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Trekkies Blu-ray Review

“Trekkies” showcases all types of fans.

“Trekkies” (which is celebrating its 25th anniversary) is a documentary about “Star Trek” fans. No, it never mocks its subjects. Instead, it’s an honest portrayal of the weird and wonderful aspects of Star Trek’s global fandom. The convention scene makes up a good amount of screentime here, but the documentary is more focused on the types of fans be it the cosplayers, Klingon linguists, the clubs (that often do charitable work), fanfiction writers, the titular Trekkies and Trekkers, the merchandise collectors, or specific Star Trek cast member fans ala the Spiner Femmes. There are a number of fans that get the spotlight here including the teenager Gabriel Koerner (who later went on to become a visual effects artist), Barbara Adams (a printer who was noted for dressing in a Star Trek uniform for the Whitewater trial), Anne Murphy (a Brent Spiner fanatic) and J. Trusk (a William Shatner look alike). Interviews with Trek cast members from The Original Series, The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine such as James Doohan, Leonard Nimoy, George Takei, LeVar Burton, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, and Kate Mulgrew are also included throughout.

Directed by Roger Nygard and produced/hosted by Denise Crosby (who played Tasha Yar on “Star Trek: The Next Generation”), “Trekkies” has long been a favorite documentary. Not only is it about a franchise that is near and dear to my heart, but it reflects the impact a pop culture phenomenon like Star Trek can have on a community of people. Although people of any fandom can take their love of something to an extreme (the strange fan encounter stories come to mind), more often than not, we see how something (like Star Trek) can inspire people be it with a career as an astronaut or in the air force, creating a Trek themed dentistry, or even saving someone’s life (see James Doohan’s deeply emotional story). 

What’s really striking about “Trekkies” though is just how breezy, funny and moving this documentary is. Seeing how Trek inspires fans creatively, seeing how fandom becomes generational, or seeing how it brings people together is simply heartwarming. One thing I did notice this time around is how so much has changed since its release in 1997. Back in the 90’s (which was the heyday for Trek fandom and conventions), geek culture was not yet mainstream. Now, it has dominated Hollywood. It would be interesting to see a third installment to show how Trek fandom has evolved. And yes, there is a “Trekkies 2” which is also well worth seeking out. It’s a shame it wasn’t bundled with the first film here although perhaps that will get a Blu-ray release down the line?  

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.33:1 1080p. How does it look? Expect a definite upgrade from the DVD. 

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? A bit muted but solid.

Extras include the original trailer and a brand new 20 minute bonus feature titled “A Trek Back- With Denise Crosby And Roger Nygard” with the two reflecting on how the project came about, the fans featured in the movie, and so forth.

May 19, 2022 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Brent Spiner, Fandom, Kate Mulgrew, Leonard Nimoy, Levar Burton, Star Trek, Star Trek Fans, Trekkies Blu-ray Review