Star Trek: The Next Generation- The Best of Both Worlds Blu-ray Review
“The Best of Both Worlds” is top notch TNG.
Originally released as a two-part cliffhanger from seasons 3 and 4, “The Best of Both Worlds” has been edited into a feature length movie for a special Blu-ray release that comes out day and date with the third season of “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”
In case you need a reminder as to what “The Best of Both Worlds” was all about, it’s the classic (and some would argue best) Borg centric story in which Captain Picard becomes turned into a Borg known as Locutus. The bulk of the mature and dark sci-fi story involves Riker and Lt. Commander Shelby (a fiesty tactical analsysis expert) trying to overcome their differences in order stop the Borg and save Picard.
While “The Best of Both Worlds” is probably best known for its legendary first part cliffhanger and the captivating and creepy portrayal of the Borg, this two-parter works best as a character piece for Riker. At the start of the story, we learn that Riker is up for promotion, but it’s clear that he would rather stay where he is. Eventually, Riker is forced to become the Captain when Picard is abducted which proves to be a very fascinating journey for “Number One.” To make things even more interesting, Riker has to deal with a rather outspoken character in Lt. Commander Shelby whom he constantly clashes with. It all winds up being a very complex and human character centric arc, and, more importantly, a major step forward for “The Next Generation.” Seasons 3 and 4 were pivotal for TNG as that is when the show really found its voice and characters as evidenced by “The Best of Both Worlds.”
As far as the new “feature length” presentation of these two episodes goes, it mostly works. Depriving viewers of that cliffhanger feels a little odd considering how epic it truly is. With that said, this two-parter does feel more cinematic edited together. It truly does feel like it could have been a Trek film and is, in fact, better than a number of the actual films.
Note: The slipcase cover with the Velcro flap will undoubtedly please Trek fans. It’s always nice to see some creativity with cases.
Video/Audio:
‘Worlds,’ which is presented in 1.33:1 1080p, has never looked better. Trek fans that have grown up on VHS copies or standard definition broadcasts of TNG will undoubtedly be stunned by the level of clarity here. Everything from the Enterprise to the Borg ship looks so much clearer, cleaner, and more colorful than it ever has. If you have yet to experience the TNG series in hi-def, this is a great starting point.
From the phaser fire to the Borg ship, the 7.1 DTS-HD MA audio track provides much more depth to these two TNG episodes.
Extras:
* “Star Trek: The Next Generation” season 3 Blu-ray and “Enterprise” season 2 ads.
* Ultraviolet digital copy.
* Promos for both parts of “The Best of Both Worlds.”
* An amusing “The Best of Both Worlds” gag reel. Expect to see Michael Dorn mess up quite a bit.
* “Regeneration: Engaging The Borg”- Everyone from Seth MacFarlane to Jonathan Frakes chat about the episode, Borg designs, the cliffhanger ending, casting, characters, acting, special f/x, and the score. Elizabeth Dennehy’s very honest and lively thoughts about her experiences are the highlight here.
* Commentary by Cliff Bole, Elizabeth Dennehy, and Mike and Denise Okuda. Some material from the ‘Regeneration’ featurette is repeated here, but there’s still fun behind-the-scenes material for Trek fans.
Summary: “The Best of Both Worlds” is well worth picking up starting April 30th. Also, while this is very short notice, you can actually catch “The Best of Both Worlds” in theaters tonight (April 25th) as part of a CBS/Fathom Event special screening across the country.
No comments yet.
Share This Blog
Robert Ham
dmanderson
Andrea
nicklyons1
DVD Corner 
Leave a comment