Glory
The Ultimate Computer
Bread and Circuses
Assignment: Earth

Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Nichelle Nichols, James Doohan, George Takei
Extras: Subtitle Text Commentary on Select Episodes by Michael & Denise Okuda (The Star Trek Encyclopedia), “To Boldly Go… Season 2”, “Life Beyond Trek: Leonard Nimoy”, “Star Trek’s Divine Diva”, “Designing the Final Frontier”, “Kirk, Spock, & Bones: Star Trek's Great Trio”, “Writer’s Notebook: D.C. Fontana”, Photo Gallery and Production Art, Easter Eggs
Specifications: Full Screen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, Dolby 2.0
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: 11/02/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website: www.paramount.com/homeenetertainment

We'll give Star Trek The Original Series: Season 2 an A.