‘Star Trek’ Launches With And Under The Stars

Star Trek actors John Cho and Zachary Quinto

By : Chris Tribbey | Posted: 17 Nov 2009
ctribbey@questex.com

LOS ANGELES — The response from Star Trek director J.J. Abrams about the Nov. 17 Blu-ray Disc release was pretty predictable: “It’s going to look absolutely amazing. DVD is fine, but if you can, pick this up in high definition.”

However, there’s at least one person involved with the film who may be worried about seeing the reboot of the famed franchise in 1080p.

“I just hope you don’t see any mistakes,” said Neville Page, character designer for the film. “There might be an eyebrow out of place. We just have so much detail.”

He may have been the only person who expressed any concern about the $258 million blockbuster, which earned praise from fans, critics and Leonard Nimoy alike.

“I hadn’t played Spock in a very long time,” Nimoy said. “It might be the last time.”

Paramount Home Entertainment had Star Trek actors new and old on hand Nov. 16 at Griffith Observatory to mark the release of one of the year’s biggest releases. Green girls mingled with guests, and observatory staff gave visitors a chance to see where no man has gone before — Jupiter — through one of the telescopes.

“I didn’t grow up with the whole ‘Star Trek’ era, I had to research it on YouTube” said Jimmy Bennett, who plays a young Captain James T. Kirk in the reboot. “I was really excited when I found out what I was getting into.”

Jacob Kogan, who plays a young Spock in the film, said he watched most of the first season of the original series to prepare for his role. And yes, he’s got the “live long and prosper” hand sign down pat.

“Star Trek was never about science fiction,” said Rod Roddenberry, son of franchise creator Gene. “It was about humanity.

“There are so many things they could have done poorly with this film. I was blown away by how true it is to what ‘Star Trek’ is about.”