The always delightful Nichelle Nichols joined the hosts of CNN American Morning to discuss tonight’s premiere of Rod Roddenberry’s documentary, Trek Nation.
Trek Nation, the long-awaited documentary narrated and produced by Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, son of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, premieres tonight on Science Channel at 8 PM E/P.
The documentary follows Roddenberry on a journey to understand who his father is an d the impact Star Trek had on it has impacted it’s fans.
In addition to the documentary, Nichols also discussed Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and the franchise’s 45th anniversary.
Trek Nation, the long-awaited documentary narrated and produced by Rod Roddenberry, son of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, premieres tonight on Science Channel.
The documentary takes an in-depth look at how Star Trek creation has affected the lives of people around the world, for more than 40 years.
Those interviewed for the film include George Lucas, J.J. Abrams, Ronald D. Moore, Nichelle Nichols, Patrick Stewart and several more.
Trek Nation airs tonight (November 30th) at 8PM E/P on the Science Channel.
Watch some of the deleted scenes, as part of a Youtube series, entitled The Director’s Log, with Trek Nation Director Scott Colthorp, below.
So here we are, another Thanksgiving over and the Christmas decorations already gathering their third month of dust down at the local department store, and you haven’t done any gift shopping, have you? (Before you head down to the comments, no, that popcorn tin you impulse-purchased at the grocery store for some coworker you ever barely talk to does not count).
Darn good thing, then, that TrekNews.net is here to help you with at least one person on your list: The die-hard Star Trek fan.
… or multiple people on your list, if your social circle is extremely cool.
Let’s start at the top, with the most obvious sites, and work our way down, shall we?
Star Trek Official Store
So you want to get your friend/family member/coworker/dungeon master their own Starfleet uniform, but sizing is a pain and there are so many eras to choose from! What if you pick a Dominion War -era DS9 uniform when they’re looking for some Wrath of Khan cranberry duds? Plus, sizing can be a pain in the rear (literally). So make it easy for yourself and pick up a Star Trek Robe from the Official Store: comfortable, functional, and machine washable! Plus: “100% cotton velour.” Oh yeah.
Roddenberry Shop
Alright, you know the robe will be a hit, but let’s be honest: there actually IS one type of Starfleet uniform that everyone can get excited about… that everyone can wear, regardless of species, gender, or temporal orientation. And that uniform is ” THE SKANT. So pop on over to the Roddenberry Shop and purchase a pattern so your crafty Trekker pal can create their own skant(s)… which can be conveniently covered by the aforementioned robe.
ThinkGeek
Now that your gift givee is decked out in style, it’s time to get practical. The holidays are over and ain’t NOBODY gonna want to cook again until at least February. Normally, that would mean a lot of take-out, but maybe your friend doesn’t want to leave the house for some (not skant related) reason. That means pizza… and that means they’ll need the Enterprise Pizza Cutter.
To make that pizza meal even classier, you can add the Star Trek Bar Set from…
Imagine this person, sporting the skant and bathrobe; slicing a pizza with the saucer section of a Constitution-class starship before using a Bird-of-Prey to uncork their Two Buck Chuck; all with the aroma of “Cowboy Diplomacy” wafting past that Klingon Mr. Potato Head in the corner.
“Qapla’” indeed, baby.
CafePress
Alright, that got a little heavy. This person might be a family member, I’m sorry. Let’s take things down a notch, relax with some tea… possibly in this “Tea, Earl Grey, Hot” mug. Complete with LCARS graphics and replicator imagery, it might not be screen accurate… but I doubt even Livingston would care. Just the thing to wrap up this list (and your shopping).
… oh, and those sites also sell other Star Trek stuff too. In case you don’t think the pattern for a skant would be right for EVERYONE on your list. For me, though… let’s just say I hope my family isn’t reading this week. Might ruin the surprise.
What Star Trek gifts are on your list this year? Tell us in the comments.
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home celebrates its 25th anniversary today. Its premiere provided fans with many great collectibles. In celebration of Star Trek IV, TrekNews.net presents a look at some of the best collectibles from the film.
Interestingly, travelling back in time to learn about Star Trek IV merchandise, appropriate considering the motif of the movie itself, also provides a lesson in 1980s trends and zeitgeist.
From LPs to plastic cups, Star Trek IV collectibles represent both a science fiction future and a real past.
Star Trek IV Coca-Cola Cup
The Coca Cola Star Trek IV plastic cup was available at local theaters with a purchase of a soft drink.
The Star Trek IV soundtrack was available on CD, LP, or audio tape.
Star Trek IV Magazines & Comics
Starlog celebrated the premiere of The Voyage Home with publications such as The Official Movie Magazine and The Official Poster Magazine.
Speaking of magazines, Star Trek and Leonard Nimoy graced Newsweek in 1986.
DC Comics, then the licensee for Star Trek, provided fans with a comic book adaptation of the movie
Australian Trekkers had a very unusual movie poster that was also used in some other nations. Today, these are collector’s items worldwide.
Fantasy Trading Card Company offered a unique set of Star Trek IV trading cards which had no text on the front and featured a plain white border. Rittenhouse Archives, the modern Star Trek trading card licensee, has released Star Trek IV cards when featuring movie themed sets, including autographed cards of some of the stars.
Star Trek IV Audiobook on LP
In an example of times gone by, films used to often have “books on tape” versions for younger fans. Star Trek IV had an edited version available on record and tape from Buena Vista.
Star Trek IV Plate from Hamilton Collectibles
The Star Trek IV plate was actually available as an item from The Hamilton Collection’s “The Movies” plates.
Spock & Kirk Star Trek IV figures from Diamond Select
Exemplifying the popularity of Star Trek IV, the movie finally got its first action figures in 2009 from Diamond Select Toys.
Other items from the last few years, including rare photos from WilliamShatner.com from Star Trek IV and film cells framed with a photo from Film Cells Ltd, have been available from Star Trek IV.
Many of the stars from the film attend conventions, such as Catherine Hicks. Fans are able to get autographs on Star Trek IV memorabilia and photos.
1976 Chevrolet Truck used in the filming of Star Trek IV
And arguably the most unusual collectible, the Volo Museum in Illinois recently auctioned the 1976 Chevy truck from Star Trek IV used to ferry Admiral Kirk, Spock, Gillian Taylor, and a pizza in the film!
BONUS:
In 1985, my parents happened to be at the Monterey Bay Aquarium on a day Paramount was filming Star Trek IV. I was a student back then and did not go on that vacation with my parents. Knowing of my love of Star Trek, my father and mother spent their day at the aquarium filming actors for their son back home instead of enjoying their vacation. In a genuine expression of how times have changed, and because there was no Internet then as a source of video sharing, the film crew did not mind if people filmed the action. Here is some of the video that my parents filmed. You will hear my father’s voice as he excitedly tells me about the actors. Enjoy!
It’s official. The heavily anticipated Star Trek sequel will be released on May 17, 2013, the pre-Memorial Day Weekend.
As first reported by Deadline, Sony moved the release date of Roland Emmerich’s Singularity from May 17th to November 1st, leaving the weekend open for J.J. Abrams’ second Star Trek film.
Originally scheduled for June 29, 1012, the sequel will come four years after the first film, which was released back on May 8, 2009. The previous release date has since been given to another sequel, G.I. Joe: Retaliation.
While a title has yet to be announced, actor Benicio del Toro has been rumored to possibly play the main villain of the film, which will also reassemble the 2009 cast, including Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, John Cho and Anton Yelchin.
J.J. Abrams on the set of ‘Star Trek’ in 2009
As we previously reported, the film will begin shooting on January 15, 2012. JJ Abrams’ team of Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof are currently working on a draft of the film to ensure their vision and the budget set by Paramount match up. Production Designer, Scott Chambliss will again lead the design team for the film.
While it’s been rumored for weeks, it has yet to be confirmed that Benicio del Toro was in the running for the role of the main villain of the Star Trek sequel.
Until today.
In a recent interview with MTV News, Star Trek Director, J.J. Abrams shed some light on the possibility of a role for Del Toro in the film.
“Well, we’re just in negotiations, we’re in discussions. It’s not even negotiations—just in discussion. But I would love to work with him. I’ve wanted to work with him for years, and this felt like a good opportunity.” Abrams told MTV.
He wouldn’t comment on what the role would be, but many suspect Del Toro could potentially play the ultimate Trek villain, Khan Noonien Singh.
“It’s too early to talk about what the role is, but he’s such an amazing actor. He’s so versatile. He could sort of do anything.”
“Except play Uhura. I wouldn’t buy that.” he joked.
“As soon as we know who it’s going to be — and I’d love it to be him — that’ll be public knowledge,” he said.
Chris Pine won over a great deal of skeptical fans in 2009 with his portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk in J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek reboot. Prior to the film’s release, fans questioned if anyone could replace William Shatner, in a role he’s so well identified with.
In a recent interview, Pine discussed the possibilities of Shatner returning for the sequel, which is scheduled to hit theaters in 2013.
“It just isn’t, quite honestly, my decision to make.” Pine said. “I think Mr. Shatner will forever be Captain Kirk. I think it would be, certainly, an interesting thing to bring him back. I don’t know if he necessarily wants to at this point or not. But it’s not my decision.”
Pine went on to discuss the first time he met Shatner.
“It was great. It was a very brief moment. It was at his charity event, so it had nothing to do with us meeting. It was more about raising money for his charity. But he was a lovely guy, really complimentary and very nice.”
With Leonard Nimoy returning as Spock (Prime) in the 2009 film, what do you think about a Shatner return in the upcoming sequel? Tell us what you think in the comments.
William Shatner & Chris Pine filming ‘The Captains’
Just as he did last year, William Shatner appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live to promote “National UnFriend Day,” which took place last Thursday, November 17th.
“It happens to everyone, but you never though it’d happen to you. You’ve been ‘unfriended’.” Shatner joked as he hosted a mock PSA called “Steps to Unfriending Recovery.”
The segment comically walks through the emotional process of being “unfriended” on Facebook, noting how you will no longer see the former friend’s updates or Farmville requests. Shatner describes the emotions a Facebook users will go through after being “unfriended.” Those emotions, according to the video, include denial, anger, depression and acceptance.
“Know that I will never UnFriend you.” Shatner said as he closed the segment. “For as a logical man once said ‘I have been and always will be your friend.” he added as he gave the Vulcan salute.
Watch the entire PSA, below.
Jimmy Kimmel Live airs weeknights on ABC at 12/11c.
On his personal website, Star Trek consultant and designer, Michael Okuda discussed the work currently being done by CBS to remaster Star Trek: The Next Generation for release on Blu-ray next year.
As we reported previously, the first remastered offering, a sampler disc entitled Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Next Level, is scheduled to be released on January 31, 2012.
“Although the series itself was shot on 35mm movie film, the film was transferred to standard-definition video for all editing and visual effects work. This means that the finished show existed only in standard def video: This was great for 1987 television, but not-so-great if you watch it on a high-def screen.” Okuda wrote. “To remedy the situation, CBS is painstakingly rescanning the original film negatives and reassembling the episodes in high definition. We’re frankly amazed at the amount of work it takes to do this, but we think the results are well worth it.”
“The studio is also biting the bullet and rebuilding all of the show’s visual effects, using the original film elements wherever possible. We’re proud to be working with CBS on this project, helping to preserve the artistry of the original production designers, cinematographers, visual effects creators, and everyone else who worked so hard on that show.” he wrote.
“The great news is that the show looks fabulous in HD, which reveals so much of the elegant design work, craftsmanship, and photography that had been lost to the murkiness of standard def television. The groundbreaking Enterprise-D, so startling to those of us who grew up with Kirk’s original ship, shines more beautifully than ever. The debut release of Star Trek: TNG on Blu-ray is a sampler disk titled The Next Level.”
The sampler disc is currently available for preorder on Amazon for $15.99.
June 4th 2012 marks the 30th anniversary of the release of Nicholas Meyer’s Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.
To celebrate the “Khaniversary,” Titan Merchandise will be releasing a new maxi bust in their limited edition Star Trek Masterpiece Collection: Khan!
At 8” tall, the three quarter length bust includes a likeness of Ricardo Montalban’s unforgettable movie version of Khan and will retail for about $75 (US).
Look for the bust to go on preorder soon for a June 2012 release.
Every detail, from Khan’s memorable glove to Starfleet pendant are included.
Captain Kirk himself, William Shatner appeared on CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight, last Friday. During the interview Shatner discussed the longevity of his career, his new book, “Shatner Rules,” his role on Star Trek, his love of comedy, acting, writing and singing.
“I don’t feel 80 and I don’t know how to deal with that” Shatner said.
“I’m in torment. I’m in terror. I’m terrified.” Shatner jokingly remarked about his fear of dying.
When posed with the question of what he enjoys above everything else, Shatner said “I like making people laugh.”
“Making people laugh is a joyful occupation,” said Shatner.
He went on to discuss his time as Captain Kirk and how that role has shaped not just his career, but his entire life.
Shatner said he still enjoys doing Star Trek conventions and isn’t worried that he’ll be most remembered for his role on the show.
“My legacy is my wife and my children and my grandchildren,” he said.
Discussing his relationship with his former castmates [aside from Leonard Nimoy], Shatner said “They’re trying to sell a book,”.
Shatner said his former castmates feelings toward him took him by surprise. “I thought I was loved.” he remarked.
“I think he’s an admirable man and a great human being.” Shatner said of his friendship with Leonard Nimoy.
Shatener, who still does several Star Trek conventions every year, said when he walks into a convention there’s “fifteen thousand people going crazy and you’re in front of them and you don’t know what you’re going to say next.”
He said he used to get irked when fans would ask him to say “Beam me up, Scotty,” but he now embraces it.
Discussing his use of Twitter to interact with fans, Shatner said “I don’t physically tweet, I have people who tweet,”.
“It’s a new facet to our civilization” he said about Twitter.
Watch Shatner discuss Priceline.com from the interview, below.
