Paramount has released a trailer for the 4K-restored director’s edition of 1979’s Star Trek: The Motion Picture – and it looks amazing.
1979’s Star Trek: The Motion Picture – The Director’s Edition has had a 4K makeover, and it looks fantastic. Paramount has restored Robert Wise’s feature film and plans to bring the Ultra HD version to its Paramount+ streaming service and physical media. The upgrade also includes Dolby Atmos sound.
In the film, everyone’s favourite Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) takes command of the Starship Enterprise to seize and examine a destructive space shuttle approaching the Earth. In 2001, Wise created the director’s edition of the film, which refined the edit and enhanced the visual effects. This upcoming release will be the first time the film will be available in high definition.
The Motion Picture isn’t the most popular of the Star Trek films (it was critically panned at the time). But it kickstarted a series of movies that are, on the whole, loved by the fans. We wouldn’t have Wrath Of Khan or First Contact without it.
Here’s the trailer for the 4K restoration –
For anyone getting into collecting 4K discs, this one seems like a worthwhile film to have (appreciating the theatrical cut was released on the 4K format at the end of last year). The difference in the visual effects is stark – the team working on the movie spent six months upgrading the original effects to Ultra HD.
In the US, the 4K restoration will debut on Paramount+ on 5th April, and the physical release will follow in September this year. There doesn’t seem to be a UK release date yet, but there’ll surely be one sometime soon.
We’ll bring you more news on this when we hear it.
