How William Shatner Changed the World (2005)

With tongue firmly in cheek, How William Shatner Changed the World makes an entertaining and altogether convincing case for the positive influence of Star Trek. While the title may be slightly misleading, we can forgive Shatner's light-hearted self-promotion (based on his book I'm Working on That: A Trek from Science Fiction to Science Fact, written with Chip Walter) because this Emmy-nominated Discovery Channel program is such a constant pleasure to watch, not just for devoted Trekkies but for anyone with a passion for exploration, innovation, and the promise of the future. Originally broadcast in November 2005, the program serves a dual purpose, chronicling the history of Star Trek since its TV premiere in 1966, and demonstrating how series creator Gene Roddenberry's hopeful vision of the future has affected millions of lives, influenced the development of modern technologies, and shaped our future by presenting an inspirational example of humanity's potential.

As he cruises around Los Angeles in a burgundy-colored Aston Martin DB8, Shatner (in the capable hands of director Julian Jones) introduces us to a wide variety of people whose bright, forward-thinking careers were inspired by Star Trek. Along with personal observations by Star Trek veterans George Takei ("Sulu"), Walter Koenig ("Chekov"), writer D.C. Fontana, and Next Generation alumnus Jonathan Frakes, these top scientists, inventors, and space explorers are combined with Shatner's lively narration and highly humorous editing of Star Trek film clips, archival footage, and expert testimonies to show how Star Trek's fiction has had a ripple effect on scientific fact. As a breezy primer on the cultural, technological, and scientific impact of Star Trek, How William Shatner Changed the World is more entertaining than purely educational, but it's still an excellent program for family viewing and classrooms alike, guaranteed to open bright, young minds to a dazzling universe of exciting possibilities. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

the coolest "how far we have come" show ever!

ok. so we all have that great uncle, or grandmother, or professor who loves to wax poetic about the good old days and how far we've come, or how much things have changed since "my day." well, as anyone born before 1980 can tell you, things really have changed, A WHOLE BUNCH, in a REALLY SHORT period of time. seriously. it's kinda wierd, and highly improbable.

this light-hearted little doc shows very elegantly how art imitates life imitates art imitates life... Gene Roddenberry was the Jules Verne for the 20th Century, and Star Trek was his collected works (From Earth to the Moon, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, & etc.). April 16, 2008

Mostly There

I initially watched this on cable, and after viewing my DVD copy, came away somewhat disappointed that the DVD version is edited, having left out or abbreviated at least two scenes. As an example, why did the editors of this DVD leave in Shatner's utterance of foul language (g--d---) and a brief and not necessarily funny scene of group nudity, yet completely excise a really funny scene in which the camera is panning a landscape over which Shatner is heard talking, only for the camera to settle on the closed door of an industrial outhouse? The door opens and there is Shatner holding an opened newspaper, still talking, and yes, sitting on the can. But, alas, you and I are deprived of this and remain a victim of some questionable editing. February 22, 2008

Shatner Makes Self-Promotion Easily Enjoyable

Shatner has seemingly made a career out of the art of self-promotion (countless commercials, books and short films to that effect), but I think that's because he's one of the few Hollywood types that is actually successful (a la George Hamilton) at it. The light-hearted humor and sly self-parody are almost enough to give self-promotion (in their cases, anyway) a good name. Plus, I enjoy watching someone who has as much fun as he has being serious! There is also some meat, at least, to the science-fact part of what he's talking about, so, of course, it works on that level just fine, in fact, even if you're NOT religiously familiar with Star Trek - but, it's just as eye-opening if you are, too. Highly recommended - a very enjoyable 120 minutes. December 14, 2007

Delightful DVD with science, technology and humor!

I rented this from Blockbuster on-line and liked it so much, I'm purchasing a copy for my son and my brother. I grew up on Star Trek in the 1960's and loved it then. I never realized how a TV show could influence technology for the betterment of mankind. Great job! June 19, 2007

How STAR TREK changed the world

Excellent for original Star Trek fans especially those
working in technical fields. May 29, 2007

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