DVD Corner

Star Trek: Picard Season 3 Blu-ray Review

The final season of “Picard” goes out on a high note.  

In the 10 episode third and final season of “Star Trek: Picard,” the titular former Captain is called back into action after receiving an urgent message from Dr. Beverly Crusher. Needing help and a ship to reach her, Picard recruits the help of Riker to find her and discovers Starfleet is in grave danger from two past foes (no spoilers here) and terrorist attacks. Elsewhere in the story, there are crucial subplots involving Crusher’s son (who may have a connection with a familiar character), the villainous Vladic, the USS Titan (led by Captain Shaw with 7 of 9 as his 2nd in command), Starfleet infiltrators, Picard’s human body, and the worst kept secret- the return of legacy characters Geordi, Worf (who is working with Raffi on secret missions), Deanna Troi, and Data (well, a new form of him).

After the abysmal second season, “Star Trek: Picard” bounces back with the third season that essentially feels like a “Star Trek: The Next Generation” movie (not to mention a new show). Showrunner Terry Matalas could be guilty of creating a nostalgia fest here (see the Starfleet Museum), but it works. It’s one last hurrah for Picard and his crew and it feels more like a fitting farewell than what we got in “Star Trek: Nemesis.” We (the audience) get to check-in on our favorite characters, we get some deeply surprising follow-ups on arcs from “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” earlier episodes of Picard’ and even “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” (which was GREAT), there are fantastic cameos (again, no spoilers), a fun new character arc for Worf (who steals the season), and touching themes about generations and family. Add in some memorable new characters (Captain Shaw, Jack Crusher, and Geordi’s daughters Sidney and Alandra) and a very obvious set-up for a potential new series and you’re bound to be in Trek heaven. 

As mentioned above, Michael Dorn steals the season as Worf. It makes me yearn for a Worf series which he had been pushing for years on end. Amanda Plummer follows in her late father’s footsteps by portraying a villain in the Trek universe (Vladic). Todd Stashwick gives the most compelling performance here as the jerk Captain Shaw. He feels like a unique character in the Trek universe and there are many (myself included) who would like to see more of him down the line if possible. Of course, Jonathan Frakes, Patrick Stewart, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, LeVar Burton and Brent Spiner all have no trouble stepping back into their roles. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? The episodes get a pristine hi-def transfer.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. Everything from the sound effects to the familiar music cues (you’ll know them when you hear them) sound sharp with this layered 5.1 track.

Extras:
* Commentary on “The Next Generation” by Jonathan Frakes, Jeri Ryan, Todd Stashwick, Terry Matalas, Ed Speleers, and Stephen Barton. Commentary on “Seventeen Seconds” by Gates McFadden, Michelle Hurd and Terry Matalas. Commentary by Jonathan Frakes, Todd Stashwick and Terry Matalas for “No Win Scenario.” Commentary on “The Bounty” by Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Brent Spiner, and Terry Matalas and commentary on “The Last Generation” by Jonathan Frakes, Jeri Ryan, Ed Speleers, and Terry Matalas.
* An amusing 6 minute gag reel
* “The Gang’s All Here” covers the return of the legacy characters.
* “Villainous Vadic”- A featurette on the character played by Amanda Plummer.
* “Picard: The Final Season Q&A”- Scott Mantz hosts this 42 ½ minute Paramount+ For Your Consideration Q&A event with cast and crew members.
* Deleted scenes for the episodes “The Bounty,” “Dominion,” “Surrender,” “Vox,” and “The Last Generation.”
* “The Making Of The Last Generation”- A 42 minute extra that covers the final season. Episode clips, cast and crew interviews, discussions about the stories, character arcs and themes.
* “Rebuilding The Enterprise-D” sheds light on the return of the Enterprise-D.

September 10, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Amanda Plummer, Beverly Crusher, Picard Season 3 Blu-ray Review, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Picard Season 3 Blu-ray Review, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Troi, Worf