Star Trek III: The Search for Spock:
Like with Khan there are two commentaries available here. The first is with Lenoard Nimoy, Robin Curtis, Harve Bennett, and Charles Correll. This was definitely the better one, with plenty of information and an easy going feel to it. The second is with Ronald Moore and Michael Taylor, while both men are connected to the original series, they did not have anything to do with these films. This lessens the interest level here because they cannot offer the same amount of information. Again, the library computer offers a huge amount of pop-up facts in a wide range of categories.

“Captain’s Log”: Again, this feature is dedicated to the director. In this case that is Leonard Nimoy. He spends some time talk about how he got the job and how this worked well as his directorial debut. Shatner also makes an appearance here to add a few laughs to this featurette.

“Terraforming and the Prime Directive”: This is pretty interesting as far as these featurettes go. David Brin is available to discuss the idea of a new biosphere on Mars. Science buffs should enjoy this and even if you’re not, you should learn a thing or two about Science.

“Industrial Light & Mahic: The Visual Effects of Star Trek”: In this visual effects featurette you learn about the work that was done in the four of the Star Trek (2, 3, 4, and 6) films.

“Spock: The Early Years”: Stephen Manley is on hand to show off the various actors that play Spock in different points of his life. This offers some great stories and it is fun to see the various Spocks.

“Space Docks and Birds of Prey”: The designers and the people that handle props offer a 30 minute walkthrough of their job and what it took to make this film look perfect.

“Speaking Klingon”: As you might guess by the name of this featurette, you get a chance to learn more about the Klingon language. You learn about the development of the language that has become a staple in the Star Trek series.

“Klingon and Vulcan Costumes”: The first Klingon featurette allowed you some Klingon language, now you get to learn to look like a Klingon, or if you wish, a Vulcan. This offers a complete look with make-up, accessories, and wardrobe being addressed.

“Star Trek and the Science Fiction Hall of Fame”: This deals with all of the memorabilia that is dedicated to Star Trek in the Seattle Hall of Fame museum. During the feature Harve Bennett is shown around the museum so he can see all that the museum offers dealing with the series.

“Starfleet Academy SCISEC Brief 003: Mystery Behind the Vulcan Katra Transfer”: Here is another lecture by Backhouse, this time talking about the alien portrayal in the film.

Things are wrapped up with the BD Live quizzes, two photo galleries, nine storyboards, and a theatrical trailer.

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home:
Starting things off for the third and final film, are two more audio commentaries. The first is a lively commentary courtesy of Shatner and Nimoy. This is probably the best track in my opinion. However, the other track including a fan style commentary with Bob Orci and Alex Kurtzman, two men not affiliated with this film, is worth listening to, as well. The library computer and pop-ups are available on the final film, too.

“Future’s Past: A Look Back”: This 30 minute featurette talks about the plot and how it was developed based on the films that came before this one. It offers some interesting backstory so fans should like this.

“On Location”: Here you have information on the freedom that came from shooting in San Francisco as opposed to being stuck in a studio. It’s a shorter featurette, but that makes sense considering the content.

“Dailies Deconstruction”: This deals with the San Francisco scene in the film. You are offered a quick glimpse with various camera angles and the different takes that were shot.

“Below the Line: Sound Design”: The sound editor is on hand here to discuss the various sounds in the film and how he was able to come up with the sounds that he would need to add to make various scenes work.

“Time Travel: The Art of Possible”: Time travel is the subject and several people are on hand to discuss the possibility of such an event, along with the psychics of what would be needed to make it happen.

“The Language of Whales”: This five minute featurette gives you a walkthrough of various types of whales and gives you a chance to learn which whales make certain sounds.

“A Vulcan Primer”: This featurette is all about Vulcans. You can get a runthrough of information already presented in the movies and the television series about the Vulcans.

“Pavel Chekov’s Screen Moments”: This short six minute feature gives Koenig a chance to talk about all of the extra notice that Chekov received in this Star Trek is a 1080p visit with actor Walter Koenig basking in the extra attnetion his Chekov character received in this particular film. This lasts 6 minutes.

“The Three-Picture Saga”: This includes a few interviews with the writers of the three films. A lot of discussion about the plots and how they were meant to tie into one another is offered. It’s not a bad feature overall.

“Star Trek for a Cause”: This is along the lines of a PSA, though it’s a little bit longer. You get to listen to a couple members of Greenpeace and learn about the work they do to protect the whale.

“Starfleet Academy: The Whale Probe”: Backhouse is back aagin, this time to talk about the general plot for the film. This lecture lasts for less than four minutes.

“Kirk’s Women”: This is dedicated to the playboy that Kirk was in the series. You get a chance to hear from Catherine Hicks, Cathy Browne, Celeste Yarnell, and Louise Sorel. All of these women played romantic interests or strong female leads that had something to do with Kirk.

“From Outer Space to the Ocean”: Special effects are on tap in this 15 minute featurette. This time around four specific scenes and effects are looked at. Among them you learn about the dream sequence, the whale sequences, the Bird of Prey, and the Space Probe.

“The Bird of Prey”: The look and sound, as well as the overall design of this specialized vehicle are discussed in under three minutes.

“Roddenberry Scrapbook”: This tribute featurette lasts for close to ten minutes and is a beautiful featurette of a son honoring his father and the amazing series that he created.

“Featured Artist: Mark Lenard”: This is another tribute piece, this time for the actor that had the chance to play Spock’s father in the films. His wife and daughters are on hand to offer personal memories about Lenard in a personal sense and the actor that he was in his films.

Things are wrapped up with a production gallery, eight storyboards, and the theatrical trailer for the film. Some older, 1986 interviews with Shatner, Nimoy, and Kelley are also included. While all are quite long they make sure not too offer too much in the way of surprises about the film, which was released after these interviews were done from the looks of things. The theatrical trailer for the new Star Trek is also included.

Bonus Features: ★★★★★

Bottom Line:
While I have never considered myself a true fan of Star Trek, I can appreciate the series and see why something like the Star Trek: Motion Picture Trilogy would be so popular. This is a must for any fan. It contains three good movies and more bonus features than you can count! The quality is better than it has ever been and the fact that it is on Blu-ray just makes it even better. You cannot go wrong purchasing this set. This one comes highly recommended!

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

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