Synopsis

Captain Kirk’s Starfleet career enters a new chapter as a result of his most vengeful nemesis: Khan Noonien Singh, the genetically enhanced conqueror from the 20th century. Escaping from his forgotten prison, Khan and crew set their sights on both capturing Project Genesis and the utter destruction of James T. Kirk. Does an older, wiser Kirk have what it takes to stop this madman with a device that can forever alter the universe as we know it? (Note: this re-issue contains both the original theatrical release and the Director’s cut).

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan - Blu-Ray Movie Review

Specifications
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan - Movie Cover
Paramount Pictures
2016 (1982), Rated PG, 1 hour 54 minutes
Dolby TrueHD 7.1 audio, 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio
Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Ricardo Montalban
Directed by: Nicholas Meyer

Rating

Entertainment:
Video:
Audio:
Extras:

Violence: Yes
Sex: No
Language: No

Commentary

Arguably the best Trek movie of the entire franchise, this film strikes gold because it returned to its TV roots and combined great action with great characters. Nimoy almost did not sign on, as he thought Trek was dead. Montalban was afraid his accent would be ridiculed by audiences and critics alike. If Meyer had his way, Spock would have (SPOILER) stayed dead.

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In spite of all of these, the movie ended up saving the whole Trek universe and several more movies were slated to follow. The Director’s cut adds about 3 more minutes of minor dialog that fleshes out a few scenes. Is this purchase worth the upgrade from the previous release? I think if you are a fan, yes. The extras are a mix of old and new commentaries which I found…fascinating.

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan - Movie Review

When I compared this movie with my copy from a previously released 3 pack, I could not see any difference in the picture, but the 7.1 sound was a nice improvement. The fact that this release contains the Director’ cut and the theatrical version is a nice deal. Still, if you are going to replace your old copy, why not wait for the UHD version? Live long and prosper!

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan - Blu-Ray Movie

Technical

As mentioned, the PQ is very good with lots of detail, color and sound. Flesh tones are accurate, the deep reds of the uniforms are well saturated, and shadow details are excellent as well. The big upgrade is the sound with deep resonant bass and lively surround sounds. Kirk screaming, “Kaaaaaahn!” never sounded so resonant!

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Extras

Over 2 hours of extras: Commentaries, Library Computer (theatrical version), Genesis Effect: Engineering the Wrath of Khan (NEW), Production vignettes, The Star Trek Universe, Farewell tribute to Montalban, Storyboards and the theatrical trailer. James Horner talks about the musical scoring as well.

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan - Movie