Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan - The Director's Cut (1982)

Although Star Trek: The Motion Picture had been a box-office hit, it was by no means a unanimous success with Star Trek fans, who responded much more favorably to the "classic Trek" scenario of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Inspired by the "Space Seed" episode of the original TV series, the film reunites newly promoted Admiral Kirk with his nemesis from the earlier episode--the genetically superior Khan (Ricardo Montalban)--who is now seeking revenge upon Kirk for having been imprisoned on a desolated planet. Their battle ensues over control of the Genesis device, a top-secret Starfleet project enabling entire planets to be transformed into life-supporting worlds, pioneered by the mother (Bibi Besch) of Kirk's estranged and now-adult son. While Mr. Spock mentors the young Vulcan Lt. Saavik (then-newcomer Kirstie Alley), Kirk must battle Khan to the bitter end, through a climactic starship chase and an unexpected crisis that will cost the life of Kirk's closest friend. This was the kind of character-based Trek that fans were waiting for, boosted by spectacular special effects, a great villain (thanks to Montalban's splendidly melodramatic performance), and a deft combination of humor, excitement, and wondrous imagination. Director Nicholas Meyer (who would play a substantial role in the success of future Trek features) handles the film as a combination of Moby Dick, Shakespearean tragedy, World War II submarine thriller, and dazzling science fiction, setting the successful tone for the Trek films that followed. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com essential video

 Probably the best of the original Star Trek films
Here, we have the cast of the original Star Trek Series on yet another adventure into the universe. This is a very focused and tight story with lots of action and a shrewd approach to expanding the story of an older, original Star Trek episode, "Space Seed".

Star Trek - The Original Series, Vol. 12, Episodes 23 & 24: A Taste of Armageddon/ Space Seed

It's all about a clan of genetically superior super-humans, led by a man with a Bonepartist attitude, (Kahn), who were once placed on a planet by Captain Kirk, to resolve the takeover of the Starship Enterprise by that group. There, they were expected to survive and create a new civilization.

However, no one checked on their progress and things didn't go precisely as planned!

The second plot is that a former lover of Captain Kirk's, (Kirk's illegitimate son is introduced to us!), a brilliant scientist, who has invented a device for "creating life" on barren planets, "The Genesis Project". The problem is, this device can also be used for planentary destruction because it obliterates any existing life where it is utilized.

Kahn seizes upon a chance to escape the torment of his now barren world and seeks to steal the Genesis device and to get even with Kirk in the process. I'll have to stop there to avoid any major spoilers but, for fans of the original series, there is one heckuva MAJOR INCIDENT near the end.

This is a superb family, sci-fi film that will stand the test of time. Don't miss it! March 27, 2008

 The greatest ST adventure on film!
Admirel James Kirk (William Shatner) has just recently had a birthday party but he feels like he's growing old, he and his usual crew like Dr. Bones McCoy(DeForrest Kelly), Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy), Scotty (James Doohan), Sulu (George Takai), Chekov (Walter Koenig), and Commander Uhura (Nichelle Nichols) with a new crew member who happens to be a female vulcan named Saavik (Kirsty Ally) go on a mssion on the Starship U.S.S. Enterprise. On the USS Reliant, Captain Terrell (Paul Windfield) and First Officer Pavel Chevok investigate an unknown and desolate planet which happens to be home of the evil genetically enchanted bad guy known as Khan (Ricardo Montalban) as they find themselves into trouble. Meanwhile on Space Station Regula 1, Kirk's former lover Dr. Carol Marcus (Babi Besche) and her son Dr. David Marcus (Merritt Butrick) are trying to do a special experiment called "The Genesis Device" which involves trying to make desolate lifeless planets to give them new life, Khan is desperately eagar wants The Genesis Device for himself as he raids the spaceship, can the Enterprise crew stop this madman from creating a universal apocalypse.

Brilliant and wickedly awesome sequel that has been considered by fans and critics as the best movie of the franchise and i can see why. Featuring spectacular special effects, action, emotion, excellent score by James Horner and great performances by the cast especially Kirsty Ally in her cinematic debut. Khan himself became one of the most menacing villains in science fiction history since his debut in the Star Trek episode "Space Seed" and the story itself is quite unique. See go out and seek this movie out on why it's the most beloved movie of the franchise! you won't be disappointed.

This 2-Disc DVD set contains the new director's cut with remastered sound and picture with never before seen footage, Audio commentary by Director Nicholas Meyer and Tex Commentary by Michael Okuda who is the co-author of the Star Trek Encyclopedia. Intrviews with the cast and crew, two featurettes, original interviews with Deforest Kelley, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and Richard Montalban, The Star Trek Universe; A Nove approach featurette on the ST novels and Storyboard Archeives. January 30, 2008

 Fun with New Scenes
ST:II is my favorite Trek movie. The director's cut added two new scenes I've never scene before, and it was wonderful not to watch the movie and be able to quote all the lines as they are said.

The extended scenes include

-- More dialog between Kirk and McCoy at Kirk's home.
-- Kirk's bantering with Peter Preston in the engineering room.
-- McCoy's dialog with Kirk after Preston dies.
-- The human ego comment by Spock.

I'm sure there was some more, but these are what stand out. The first and the third items were great, and I can't figure out why they were cut out. I had seen the 2nd and 4th items before when the show aired on TV. However, I think the timing was different with the human ego line on the TV version. Here it happens before Kirk calls Khan out for a rematch.

At any rate, this is a nice DVD collection. Unlike some reviewers, I found the color and presentation to be excellent. Not as amazing as the first movies director's cut, but then again...this one wasn't in such need to fixing to begin with. January 7, 2008

 The Best Star Trek
This is, I think, the best of the Star Trek movies made, mainly because we get to see Kirk at his best. And I think it's one of the few times we get to see him rage on and against someone. We see him as a more human character, trying to set a good example for this younger set of cadets coming up as well as dealing with the fact he is getting older. We see his resentment at being no more than a desk jockey and wanting to relive his "glory days". He becomes (again)the Kirk we always loved and maybe disliked a little because we didn't always like his methods. And we get to see him get his heart ripped out and lose his right hand man.
None of the other movies capture the emotion, the frenetic pace, of the feel of the original series. So, if you have never seen any of the movies and are a fan of the series...PICK THIS UP!! December 29, 2007

 The best Star Trek movie to date
Star Trek: The Motion Picture was the first time Star Trek hit the big screen. The movie was a visual feast (for its time) and was a success at the box office. But when it came down to it, it lacked a certain punch and was labeled as "just boring and too long". Plans continued for a sequal, and director Nicholas Meyer was brought on board for Star Trek II:The Wrath of Khan. He was one of the many who agreed that The Motion Picture was lacking and was boring. He had a new vision, and created a very different Star Trek movie. The Wrath of Khan worked off a much smaller budget, but in return, gambled the Trek franchise with a very dark approach and cetainly a strong punch.

One of the great things about The Wrath of Khan is that its a story that continues from an early TOS episode titled "Space Seed", where a gentically engineered superhuman from the 1990's named Khan failed in attempt to capture the Enterprise. He and his men were sent to a planet known as Ceti Alpha V to begin their own desired life. In the Wrath of Khan, we learn that the planet has nearly been destroyed, and Khan's people barely survived. Khan blames Captin Kirk for not checking on their progress, and has a heart filled with hatred and revenge for the good Captain. Certainly, seeing Space Seed will allow this move to make more sense, but honestly I saw this first as a kid and I still loved it.

Khan is the main villain and the center of the plot, but there are various subplots in the film that keep the interest at high levels throughout the story. There is a device known as Genesis that can practically create life onto dead planets. A controversial matter is the least to worry about, since Khan is interested in obtaining this device - in addition to obtaining the life of Captain Kirk. There is another subplot of the character development of Kirk. He is an admiral, and is uncomfortable with the position. It makes him feel old and worn out. Kirk is looking for something to give him refeshment again. Then there's Spock, who claims the good of the many outweighs the good of the one, and folows up on that with action in the film's conclusion that is shocking and moving.

Wrath of Khan is different than the Motion Picture in every way possible. Overall, the film has a dark tone, and that is justified with lighting and camera work. Even the uniforms and bridge have obtained a more refined look. There is actually some violence this time, and a creepy scene with critters known as Ceti-Eels driving themselves into human ears. The Enterprise gets blasted like never before in spectacular space battles throughout the film against the USS Reliant (which Khan and crew have taken over).

Just when the franchise was in trouble, a risk was taken with the production of this film, and it was a tremendous success. Obviously, since another 8 movies have folled (and another one in production today) and another 4 television series. Wrath of Khan shows a darker side of Trek, yet still keeping the classic feel there in the mix. And in the end, Khan is arguably one of the finest Star Trek villains ever to hit the screen, with a must see performance by the extremely underrated Ricardo Montalban.

This director's cut includes deleted/extended/redone scenes that were not included in the original. Trek fans will want to makes sure they own a copy of this for the distinct differences.

Acting - 4.5
Action - 5
Characters - 5
Story - 5
Overall - 5
December 15, 2007

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