Goddamn it, why can’t they leave shit alone?
On September 16th, Star Trek’s original series is returning to syndication…but remastered. New CGI effects shots, new music, etc.
Here’s a promo shot of the new CGI Enterprise:
Here’s a more detailed story at the Star Trek website. A rundown of the changes:
- Space ship exteriors – The Enterprise, as well as other starships, will be replaced with state of the art CGI-created ships. The new computer-generated Enterprise is based on the exact measurements of the original model, which now rests in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
- Show opening – The Enterprise and planets seen in the main title sequence will be redone, giving them depth and dimension for the first time.
- Galaxy shots – All the graphics of the galaxy, so frequently seen through the viewscreen on the Enterprise’s bridge, will be redone.
- Exteriors – The battle scenes, planets and ships from other cultures (notably the Romulan Bird of Prey and Klingon Battle Cruisers) will be updated.
- Background scenes – Some of the iconic, yet flat, matte paintings used as backdrops for the strange, new worlds explored by the Enterprise crew will get a CGI face-lift, adding atmosphere and lighting.
- The refurbished episodes also feature higher quality sound for the famous opening theme. The original score by Emmy Award-winning composer Alexander Courage, has been re-recorded in state-of-the-art digital stereo audio with an orchestra and a female singer belting out the famous vocals.
- The remastered episodes have been converted from the original film into a High-Definition format.
You can bet that they’ll be selling these new ones on HD-DVD when they’re done. Gotta get more money out of the Trekkies, after all.
Thankfully, the un-fucked-with versions are available on DVD. Heck, Laura and I have put them on our Amazon Wedding Registry. :)