Blu-Ray Review: Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 5 and Unification

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 5 and Star Trek: The Next Generation “Unification” Blu-ray

Synopsis:
Set in the 24th century, the exploits of the U.S.S. Enterprise continue with STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION – THE FIFTH SEASON. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION – THE FIFTH SEASON BLU-RAY features all 26 episodes of the fifth season, remastered into stunning, crowd-pleasing high-definition.

STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION – UNIFICATION BLU-RAY is a feature-length presentation of the fan-favorite, two-part epic adventure from the series’ fifth season. Over 25 million viewers tuned into the original airing of the episode, making it one of the most-watched of all seven seasons of the series. In the episode, Leonard Nimoy reprises his iconic role as Spock as both he and Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Stewart) venture on a heroic mission in an attempt to unify the Vulcans and the Romulans.

Along with audio commentary and an exclusive deleted scene, the STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION – UNIFICATION BLU-RAY includes the exclusive documentary, “From One Generation to the Next.” This newly produced special featurette takes fans behind the scenes at the making of the classic two-part episode and the introduction of Spock to the 24th century saga of the hit series.

Review:
Season 5 was another fantastic season with some of the most memorable episodes. “Darmok” – when Picard and an alien are trapped on a planet together without the ability to communicate (and Ashley Judd’s debut). “The Game” – (guest starring Judd again) when the crew all becomes addicted to a VR game. “Ensign Ro” – introduces new character Ro Laren, and giving us a deeper knowledge of the Bajorans. “I Borg” – a powerful episode where we see a Borg (Hugh) learn a sense of individuality, then is used to infiltrate the Borg at great risk to himself. “The Inner Light” – when Picard lives an entire lifetime on an alien world as a way to pass on the alien culture. And, of course, “Unification” Part 1 and 2 – Sarek passes away, and Picard learns that Spock is on Romulus teaching Vulcan philosophy to the Romulans. “Unification” as a standalone movie on blu-ray was a good choice. It’s easily one of the best episodes of the entire series. And the interesting packaging alone is worth the purchase for a collector like me.

Gene Roddenberry passed away during this season, and this season 5 blu ray set offers a documentary tribute that touches on the impact his death had on the show and the cast and crew’s memories of Roddenberry.

I’m very glad I waited to collect the seasons of TNG until they were available in high definition. These blu ray sets have been outstanding. And these latest releases are a must-have for any fan.

Special Features Include:
Episodic Promos
Audio Commentaries
Deleted Scenes
Gag Reel
In Conversation: The Music of TNG
REQUIEM: A Remembrance of TNG
Archival Mission Logs:
– Mission Overview Year
– Departmental Briefing Year 5: Production
– Departmental Briefing Year 5: Visual Effects
– Memorable Missions
– A Tribute to Gene Roddenberry
– Intergalactic Guest Stars
– Alien Speak