Stark Trek’s original run is one of the finest and examples of television science fiction there is. It is perhaps the definitive sci-fi series. Additionally, season two, the middle of its understated original run, is the series at its best. And that means that any self-respecting sci-fi fan should have this in their collection. This season ran from fall of 1967 through spring of 1968 and is miles ahead of its peers in every way.
This season contains some great television writing. Although this is the season that spawned the legendary “Trouble With Tribbles” episode, there are a number of really excellent episodes here. Die hard fans will certainly agree that the season opener, “Amok Time,” where Spock must return to Vulcan to mate…or die… raises many interesting questions and serves as the standard for pulp sci-fi today. Although the Enterprise and its crew encounter many obstacles throughout this season, they work together, stick together, live together, love together, and only let the non-main characters die. It’s an interesting look back to the early days of sci-fi for sure. It is still the unquestionable best.
What REALLY makes this special however is the fact that this entire season is remastered and the visual enhancements are very noticeable. While many companies have attempted this and the result has been an awkward, at best, looking reissue (I’m looking at you George Lucas), Star Trek: Season Two looks fabulous. The colors, particularly in the space scenes where you get the full view of the ship against the stars, planets, moons, and suns of the universe, are just amazing. The best part is it doesn’t look awkward at all; it’s more like a graceful retouch than a heavy handed redesign. The extras abound as well; in fact they pretty much outnumber the episodes. You get a multitude of extras including design analysis, interview footage, and much more.
Overall, if you like sci-fi even a little then there is no way you should pass this up.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
