|
|
The Movie:
Paramount's DVD releases of the original "Star Trek" series offered remixed audio and pleasantly clean picture quality, but were only released two shows at a time. With the studio's releases of "Star Trek: The Next Generation", the studio has not only offered full-season sets at a suprisingly rapid rate, but also has included supplements and the kind of audio (remixed in 5.1) and picture quality (very nice full-frame editions) that one would expect from the studio.
The seventh season of "The Next Generation" was its last, as the crew of the Next Generation felt that it was time to call it quits, as the cast headed off to do different projects, with "Generations" being the first of a few big-screen projects that would bring them together again over the next several years. While this final season has its ups and downs, the series certainly didn't go out quietly, often presenting the kind of complex mystery, drama, comedy and sci-fi elements that it had blended together so well over the prior six seasons. This season opens terrifically ("Descent II", where Data faces off against his brother, "Lore"), closes superbly (the two-hour "All Good Things", which reintroduced the famed character, "Q") and has some marvelous moments in-between ("Force of Nature").
This is really a prime example of a show that was expertly cast and whose actors quickly grew into their roles. Although the creators seemed unsure of whether or not "Trek" fans would follow into another series, these characters have all developed wonderfully and have all had their chance to shine in various episodes. Although the most recent "Next Generation" movie ("Nemesis") didn't do as well as the prior films with this cast, the show's seven seasons are now all available on DVD and together, really stand as one of the finest sci-fi shows in many years, worthy of consideration among some of the other noteworthy programs, such as "The X-Files" and "Babylon 5".
26 episodes on 7 discs: Descent Part II, Liaisons, Interface, Gambit Part I, Gambit Part II, Phantasms, Dark Page, Attached, Force of Nature, Inheritance, Parallels, The Pegasus, Homeward, Sub Rosa, Lower Decks, Thine Own Self, Masks, Eye of the Beholder, Genesis, Journey's End, Firstborn, Bloodlines, Emergence, Preemptive Strike, All Good Things... Part I, All Good Things... Part II.
The DVD
VIDEO: "Star Trek: Next Generation" is presented once again in the show's original 1.33:1 full-frame aspect ratio for this seventh season. I've noted in reviews of past seasons that there seemed to be a slight increase in picture quality with each passing season, and that holds true once again here. The presentations of these seventh season episode look fine, about as crisp and well-defined as the prior season. While some scenes here and there (especially a few dimly-lit/dark ones) still appear a bit softer in comparison, scenes in general have a smoothness and clarity that is quite pleasing.
The issues present are very minor. As with the other "Next Generation" releases, no edge enhancement is present, nor are any print flaws. If anything, there are only a few little instances of artifacts, but these are hardly noticable. Colors are vivid, crisp and well-rendered, with no smearing or other faults. Although all of the sets have offered very good image quality, these episodes looked especially solid throughout.
SOUND: One last time, we get the episodes of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" in Dolby Digital 5.1, remixed from the original stereo soundtracks. Again, these soundtracks are generally what one would expect from the soundtracks of a television show that originally aired a bit over ten years prior. While some effects and music are presented by the surrounds, most of the material comes from the front speakers, which crisply and clearly present the dialogue and other elements.
EXTRAS: For the final season set of "Star Trek: The Next Generation", viewers are presented with a set of featurettes that run for over an hour. Once again, these are well-produced and informative pieces that, while probably familiar to hardcore fans of the series, should be an enjoyable wrap-up to the viewing experience for more casual viewers.
The featurettes are largely similar in structure to the ones included on prior sets, with a few differences. The first piece is a "Making Of" for "All Good Things...", which is a 16-minute piece that offers interviews with the cast, writers and directors, who discuss trying to come up with an appropriate way to close out this fantastic series. "A Captain's Tribute" is a 15-minute piece where Patrick Stewart discusses not only how much he enjoyed working with the other members of the cast, but what this role means to him and how this character has developed.
"Star Trek Moments & Memories" is a nice, pleasant 30-minute documentary where the members of the cast and crew reflect on the closing moments of the series. As with a lot of the other featurettes on the past "TNG" box sets, it's awfully cheery, but the kind words shared seem very sincere and the discussion of the other members of the cast and crew is thoughtful and interesting.
Rounding out the supplements are the usual "production" and "mission overview" featurettes, which lead the viewer through the story and technical aspects of this season, with a combined running time of around 30 minutes. In addition, a promo for the upcoming first season release of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" is also included, as is a booklet in the disc case.
Final Thoughts: Season 7 of "The Next Generation" isn't the strongest season of the series, but the cast hits quite a few high notes on its final journey. Paramount's DVD set, similar to the other season sets, offers fine supplements and very good audio/video quality. Recommended.
|
