More about this DVD  •  DVD Info  •  Movie Main Page  •  Message Board

Star Trek at its best is an allegory, a mirror held up to our society to reveal a flaw or a foible we might want to contemplate. The Undiscovered Country is such a thinly disguised allegory; it reflects the collapse of the Soviet Union, the end of the cold war, and a suggestion that letting go of residual resentments and embracing an old enemy is not only the noble course, but will ensure peaceful coexistence. The Klingon Empire becomes the surrogate for the Soviet Union; Chancellor Gorkon is the surrogate for Chairman Gorbachev; and Praxis is the surrogate for Chernobyl.

Captain James Tiberius Kirk (William Shatner) has yet to recover from the loss of his son at the hands of the Klingons. He may have saved Spock (Leonard Nimoy) from the unstable Genesis Planet, but the price was almost too much to bear. Several years later, Kirk and most of the Enterprise senior officers are due to retire, while the more junior members of the bridge crew enjoy understandable advancement. Pavel Andreievich Chekov (Walter Koenig) is now a Commander. Hikaru Sulu (George Takei) has earned a captaincy and has been given his own ship, the Excelsior, replacing Captain Styles (James Sikking) who failed to prevent Kirk's seizure of the Enterprise when Spock was lost on Genesis.

Sulu and his crew are returning from a three-year deep-space mission when they encounter a devastating blast front in deep space; it originated from the moon of Praxis, a prime Klingon energy production facility. The detonation was so intense that most of the moon's mass simply vaporized. The impact on the Klingon Empire is severe, provoking an unprecedented request for assistance. Through diplomatic channels, Chancellor Gorkon (David Warner) requests to meet with representatives of the United Federation of Planets to seek a formal state of peace and mutual cooperation.

Spock, following in his father's diplomatic footsteps - Vulcan Ambassador Sarek (Mark Lenard) - acts in the capacity of special envoy to arrange the historic meeting. He volunteers Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise to escort Gorkon's ship through Federation space. Kirk is not pleased; his antipathy toward the Klingons is unrelenting and he can't understand how Spock could have the audacity to "vouch" for him. Spock, ever logical but with a dry wit born of his having come to terms with his humanity, explains, "There is an old Vulcan proverb, ‘Only Nixon can go to China.' " Kirk is left with little choice but to accept Star Fleet's orders.

Kirk and Spock are once again aboard the Enterprise with Commander Leonard H. McCoy, M.D. (DeForest Kelley), Captain Montgomery Scott (James Doohan), Commander Nyota Uhura (Nichelle Nichols), and Commander Andreievich Chekov (Walter Koenig). Joining them is Lieutenant Valeris (Kim Cattrall), Spock's Vulcan protege. But political forces unwilling to accept anything that even hints of an alliance between the Klingons and the Federation are at work. Sabotage, assassination, and the diversion of blame taint the voyage. Kirk and McCoy allow themselves to be arrested by the Klingons to avoid further bloodshed. They are tried and convicted of a crime they did not commit, and are exiled to the Klingon penal colony of Rura Penthe, a dilithium mine from which none have ever returned. It's left to the remaining crew of the Enterprise to save their officers, discover the truth, prevent further violence, and ensure a lasting peace.

Meyer's deft touch may be seen best during a diplomatic dinner, reluctantly suggested by Kirk, onboard the Enterprise while en route to the conference. Lubricated by Romulan ale, tensions remain high. One of Gorkon's party is Chief of Staff General Chang (Christopher Plummer, gleefully chewing on the scenery), a sardonic warrior with a patch that's riveted to his skull to cover an eye undoubtedly lost in battle. He toys with the Star Fleet officers, spouting confrontational quotes from Shakespeare in the Klingon tongue (hence "the undiscovered country"). It's clear that he has no more love for humans than Kirk has for Klingons.

By the time of this production, many of the cast have gained enough weight to be discharged as unfit from any military service. But their ages and conditions are just additional grist for Meyer's lighthearted approach. The characters have become so comfortable with their alter egos that they easily poke fun at themselves while avoiding any disrespect. The Undiscovered Country is a mystery, an allegory, and a well-structured sci-fi action-adventure. Despite some plot holes and such silliness as a paper flipchart in the year 2293, for my money it's the best of the six.

Video: How Does The Disc Look?

The film is presented on this DVD set in a terrific anamorphic video transfer in an aspect ratio of about 2.0:1 - somewhat taller than was shown theatrically, where I believe it was 2.35:1. There has been expressed elsewhere some consternation concerning this DVD's aspect ratio, but Paramount's Martin Blythe assures us that, "...the transfer was supervised and approved by Nick Meyer and the aspect ratio is approx[imately] 2:1 at his direction." Based on the location of the film's English subtitles of alien tongues (not to be confused with the DVD's subtitles), my impression is that the image was opened up by exposing more of the bottom of the Super 35 frame. Was this done to accommodate the text commentary, which is seen below the film's subtitles? Or were the film's subtitles moved up for the DVD to make room for the text commentary and the framing is actually moved up and down depending on the scene? Or, perhaps what we see here is the solution to the bad framing in the original non-anamorphic release in which the film's subtitles extended below the 16:9 frame?

Regardless of what the answers may be, I'm delighted to report that this DVD's splendid video puts to shame every aspect of the recycled transfer Paramount Home Entertainment offered us almost exactly five years ago. Small object detail is outstanding. In a wide shot of Spock and Kirk having words immediately after the mission briefing, Nimoy's facial features are quite small but still completely recognizable. Fine textures, like the weaves of the uniform fabrics are quite clear. Color rendition is exceptional. The deep red of the Star Fleet tunics and the pastel shirts and matching shoulder straps are conveyed vividly to the screen without a hint of smearing or color noise. Flesh tones are accurate throughout. Shadow detail in some of the darker scenes, such as in Spock's quarters or in Sickbay when a conspirator is uncovered, suffer from a slight black crush. But that small flaw is completely acceptable since the one aspect of the video that helps create the illusion of film is outstanding; halos are not present. This is an extremely good transfer that is very film- like.

Audio: How Does The Disc Sound?

The Dolby Digital 5.1 track has not improved quite as much as the video. There are still no shimmering highs or sphincter stimulating lows. The score's strings don't exhibit expected airiness, nor do the walls shake when ships explode. Cliff Eidelman's original score is quite fine (although I prefer James Horner's Star Trek efforts, then Jerry Goldsmith's) and is presented with a pleasing fidelity across a broad soundstage. Surround effects are used judiciously, but frequently sound like identical signals are being sent to the surround channels; do not enable EX decoding or the surround field will collapse frequently to the center surround. Sound effects are slightly compressed. Dialog remains completely intelligible throughout. My impression is that, with the exception of small changes due to minor edits in the film, this may be the same track as the original release.

A second English track in Dolby Surround 2.0 is included, and the alternate language is French, also in Dolby Surround 2.0. The audio is supported by English Subtitles and Closed Captions.

Supplements: What Goodies Are There?

Disc one contains two commentaries. One is a feature-length audio commentary by screenwriter/director Nicholas Meyer and co- screenwriter Denny Martin Flynn. They discuss the origins of the story and delve frequently into the real world politics that drove the plot. They sometimes wax philosophic about the allegorical approach. Meyer is a man of great conviction and one who has a specific worldview. I would have appreciated more anecdotes from the set and more technical information about the shoot, but this is a literate commentary that I enjoyed. The Text Commentary is by Denise and Michael Okuda. It overflows with trivia that inform and humorously snide remarks about plot details, continuity errors, and plot holes that amuse. If you can timeshare your senses, running both commentaries at the same time will provide the most comprehensive view of the film.

The remaining extras may be found on disc two, and they're a quite mix of new and original supplements. First is The Perils of Peacemaking (26:31), in which contemporary history's view of the collapse of the Soviet Union is examined in the context of the plot of Undiscovered Country. Nicholas Meyer and Leonard Nimoy are heard, as are political scientist Angela Stent and Dennis Ross, a former ambassador now associated with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

Stories from Star Trek VI offers six featurettes with a thoughtful Play All option that I recommend. It Started With a Story (9:44) offers the views of Nicholas Meyer, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Christopher Plummer, Denny Martin Flynn, producer Ralph Winter, and others about the evolution of Star Trek VI. Prejudice (5:02) addresses the discomfort the cast felt having to express deep prejudice in a future where prejudice was supposed to have been replaced by galactic tolerance. Brock Peters' understandable discomfort is highlighted. Director Nicholas Meyer (5:57) is a pleasant little tribute by the cast to the best writer/director in the Star Trek film universe. Shakespeare and General Chang (5:52) places the focus on Christopher Plummer. He voices his preference for the meatier and more interesting roles of villains and discusses Meyer's literate weaving of Shakespeare into the mix. Some of the other cast members also may be heard describing working with Plummer. Bringing It to Life (23:25) highlights the contributions of production designer Herman Zimmerman and score composer Cliff Eidelman). And Farewell & Goodbye (7:03) offers the cast and crew a poignant opportunity to describe their feelings about the last day of filming. Meyer intentionally scheduled the film's closing sequence on the bridge for the last day of principle photography to capture the players' projected feelings, knowing that this was very likely the end of their long run.

The Star Trek Universe provides a choice of five featurettes. In Conversations with Nicholas Meyer (9:31), the writer/director describes how he came to be involved in Star Trek as the ultimate outsider. He talks about his writings and the art of film. Klingons: Conjuring the Legend (20:44) traces the history and evolutionary appearance of Klingons, from the original television series to contemporary films and the newest TV series. I can recall a clever Deep Space Nine episode in which time travel to the events of The Trouble with Tribbles causes Sisko to poses the unasked question of why the Klingons looked as they did. If I recall properly, Worf simply rumbled, "Don't ask." Klingon players, William Campbell, Michael Westmore, Dan Curry and Michael Dorn weigh in. Federation Operatives (4:52) demonstrates how players can find themselves repeatedly in the Star Trek universe. David Warner, Kurtwood Smith, Brock Peters, Michael Dorn, Rene Auberjonois, Darryl Henriques, John Shuck, Morgan Sheppard, Grace Lee Whitney, Michael Bofshever, Jeremy Roberts, and Tom Morga all have had multiple experiences and we're shown just what they were. Penny's Toy Box (6:05) is an informative tour by Paramount archivist Penny Juday of a locked prop storage area. The most interesting aspect of this short is the tackiness of props that appear so convincingly onscreen. Together Again (4:56) reveals that William Shatner and Christopher Plummer have a shared history. We discover how they worked together decades ago in Canada and what it was like for them to work together again.

The next section is a selection of two shorts; it's called Farewell. Here you'll find DeForest Kelley: A Tribute (13:18), an affectionate remembrance of the third member of the principle Star Trek triumvirate who died from stomach cancer in 1999 at the age of 79. The short traces his career - dominated by westerns - and offers insights from those who've worked with him, including Nicholas Meyer, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Harve Bennett, Christopher Plummer, and many more.

It's interesting to note that the four "second tier" principles didn't participate in any of the newly produced supplements. They did, however manage to write tell-all books that weren't very flattering to the their former captain. James Doohan wrote "Beam me up, Scotty: Star Trek's ‘Scotty' -- In His Own Words"; Walter Koenig authored "Warped Factors: A Neurotic's Guide To The Universe"; Nichelle Nichols wrote "Beyond Uhura: Star Trek And Other Memories", and George Takei was responsible for "To The Stars: The Autobiography Of George Takei." Anyone for some bridge burning? On this DVD, they (along with the three "first tier" players and guest star, Iman) may be seen in their Original Interviews that were taped long before their books were published. Captured on what looks like the set of Undiscovered Country, the interviews run: 5:04 (William Shatner); 6:25 (Leonard Nimoy); 5:02 (DeForest Kelley); 5:32 (James Doohan); 5:38 (Nichelle Nichols); 5:27 (George Takei); 5:30 (Walter Koenig); and 5:06 (Iman). The costumed players answer unheard questions displayed for the viewer on placards.

Promotional Materials includes a Teaser Trailer (1:29), a Theatrical Trailer (2:23), and a special sneak peek at a 1991 Star Trek Convention by the witty Nicholas Meyer (4:49). In the Archives you'll find Production Gallery (3:24), a nice montage of behind the scenes clips that range from the application of makeup to observing rehearsals on the set to lining up for a craft services meal. It's shown without narration. Finally, we have four storyboard sequences for Praxis, Assassins, Rura Penthe, and an omitted scene of Leaving Spacedock. The supplement disc offers subtitles in English and French.

The 113-minute feature is organized into fifteen chapters.

DVD-ROM Exclusives: What do you get when you pop the disc in your PC?

There are no DVD-ROM features on this DVD set.

Parting Thoughts

This is a very satisfying last act for the original crew of the Enterprise. Is it perfect? Of course not. Walter Koenig is forced to make a fool of himself as Chekov confronts a suspect. Some of Kirk's quips are as moan-inducing as C3PO's in Attack of the Clones. And the film doesn't adhere to Star Trek's own rules... It's a good thing for Captain Sulu that Kirk got himself in trouble. If Sulu hadn't been forced to bring the Excelsior to Warp, it would never have been seen again, since it was traveling at only full impulse from Beta quadrant to Alpha Quadrant.