Star Trek: Enterprise is the most recent television incarnation in the beloved science-fiction franchise and based on the original series Star Trek created by Gene Roddenberry. In this incarnation the creators move things into the past with a prequel to the original Star Trek. Created and executive produced by Rick Berman (Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) and Brannon Braga (Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: The Next Generation), Star Trek: Enterprise explores the founding years of the Federation.

Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) is the leader of the crew: the chief of the Enterprise who leads the team on missions into uncharted territories of space. Archer leads in the infancy of the Federation with the new ship, the Enterprise, a century before the events which occurred in the original Gene Roddenberry Star Trek series. Archer is the key to the Enterprise's continuing successes.

Sub-Commander T'Pol (Jolene Blalock) is one of the main leaders of the Enterprise, who uses her skills as a Vulcan to help the crew through a number of difficult situations. Dr. Phlox (John Billingsley) is the chief medical examiner who helps give hospital care and guidance to the crew. Lieutenant Malcolm Reed (Dominic Keating) is the head lieutenant on board the Enterprise ship.

Ensign Travis Mayweather (Anthony Montgomery) and Ensign Hoshi Sato (Linda Park) both help navigate the ship and go on missions. Sato helps with translations and communications. Commander Charles 'Trip' Tucker III (Connor Trinneer) is the head commander: he's also an undeniably goofy character on the show. A romance brews between Trip and the Vulcan T'Pol.

The series features a number of references to past Star Trek creations. There are a number of episodes featuring the Reptilians, the Romulans, and other staples in the canon are explored further (such as the Tellarites and Andorians). The aliens of Orion are also explored more in several episodes. Vulcans and the Vulcan culture also becomes explored in episodes and is a focus through lead actress Jolene Blalock, who gives her own interpretation of Vulcan life on Enterprise. Blalock blends the style of performance mastered by Leonard Nimoy with her own specific approach.

Star Trek: Enterprise has impressive production values with strong special effects, set designs, costumes, and other factors relevant to the behind-the-scenes development. The cinematography is primarily done by the cinematographer Marvin V. Rush (Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: The Next Generation). The series production design is done by Herman F. Zimmerman (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine).

The music score is composed by Dennis McCarthy (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), Jay Chattaway (Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: The Next Generation), and Paul Baillargeon (Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine). They are the primary composers of the series. The music remains action-oriented and exciting for the various adrenaline-fueled action-packed scenes.

Episodes are written by Star Trek: Enterprise creators Rick Berman and Brannon Braga along with staff writers Michael Sussman, Chris Black, Manny Coto, Phyllis Strong, and Andre Bormanis, who all serve as the primary staff contributing to the development of Enterprise. David Livingston, Allan Kroeker, Michael Vejar, Roxann Dawson, David Straiton, and LeVar Burton are the leading directors of Star Trek: Enterprise. The series development emphasizes a largely episodic approach to episodes but there are also a number of extended two-part episodes which feature in-depth storylines that extend and explore the established mythology inherit to the Star Trek universe.

Despite some vocal and loyal fans, Enterprise was never as huge in the ratings as the network wanted. The series was considered by many to have a slow start before becoming more well developed over the seasons as various storylines progressed.  The format of the storytelling is often kept similar to previous series with emphasis on the exploration of unknown planets and missions on unfamiliar terrains but through new characters and plotlines. Star Trek: Enterprise was almost cancelled during its third season but was ultimately renewed due to a big cliffhanger ending (which the network knew would have left fans annoyed).

The final season has standalone episodes but also does some things differently (including an alternate-timeline two-part episode which explores the scenario of  "What if Germany won WWII?"). The series continued to explore time travel scenarios in several episodes. The final season also includes a alternate-universe two-part episode in which each actor plays opposites of their normal characters on the show.  

The series finale of Star Trek: Enterprise was considered somewhat controversial with fans for its heavy emphasis on special guest stars from Star Trek: The Next Generation. It did mean less time was spent focusing on giving a "goodbye" to the main cast of this series. Yet fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation will certainly be pleased by the special guest appearances.

Star Trek: Enterprise is an entertaining riff on the classic Star Trek format. While it may not be in the same league as classic Star Trek or Star Trek: The Next Generation (and fans will surely debate this) the series blends together many call backs to classic Star Trek while still giving its own take on the characters and aspects of this beloved universe. Star Trek: Enterprise still has something entertaining to offer fans and is worth consideration by devoted Trekkies. 

The Blu-ray:

Video:

Star Trek: Enterprise is presented on Blu-ray from Paramount with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original television broadcast aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The series is spread across 24 Blu-ray discs. Each disc presents the series with an impressive (if never perfect) bit-rate hovering around 20 mbps. The series isn't quite as crisp as some other modern television productions, but it does have strong depth and overall clarity on this high-definition release. There is quite a bit of noise and grain on the image at times and it sometimes is a detriment to full enjoyment. The inconsistency of the bit-rates and encoding is something that also affects the release from looking as beautiful as some fans might be hoping for. Still, Star Trek: Enterprise looks good overall and having it on Blu-ray gives fans the best presentation available.

Audio:

The audio is presented in English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio. This is a strong lossless audio mix which will please audio enthusiasts and fans of the show alike. The series often has a robust and exciting sound design which emphasizes the exciting action and space battles. Dialogue is crisp, clean, and easy to understand. It's a more energized sound mix and is arguably better than the video presentation.

Subtitles are provided in English SDH (for the deaf and hard of hearing), French, and Spanish.

Extras:

Star Trek: Enterprise includes commentary tracks spread across all four seasons featuring producers and/or writers involved in the series creation and development.

Season 1:

Audio Commentaries are provided on episodes Broken Bow, Silent Enemy, Shadows of P'Jem, and Shuttlepod One.

Text Commentaries are provided on episodes Broken Bow, The Andorian Incident, and Vox Sola.

Season 1 Deleted Scenes (21 min.)

Cast Introduction (2 min., SD) features a basic introduction to the series characters (and the cast who performs them) by series creators, executive producers, and co-writers  Rick Berman and Brannon Braga.

In Conversation: Rick Berman and Brannon Braga (1 Hr. 3 Min., HD) is a conversation between the Star Trek: Enterprise head creative forces about their involvement in the production of the series and their time spent working on previous Star Trek series.

Network Presentation (3 min., SD) is an ad featuring clips from other Star Trek series to promote the creation of the new Star Trek series, Enterprise.

Syndication Presentation (7 min., SD) is an extended promotional ad promoting the series with clips from previous Star Trek television series and from Enterprise.

Creating Enterprise (11 min., SD) is a standard behind-the-scenes featurette about the making of season one featuring interviews with cast and crew members.

O Captain! My Captain! A Profile of Scott Bakula (10 min., SD) is a featurette about the actor Scott Bakula and his role on the series as the ship's captain.

NX-01 File 02 (2 min., SD) focuses on the design of a Klingon model.

Cast Impressions: Season 1 (12 min., SD) features the Enterprise cast discussing their characters on the show.

Enterprise Secrets (2 min., SD)

Star Trek Time Travel: Temporal Cold Wars and Beyond (8 min., SD) focuses on the time travel storyline and its impact on Enterprise and connection to previous Star Trek productions.

Admiral Forest Takes Center Stage (5 min., SD) features an interview with actor Vaughn Armstrong about his Star Trek role and its significance on Enterprise.

Inside Shuttlepod One (8 min., SD) is a behind-the-scenes making of featurette focused on the episode Shuttlepod One.

NX-01 File 01 (3 min., SD) focuses on the episode entitled Shadows of P'Jem.

NX-01 File 03 (5 min., SD) focuses on the special effects on Enterprise.

On the Set (29 min., SD) is an extended documentary featurette about the production of Season One of Enterprise.

Outtakes (9 min., SD)

To Boldly Go is an in-depth behind-the-scenes documentary about the production of Season 1 and the development of Star Trek: Enterprise. The featurettes are broken down into three parts: Launching Enterprise Part 1 - Countdown (30 min., HD) focuses on the overall production of the series and features cast and crew interviews. Launching Enterprise Part 2 - Boarding the NX-01 (31 min., HD) focuses on the cast of Enterprise. Launching Enterprise Part 3 - First Flight (28 min., HD) explores the series story and it's viewership.

Celebrating Star Trek (15 min., SD) focuses on Star Trek conventions and the immense love of Trekkies.

Season 2:

Audio Commentaries are provided on episodes Carbon Creek, Dead Stop, Regeneration, and First Flight.

Text Commentaries are provided on episodes Stigma and First Flight.

In Conversation: The First Crew (1 Hr. 34 min., HD) is an in-depth conversation with the creators and writers of the series about Enterprise.

Season 2 Deleted Scenes (11 min.)

Season 2 Promo (30 sec.)

Archival Mission Logs: Season 2 (19 min., SD) includes featurettes covering production of select episodes.

Archival Mission Logs: Enterprise Profile - Jolene Blalock (14 min., SD) focuses on Vulcan Sub-Commander T'Pol and her importance to Enterprise.

Archival Mission Log: Inside "A Night in Sick Bay" (11 min., SD)

Archival Interviews (5 min., SD)

Archival Mission Log: Shooting "Future Tense" (17 min., SD)

Archival Mission Log: Enterprise Secrets (5 min., SD)

Archival Mission Log: LeVar Burton (7 min., SD) focuses on the actor's transition to director for Enterprise.

Outtakes (11 min., SD)

Photo Gallery

Uncharted Territory is an in-depth behind-the-scenes documentary about the production of Season 2 and the development of Star Trek: Enterprise. The featurettes are broken down into three parts: Part 1 - Destination Unknown (30 min., HD), Part 2 - The First Crew (29 min., HD), and Part 3 - Course Correction (30 min., HD).

NX-01 File 04 (3 min., SD)

NX-01 File 05 (3 min., SD)

NX-01 File 06 (3 min., SD)

Season 3:

Audio Commentaries are provided on episodes Impulse, Twilight, North Star, Similitude, The Forgotten, and Countdown.

Text Commentaries are provided on episodes The Xindi, Impulse, and Countdown.

Season 3 Deleted Scenes (8 min., HD)

Archival Mission Logs: The Xindi Saga Begins (13 min., SD) is a behind the scenes featurette on the production of Season 3.

Archival Mission Logs: Enterprise Moments - Season 3 (13 min., SD) features short behind the scenes featurettes on select episodes.

In a Time of War is an in-depth behind-the-scenes documentary about the production of Season 3 and the development of Star Trek: Enterprise. The featurettes are broken down into three parts: Part 1- Call to Arms (28 min., HD), Part 2 - Front Lines (30 min., HD), and Part 3 - Final Conflict (29 min., HD).

In a Time of War: Temporal Cold War: Declassified (20 min., HD)

Enterprise Profile: Connor Trinneer (17 min., SD) explores the role of the actor on the show and the character's importance to the series.

Behind the Camera: Marvin Rush (16 min., SD) is a spotlight on the cinematographer.

Enterprise Secrets (4 min., SD)

Outtakes (6 min., SD)

Photo Gallery

NX-01 File 07 (2 min., SD)

NX-01 File 08 (6 min., SD)

NX-01 File 09 (3 min., SD)

Season 4:

Audio Commentaries are provided on episodes The Forge, Observer Effect, United, In A Mirror Darkly: Part 1, In A Mirror Darkly: Part 2, Demons, and Terra Prime.

Text Commentaries are provided on episodes The Forge, In A Mirror Darkly: Part 2, and "These are the Voyages..."

Season 4 Deleted and Extended Scenes (8 min.)

Script Gallery: Original Ending features the original ending to episode entitled Home, which was cut from production due to budget and time limitations.

Enterprise Moments: Season 4 (16 min., SD) features interviews with cast and crew about the Season 4 premiere and it's continuation of the storyline started in Season 3 and left off with a cliffhanger. The actors and crew also discuss select other Season 4 episodes.

Archival Mission Logs: Inside the Mirror Episodes (16 min., SD) focuses on the production of the mirror universe episodes in Season 4.

Before Her Time is an in-depth behind-the-scenes documentary about the production of Season 4 and the development of Star Trek: Enterprise. The featurettes are broken down into four parts: Part 1 - New Voices (27 min., HD), Part 2 - Memorable Voyages (30 min., HD), Part 3 - Final Approach (30 min., HD), and Part 4 - End of an Era (29 min., HD).

In Conversation: Writing Star Trek: Enterprise (1 Hr. 30 Min., HD) is a conversation between the staff writers of Star Trek: Enterprise about their time spent working on the series, writing episodes, and pitching stories that built the universe of the Star Trek: Enterprise mythology.

Archival Mission Logs: Visual Effects Magic (13 min., SD)

Archival Mission Logs: Links to the Legacy (4 min., SD)

Archival Mission Logs: Enterprise Secrets (6 min., SD)

Archival Mission Logs: That's a Wrap! (9 min., HD)

Archival Mission Logs: Enterprise Goes to the Dogs (13 min., SD)

Archival Mission Logs: Westmore's Aliens - Creating Dr. Phlox and Beyond (5 min., SD)

Outtakes (2 min., SD)

Photo Gallery

NX-01 File 10 (5 min., SD) explores upset fandom following the cancellation of Enterprise.

Final Thoughts:

Star Trek: Enterprise arrives in a complete series Blu-ray set containing all 97 episodes of the series. This is nothing more than a simple repackaging of the previously released standalone season sets so it's got nothing new for fans who already own the previous releases. However, fans who do not own any of the previous seasons may find themselves pleased with a budget-friendly reissue. Though the packaging itself is nothing fancy (it merely comes in a standalone oversized clamshell box with slipcover), the disc contents are identical. Star Trek: Enterprise fans and diehard fans of all things in the Star Trek lore will find it an admirable release worth consideration.

Recommended.

Neil Lumbard is a lifelong fan of cinema. He aspires to make movies and has written two screenplays on spec. He loves writing, and currently does in Texas.