That flight around the Enterprise. I don't care how long it takes, I love it every time. The Enterprise is as much a character as anyone else. I do love her.
I always loves me some tasty starship porn. I could watch an entire movie about just exploring the ship, showing off the functions and showing what all the crew does.
I loved today's reaction! Many contemporary critics say that the scene where Kirk first sees the refitted Enterprise goes on way too long, but for me, when I first saw the film in 1979, just like Kirk, it's like being reunited with a long lost old friend again. Wonderful reaction today. I eagerly look forward to your next reaction to the holy grail of all Star Trek movies: STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN! ❤️
Yep. I'd go further. It's essentially a sensual love scene. The way he looks at her and how the pod takes him slowly over every part of her to end the scene with him, um, docking with her. At least that's how I've always seen it. Only thing is if you remember Scotty is there too it suddenly becomes a lot naughtier. 😂
@@countgeekula9143The music also sells the scenes. The late Jerry Goldsmith was fantastic and right up there with John Williams. It's hard to believe that he made the score for this and Alien in the same year. Whats really cool is that his son,who is also a composer, actually made the sounds for Vger at the end of the film.He was sorely missed when he passed away.
I still think there’s valid criticism though in that while Kirk’s long loving look at the Enterprise made sense on multiple levels, he also gives long loving looks at the scaffolding and lights pointed at the ship. Should have been cut. The refit Enterprise though, yeah, it’s the most beautiful starship I’ve ever seen. It’s not the one I’d want to live on of Trek ships, but the exterior is just stunning.
I am so glad I had grown up with the "Special Longer Version" on VHS, which put back many of the deleted scenes that the Director's/Ultimate Edition had also put back in. There are still a few missing though. Some for the better, but others I miss. Alternate takes mostly, but also little bits of missing dialog. Still, its amazing how actually including dialog fixes so much of the film, and makes it feel shorter, despite being at least ten minutes longer.
I'm thrilled that you loved it. This has been my favorite TREK movie for decades. It got a bad rap when it first came out because of its pacing and seriousness, but to me, this was the most "realistic" depiction of the Trek universe ever accomplished (and would ever be attempted thereafter). There are books about how this movie was made- it was a grueling process for all involved, and it has been re-edited over the years to resolve many issues due to it being rushed to completion to make its release date. I think time has been kind to this film, and as the tagline for the movie says- there is no comparison. THAN YOU for being an awesome person and I look forward to seeing more of your reactions as this series continues.
I watched this movie on opening night, in Hollywood, CA. They were running so late, that they were unable to screen it before test audiences. Many reels went to the theaters wet, to be dried on the projector. Will Decker is the son of Matt Decker from "The Doomsday Machine". During Kirk's address to the crew, the crew was mostly fans who had been recruited for the scene.
This movie premiered in 1979 9:09 45 years later, the garbled screams of horrific pain during the transporter failure still gives me the heebee geebees.
sadly it's a different sound effect. Compare there theatrical vs blu ray vs director's cut - all use a different but similar scream. the original one is the most horrible (or best, depending on how you look at it!)
@@pepperVenge Then you have James Sloyan who played a Romulan, Bajoran, Haakonian, and Klingon. :P Star Trek is notorious for recycling its actors. lol
Fun fact: Uhura's earpiece is the very same prop from the original series. Right before filming was about to start, it was discovered that they'd forgotten to make a new earpiece for the movie so the original was quickly located in storage and sent to the set
Ok. When it first came out I liked the movie but didn't love it. The story was conceived in 1976 when Paramount decided to bring Star Trek back as a TV series that was going to be called Star Trek: phase 2. Gene Roddenberry got scripts together. Sets constructed and got all the old cast back except for Nimoy who was having problems with Paramount and Roddenberry which I don't want to get into. The cameras where about to roll when the first Star Wars movie hit in 1977 and made tons of $$$$. Paramount asked if they had something like that and remembered Star Trek and they stopped production of the new series and decided to make a movie for theatrical release. They re-wrote the pilot script into the movie. Decker and Ayleia were supposed to be new continuing characters for the new tv show were their roles were expanded. Did anyome notice the 'Miss Piggy' cameo during Spock's trip through V'Ger? Its on the reaction. I'll post it once I look up that scene up again
Star Trek The Motion Picture or Star Trek The Movie 1979 was like a homecoming for the original characters.. because they hadn’t seen each other for a long time!
They had seen each other in between series. They seen each other while recording dialog for the Animated Series in '73-74, and in '76 at the dedication for the Space Shuttle Enterprise at the Palmdale manufacturing facility. In '77 Roddenberry was trying to bring back the series under the title Phase II, however it was scrapped in favor of filming The Motion Picture.
@@timmooney7528 The fantastically funny book, "The Making of The Trek Conventions", written by a committee member and organizer, the late Joan Winston details several years of the actors getting together and having a blast at the cons. I was so very privilleged to communicate with Ms. Winston via email many years ago. She was gracious, kind and a LOVELY lady.
Upvote and subscribe! The last few reactions of yours that I've watched have been great, I really like the thoughtfulness and perceptiveness of your commentary.
One of the most noticeable features of the Enterprise refit are the engine nacelles. Besides the nacelle shape, the struts holding the nacelles have a different geometry.
I kind of missed this movie in theaters because I was only 1 year old. But when I was a kid my dad always refused to rent it from the video store because he said everyone was “out of character”. But when I finally got to see it in my teens I liked it, and the older I get the more I appreciate it. I really love the new Directors Edition.
Looking forward to watching you continue your journey! Wrath of Khan is good, but my favorite will always be The Voyage Home because it's a lot of fun. Can't wait to hear your thoughts!
I don't agree with the Nomad complaint though. The two had completely different objectives, and both were solved in a completely different manner. Plus, one was just messed up programming because of colliding and joining with something else - the other was still itself but just gained consciousness from learning so much. Nomad did not actually have consciousness, it was still just a device. the primary difference between the two: NOMAD: "My purpose is exactly this" even though its wrong V'GER: "What is my purpose? I need answers!" and it basically gets everything it was looking for
@@k1productions87 Good comparison of purposes/ mission. I feel the premise was the similar with regards to an old Earth probe either merging or being enhanced through advanced alien technology
@@timmooney7528 thing is, neither happened. Any changes in Voyager happened by itself. It was not upgraded or enhanced except through its own experiences. It just happened to have command of a powerful vessel. It would be the difference between becoming a Gary Mitchell or a Khan. Same goals, but one gets his hands on god-like ESP power, and the other gets his hands on a Starship and a planet rending missile.
I never understood until a few years back why Decker wanted to join with V'Ger. It was because of Ilia. Decker had a choice when he left her planet the first time, his career or Ilia, and he chose his career. But this time he chose Ilia, he knew her consciousness was a part of V'Ger, so he took the chance that they could be together. You could tell the Ilia probe wanted him to be the one to join because the real Ilia never stopped loving Decker, and those feelings were copied to the probe version of Ilia.
And don't forget Decker was the son of the Captain Decker from the original Star Trek episode The Doomsday Machine. That's why Decker says that Kirk recommended him for the Enterprise because he felt sorry about his dad dying in the episode.
It would help to understand that by the time this came out, "Trek" fans had been hoping for some sort of "Trek" revival for many years with no success. When this was made, we were absolutely thrilled. The Romulans began using ships of Klingon design. It's mentioned briefly in some episode. Someone at the studio dropped and broke the model of the Romulan ship.
Will Decker is Matt Decker's son.......remember the crazy commodore from The Doomsday Machine? The movie is really good overall, except the plot line.....kind of a grandiose remake of The Changeling. Enjoyed your reaction Courtney!
I actually cut this part out of the UA-cam version, but when I saw Decker's name in the opening credits I was like, "Wait. Did he come back from the dead???" lol Thanks for your support as always!
Will Decker and Ilia were the basis for William Riker and Troi in Next Generation. the two characters were originally created for the series Phase II, which was scrapped in favor of making the movie.
I'm watching this on September 8th, 2024 - The 58th anniversary of the premiere of STAR TREK. No other TV series has had this lasting cultural significance. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY STAR TREK!!
Fun Facts: Ilita was a Miss Universe from India and her character and Decker are prototypes for characters on the Next Generation. Some of the music was used in future shows too.
This director's version emphasises much of the character related themes much more so than the original theatrical release where those scenes were unfortunately left on the cutting room floor. That's such a pity, because it's those themes which tie the whole movie together. Character traits from the television show which were only shown as strengths are here analysed with more complexity. Kirk's obsessive love for the Enterprise and Mr. Spock's single-minded pursuit of pure logic, for instance, have their darker sides explored. In the film, these same obsessions can cause problems and can be sources of distrust between members of the Enterprise crew. Still, it's these 'flaws,' borne out of human emotions, that are what make humans transcend that which limits V'Ger. In many ways, Star Trek: The Motion Picture is my favourite of the films. Perhaps that's because it's unique amongst them all. They would never again create a Star Trek film which matched this tone which was so grounded in pure science fiction, and I think that's a shame. Still, I love all of the other films for their own reasons, so that's ultimately fine. I loved your reaction. You watched the film with an open mind which is particularly necessary for this work. Also, not least of all, you have an entertaining and winning personality which makes one interested in knowing your thoughts on the movie. I look forward to your future reactions! Live long and prosper. 🖖
The 'slowness' of the journey back to the Enterprise was an out and out love letter to the fans. You need to remember how long they had waited and campaigned since the original series was cancelled. This was Roddenberry saying "We heard you, and we thank you..."
I recommend the Odyssey saga by A. Clarke: 2001: A Space Odyssey, directed by S. Kubrick (1968) 2010: The Year We Make Contact, directed by P. Hyams (1984) The first is THE space opera, existential and visual masterpiece, the second is an ordinary movie with coherent story, good visuals, like the old Star Trek movies of the 80s. Both adapted together with the author A. Clarke.
Check out The Day the Earth Stood Still released in (1951). Also directed by Robert Wise who also directed this movie. As well as many classics like West Side Story and many other classic movies. The original Pre Star Trek was the SF classic Forbidden Planet from (1956).
Well, Courtney, no one can say you didn't do your homework! You spotted Rand, Chapel and Decker! Out of the entire film series, "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" is the most like an episode of Classic Trek. It's often criticized as boring but it captures the ethos of the show extremely well, tells a profound science fiction story and does an excellent job of acquainting newcomers with the crew of 'Enterprise'. For die-hard Trekkers who hadn't seen the cast for 12 years, it was breathtaking to experience this cinematic reunion! The ship was treated like an old flame the audience never stopped fantasizing about and was subjected to lengthy tracking shots that ogled every inch of her! Lol. Director Robert Wise was an acclaimed director known for musical classics like "The Sound of Music" and "West Side Story", the horror classic "The Haunting", the science fiction classic "The Day the Earth Stood Still" and the war classic "Run Silent, Run Deep". Even though the film came out two years after "Star Wars" and the same year as "Alien", he opted for the more elegant and polished future aesthetic of Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" including the trippy journey through the vast interior of V'Ger. The musical overture at the beginning is how some epic movies were presented to audiences showcasing the soundtrack to whet the appetite of filmgoers in old-style movie palaces. The Klingons were shown with their modern ridged, shaggy forehead look for the first time in this film! The Klingon Captain was actually Mark Lenard in heavy prosthetics! You know him as Sarek, Spock's father! The beautiful Persis Khambatta, who played the Deltan Ilia, was a former Miss India. She made a powerful impression in the film and is best known for this movie. Since the plot is reminiscent of the Season 2 episode, "The Changeling", where a modified Earth probe called Nomad seeks its creator, fans affectionately took to sub-titling the film as "Star Trek: Where Nomad Has Gone Before" punning on the series tag line "Where no man has gone before"! Lol. The next three films form a loose trilogy kicking the series into high gear!
Those captions were wrong. Uhura didn’t ask for the heading lol. This movie is masterpiece and the best Trwk movie. It’s so misunderstood. THIS is Trek. When I was a child I liked khan… which is still a masterpiece as well… found this movie boring…..but when I grew up, I loved this movie beyond the others.
People seem to be looking at this film through new eyes since it got a facelift in the high-definition director's cut. I remember seeing it when it first came out in 1979 and being vaguely disappointed... it didn't have the feel of the series that I loved so much. It was sort of Star Trek cross-pollinated with 2001 A Space Odyssey... a movie I love but I didn't want to see it in Star Trek. Also, I was disappointed in the storyline which seemed to be a remake of The Changeling, about the little floating computer named Nomad. Over the years though I have changed my tune and despite this not being the popular opinion, I would say this is my favorite of the Star Trek films. Yes, there are films that have more action and are more fun, but this one just has the epic quality of a high-budget movie that the other films didn't quite capture. And yes, that music score by Jerry Goldsmith remains one of the greatest film scores of all time. Looking forward to your reactions to the next films!
This film was controversial in 1979, and I was one of the many life-long STAR TREK viewers who disliked its "cold and distant" approach to the characters. As the decades passed, however, I came to appreciate one of the film's many lessons: a reunion can be awkward, even painful, because ten years will bring forth a lot of change, a lot of damage. Initially, Kirk, Spock, and McCoy can't seem to reconnect, but they must. For all of their individual strengths and skills, they need each other, need the balance of their competing and cooperative personalities. This is why, at the end of the film, the three men are at ease with each other, just as they were in the TV series: they have rediscovered how much they complement each other, and why their friendship is bigger than each man individually.
Yay! I’m so happy you liked this one. Yes it drags, and I often fall asleep during it, but it is an awesome Trek movie. Big sci-fi questions, basically the opposite of a mindless action flick. It gets beat up by a lot of the fandom so it’s really wonderful to see someone who honestly isn’t plugged into the internet talk about Trek experience it for the first time and have an honest reaction. I’ve seen this happen before with reactors who are newbies to Trek and who haven’t spoiled themselves with future info. Great job! Thanks for the shout out too😊
You are so welcome! I just had to show off that mug! I was getting comments about how the first film isn't well liked, but of course, I will be the judge on my Trek journey 😊
Great reaction ❤ i vividly remember my 6 friends and i went to see it at the theater on opening weekend... To no surprise we were thrilled to see it. The next 4 were great but especially 2 and 4 😊
It's such a treat to have so much Courtney and Trek in such a short time over these past few days! The movie was not well regarded by the fans at the time of its release. The story seemed like a remake of "The Changeling". And Robert Wise, the director, was not a Trek fan despite his impressive credentials making science fiction movies. It really showed because there was something off in the way the characters interacted. But the fans were happy to have any new Trek at all, and they saw this film multiple times just to convince the studio that there was a market for more. Obviously, the ploy worked. At the time, Mark Lenard was considered Trek's general purpose alien. In this movie, he was the Klingon commander. He also played the Romulan commander in "Balance of Terror", and of course Sarek in "Journey to Babel". Also recall that in "The Enterprise Incident", it was mentioned that the Romulans were using the Klingon design for their warships. Ilia was played by Persis Khambatta, one of the first actresses to cross over from Bollywood to Hollywood. After this, she played a villain in "Nighthawks" (1981) with Sylvester Stallone and Rutger Hauer. She was also in "Megaforce" (1982) with Barry Bostwick (who's famous from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show", 1975). She was considered for the titular role in the Bond film "Octopussy" but lost out to Maud Adams. "Mad" Magazine did a Star Trek parody that involved a transporter accident. I distinctly remember an image of a hand growing out of the ear of "Captain Kook". Some of the music and footage from this movie were reused in future installments of the franchise. I hope you had a chance to check out the TOS blooper reel. They had some fun making the show.
You rock Court! Really awesome how you enjoyed this because so many Trek fans even write it off for being too slow. I like how you picked up on Chekov getting beat up lol.
10:07: back when they were filming this movie, they had a contest for Star Trek fans where the winners got to be an extra in the movie, so all the crew members standing in the crowd were the winners. So in this film the Enterprise was literally crewed by Star Trek fans.
No not all. Many are the diehard fans, and writers who helped keep trek alive during the lost decade. They were there out of appreciation. Bjo Trimble for example….
@@fredklein3829 rofl!! Man… do you guys just make this stuff up? I don’t know where the first guy got his contest notion. Most of the crowd are known fans, writers, extras, crew… even hairdressers and others… As to your assertion about Wright!! lol. I assume you made this up bc you saw a guy with a big forehead and curly hair. 😂
Sincerely, that was one of the best reactions I've ever seen to this film. Thank you. A lot of people rag on this movie (some call it "STAR TREK: The Motionless Picture"), but I personally love this film. It has a very grand and epic feel and quality to it that sci fi films from the late '60's and the 1970's excelled at. I always find Spock's parallel emotional journey with V'Ger to be extremely touching and I LOVE the conclusion he reaches, that logic isn't enough. He DOES need his human side and his feelings. It's a beautiful message and epitomized Gene Roddenberry's humanist themes. What some people see as a cold and sterile movie, I see as touching and tender.
I was twelve years old when this movie hit the theaters, had been enjoying Star Trek for years, and this fully-realized “big movie version” of the show was just the tonic. Everything was great, it presented a tone distinctly different from that of its rival property “Star Wars”. 1979 was a fine summer for big movies, and this was one of the best of them.
14:28 I LOVE that little moment. Bones is almost literally the little voice on Kirk's shoulder, advising him and trying to temper his hot headedness. Just as he ALWAYS has done. It's a tiny little moment but it's note perfect and sums up the relationship between these two men.
Although the looking at the Enterprise scene seems a bit indulgent it really gives the ship a sense of scale. This was the first time that I got that sense in a sci fi movie. By the way I think the alien took Ilia because she was so empathic. She was the most "open." I'm glad you watched this movie. It initially got a lot of bad reception as it was competing with the first Star Wars movie. People wanted more Star Wars, but this movie is very intellectual and asks big questions. It isn't what audiences were craving at the moment. Long time fans were also disappointed as the tone was more serious. It's too bad. In a lot of ways your younger generation is bound to be more objective concerning this movie. I have only learned to really like this movie over time. I am looking forward to you seeing the next movie. It was very popular.
This movie was more philosophically inclined and less an action movie. It truly asked existential questions that humanity continues to grapple with through the medium of science fiction. That's what makes Star Trek so enjoyable for the thinking person. Star Trek 1 and 5 are both very philosophical and that's why I suspect they are not enjoyed by too many people. A lot of people don't want to think while watching movies; they want only entertainment. Star Trek tends to buck that trend. And when it does I think it stands out in spectacular fashion though it frustrates people who are less philosophically inclined. Nothing wrong with that, it's just that Star Trek was created to be a thinking person's show. Gene Roddenberry repeatedly emphasized that point. It's become more action oriented and, less thoughtful, and to me these newer series, in general, don't feel very much like Trek, with the exception of Picard season 3. They lack the philosophical exploration of humanity which Trek did so well from the sixties through to the last of the great series "Enterprise" (subjective opinion there). Glad you liked this movie. It's considered by many fans to be one of the least enjoyable. I do respectfully disagree with them. It was very meaningful to me growing up and watching it and thinking about the questions it posed. "Is this all that I am? Is there anything more? What or who am I? What is the ultimate experience in life? Where is the Creator? Will we ever meet that creator? Will I be changed by that encounter? What is the nature of the Creator? " These and many more are questions explicitly and implicitly stated in this movie. They are existential questions all human beings explore ( honestly or dishonestly, deliberately or not). It's what makes Star Trek, to my mind, fascinating! I respect that others don't agree, but I also have yet to be convinced by opposing arguments.
So glad you made it, and that you enjoyed it! Been with you almost since the beginning of your Trek, and I'm so eager to see how you like what's coming... especially if you get to TNG & DS9, I grew up with those two shows and love them dearly.
When I first saw this in the cinema I was 12 years old and thought it reminded me of a remake of The Changeling and Doomsday Machine squished together, but I did win the movie poster to bring home and decorate my wall. I also bought the novel version and read it five times, then I rewatched it every year for 45 years and along the way, gained much understanding and appreciation. I also bought the soundtrack on LP, then CD and enjoy ST-TMP for what it was -- an understandably shaky attempt at authentic Star Trek after a 10 year break and still much more appreciated than the schlock they make since 1982.
In one of the TOS episodes it was said that the Klingons and Romulans were allies for a while. The Klingons got Weapon Tech and the Romulans got plans for Klingon ships to replace the type of ship seen in Balance of Terror. In reality Paramount did NOT pay the man that made that ship so the next time they needed Romulan Ships they used Klingon ones. And EVERY reaction video I have seen the person is confused by Ilia's Oath of Celibacy so from Memory Alpha: Externally, Deltans were physically indistinguishable from Humans but were identified by their bald scalps and were known to wear head dresses. Their strong sexual attraction could be a distraction for members of other species, which is why Deltans swore an oath of celibacy upon entering service in Starfleet. While Deltans had pain-relieving abilities that manifested during tactile contact, this ability did not heal injuries. AND the actress that played Chief DeFalco was William Shatner's wife! His Daughter also appeared in one of the other Star Trek movies.
One of the themes of this movie is that V'ger cannot understand the concept of beauty. Which is why his ship looks so ugly and scary looking. When he joins with Decker, V'ger understands this concept and dissolves the ship and fades into A beautiful wisp of light.
"I just feel inspired, to go, and help." That's the appeal of Star Trek for so many of us, from TOS, even up to Enterprise, flawed as it was. All the Star Trek that came after Enterprise, not so much. Utopianism became Dystopianism, inspiration be came desperation, and hope became cynicism. Picard season 3 offered a flicker of hope, I can only wish for it to be followed up with the teased new shoe "legacy" from Terry Matalas, who seems like the only guy attached to modern Trek who seems to get it.
The commander of the Epsilon station is played By David Gautreaux, cast as Spock's replacement when 'Star Trek phase 2' was a proposed new series, Nimoy didn't want to do it. But after Star Wars massive success, they decided on a movie, Nimoy said yes to returning so poor Gautreaux lost out, but got a small part in the movie.
I've always loved TMP from first seeing it back in 79/80. I never bought into the criticisms of it and appreciated the intelligent thoughtful story (even if it is in part re-using the Nomad storyline from the episode The Changeling) and the pacing of it. I love that it takes its time and really focuses on selling the vast scale of space and also of V'ger and how we as humans compare. The film looks amazing (Paramount spent a LOT of money on it and for a time it was the most expensive film ever made) and the cast are all terrific. And Jerry Goldsmith's score is sublime and one of my favourite ever film scores. I'm really glad Robert Wise got to oversee his Director's cut before he passed away. And now we have the enhanced HD version which I got to see on the big screen a couple of years ago and looked and sounded amazing.
The scene in the large recreation room where they are watching the destruction of the Klingon ships, is full of well-known Star Trek fans, including Bijo Trimble, who started the Mail in campaign when NBC was going to cancel Star Trek after season two. Also, there is David Gerald, who wrote the trouble with tribbles. You were watching an extended version, which is good because there were lots of small character building scenes that were cut out of the theatrical release. Very mixed reviews. Many portions of the film went on way too long. Walter Koenig and George Takei had a brief talk after the premier in which they both expressed disappointment with what had been cut from the film. Sadly, Persia Kambata, who played Aileah, passed away in her 40s from cancer. There was talk that there might not be another Star Trek film, but thankfully that wasn’t the case and Star Trek two did much much better.
For the Klingon/Romulan ship thing, there was 1 line of dialog in a tos episode from Spock saying the Romulans were now using a Klingon ship design. Apparently the Romulans got the ships (better battle ships than what they had) and the Klingons got the cloaking device from the Romulans. Klingons make good stuff for battle. Romulans are good at stealth and covert ops.
They did an opening orchestral overture for this film back in the day and I guess they left it in all of the current physical and digital media. Many prestige films used to have an opening overture like Lawrence of Arabia. Gave people time to settle into their seats in the theater.
Yes, considering all the crap surrounding Grace Lee Whitney on the TOS it was great to see Yoman Rand and for her to have a duty more than set decoration.
Star Trek Continues covers the 5th year leading up to the movie. Someone actually did reactions to those a year ago. Check them out sometime. Despite different actors, its better than the animated series
Not as bad as some say, but not an epic tail as we hoped. In my view the plot was good, but the script was a little weak. Good special effects. Nichelle Nichols was a pioneer and rock star! I wish there was an episode with her in a command position, such as if the men were incapacitated. RIP
Yea this isnt exactly the most beloved by the community but part 2 more than makes up for it. I still really like a lot of this one though. It just drags
And Spock was 1 Letter away from Pure Logic and also removing the P from his Name to Hence Forth be Known as Sock, lucky for Everyone including Sock , I mean Spock the Cloud Showed up, Awesome Reaction
Loved this movie. The overdrawn long scenes at first viewing I felt were too long. But then when I watched it a second time, it's very calming. Almost like a meditation of sorts. Hard to explain. Yes, who are we? What is the purpose to all of this life? Star Trek the Original Series tried often to explore those ideas and perhaps to ask us to do the same. Thanks for sharing♥
Hey there! Glad to have ya aboard. thank you for letting us watch with ya. It's nice to re-experience the first time with ya. It's hard for me to enjoy this after what I heard Stephen Collins did. I feel ill looking at him now. I thought I might explain the Romulan problem. Wah Chang made the original Romulan ship model. It was beautiful. But because he wasn't a LABOR UNION member, the union threatened Desilu and force them to NOT pay Chang for making the ship. Chang got angry, and destroyed the model. (that's the story at least) When the time came to film the Romulans again, they didn't have a model! So they created a storyline where the Klingons sold their ships to the Romulans. So for the last appearance of Romulans, they were using Klingon ships 🖖
Thanks for the explanation about the ships! I just looked up what Stephen Collins did, and now it all makes sense why I was told that my reaction to the first film wouldn't be watched (by this particular individual) due to a certain actor.
@@AlpineWoods No doubt about it! I bought the movie on DVD and it was fantastic! Spock is my favorite character! He's so serious, brave, and intelligent like me! Leonard Nimoy was the best!
@@CourtReacts-zm9yv By the way, the sign that Spock makes with his hand is half of what is commonly done by the Cohanim, the Jewish Priests, when they bless the congregation. 🖖🏻🙂✡️
As being a little than most here. I saw this the very DAY it came out and was awed by it. And surprising enough years back, people complained how boring it was and now people actually praise it. It's total Star Trek with spiritual references and questions. It asks the questions of purpose and meaning in which the answer is not all in logic, but in the heart and soul....
Enterprise crew: Kirk, Bones, Sulu, Uhura, Chekov, Scotty, Spock, Decker-- Uh oh, Redshirt detected. Though he did last the whole movie, and technically longer.
1:01 You are also correct the Klingons and Romulans had a brief alliance off-screen and the Romulan Empire acquired some Klingon D7 cruisers in their brief alliance with the Klingons the Romulan versions are known as the V-11 Stormbird. I believe the trade was the cruisers for stable Romulan Cloaking tech.
As I mentioned in the ST episode, 'The Changeling', it's amusing to me that this film makes such a big deal out of 'Probe Ilia' being a mechanism. I'm no biologist but it became obvious to me many decades ago that our bodies are ALSO mechanisms, on a stupendously complex level. Each one of the trillions of cells in our bodies is a micro-miniaturized automated chemical factory, more advanced than our best automated factories. They are created by a programming language more advanced than the best we've ever made by many orders of magnitude and the storage device that programming is stored on (DNA) is the densest medium known. 1 Gram of DNA (equal to 1 normal paper clip) can store 25 MILLION 40Gigabyte Blu-Ray Movie Discs. That's nearly 2,350 TONS of Blu-Rays, BTW. ^_^
Aside from the standard Star Trek nonsense Communist Message of- 'We are our Own Gods', there's a lot about this film that I appreciate. The Redesign of the Enterprise is one of the most beautiful ever done. They took an already neat design and improved on it in every way. The Ship IS another character in the franchise and has had a cultural impact almost as if it were real. That's impressive. While many call the film 'The Motionless Picture' or 'The Slow-Motion' picture (even back THEN, but it was being compared to things like Star Wars), the character interactions are filled with excellent drama & conflict. Just like the 1957 film, '12 Angry Men', you DON'T NEED guns, explosions or snazzy effects to have any of that. This is where the film excels, but again, as with many other Sci-Fi franchises (Like the otherwise Brilliant 'Babylon 5', which in its own way is just as good, if not better than the best of 'Star Trek'), when they deal with religious, higher-level philosophical concepts, the writer's own limited pop-culture understanding of such things becomes painfully & absurdly apparent. Still, the more cerebral ATTEMPT, though flawed, is still vastly better than the banal pew-pew propaganda of the last 15 years of 'Trek', and that's a great tragedy.
The plot moved slowly, and is ultimately similar to the plot of the episode "The Changeling". I think the padding was to feature the visuals and the amazing score by Jerry Goldsmith. Honestly, when I first saw the film back in '79, I was just excited to see the crew back together for a new adventure. My Media Studies instructor and I got into an argument over this movie. I won. She was not pleased.
If you remember the TOS episode, Doomsday Machine, the character Matt Decker, who flew the shuttle into the Machine, was the father of the Will Decker character in this movie.
1:10 "One Of Those Last Episodes Of The Animated Series Confused Me, I Was Thinking 'These Are Klingon Ships, Right?' And, Then It Said They Were Romulan" We'll, that's because the Klingons and the Romulans shared their technologies with each other, including Ships
Interesting Fact for you, Courtney: Star Trek:The Motion Picture was originally written as the pilot episode of a new Star Trek series, titled, "Star Trek:Phase II," that starred the original series cast, minus Leonard Nimoy. The actor who played the commander of Epsilon station was originally going to play the Vulcan character Xon, which replaced Spock. Elements of Star Trek:Phase II would be recycled into other Star Trek series, including 2 episodes of Star Trek:The Next Generation, specifically "The Child" The season premiere of season 2, and "Devil's Due". Also, the relationship between Decker and Ilia was the basis of the relationship between Commander Riker and Councilor Troi in TNG, as was Xon's desire to be human, being reused as Data's desire to be human
It is very intriguing how this film was built out of what was meant to be a two-hour premiere episode of a brand new Star Trek TV series. So many introduction moments, as you'd expect a first episode to do. But also the new characters, originally meant to be main characters, now reduced to a single film. So their story, originally written to play off over time, now had to be rushed and combined into the single film's runtime. This would be why Decker and Ilia took up much of the film. The original conclusion was much more low-key. They'd basically just go down to Earth and find the old NASA archives that show how and where Voyager was created, and it basically goes "ah, okay, thanks for telling me" and goes on its merry way. Not a satisfying film ending, by any means. So the "join with the Creator" aspect was added, to give it a little more oomf. Also interestingly - some of the scripts originally written for Star Trek Phase II will be recycled and rewritten into episodes of the eventual Star Trek the Next Generation TV series nearly a decade later. Even many of the character dynamics intended for the primary cast will be re-written into the TNG cast of characters, though I will not say which for the sake of spoilers.
Courtney! Interesting, your comments on how good the ships looked. Did you know they had to fire the first effects team, Robert Abel & Associates, and scrap all the effects work they did. They subsequently hired legends John Dykstra (who invented the Dykstraflex camera system for shooting models in motion) and Douglas Trumbull who developed the industry leading special effects used in the motion-picture industry. None of the ships were CGI creations; just incredibly well-crafted and detailed models.
Commander Matt Decker, and the alien 'Deltan' Lt. Ilia, turned out to be the precursors of Commander William Riker and Lt. Commander Deanna Troi (a half-human, half-Betazoid... from the planet Betazed) whom you will meet in Star Trek: The Next Generation.) •••• Robert Wise, who directed this film, also directed 'The Sound of Music' (1965), 'West Side Story' (1961), and 'The Andromeda Strain' (1971) (among others.) He deserves our thanks. •••• This film is one of three prominent instances in "modern" cinema, in which we get a teleporter accident causing death to a living being, in nasty ways: In David Cronenberg's 'The Fly,' (1986) it takes up a more central part of the story - played for drama and tragedy. Thirteen years later, in 'Galaxy Quest,' (1999) the idea is played for laughs. (Both films were very effective in how they handled it.) •••• Jerry Goldsmith's wonderful compositions in this film, turned out to be one of the most enduring gifts EVER to the world of Star Trek - totally new, yet in the spirit of what has gone before. ...One of the (earned) criticisms of this film, is that the same cannot be said for the plot: Compare and contrast the film's plot, to the plot of the second season episode, "The Changeling." But... we'll be generous - the film has enough good in it, that we'll call it good. :) •••• If one steps back and views the 49-year legacy of Leonard Nimoy as Spock, this film is THE turning point for the character. More than in other stories, we see Spock finally do something like integrating his logical and emotional parts - his Vulcan and human halves. Once he knows the barren nature of V'Ger, that's the end of the Spock who tried to bury or cast out his human, emotional side.
Not gonna lie; I’ve been inconsistent in watching your videos. I respect TOS, I like ToS, but TNG, DS9, and VOY are my passions. I don’t think I’m the only one. You’ll probably get a sub bump from the films, and more as you move on. But for now, it’s time to go to Warp 2!
It's also Chekov because Walter Koenig is the best screamer. Chief DeFalco was Mrs. Shatner at the time. No. 2, I believe. According to Gene Roddenberry's novelization of the screenplay, when Ilia was killed, she transferred her consciousness into the Ilia-Probe. She was really in there. I dislike how DeFalco was called Uhura in the CC at the end of the movie.
Congratulations on meeting your goal: the whole animated series and Star Trek: The Motion Picture before the end of August. Originally Roddenberry wanted to make a re-boot TV series tentatively called "Star Trek: Phase 2" but after Star Wars did so well at the box office Paramount decided to spring for a whole movie, though some of the work that went into that series made it into the movie. The story has a superficial resemblance to "The Changeling" (the Nomad episode) and "The Doomsday Machine" (Commodore Decker fights the invading machine like Ahab and Moby Dick; his son joins with it) but it also has connections to a script called "Star Trek: The God Thing" that Roddenberry wrote in 1976 but never produced because Paramount didn't like the "God" reference.
I remember SOME fans being a little disappointed in the story. Was a bit too much like the episode, "The Changeling". And all the hullabaloo about how much money was spent on the special effects.
@CourtReacts-zm9yv I saw this film in the theater and after the long wait from the ending of TOS and TAS, that experience was a delight. Back in the '80s, when I discovered the base library had this on laserdisc, I would go watch it there about once a week after I got off duty. Many reactors pooh-pooh the long drydock scene but I thoroughly understand how much of a gift the long fly-by is which Scott was giving to Kirk and to us. We, the original fans, universally love the starship Enterprise. Also, from a Real Life standpoint, I have been aboard many vessels but none will ever hold the special place that is reserved for the first ship that I was assigned to.
55:56 yeah it's a great movie! Now, you should know that Star Trek 2 through Star Trek 4 are one continuous story; each movie happens right after the other. Pretty much everybody loves 2-4, especially 4. 5 is another controversial one, and 6, most agree it is best of the TOS movies. (for me it is number 2, and The Motion Picture is still my favorite.) You've seen so much Star Trek yet are still at the beginning! There are four more series: The Next Generation, Voyager, Deep Space Nine, and Enterprise....and the TNG movies....and that just brings you up to date! Then there's the current series that were made in the past few years. Picard is definitely one to watch, it's a continuation of Star Trek The Next Generation, especially season 3. 🙂 Voyager has a woman Captain of the ship, and Deep Space Nine has an African-American man as Captain of the space station. 🙂
I, just now, this moment discovered your channel. Is the plan here to go through all Trek in release order with other cool stuff sprinkled in?? If you answer, "yes", You got a new subscriber!
To understand why Spock wound back up on Vulcan and why Bones left Starfleet you can watch the two episode finale of Star Trek Continues "To Boldly Go...". It is a direct predecessor to The Motion Picture, taking place right before the Enterprise was re-fitted.
That flight around the Enterprise. I don't care how long it takes, I love it every time. The Enterprise is as much a character as anyone else. I do love her.
I always loves me some tasty starship porn. I could watch an entire movie about just exploring the ship, showing off the functions and showing what all the crew does.
I loved today's reaction! Many contemporary critics say that the scene where Kirk first sees the refitted Enterprise goes on way too long, but for me, when I first saw the film in 1979, just like Kirk, it's like being reunited with a long lost old friend again. Wonderful reaction today. I eagerly look forward to your next reaction to the holy grail of all Star Trek movies: STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN! ❤️
Yep. I'd go further. It's essentially a sensual love scene. The way he looks at her and how the pod takes him slowly over every part of her to end the scene with him, um, docking with her. At least that's how I've always seen it. Only thing is if you remember Scotty is there too it suddenly becomes a lot naughtier. 😂
@@countgeekula9143The music also sells the scenes. The late Jerry Goldsmith was fantastic and right up there with John Williams. It's hard to believe that he made the score for this and Alien in the same year. Whats really cool is that his son,who is also a composer, actually made the sounds for Vger at the end of the film.He was sorely missed when he passed away.
The scene was purposefully long as a homage to the Fans, who had waited for a Decade to see the Enterprise in live action once again.
I still think there’s valid criticism though in that while Kirk’s long loving look at the Enterprise made sense on multiple levels, he also gives long loving looks at the scaffolding and lights pointed at the ship. Should have been cut.
The refit Enterprise though, yeah, it’s the most beautiful starship I’ve ever seen. It’s not the one I’d want to live on of Trek ships, but the exterior is just stunning.
I love that it looked like they just snatched Bones up from a disco!
Oh thank god you watched the Director’s Cut….it is a massive improvement over the original theatrical release in every way possible.
Let's hope she does the same for The Wrath of Kahn
Especially the new 4K release. :D
I am so glad I had grown up with the "Special Longer Version" on VHS, which put back many of the deleted scenes that the Director's/Ultimate Edition had also put back in. There are still a few missing though. Some for the better, but others I miss. Alternate takes mostly, but also little bits of missing dialog.
Still, its amazing how actually including dialog fixes so much of the film, and makes it feel shorter, despite being at least ten minutes longer.
I'm thrilled that you loved it. This has been my favorite TREK movie for decades. It got a bad rap when it first came out because of its pacing and seriousness, but to me, this was the most "realistic" depiction of the Trek universe ever accomplished (and would ever be attempted thereafter). There are books about how this movie was made- it was a grueling process for all involved, and it has been re-edited over the years to resolve many issues due to it being rushed to completion to make its release date. I think time has been kind to this film, and as the tagline for the movie says- there is no comparison. THAN YOU for being an awesome person and I look forward to seeing more of your reactions as this series continues.
I watched this movie on opening night, in Hollywood, CA. They were running so late, that they were unable to screen it before test audiences. Many reels went to the theaters wet, to be dried on the projector. Will Decker is the son of Matt Decker from "The Doomsday Machine".
During Kirk's address to the crew, the crew was mostly fans who had been recruited for the scene.
This movie premiered in 1979
9:09 45 years later, the garbled screams of horrific pain during the transporter failure still gives me the heebee geebees.
sadly it's a different sound effect. Compare there theatrical vs blu ray vs director's cut - all use a different but similar scream. the original one is the most horrible (or best, depending on how you look at it!)
0:56 - The actor playing the Klingon Commander is Mark Leonard. The same actor who played Spock's father.
He's also the only actor in Trek history to play a Vulcan, a Romulan, and a Klingon.
@@pepperVenge Then you have James Sloyan who played a Romulan, Bajoran, Haakonian, and Klingon. :P Star Trek is notorious for recycling its actors. lol
@@ChrissonatorOFL I'll give more Clout to Mark Leonard because he's a TOS actor.
He was the innovator. The rest were the imitators.
@@actioncom2748 How could you speak that way about Jeffrey Combs?! :P haha
@@ChrissonatorOFL Oh, touche.
Fun fact: Uhura's earpiece is the very same prop from the original series. Right before filming was about to start, it was discovered that they'd forgotten to make a new earpiece for the movie so the original was quickly located in storage and sent to the set
I love that! Thanks for sharing.
Ok. When it first came out I liked the movie but didn't love it.
The story was conceived in 1976 when Paramount decided to bring Star Trek back as a TV series that was going to be called Star Trek: phase 2.
Gene Roddenberry got scripts together. Sets constructed and got all the old cast back except for Nimoy who was having problems with Paramount and Roddenberry which I don't want to get into.
The cameras where about to roll when the first Star Wars movie hit in 1977 and made tons of $$$$.
Paramount asked if they had something like that and remembered Star Trek and they stopped production of the new series and decided to make a movie for theatrical release.
They re-wrote the pilot script into the movie. Decker and Ayleia were supposed to be new continuing characters for the new tv show were their roles were expanded.
Did anyome notice the 'Miss Piggy' cameo during Spock's trip through V'Ger?
Its on the reaction. I'll post it once I look up that scene up again
Star Trek The Motion Picture or Star Trek The Movie 1979 was like a homecoming for the original characters.. because they hadn’t seen each other for a long time!
Even though I have the privilege to watch everything without breaks in between, it was so nice seeing everyone on screen like this.
They had seen each other in between series. They seen each other while recording dialog for the Animated Series in '73-74, and in '76 at the dedication for the Space Shuttle Enterprise at the Palmdale manufacturing facility. In '77 Roddenberry was trying to bring back the series under the title Phase II, however it was scrapped in favor of filming The Motion Picture.
@@timmooney7528 The fantastically funny book, "The Making of The Trek Conventions", written by a committee member and organizer, the late Joan Winston details several years of the actors getting together and having a blast at the cons. I was so very privilleged to communicate with Ms. Winston via email many years ago. She was gracious, kind and a LOVELY lady.
The first conventions started in the 60s and 70s, years before the movie.
Upvote and subscribe! The last few reactions of yours that I've watched have been great, I really like the thoughtfulness and perceptiveness of your commentary.
Thank you so much!
One of the most noticeable features of the Enterprise refit are the engine nacelles. Besides the nacelle shape, the struts holding the nacelles have a different geometry.
I kind of missed this movie in theaters because I was only 1 year old. But when I was a kid my dad always refused to rent it from the video store because he said everyone was “out of character”. But when I finally got to see it in my teens I liked it, and the older I get the more I appreciate it. I really love the new Directors Edition.
Looking forward to watching you continue your journey! Wrath of Khan is good, but my favorite will always be The Voyage Home because it's a lot of fun. Can't wait to hear your thoughts!
I loved the fierce, room-shaking, otherworldly Jerry Goldsmith music. It takes the listeners' minds to some very unique, mysterious places.
Yes! It is wonderful to listen too.
I have the soundtrack on CD.
At any point, you can do "Galaxy Quest" (1999), which is ... adjacent to the original Star Trek series. That is, the TV show, not the movies.
I LOVE that Uhura mug!
I've heard The Motion Picture jokingly referred to as "Where Nomad has Gone Before," since it's premise is similar to the TOS episode featuring Nomad.
Don't forget "Spockalypse Now" and "The Motionless Picture."
@@hippusmaximus9319 I like the second title. Describes the pace of the movie.
I don't agree with the Nomad complaint though. The two had completely different objectives, and both were solved in a completely different manner. Plus, one was just messed up programming because of colliding and joining with something else - the other was still itself but just gained consciousness from learning so much. Nomad did not actually have consciousness, it was still just a device.
the primary difference between the two:
NOMAD: "My purpose is exactly this" even though its wrong
V'GER: "What is my purpose? I need answers!" and it basically gets everything it was looking for
@@k1productions87 Good comparison of purposes/ mission. I feel the premise was the similar with regards to an old Earth probe either merging or being enhanced through advanced alien technology
@@timmooney7528 thing is, neither happened. Any changes in Voyager happened by itself. It was not upgraded or enhanced except through its own experiences. It just happened to have command of a powerful vessel.
It would be the difference between becoming a Gary Mitchell or a Khan. Same goals, but one gets his hands on god-like ESP power, and the other gets his hands on a Starship and a planet rending missile.
I never understood until a few years back why Decker wanted to join with V'Ger. It was because of Ilia. Decker had a choice when he left her planet the first time, his career or Ilia, and he chose his career. But this time he chose Ilia, he knew her consciousness was a part of V'Ger, so he took the chance that they could be together. You could tell the Ilia probe wanted him to be the one to join because the real Ilia never stopped loving Decker, and those feelings were copied to the probe version of Ilia.
And don't forget Decker was the son of the Captain Decker from the original Star Trek episode The Doomsday Machine. That's why Decker says that Kirk recommended him for the Enterprise because he felt sorry about his dad dying in the episode.
It would help to understand that by the time this came out, "Trek" fans had been hoping for some sort of "Trek" revival for many years with no success. When this was made, we were absolutely thrilled.
The Romulans began using ships of Klingon design. It's mentioned briefly in some episode. Someone at the studio dropped and broke the model of the Romulan ship.
Will Decker is Matt Decker's son.......remember the crazy commodore from The Doomsday Machine? The movie is really good overall, except the plot line.....kind of a grandiose remake of The Changeling. Enjoyed your reaction Courtney!
I actually cut this part out of the UA-cam version, but when I saw Decker's name in the opening credits I was like, "Wait. Did he come back from the dead???" lol Thanks for your support as always!
@@CourtReacts-zm9yv 😂
Will Decker and Ilia were the basis for William Riker and Troi in Next Generation. the two characters were originally created for the series Phase II, which was scrapped in favor of making the movie.
I'm watching this on September 8th, 2024 - The 58th anniversary of the premiere of STAR TREK. No other TV series has had this lasting cultural significance. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY STAR TREK!!
Fun Facts: Ilita was a Miss Universe from India and her character and Decker are prototypes for characters on the Next Generation. Some of the music was used in future shows too.
Her name was Persis Khambatta, and sadly she died of a heart attack shortly before her 50th birthday in 1998.
Persis Khambatta was Miss India 1965 and I love her very much. She and I are engaged.
This director's version emphasises much of the character related themes much more so than the original theatrical release where those scenes were unfortunately left on the cutting room floor. That's such a pity, because it's those themes which tie the whole movie together.
Character traits from the television show which were only shown as strengths are here analysed with more complexity. Kirk's obsessive love for the Enterprise and Mr. Spock's single-minded pursuit of pure logic, for instance, have their darker sides explored.
In the film, these same obsessions can cause problems and can be sources of distrust between members of the Enterprise crew. Still, it's these 'flaws,' borne out of human emotions, that are what make humans transcend that which limits V'Ger.
In many ways, Star Trek: The Motion Picture is my favourite of the films. Perhaps that's because it's unique amongst them all. They would never again create a Star Trek film which matched this tone which was so grounded in pure science fiction, and I think that's a shame.
Still, I love all of the other films for their own reasons, so that's ultimately fine.
I loved your reaction. You watched the film with an open mind which is particularly necessary for this work. Also, not least of all, you have an entertaining and winning personality which makes one interested in knowing your thoughts on the movie. I look forward to your future reactions!
Live long and prosper. 🖖
The 'slowness' of the journey back to the Enterprise was an out and out love letter to the fans. You need to remember how long they had waited and campaigned since the original series was cancelled. This was Roddenberry saying "We heard you, and we thank you..."
I recommend the Odyssey saga by A. Clarke:
2001: A Space Odyssey, directed by S. Kubrick (1968)
2010: The Year We Make Contact, directed by P. Hyams (1984)
The first is THE space opera, existential and visual masterpiece, the second is an ordinary movie with coherent story, good visuals, like the old Star Trek movies of the 80s.
Both adapted together with the author A. Clarke.
Check out The Day the Earth Stood Still released in (1951). Also directed by Robert Wise who also directed this movie. As well as many classics like West Side Story and many other classic movies. The original Pre Star Trek was the SF classic Forbidden Planet from (1956).
Well, Courtney, no one can say you didn't do your homework! You spotted Rand, Chapel and Decker!
Out of the entire film series, "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" is the most like an episode of Classic Trek. It's often criticized as boring but it captures the ethos of the show extremely well, tells a profound science fiction story and does an excellent job of acquainting newcomers with the crew of 'Enterprise'. For die-hard Trekkers who hadn't seen the cast for 12 years, it was breathtaking to experience this cinematic reunion! The ship was treated like an old flame the audience never stopped fantasizing about and was subjected to lengthy tracking shots that ogled every inch of her! Lol.
Director Robert Wise was an acclaimed director known for musical classics like "The Sound of Music" and "West Side Story", the horror classic "The Haunting", the science fiction classic "The Day the Earth Stood Still" and the war classic "Run Silent, Run Deep". Even though the film came out two years after "Star Wars" and the same year as "Alien", he opted for the more elegant and polished future aesthetic of Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" including the trippy journey through the vast interior of V'Ger.
The musical overture at the beginning is how some epic movies were presented to audiences showcasing the soundtrack to whet the appetite of filmgoers in old-style movie palaces.
The Klingons were shown with their modern ridged, shaggy forehead look for the first time in this film! The Klingon Captain was actually Mark Lenard in heavy prosthetics! You know him as Sarek, Spock's father!
The beautiful Persis Khambatta, who played the Deltan Ilia, was a former Miss India. She made a powerful impression in the film and is best known for this movie.
Since the plot is reminiscent of the Season 2 episode, "The Changeling", where a modified Earth probe called Nomad seeks its creator, fans affectionately took to sub-titling the film as "Star Trek: Where Nomad Has Gone Before" punning on the series tag line "Where no man has gone before"! Lol.
The next three films form a loose trilogy kicking the series into high gear!
Those captions were wrong. Uhura didn’t ask for the heading lol. This movie is masterpiece and the best Trwk movie. It’s so misunderstood. THIS is Trek. When I was a child I liked khan… which is still a masterpiece as well… found this movie boring…..but when I grew up, I loved this movie beyond the others.
People seem to be looking at this film through new eyes since it got a facelift in the high-definition director's cut. I remember seeing it when it first came out in 1979 and being vaguely disappointed... it didn't have the feel of the series that I loved so much. It was sort of Star Trek cross-pollinated with 2001 A Space Odyssey... a movie I love but I didn't want to see it in Star Trek. Also, I was disappointed in the storyline which seemed to be a remake of The Changeling, about the little floating computer named Nomad. Over the years though I have changed my tune and despite this not being the popular opinion, I would say this is my favorite of the Star Trek films. Yes, there are films that have more action and are more fun, but this one just has the epic quality of a high-budget movie that the other films didn't quite capture. And yes, that music score by Jerry Goldsmith remains one of the greatest film scores of all time. Looking forward to your reactions to the next films!
This film was controversial in 1979, and I was one of the many life-long STAR TREK viewers who disliked its "cold and distant" approach to the characters. As the decades passed, however, I came to appreciate one of the film's many lessons: a reunion can be awkward, even painful, because ten years will bring forth a lot of change, a lot of damage. Initially, Kirk, Spock, and McCoy can't seem to reconnect, but they must. For all of their individual strengths and skills, they need each other, need the balance of their competing and cooperative personalities. This is why, at the end of the film, the three men are at ease with each other, just as they were in the TV series: they have rediscovered how much they complement each other, and why their friendship is bigger than each man individually.
Yay! I’m so happy you liked this one. Yes it drags, and I often fall asleep during it, but it is an awesome Trek movie. Big sci-fi questions, basically the opposite of a mindless action flick.
It gets beat up by a lot of the fandom so it’s really wonderful to see someone who honestly isn’t plugged into the internet talk about Trek experience it for the first time and have an honest reaction.
I’ve seen this happen before with reactors who are newbies to Trek and who haven’t spoiled themselves with future info.
Great job! Thanks for the shout out too😊
You are so welcome! I just had to show off that mug! I was getting comments about how the first film isn't well liked, but of course, I will be the judge on my Trek journey 😊
@@CourtReacts-zm9yv btw, you're doing it right. I don't even watch people who only pick some episodes.
Great reaction ❤ i vividly remember my 6 friends and i went to see it at the theater on opening weekend... To no surprise we were thrilled to see it. The next 4 were great but especially 2 and 4 😊
It's such a treat to have so much Courtney and Trek in such a short time over these past few days!
The movie was not well regarded by the fans at the time of its release. The story seemed like a remake of "The Changeling". And Robert Wise, the director, was not a Trek fan despite his impressive credentials making science fiction movies. It really showed because there was something off in the way the characters interacted. But the fans were happy to have any new Trek at all, and they saw this film multiple times just to convince the studio that there was a market for more. Obviously, the ploy worked.
At the time, Mark Lenard was considered Trek's general purpose alien. In this movie, he was the Klingon commander. He also played the Romulan commander in "Balance of Terror", and of course Sarek in "Journey to Babel". Also recall that in "The Enterprise Incident", it was mentioned that the Romulans were using the Klingon design for their warships.
Ilia was played by Persis Khambatta, one of the first actresses to cross over from Bollywood to Hollywood. After this, she played a villain in "Nighthawks" (1981) with Sylvester Stallone and Rutger Hauer. She was also in "Megaforce" (1982) with Barry Bostwick (who's famous from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show", 1975). She was considered for the titular role in the Bond film "Octopussy" but lost out to Maud Adams.
"Mad" Magazine did a Star Trek parody that involved a transporter accident. I distinctly remember an image of a hand growing out of the ear of "Captain Kook".
Some of the music and footage from this movie were reused in future installments of the franchise.
I hope you had a chance to check out the TOS blooper reel. They had some fun making the show.
V'ger must be one of the greatest starships in film history, I wish we got to see more of it :-) This film has grown on me over the years.
You rock Court! Really awesome how you enjoyed this because so many Trek fans even write it off for being too slow. I like how you picked up on Chekov getting beat up lol.
Funny, even the first time I saw the Enterprise in drydock scene, it never felt long. I was digging every bit of it. That mug is beautiful BTW.
10:07: back when they were filming this movie, they had a contest for Star Trek fans where the winners got to be an extra in the movie, so all the crew members standing in the crowd were the winners. So in this film the Enterprise was literally crewed by Star Trek fans.
I would have loved this since I have been an extra before. It is actually a fun experience.
No not all. Many are the diehard fans, and writers who helped keep trek alive during the lost decade. They were there out of appreciation. Bjo Trimble for example….
I believe comedian Steven Wright is one of them and also Jimmy Doohan's son.
@@fredklein3829 rofl!! Man… do you guys just make this stuff up? I don’t know where the first guy got his contest notion. Most of the crowd are known fans, writers, extras, crew… even hairdressers and others…
As to your assertion about Wright!! lol. I assume you made this up bc you saw a guy with a big forehead and curly hair. 😂
@@datacipher There is just one of me unless you have diplopia. As for Steven Wright, it sounds like you know exactly who I mean.
I was 12 when I saw this in the theater, and I loved it so much. And I adore your reactions.
Walter Koenig once remarked about playing Chekov: "you scream once, you're a screamer forever." 😁
I think there was a joke about that on the STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN DVD subtitled documentary, calling it “Star Trek II: Chekov Screams”.
Kirk brought back into service “Disco Bones” straight out of the 1970s, medallion included.
Sincerely, that was one of the best reactions I've ever seen to this film. Thank you.
A lot of people rag on this movie (some call it "STAR TREK: The Motionless Picture"), but I personally love this film. It has a very grand and epic feel and quality to it that sci fi films from the late '60's and the 1970's excelled at. I always find Spock's parallel emotional journey with V'Ger to be extremely touching and I LOVE the conclusion he reaches, that logic isn't enough. He DOES need his human side and his feelings. It's a beautiful message and epitomized Gene Roddenberry's humanist themes. What some people see as a cold and sterile movie, I see as touching and tender.
You gotta admit, The Enterprise....she's a beauty isnt she?🖖💯
One of the reasons they had the colorful uniforms in the Original Series was because were try to sell color TVs.
I'm glad to see The Motion Picture finally getting all the love it deserves. Thank you, I really appreciate your reaction!
Decker couldve been in a lot of pain as he was transmogrified by unempathic vger but maybe ilia numbed him.
I was twelve years old when this movie hit the theaters, had been enjoying Star Trek for years, and this fully-realized “big movie version” of the show was just the tonic. Everything was great, it presented a tone distinctly different from that of its rival property “Star Wars”. 1979 was a fine summer for big movies, and this was one of the best of them.
14:28 I LOVE that little moment. Bones is almost literally the little voice on Kirk's shoulder, advising him and trying to temper his hot headedness. Just as he ALWAYS has done. It's a tiny little moment but it's note perfect and sums up the relationship between these two men.
Seeing Bones upon arrival and in "a mood" really brings to life the adjective "curmudgeon".
Reading around some of the books put Spock's 'failure' at Kolinahr into better perspective. Long story short: he went into it for the wrong reasons.
Although the looking at the Enterprise scene seems a bit indulgent it really gives the ship a sense of scale. This was the first time that I got that sense in a sci fi movie. By the way I think the alien took Ilia because she was so empathic. She was the most "open." I'm glad you watched this movie. It initially got a lot of bad reception as it was competing with the first Star Wars movie. People wanted more Star Wars, but this movie is very intellectual and asks big questions. It isn't what audiences were craving at the moment. Long time fans were also disappointed as the tone was more serious. It's too bad. In a lot of ways your younger generation is bound to be more objective concerning this movie. I have only learned to really like this movie over time. I am looking forward to you seeing the next movie. It was very popular.
This movie was more philosophically inclined and less an action movie. It truly asked existential questions that humanity continues to grapple with through the medium of science fiction. That's what makes Star Trek so enjoyable for the thinking person. Star Trek 1 and 5 are both very philosophical and that's why I suspect they are not enjoyed by too many people. A lot of people don't want to think while watching movies; they want only entertainment. Star Trek tends to buck that trend. And when it does I think it stands out in spectacular fashion though it frustrates people who are less philosophically inclined. Nothing wrong with that, it's just that Star Trek was created to be a thinking person's show. Gene Roddenberry repeatedly emphasized that point. It's become more action oriented and, less thoughtful, and to me these newer series, in general, don't feel very much like Trek, with the exception of Picard season 3. They lack the philosophical exploration of humanity which Trek did so well from the sixties through to the last of the great series "Enterprise" (subjective opinion there). Glad you liked this movie. It's considered by many fans to be one of the least enjoyable. I do respectfully disagree with them. It was very meaningful to me growing up and watching it and thinking about the questions it posed. "Is this all that I am? Is there anything more? What or who am I? What is the ultimate experience in life? Where is the Creator? Will we ever meet that creator? Will I be changed by that encounter? What is the nature of the Creator? " These and many more are questions explicitly and implicitly stated in this movie. They are existential questions all human beings explore ( honestly or dishonestly, deliberately or not). It's what makes Star Trek, to my mind, fascinating! I respect that others don't agree, but I also have yet to be convinced by opposing arguments.
So glad you made it, and that you enjoyed it! Been with you almost since the beginning of your Trek, and I'm so eager to see how you like what's coming... especially if you get to TNG & DS9, I grew up with those two shows and love them dearly.
When I first saw this in the cinema I was 12 years old and thought it reminded me of a remake of The Changeling and Doomsday Machine squished together, but I did win the movie poster to bring home and decorate my wall. I also bought the novel version and read it five times, then I rewatched it every year for 45 years and along the way, gained much understanding and appreciation. I also bought the soundtrack on LP, then CD and enjoy ST-TMP for what it was -- an understandably shaky attempt at authentic Star Trek after a 10 year break and still much more appreciated than the schlock they make since 1982.
In one of the TOS episodes it was said that the Klingons and Romulans were allies for a while. The Klingons got Weapon Tech and the Romulans got plans for Klingon ships to replace the type of ship seen in Balance of Terror. In reality Paramount did NOT pay the man that made that ship so the next time they needed Romulan Ships they used Klingon ones. And EVERY reaction video I have seen the person is confused by Ilia's Oath of Celibacy so from Memory Alpha: Externally, Deltans were physically indistinguishable from Humans but were identified by their bald scalps and were known to wear head dresses. Their strong sexual attraction could be a distraction for members of other species, which is why Deltans swore an oath of celibacy upon entering service in Starfleet. While Deltans had pain-relieving abilities that manifested during tactile contact, this ability did not heal injuries. AND the actress that played Chief DeFalco was William Shatner's wife! His Daughter also appeared in one of the other Star Trek movies.
One of the themes of this movie is that V'ger cannot understand the concept of beauty. Which is why his ship looks so ugly and scary looking.
When he joins with Decker, V'ger understands this concept and dissolves the ship and fades into A beautiful wisp of light.
"I just feel inspired, to go, and help." That's the appeal of Star Trek for so many of us, from TOS, even up to Enterprise, flawed as it was. All the Star Trek that came after Enterprise, not so much. Utopianism became Dystopianism, inspiration be came desperation, and hope became cynicism.
Picard season 3 offered a flicker of hope, I can only wish for it to be followed up with the teased new shoe "legacy" from Terry Matalas, who seems like the only guy attached to modern Trek who seems to get it.
The commander of the Epsilon station is played By David Gautreaux, cast as Spock's replacement when 'Star Trek phase 2' was a proposed new series, Nimoy didn't want to do it. But after Star Wars massive success, they decided on a movie, Nimoy said yes to returning so poor Gautreaux lost out, but got a small part in the movie.
I've always loved TMP from first seeing it back in 79/80. I never bought into the criticisms of it and appreciated the intelligent thoughtful story (even if it is in part re-using the Nomad storyline from the episode The Changeling) and the pacing of it. I love that it takes its time and really focuses on selling the vast scale of space and also of V'ger and how we as humans compare. The film looks amazing (Paramount spent a LOT of money on it and for a time it was the most expensive film ever made) and the cast are all terrific. And Jerry Goldsmith's score is sublime and one of my favourite ever film scores. I'm really glad Robert Wise got to oversee his Director's cut before he passed away. And now we have the enhanced HD version which I got to see on the big screen a couple of years ago and looked and sounded amazing.
The scene in the large recreation room where they are watching the destruction of the Klingon ships, is full of well-known Star Trek fans, including Bijo Trimble, who started the Mail in campaign when NBC was going to cancel Star Trek after season two.
Also, there is David Gerald, who wrote the trouble with tribbles.
You were watching an extended version, which is good because there were lots of small character building scenes that were cut out of the theatrical release.
Very mixed reviews. Many portions of the film went on way too long.
Walter Koenig and George Takei had a brief talk after the premier in which they both expressed disappointment with what had been cut from the film.
Sadly, Persia Kambata, who played Aileah, passed away in her 40s from cancer.
There was talk that there might not be another Star Trek film, but thankfully that wasn’t the case and Star Trek two did much much better.
For the Klingon/Romulan ship thing, there was 1 line of dialog in a tos episode from Spock saying the Romulans were now using a Klingon ship design. Apparently the Romulans got the ships (better battle ships than what they had) and the Klingons got the cloaking device from the Romulans.
Klingons make good stuff for battle.
Romulans are good at stealth and covert ops.
Deltons give off a high pheromones count which Drives males insane if you catch my drift
So loved this reaction! Court, if you think the acting was great in THIS? Wait till Star Trek 2! Thats all I can say!
Let's goooo!!!! Enjoying your Trek through Trek!
They did an opening orchestral overture for this film back in the day and I guess they left it in all of the current physical and digital media. Many prestige films used to have an opening overture like Lawrence of Arabia. Gave people time to settle into their seats in the theater.
Yea, it's known as Ilia's Theme in the OST. :D
Yes, considering all the crap surrounding Grace Lee Whitney on the TOS it was great to see Yoman Rand and for her to have a duty more than set decoration.
I was offered to be in the scene of the crew meeting by George himself, but didn't know whom nor how to contact anyone after that. Missed my chance.
Star Trek Continues covers the 5th year leading up to the movie. Someone actually did reactions to those a year ago. Check them out sometime. Despite different actors, its better than the animated series
I’m looking forward to your reaction to Star Trek II ! 😃
Not as bad as some say, but not an epic tail as we hoped. In my view the plot was good, but the script was a little weak. Good special effects. Nichelle Nichols was a pioneer and rock star! I wish there was an episode with her in a command position, such as if the men were incapacitated. RIP
Yea this isnt exactly the most beloved by the community but part 2 more than makes up for it. I still really like a lot of this one though. It just drags
ooh good I love this movie, I know you will as well, good to see your beautiful face reacting to one of my favorite movies 🙂
Chekov screaming is how you know there is serious danger ;)
Walter Koenig was good at it (see also: Star Trek II) so they let him emote.
"Why is it always Chekov?"
Just you wait. 😅
And Spock was 1 Letter away from Pure Logic and also removing the P from his Name to Hence Forth be Known as Sock, lucky for Everyone including Sock , I mean Spock the Cloud Showed up, Awesome Reaction
Loved this movie. The overdrawn long scenes at first viewing I felt were too long. But then when I watched it a second time, it's very calming. Almost like a meditation of sorts. Hard to explain. Yes, who are we? What is the purpose to all of this life? Star Trek the Original Series tried often to explore those ideas and perhaps to ask us to do the same. Thanks for sharing♥
Hey there! Glad to have ya aboard. thank you for letting us watch with ya. It's nice to re-experience the first time with ya. It's hard for me to enjoy this after what I heard Stephen Collins did. I feel ill looking at him now.
I thought I might explain the Romulan problem. Wah Chang made the original Romulan ship model. It was beautiful. But because he wasn't a LABOR UNION member, the union threatened Desilu and force them to NOT pay Chang for making the ship. Chang got angry, and destroyed the model. (that's the story at least)
When the time came to film the Romulans again, they didn't have a model! So they created a storyline where the Klingons sold their ships to the Romulans. So for the last appearance of Romulans, they were using Klingon ships
🖖
Thanks for the explanation about the ships! I just looked up what Stephen Collins did, and now it all makes sense why I was told that my reaction to the first film wouldn't be watched (by this particular individual) due to a certain actor.
I just became a Star Trek fan in June 2024!!! 🖖🏻😊
Just two months ago?
@@AlpineWoods No doubt about it! I bought the movie on DVD and it was fantastic! Spock is my favorite character! He's so serious, brave, and intelligent like me! Leonard Nimoy was the best!
🖖Love it!
Welcome! :D
@@CourtReacts-zm9yv By the way, the sign that Spock makes with his hand is half of what is commonly done by the Cohanim, the Jewish Priests, when they bless the congregation. 🖖🏻🙂✡️
As being a little than most here. I saw this the very DAY it came out and was awed by it. And surprising enough years back, people complained how boring it was and now people actually praise it. It's total Star Trek with spiritual references and questions. It asks the questions of purpose and meaning in which the answer is not all in logic, but in the heart and soul....
Ppl
Enterprise crew: Kirk, Bones, Sulu, Uhura, Chekov, Scotty, Spock, Decker-- Uh oh, Redshirt detected. Though he did last the whole movie, and technically longer.
2 questions--- what you've watched of the feature films so far,what do you think? Do you plan on watching the others?
1:01 You are also correct the Klingons and Romulans had a brief alliance off-screen and the Romulan Empire acquired some Klingon D7 cruisers in their brief alliance with the Klingons the Romulan versions are known as the V-11 Stormbird. I believe the trade was the cruisers for stable Romulan Cloaking tech.
As I mentioned in the ST episode, 'The Changeling', it's amusing to me that this film makes such a big deal out of 'Probe Ilia' being a mechanism. I'm no biologist but it became obvious to me many decades ago that our bodies are ALSO mechanisms, on a stupendously complex level. Each one of the trillions of cells in our bodies is a micro-miniaturized automated chemical factory, more advanced than our best automated factories. They are created by a programming language more advanced than the best we've ever made by many orders of magnitude and the storage device that programming is stored on (DNA) is the densest medium known. 1 Gram of DNA (equal to 1 normal paper clip) can store 25 MILLION 40Gigabyte Blu-Ray Movie Discs.
That's nearly 2,350 TONS of Blu-Rays, BTW. ^_^
Aside from the standard Star Trek nonsense Communist Message of- 'We are our Own Gods', there's a lot about this film that I appreciate. The Redesign of the Enterprise is one of the most beautiful ever done. They took an already neat design and improved on it in every way. The Ship IS another character in the franchise and has had a cultural impact almost as if it were real. That's impressive.
While many call the film 'The Motionless Picture' or 'The Slow-Motion' picture (even back THEN, but it was being compared to things like Star Wars), the character interactions are filled with excellent drama & conflict. Just like the 1957 film, '12 Angry Men', you DON'T NEED guns, explosions or snazzy effects to have any of that. This is where the film excels, but again, as with many other Sci-Fi franchises (Like the otherwise Brilliant 'Babylon 5', which in its own way is just as good, if not better than the best of 'Star Trek'), when they deal with religious, higher-level philosophical concepts, the writer's own limited pop-culture understanding of such things becomes painfully & absurdly apparent.
Still, the more cerebral ATTEMPT, though flawed, is still vastly better than the banal pew-pew propaganda of the last 15 years of 'Trek', and that's a great tragedy.
The plot moved slowly, and is ultimately similar to the plot of the episode "The Changeling". I think the padding was to feature the visuals and the amazing score by Jerry Goldsmith. Honestly, when I first saw the film back in '79, I was just excited to see the crew back together for a new adventure. My Media Studies instructor and I got into an argument over this movie. I won. She was not pleased.
If you remember the TOS episode, Doomsday Machine, the character Matt Decker, who flew the shuttle into the Machine, was the father of the Will Decker character in this movie.
Thanks to the animated Star Trek series Lower Decks, the movie became the HILARIOUS callback I never knew was needed😄
1:10
"One Of Those Last Episodes Of The Animated Series Confused Me, I Was Thinking 'These Are Klingon Ships, Right?' And, Then It Said They Were Romulan"
We'll, that's because the Klingons and the Romulans shared their technologies with each other, including Ships
Interesting Fact for you, Courtney:
Star Trek:The Motion Picture was originally written as the pilot episode of a new Star Trek series, titled, "Star Trek:Phase II," that starred the original series cast, minus Leonard Nimoy.
The actor who played the commander of Epsilon station was originally going to play the Vulcan character Xon, which replaced Spock.
Elements of Star Trek:Phase II would be recycled into other Star Trek series, including 2 episodes of Star Trek:The Next Generation, specifically "The Child" The season premiere of season 2, and "Devil's Due". Also, the relationship between Decker and Ilia was the basis of the relationship between Commander Riker and Councilor Troi in TNG, as was Xon's desire to be human, being reused as Data's desire to be human
It is very intriguing how this film was built out of what was meant to be a two-hour premiere episode of a brand new Star Trek TV series.
So many introduction moments, as you'd expect a first episode to do. But also the new characters, originally meant to be main characters, now reduced to a single film. So their story, originally written to play off over time, now had to be rushed and combined into the single film's runtime. This would be why Decker and Ilia took up much of the film.
The original conclusion was much more low-key. They'd basically just go down to Earth and find the old NASA archives that show how and where Voyager was created, and it basically goes "ah, okay, thanks for telling me" and goes on its merry way. Not a satisfying film ending, by any means. So the "join with the Creator" aspect was added, to give it a little more oomf.
Also interestingly - some of the scripts originally written for Star Trek Phase II will be recycled and rewritten into episodes of the eventual Star Trek the Next Generation TV series nearly a decade later. Even many of the character dynamics intended for the primary cast will be re-written into the TNG cast of characters, though I will not say which for the sake of spoilers.
Courtney! Interesting, your comments on how good the ships looked. Did you know they had to fire the first effects team, Robert Abel & Associates, and scrap all the effects work they did. They subsequently hired legends John Dykstra (who invented the Dykstraflex camera system for shooting models in motion) and Douglas Trumbull who developed the industry leading special effects used in the motion-picture industry. None of the ships were CGI creations; just incredibly well-crafted and detailed models.
Commander Matt Decker, and the alien 'Deltan' Lt. Ilia, turned out to be the precursors of Commander William Riker and Lt. Commander Deanna Troi (a half-human, half-Betazoid... from the planet Betazed) whom you will meet in Star Trek: The Next Generation.)
••••
Robert Wise, who directed this film, also directed 'The Sound of Music' (1965), 'West Side Story' (1961), and 'The Andromeda Strain' (1971) (among others.) He deserves our thanks.
••••
This film is one of three prominent instances in "modern" cinema, in which we get a teleporter accident causing death to a living being, in nasty ways: In David Cronenberg's 'The Fly,' (1986) it takes up a more central part of the story - played for drama and tragedy. Thirteen years later, in 'Galaxy Quest,' (1999) the idea is played for laughs. (Both films were very effective in how they handled it.)
••••
Jerry Goldsmith's wonderful compositions in this film, turned out to be one of the most enduring gifts EVER to the world of Star Trek - totally new, yet in the spirit of what has gone before. ...One of the (earned) criticisms of this film, is that the same cannot be said for the plot: Compare and contrast the film's plot, to the plot of the second season episode, "The Changeling." But... we'll be generous - the film has enough good in it, that we'll call it good. :)
••••
If one steps back and views the 49-year legacy of Leonard Nimoy as Spock, this film is THE turning point for the character. More than in other stories, we see Spock finally do something like integrating his logical and emotional parts - his Vulcan and human halves. Once he knows the barren nature of V'Ger, that's the end of the Spock who tried to bury or cast out his human, emotional side.
Not gonna lie; I’ve been inconsistent in watching your videos. I respect TOS, I like ToS, but TNG, DS9, and VOY are my passions.
I don’t think I’m the only one.
You’ll probably get a sub bump from the films, and more as you move on.
But for now, it’s time to go to Warp 2!
It's also Chekov because Walter Koenig is the best screamer.
Chief DeFalco was Mrs. Shatner at the time. No. 2, I believe.
According to Gene Roddenberry's novelization of the screenplay, when Ilia was killed, she transferred her consciousness into the Ilia-Probe. She was really in there.
I dislike how DeFalco was called Uhura in the CC at the end of the movie.
Congratulations on meeting your goal: the whole animated series and Star Trek: The Motion Picture before the end of August. Originally Roddenberry wanted to make a re-boot TV series tentatively called "Star Trek: Phase 2" but after Star Wars did so well at the box office Paramount decided to spring for a whole movie, though some of the work that went into that series made it into the movie. The story has a superficial resemblance to "The Changeling" (the Nomad episode) and "The Doomsday Machine" (Commodore Decker fights the invading machine like Ahab and Moby Dick; his son joins with it) but it also has connections to a script called "Star Trek: The God Thing" that Roddenberry wrote in 1976 but never produced because Paramount didn't like the "God" reference.
I remember SOME fans being a little disappointed in the story. Was a bit too much like the episode, "The Changeling". And all the hullabaloo about how much money was spent on the special effects.
@CourtReacts-zm9yv I saw this film in the theater and after the long wait from the ending of TOS and TAS, that experience was a delight.
Back in the '80s, when I discovered the base library had this on laserdisc, I would go watch it there about once a week after I got off duty.
Many reactors pooh-pooh the long drydock scene but I thoroughly understand how much of a gift the long fly-by is which Scott was giving to Kirk and to us. We, the original fans, universally love the starship Enterprise.
Also, from a Real Life standpoint, I have been aboard many vessels but none will ever hold the special place that is reserved for the first ship that I was assigned to.
55:56 yeah it's a great movie! Now, you should know that Star Trek 2 through Star Trek 4 are one continuous story; each movie happens right after the other. Pretty much everybody loves 2-4, especially 4. 5 is another controversial one, and 6, most agree it is best of the TOS movies. (for me it is number 2, and The Motion Picture is still my favorite.)
You've seen so much Star Trek yet are still at the beginning! There are four more series: The Next Generation, Voyager, Deep Space Nine, and Enterprise....and the TNG movies....and that just brings you up to date! Then there's the current series that were made in the past few years. Picard is definitely one to watch, it's a continuation of Star Trek The Next Generation, especially season 3. 🙂
Voyager has a woman Captain of the ship, and Deep Space Nine has an African-American man as Captain of the space station. 🙂
I, just now, this moment discovered your channel. Is the plan here to go through all Trek in release order with other cool stuff sprinkled in??
If you answer, "yes", You got a new subscriber!
To understand why Spock wound back up on Vulcan and why Bones left Starfleet you can watch the two episode finale of Star Trek Continues "To Boldly Go...". It is a direct predecessor to The Motion Picture, taking place right before the Enterprise was re-fitted.