Star Trek III - The Search for Spock (1984)

You didn't think Mr. Spock was really dead, did you? When Spock's casket landed on the surface of the Genesis planet at the end of Star Trek II, we had already been told that Genesis had the power to bring "life from lifelessness." So it's no surprise that this energetic but somewhat hokey sequel gives Spock a new lease on life, beginning with his rebirth and rapid growth as the Genesis planet literally shakes itself apart in a series of tumultuous geological spasms. As Kirk is getting to know his estranged son (Merritt Butrick), he must also do battle with the fiendish Klingon Kruge (Christopher Lloyd), who is determined to seize the power of Genesis from the Federation. Meanwhile, the regenerated Spock returns to his home planet, and Star Trek III gains considerable interest by exploring the ceremonial (and, of course, highly logical) traditions of Vulcan society. The movie's a minor disappointment compared to Star Trek II, but it's a--well, logical--sequel that successfully restores Spock (and first-time film director Leonard Nimoy) to the phenomenal Trek franchise...as if he were ever really gone. With Kirk's willful destruction of the U.S.S. Enterprise and Robin Curtis replacing the departing Kirstie Alley as Vulcan Lt. Saavik, this was clearly a transitional film in the series, clearing the way for the highly popular Star Trek IV. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

Trek Classic, definitely worth the $

I bought this DVD for my father, who, at 76 years of age, is a new Trekker. He enjoyed it very much. What's to say bad about Star Trek? Great DVD at a great price. November 26, 2008

Fantastic !!

As good a "The Wrath of Khan was, "The Search for Spock" is just a notch better.
It shows Kirks true love for his best friend and shows he will go to the ends of the universe to save him.
Really enjoyed having Mark Lenard as Sarek in a strong supporting role.
The movies started going downhill from her ! October 7, 2008

Spock Need Brain!

The Good Things
*Lots of good special effects and action . Includes some really big epic scenes, such as the Enterprise self-destructing, and planet Genesis exploding.
*Filming style is good.
*Storyline is not bad. Includes lots of dramatic scenes and some good funny comedy.
*Characters are not bad. They aren't as great as the last film, but they have their moments.
*Writing is not bad; lots of good lines.
*Music is good (practically the same themes as in the last film).

The Bad Things
*Seems short, sweet, and simple.
*Oh, did Kirk's son really have to die?

Although this film seems shorter and weaker, it is essential viewing for the series. It boasts some of the biggest action scenes, and has some very dramatic parts. Not to mention, a lot of funny parts too. It's definately a lot of fun.

The one-disc version had okay video and sound quality. The two-disc version has good quality, and contains a number of featurettes and trailers. August 4, 2008

Leonard Nimoy, Now At Peace As Mr Spock, Spectacularly Directs Himself Back To Life--But In Bennett's and Meyer's Star Trek

Given that I was essentially pushed into seeing "Star Trek III: The Search For Spock" at the theater when it came out, when my son gave me this DVD set for Christmas in 2003 and we watched it together, I found that time, Leonard Nimoy's directing, Nimoy's commentary, and the extra features provided me with a more receptive frame of reference. More to the point, if I set aside the fact that this is not the Star Trek I love--Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek--and watch the film as a science fiction movie, I am able to "enjoy" the movie more. And it doesn't hurt that Christopher Lloyd plays the (now requisite villain in Harve Bennett's new vision of Star Trek), Klingon Commander Kruge.

Besides "Star Trek: The Motion Picture," I have watched "The Search for Spock" the most times. In the final analysis, I would say it is the best non-Gene Roddenberry Star Trek movie. (Please note that I am well aware of the fact that Paramount has "added" Gene Roddenberry's name to this and other Star Trek movies, but both Roddenberry and Bennett/Paramount openly state that Roddenberry's "involvement" was completely ignored). On the other hand, to the degree that Leonard Nimoy understands the character of Mr Spock as intended by Gene Roddenberry, I would argue that it is Leonard Nimoy's influence as the director--and uncredited writer--that is the force that makes "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock" more tolerable and watchable. While I cannot say for sure, I suspect it is also due to Leonard Nimoy's direction and writing that all of the characters have well developed roles, which in turn led them to provide some better than usual performances.

Will I watch "Star Trek III - The Search for Spock (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition)" again? Yes. Is it a great movie? No; but it is better than average.

Update--1 July 2008: If this review was not helpful to you, I would appreciate learning the reason(s) so I can improve my reviews. My goal is to provide help to potential buyers, not get into any arguments. So, if you only disagree with my opinion, could you please say so in the comments and not indicate that the review was not helpful. Thanks. June 25, 2008

A must have for any trekie

This movie is the exeption to the odd nnumber Startrek movie curse. If you see Startrek II The Wrath of Kahn, then you need to see this one to finish the entire storyline. June 23, 2008

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