Written and developed by head writer Michael Piller, The Best of Both Worlds was TNG’s first attempt at a cliffhanger, and it’s safe to say they hit it out of the park. The Enterprise receives a distress signal from the New Providence Colony, but it’s come too late. The colony has been completely obliterated, leaving little more than a crater where it used to be. Suspicions immediately surface that the whole thing was caused by the Borg. Admiral Hanson (George Murdock) and Lieutenant Commander Shelby (Elizabeth Dennehy) board the Enterprise to aid in the investigation. Their inquiry confirms the Federation’s worst fears: the Borg is behind the attack. The Borg are an alien race that interconnects the biological with the technological and “assimilates” races and technologies into its own collective.
As Commander Riker (Jonathan Frakes) struggles with own doubts about leaving the Enterprise to command another starship, Shelby positions herself for Riker’s job should he leave. While Shelby and Riker butt heads over how to handle the attack, the Borg kidnap and assimilate Capt. Picard (Patrick Stewart). Now in command of the Enterprise, Riker is forced to confront Picard. Given Picard’s vast knowledge of Riker the Enterprise, he is an invaluable resource to the Borg, making them virtually unstoppable. Riker and crew must stop the Borg from reaching their ultimate goal: assimilating the human race from Earth.
Both halves of The Best of Both Worlds work seamlessly to create and maintain a real sense of tension throughout. It was really during season three that TNG separated itself from the original Star Trek, and was able to firmly establish its own identity. The Best of Both Worlds seemed to serve as the final proof that TNG could stand on its own. Performances are solid around, but the introduction of Elizabeth Dennehy as Commander Shelby stands out. Though this two-parter was her only appearance on the series, Shelby’s ‘job first’ view of the world adds a new and unique twist to the obviously tense atmosphere.
As stated earlier, watching The Best of Both Worlds in a theatrical presentation represents a new way to watch an excellent show on Blu-ray. On top of that, the inclusion of some exclusive special features will likely make The Best of Both Worlds Blu-ray release tough to pass up, for a lot of TNG fans.
Presented in the 1.33:1 aspect ratio, this 1080p transfer is nothing short of phenomenal. Featuring a light layer of natural film grain, bold colors, and inky blacks, this is everything a fan could have hoped for. Image detail is excellent, and the visual effects look better than ever. This presentation is truly eye-catching.
The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 mix is superb. Dialogue is crisp and clear, and every aspect of the sound has added punch. Flybys and music cues have new life. Well balanced, the track handles the action bits and ambient sounds with equal aplomb. The entire soundstage is used throughout, and will occasionally rattle your system.
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, English: Dolby Digital 2.0, German: Dolby Digital 2.0, Spanish: Dolby Digital 2.0, French (Canada): Dolby Digital 2.0, Italian: Dolby Digital 2.0, and Japanese: Dolby Digital 2.0 audio options are available, as are English SDH, French, Spanish, Japanese, German, Italian, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish subtitles.
The following special features are included:
- Audio Commentary: Director Cliff Bole, Actress Elizabeth Dennehy, and Mike & Denise Okuda provide some interesting tidbits about the episode including the production and the story. While the commentary does drag on occasion, there’s enough interesting information here to make it worth a listen.
- Regeneration: Engaging the Borg (HD, 29:40) A look back at the episode, including the Borg design, the part 1 cliffhanger, Elizabeth Dennehy’s performance, the visual effects and more. Most of the main cast is along to share their thoughts.
- Gag Reel (HD 5:28) This gag reel is episode specific.
- Episodic Promo Part 1 (SD, 0:34) By the late, great Don LaFontaine.
- Episodic Promo Part 2 (SD, 0:34) By Ernie Anderson.
- UV Digital Copy.
All special features include optional subtitles in the languages listed above.
