Audio:
The Audio platform much like it's predecessor has been boosted to a 5.1 Digital format that blows your home theater away! Star Trek is known for it's pretty intense special effects both visually & aurally & Star Trek IV is no exception. In the countless times before when I watched this film I thought I had heard all of the audio special effects the film offered…such is the sad state of VHS! However, once I heard the digitally remastered score & soundtrack for STIV I was blown away. The surrounds & sub are put to very good use & really catapult you into the overall feel the director intended. The "Swooshes" for lack of a better term from back to front with the Bird of Prey are pretty cool!

Video:
Paramount has really done a great job in getting anamorphic widescreen transfers for their Star Trek features (Excluding Star Trek VI)! This transfer is sparkling with only a few transfer issues. The most glaring problem I found with this transfer is in the area of special effects. When the Bird of Prey is matted against the starfield, you can see the blocking used to place the ship in the frame. At first glance it can be very distracting but with repeat viewings it's easily ignored. Given the absolute perfection of the STIII DVD, it's a little disconcerting that the same attention to detail didn't see it's way onto this disc but I guess, they can't all be pearls! That having been said, the STIV DVD is beautifully rendered!

Extras:
Ahh, the extras! Paramount had a short lived (and thankfully so) director's series wherein on a few films (STIV & Fatal Attraction) The director introduced the film & gave information regarding the making of the film. A poor man's Director's Commentary if you will! Additionally, if there were any scenes that didn't make it to the finished product, they were played out in this forum. Such was the case with Fatal Attraction. STIV on the other hand had Nimoy discussing the intricacies involved in making the feature as well as some neat behind the scenes info. Additionally, he explained the differences between widescreen & full frame formatted pictures. Truthfully, this segment wasn't too bad. Actually, it was a step in the right direction for Paramount. The remaining extra on the disc is a trailer for the film. I have nothing but disdain for Paramount concerning their Star Trek discs as they have chosen not to include even the smallest of extras. Star Trek IV held out a glimmer of hope for additional materials however, that hope dimmed with the release of STIII. With Star Trek II & Star Trek the Motion Picture yet to be released we can still hope…no matter how much in vain!

Overall:
Star Trek IV is the most successful entry in the Star Trek series. Grossing over $100 million dollars it was easily the most widely accepted Star Trek film to date. While it will forever be known as the "Whale" movie, Star Trek IV remains one of the better films in the batch. The elements of drama & comedy are tightly woven in what some consider to be the best in the series. While I really enjoyed this film, I'm still holding out for Star Trek VI & Star Trek II as the best of the series! You don't have to be a Trekkie/Trekker to enjoy STIV. It helps but you don't have to be! Its universal appeal is definitely noted & It's a well-done piece of Sci-Fi cinema that feels good going all the way down!