STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES, SEASON 1 will be released exclusively on HD DVD on Nov. 20 through a joint promotion with Toshiba America Consumer Products and CBS Home Ent. This marks the first full high-def launch of STAR TREK. The 10-disc set offers a combo experience with HD DVD on one side and standard DVD on the flip side.
As part of the promotion, purchasers of the boxed set and any Toshiba HD DVD player will get an exclusive, limited edition Phaser remote control that will operate Toshiba's HD DVD players.
"To be part of bringing the pioneering episodes of the landmark STAR TREK franchise to fans is truly special," said Jodi Sally, VP of Marketing, Toshiba's Digital A/V Group. "Taking advantage of all HD DVD has to offer, STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES' will be presented with interactive capabilities and a level of visual and audio sophistication fans of the series have never experienced. With this offer fans can also get their hands on merchandise that will not be available any other way."
The leading-edge technology in Toshiba HD DVD players will enable interactive capabilities such as picture-in-picture video commentaries, the ability to compare visual effects in the re-mastered episodes vs. the originals and to take an interactive tour of the Starship Enterprise, for a detailed exploration of the ship.
"Part of the appeal of STAR TREK is the spirit of its characters to embrace and utilize cutting-edge technology," said Jeffrey Nemerovski, Vice President of Business Development for CBS Home Ent.
Meticulously remastered from the original camera negative, each classic episode is presented in pristine condition with new state-of-the-art digital visual effects and a new 5.1 soundtrack. Both the DVD and HD DVD presentations include rare on-set home movie footage, an inside perspective on what it took to transport STAR TREK into the 21st century.. Showcasing graphics with a 3D look and feel, the interactive "Starfleet Access" menu interface will allow HD viewers to activate icons on seven episodes to provide such features as picture-in-picture video commentaries and an interactive tour of the Starship Enterprise.
CBS Home Ent. manages the worldwide DVD business for the CBS Corp. across all lines of content including current hits and classic series from the CBS library, as well as new releases from Showtime Video. CBS Home Ent. products are release on the CBS DVD label.
Toshiba America Consumer Products L.L.C. is owned by Toshiba America Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corp., a world leader in high technology products with subsidiaries worldwide. Toshiba is a pioneer in HD DVD, DVD and DVD Recorder technology and a leading manufacturer of a full line of home entertainment products, including flat panel TV, combination products and portable devices. Toshiba America Consumer Products is headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey. For additional information, please visit www.tacp.toshiba.com.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
