With the new Star Trek film currently in theaters, I suppose it makes sense that CBS/Paramount would take the opportunity to release a small compilation of episodes from Star Trek: The Next Generation. The series, created by Gene Rodenberry, ran in first run syndication from the week of September 28, 1987 to the week of May 23, 1994. With 178 episodes spread over seven seasons, it ran longer than any other Star Trek series.
While Star Trek: The Next Generation was and is an immensely popular series, it’s hard to see The Best of Star Trek: The Next Generation as little more than a cash grab. This set basically takes the transfers of four episodes from the previous season set and puts them on a new disc, minus any special features.
Frankly, I’m not sure who would really be interested in this DVD. Trek fans will likely already own these in both the VHS or DVD box sets that have already been released and viewers new to the series will view these four episodes (one of which is a two-parter) out of context, as the disc provides neither a video nor written introduction as to why these episodes best represent all seven years of the show.
“The Best of Both Worlds, Parts 1 and 2” This two parter that bridged seasons three and fouris some of the finest sci-fi television ever made. Prior to this episode, many fans (myself included), had wondered why first officer Commander Riker (Jonathan Frakes) stayed in the second chair as long as he did without taking over the center seat as Captain. Riker finally begins to ask himself that question, as the Borg sets out to assimilate Earth, starting with Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart).
This episode won Emmy Awards for “Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series” and “Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Drama Series” and was nominated for two others: “Outstanding Visual Effects for a Series” and “Outstanding Art Direction for a Series.”
“Yesterday’s Enterprise” from season three, plays with alternate realities. We are now in a future where the Enterprise is a warship constantly engaging the Klingons in a campaign that the Federation is losing. The crew has changed slightly as well; guest starring Denise Crosby and Christopher McDonald, this episode has plenty of conviction and it’s perhaps the best pure example of what TNG brought to the table.
Featuring a much more deliberate pace than the other three episodes, “Measure of a Man” presents both sides of the, is Data (Brent Spinner) alive? argument. Both sides make good points, so good in fact, for a time viewers will wonder if Picard will actually lose. In the end Data is allowed to retain his identity but how he does so and why, is fascinating. Further, viewers are left wondering if the final decision is in fact, the right one.
While the episodes presented here are solid, I’m still left wondering who might buy The Best of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Trek disciples already have the full seasons and while these episodes are really good, potential fans are likely to be confused. My suggestion is, if you can afford it, just start buying the individual seasons; it will be a much more satisfying experience.
Presented in their original 1.33:1 aspect ratio, these episodes’ native 480i resolution ensures a generally lackluster appearance. Colors aren’t bold or bright, black levels are somewhat inconsistent and digital combing is a problem. Even so, it’s doubtful that these episodes will ever sparkle like the original series’ HD remasters but this is most likely due to the source material. The quality of these episodes far outweighs the visual presentation.
The audio, presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 (and Spanish or Portuguese mono dubs), fares much better. The series’ strong atmosphere is conveyed well. Rear channels and LFE are occasionally put to good use, though most of the soundstage is anchored squarely up front. Optional English, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles are included during all four episodes.
There are no special features.
