Customer Reviews
Probably the best of the original Star Trek films 
2008-03-27
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!
The greatest ST adventure on film! 2008-01-30
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.
Fun with New Scenes 2008-01-07
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.
The Best Star Trek 2007-12-29
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!!
The best Star Trek movie to date 2007-12-15
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
Space Opera Supreme 2008-07-20
Take a classic television series with a dedicated fanbase, insert one of its most popular villains and toss a major motion picture budget at it and what do you get: "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan."
Perhaps the closest film in the "Star Trek" catalogue to the original televison series, "Khan" finds Kirk as the admiral in charge of assessing a green crew on routine training maneuvers. They happen to be aboard his old ship, the Enterprise, and the crew includes most of his key past crewmates. In another part of the galaxy, former crewman Chekov and his new captain are investigating a planet that may be used for Project Genesis, a device that could literally give new life to a planet. What Chekov and his captain actually find is a man hungry for revenge: Khan.
Having been exiled years ago and blaming Kirk for the death of his wife, Khan puts a plan into action to bring Kirk back into his clutches in order to get revenge.
Falling for Khan's trickery and with an inexperienced crew in tow, Kirk takes the Enterprise to Regula One, home of Project Genesis. He hopes to find out who used his name in order to get their hands on Genesis. Instead, he finds an ex-wife, an estranged son and one of his greatest enemies waiting to strike. What happens next is, simply put, a wonderful blend of drama, suspense and humor as Kirk and Khan battle each other to the death.
For a film released in 1982, "Khan" has excellent special effects. Granted, there are a few miscues, but the story more than makes up for them. Director Nicholas Meyer paces the film with perfection, utilizing the musical score and the individual performances of the players in order to build tension on the screen. He guides the games between Kirk and Khan with precision. All of the original crew do superb jobs, but I must point out that William Shatner gives his best performance ever. Ricardo Montalban's over-the-top performance as Khan makes this film worthy of five stars. Kirstie Alley makes her first big screen appearance and adds quite a bit of sex appeal to the film as Lt. Saavik. That's a tough job for a person playing an emotionless Vulcan to do.
As for the DVD, this two disc set makes up in quality what it lacks in quantity. The digital transfer of the film is excellent. It's one of the best transfers of a film including the original cast. Only "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country" has a crisper looking transfer. The sound is also very good. There aren't as many special features included with this set when compared to the other films in this series, but they are some of the best extras you'll find. Highlights include original interviews with DeForest Kelley, Leonard Nimoy, Shatner and Montalban as well as new interviews with Shatner, Nimoy, Montalban, Meyer and executive producer Harve Bennett. There's also an interesting segment involving "Star Trek" authors Julia Ecklar and Greg Cox.
Fans of "Star Trek" have most likely viewed this film already. For those folks who haven't or for people who aren't fans of science fiction, I highly recommend "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" for its drama, wonderful suspense and overall story. For fans of military films, the calculated tactics of both Kirk and Khan should keep them interested. These are just a few of the reasons that have made this film one of the most popular of the "Star Trek" pictures.
Should Be Titled "Harve Bennett's & Nicholas Meyer's 'Stolen' Star Trek I: Redefining Space With Old Scripts" 
2008-06-25
Let me be clear, as far as I am concerned, "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan - The Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition)" is a fun movie; but the film IS NOT GENE RODDENBERRY'S MOVIE!!! Moreover, "Paramount executives, who blamed the relative failure of the first movie on the constant rewrites demanded by Roddenberry," removed Gene Roddenberry from the production and reduced his involvement to an "Executive Consultant" advisory position. Paramount then went out and hired Harve Bennett to "replace" Gene Roddenberry. While Gene Roddenberry was allowed to view and comment upon all scripts and dailies emanating from the production, the creative team was free to disregard Gene Roddenberry's input, which Harve Bennett elected to do. Next, Paramount had Nicholas Meyer, also the director, write the script for the Wrath of Khan. Meyer, who knew nothing about Gene Roddenberry's conceptualization of Star Trek--let alone ever viewing an episode prior to being hired--watched a few of the original television episodes and concluded that Star Trek was little more than Horatio Hornblower in space. So, Meyer wrote his own Horatio Hornblower script, Harve Bennett "bought" into it and convinced Paramount. Just like that, Meyer and Bennett redefined the entire concept of Star Trek, literally taking Star Trek to places Gene Roddenberry never envisioned.
Equally disturbing is the fact that the newly appointed "creators" of Star Trek completely ignored Robert Wise's efforts to transform the vision of the original Star Trek television series into theatrical "big screen" movies that continued the true intent of Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek: intelligence; compassion; equality and fairness; symbolism and analogy; social awareness; controversy; and wonderful, fun, thought provoking, imperturbable entertainment. Instead, Bennett and Meyer went for a movie that was: simple minded "naval" action; ruthlessness and bitterness; bigotry and injustice; basic descriptions and cliches; narrow mindedness; uncontroversial (except for the poor actors that were forced to say lines that made them "ill"); and tried and true, blow it up, in your face conflict.
While I was disappointed when I saw "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" at the theater, I remember consoling myself that the movie did revisit an old script's story line and that Ricardo Montalbán was brilliant in his updated performance. In deed, I believe that it is Montalban's performance that kept this movie from being a disaster. Yes, Meyer's "British Navy" and 18th century broadsides appealed to the then current generation of "movie goers," satiating their lust for endless, pointless "action." But, I remain convinced that without a performance equivalent to Montalban's, along with the "killing off" of Leonard Nimoy's character, Captain Spock, the movie would have been a boring movie not even worthy of three stars.
As I stated in my review of "Star Trek - The Motion Picture: The Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition)," I consider Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek--and his vision of the show--to have been the best television show up to that time (1966-1969). Equally, I consider Harve Bennett's and Nicholas Meyer's "stolen" Star Trek to be an entirely different production. While I was convinced in 1984 by friends to go with them to see "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock," I essentially "gave up" on the whole Star Trek "franchise" after "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan."
It would not be until 2002, when the DVDs came out that I would watch a Star Trek movie ("Star Trek - The Motion Picture: The Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition"); and then, only because my oldest boy was trying to reconnect with me by giving me the movie for Christmas. It is only now, 16 years after "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" came out, that I have decided to purchase "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan - The Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition)." While the extra features and time have softened me, and I will most likely watch the movie more than once, I still believe that "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan - The Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition)" is no more than an average movie (i.e., a three star film).
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.
This is the best!!! 2008-06-12
Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan is the "Stairway To Heaven" of Star Trek films. Nothing in Trek (or Star Wars) even touches it! As far as Trek movies go, the only other one that approaches this is VI. It's too bad that Nick Meyer did not do all the films. This one has it all!
Best Effects
Best Storyline of any Trek film.
Best Acting from Shatner (De Kelly and Nimoy always ruled)
Best Villain! (Khaaaaaan!)
Best Battle Scenes
Best Score (Thank you James Horner)
This movie, along with "City On The Edge Of Forever" from TOS, is the absolute BEST of all Trek. Forget TNG, DS9, Voyager, and Enterprise - they are all bland and washed out compared to these ballsy masterpieces.
Back To Its Roots 2008-06-08
Despite the fact that the first Star Trek motion picture rekindled an interest in the show, there existed a disconnect between the style/feel of the Original Series TV show and the style/feel of the first movie. In The Wrath of Khan, however, the focus shifts back to what made the show a success in the first place: great acting and character developement, subtle humor, action/adventure scenes, and some thought-provoking concepts.
In this film, a few members of the U.S.S. Enterprise stumble across an old nemesis from the TV show...Khan, a ruthless dictator who will stop at nothing to get his revenge on Captain Kirk, the man who imprisoned him. At the same time, Kirk is struggling with his advancing age, coming to terms with the fact that he will not be a starship captain forever. The final showdown between Kirk and Kahn will have you on the edge of your seating, rooting for the swashbuckling Kirk more than ever before.
This movie also does a great job of showcasing the "auxiliary" characters (Uhura, Chekhov, Sulu, Scotty, etc.), who more often than not got the short end of the spool in the TV show.
For devoted fans of the show, the final scene is likely the most gut-wrenching of any movie or TV episode, as fan-favorite Spock must make a split-second decision that will alter his life forever.
To conclude, if you are just beginning your voyage through the Star Trek universe (and don't have time to watch all the episodes), this is the film you want to start with, as it remains true to the ideals/concepts that made Star Trek such a cultural phenomena. For those of you who watched the first Star Trek film and were disappointed, take heart, as this film will have you running to your local video store to check out the next installment in the series.
Best of the bunch 2008-06-08
I'm not a Trekkie or a Trekker.
My interest in things Star Trek is take it or leave it. There's been tons of schlock in the original series, the spin-offs, and the movies.
Wrath of Khan is the best of the Star trek movies because like the best of the series, it focuses on the relationships between the principals.
The script is really quite moving, dealing with Kirk's aging, encountering a son he hasn't had any relationship with, and that son's mother. And we have Spock's death, one of the best death scenes in cinema.
We're supplied with a credible bad guy, Ricardo Montalban, chewing scenery, quoting Milton (all the while in an unfortunate mullet, I'm afraid).
And we have Kirsty Alley, stealing scenes in a very early role, as Spock's Vulcan protege.
Everyone is chasing after an interesting mcguffin, the Genesis device, which brings dead planets to life.
The backstory was that after the bloated mess of the first Star Trek movie, with its cost overruns and generally middling reviews, this was planned as a TV movie, possibly as a relaunch of the TV series.
By the time they were in post-production, they wisely realized that the movie would probably do okay in theatres. So this movie was made on a TV-movie budget (the tiniest of any Trek film by far), and made tons of bucks.
The special effects are mostly okay; penny-elegant and effective but not over the top. The nebula is very pretty; later Trek series would reuse the shots endlessly.
Quite fun all around.
