Posts Tagged ‘Genesis Device’
April 1st, 2009 | 
Author: Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan The Directors Cut Two Disc Special Collectors Edition
Although Star Trek: The Motion Picture had been a box-office hit, it was by no means a unanimous success with Star Trek fans, who responded much more favorably to the “classic Trek” scenario of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Inspired by the “Space Seed” episode of the original TV series, the film reunites newly promoted Admiral Kirk with his nemesis from the earlier episode–the genetically superior Khan (Ricardo Montalban)–who is now seeking revenge upon Kirk for having been imprisoned on a desolated planet. Their battle ensues over control of the Genesis device, a top-secret Starfleet project enabling entire planets to be transformed into life-supporting worlds, pioneered by the mother (Bibi Besch) of Kirk’s estranged and now-adult son. While Mr. Spock mentors the young Vulcan Lt. Saavik (then-newcomer Kirstie Alley), Kirk must battle Khan to the bitter end, through a climactic starship chase and an unexpected crisis that will cost the life of Kirk’s closest friend. This was the kind of character-based Trek that fans were waiting for, boosted by spectacular special effects, a great villain (thanks to Montalban’s splendidly melodramatic performance), and a deft combination of humor, excitement, and wondrous imagination. Director Nicholas Meyer (who would play a substantial role in the success of future Trek features) handles the film as a combination of Moby Dick, Shakespearean tragedy, World War II submarine thriller, and dazzling science fiction, setting the successful tone for the Trek films that followed. –Jeff Shannon
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars It has been, and always shall be the one.
For your average hollywood studio executive, sequels must be hard. How can you basically take the first movie, expand on it and still create that first sense of wonder that connected to the audience in the first place? Well, luckily for the producers of STAR TREK II they were coming off the stone cold, steely and frankly, quite dull STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE - so, in essence - the only way was up.
However, that doesn’t really cut it. Even if ‘The Motion Picture’ was a resounding success, ‘The Wrath of Khan’ is still not only a perfect sequel, but also a perfect film. It can stand on it’s own and even if you are not a ‘trekkie’ (I don’t really consider myself one), there is plenty to enjoy in what isn’t just another addition to Gene Roddenberry’s space opera - but, an actual movie with feeling and characters you really care about.
I won’t bore you with the story. In a nutshell, it’s the usual ”evil renegade tyrant seeks revenge on our favourite band of star trekkers and a very important cast member who bites the bullet near the finale” - but, its the way the story unfolds that is the kicker. The screenplay is by far one of the better ones for this movie franchise. All of the characters are clearly defined and the villains suitably evil. The visual effects are still wonderful 20+ years on and the cinematography, production and costume design are near perfect and for James Horner’s score - well, its still as fresh and majestic today as it was when the movie first came out.
However, the real draw of this movie (for me, at least) is its dedication to the characters. The three way character arc for Kirk, Spock and McCoy is wonderful on this outing. It all really feels like these guys know each other, hang out together and would die for each other. Which, ahem - gets me to my next point: The finale. If you haven’t seen the movie, please skip this next part - however, if you have I am sure you know what I mean. The death sequence still brings tears to my eyes even now, and the way that William Shatner holds the scenes is marvellous; both heroic and helpless at the same time. The fantastic idea of having a glass shield between Kirk and Spock is a stroke of genius, thus taking away from Kirk the last chance to ”touch” his friend before he dies. It almost sums up their entire friendship in that single scene - its a poignant and sorrowful sequence.
The movie is full of these great scenes; the Kobayashi Maru segment that underpins the entire movie, the creation of the genesis planet, Shatners’ near classic ”Khaaaaaaaaan” speech, I could go on there are so many wonderful moments too numerous to mention. All in all, a great movie. Star Trek or not.
The DVD presentation is wonderful. As usual, the Trek special editions boast an excellent transfer with enhanced sound and the usual array of documentaries (Shatner is a hoot on all of them. I still don’t know if he is joking or being serious. He is a gem) and a great audio commentary from director Nicholas Meyer who truly is THE ”Trek movie” director. At such a great price, this one is the one to own. Recommended.
5 Stars A great adventure that lives up to the hype!
I had always heard his movie was the best in the series, but wasn’t sure if it could live up to the hype. I’m happy to say it did.
Each character is given their moment to shine in this finely crafted film that moves at a perfect pace to keep the audience enagaged. Best was the return of the humor between Kirk, Spock and Bones, while the villain actually posed a threat worthy of the crew’s involvement.
I am watching the series for the first time and am now looking forward to the continued adventure in The Search For Spock.
5 Stars Classic Trek!
In the aftermath of Star Trek:The Motion Picture, Star Trek II:The Wrath of Khan went back the original format established during the television series. Gene Roddenberry wanted an action packed movie. The story of the movie was basically a fight for survival.
In the beginning, Captain Spock and his cadets, were in a bridge simulator in preparation for a training cruise on the Enterprise. Admiral James Kirk would be evaluating crew performance during the cruise. The movie seen the introduction of a new character, Lieutenant Saavik. Kirstie Alley did good job in portraying the character. Robin Curtis would do a better job during Star Trek III: The Search for Spock and during her brief appearance in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. In original storyline, Saavik was to be half Vulcan, half Romulan. When her character was introduced in the movie, Saavik was a full Vulcan.
The main part of the story takes place in the Ceti Alpha star system. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, is a continuation of the Star Trek episode “The Space Seed” The late Ricardo Montalban, reprised his role as Khan in the movie and turned in an outstanding performance. In this part of the movie, the Reliant is on orbital approach to what they believe to be Ceti Alpha 6. Reliant was part of the Genesis Project. In this part of the movie, we were introduced to Kirk’s past. The affair he had with Dr. Carol Marcus and the birth of their son David. By mutual agreement, Kirk agreed to stay away. David grows up to be scientist and a research partner with his mother. While growing up, David was never informed, Captain James T. Kirk, was his father. After landing, Chekov and Terrell,are captured by Khan and his people. This is when Chekov and Terrell find out,they’re on Ceti Alpha 5. In the series, Khan and his people, were sent into exile on Ceti Alpha 5, rather than face charges of hijacking the Enterprise. Six months into their exile, the orbit of Ceti Alpha 5 was shifted when Ceti Alpha 6 exploded. Over the course of time, Khan was hoping to seek revenge on Kirk and the Enterprise. With the arrival of the Reliant, gives Khan the opportunity he was hoping for. While waiting for Reliant to be transporter range, Khan learns about the Genesis Project. Kirk is alerted of possible trouble, when Dr. Marcus attempts to contact him on the Enterprise, requesting verification of an order of Starfleet taking procession of Genesis, only to find out, their communications were being jammed. With the Enterprise, the only ship in the area, they’re ordered to active duty. Kirk’s concern, is for the training crew on the Enterprise. They were being placed in a threat situation before they were ready.
The rest of the movie, was a fight for survival. Khan ambushes the Enterprise and disables her. The ace up Kirk’s sleeve, was the Prefix Code. After making whatever repairs they could, Kirk’s concern was for Dr. Marcus and the Genesis Project. Upon arrival at the Regula I station, Kirk finds the aftermath of Khan’s anger. After finding Chekov and Terrell, Kirk makes a coded message to the Enterprise. Upon transporting inside the Regula 1 planetoid, Kirk finds Dr. Marcus, his son and the Genesis Device, only to find out, they walked into a trap. After taking Genesis, Khan was under the impression, Kirk was going to be marooned inside a dead planet. Khan was unaware of the coded message. The Enterprise was in hiding and was able to restore partial main power. Two hours later, Kirk and his party, were transported to the Enterprise.
This is where the fight for survival, get intense. Kirk knows the only way to even the fight, is to play hide & seek inside the Mutara Nebula. During their battles, both the Enterprise and the Reliant were heavily damaged. In his last attempt to destroy the Enterprise, Khan activates the Genesis device. What Khan was not aware of, Dr. David Marcus was on the bridge of the Enterprise and seen the sensor display from Spock’s science console. With Warp drive unavailable, the Enterprise tried to get away from the Reliant at best possible speed before the Genesis Device detonates. Knowing they are facing certain destruction, Spock makes the ultimate sacrifice when he makes repairs to the Warp Drive. With seconds to spare,the Enterprise escapes destruction. After knowing his wife and son are safe, Kirk has to endure the ultimate pain of losing his best friend.
The funeral ceremony was a fitting close. The special touch is when Scotty was playing Amazing Grace on the bag pipes. Their window of opportunity for the next movie, is when Spock’s burial tube passed through what remains of the Genesis Wave Radiation. During some quiet time in his quarters to grief over Spock’s death, David acknowledges that Admiral James T. Kirk, is his father and very proud of him.
Star Trek II:The Wrath of Khan, is the best of the action based movies of the Star Trek movie series involving the original crew. This was the first Star Trek movie to use George Lucas’ Industrial Light & Magic to provide the special effects for the movie. Ricardo Montalban was outstanding in reprising his role as Khan. He was being considered for the Academy Award. However, he did not make the final cut. In the Special Collector’s Edition, the edited scenes were restored to this version, including the introduction of Scotty’s nephew, Peter Preston and the scenes in Sick Bay where Scotty loses his nephew and scene between Kirk and McCoy asking the question, “How did Khan find out about Genesis?” The restored scenes, added to the storyline.
Star Trek II:The Wrath of Khan - The Director’s Cut, would be an excellent edition to anyones DVD collection. The movie is a continuation of an episode that appeared during the original series!
5 Stars Khaaaan!!!!
“Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” is the superior sequel to the turgid Motion Picture. It outshines its predecessor with its galactic adventure, and an ancient feud. Adm. Kirk learns his ex-wife (or ex-girlfriend? It’s not clear) and their son David are making the Genesis device, capable of making new life. It terraforms. There’s some family drama. Kirk’s ex is still angry about her abandonment; David is a wimpy mama’s boy. What threatens to become As the Galaxy Turns becomes adventurous when Khan Noonien Singh (a wonderfully villainous Ricardo Montalban) is awakened. Khan is a genetically engineered superman; will he finally have his revenge on Kirk?
“Wrath of Khan” has some powerful moments- from Montalban as the stylish villain to the spectacular worldmaking powers of the Genesis device. Khan sticks a particularly gross worm into Chekov’s ear (you don’t SEE anything,but the implications are hideous enough) Mr. Spock sacrifices his life for the crew.
“Wrath of Khan” is one of the superior Star Trek films. It wasn’t sequelitis! It’s an enjoyable popcorn flick.
Ricardo Montalban was a great actor and gentleman. He will be missed as a luminary on the stage and screen. (1921-2009)
5 Stars The best of what Star Trek is about….
First off, im not a hard, hard core Trekkie, but As a lifelong fan of Star Trek, ive seen almost all the series’ in the mythology (except Deep Space Nine), and ive seen most of the films, and i have to say….ill always love the original, hands down. Kirk, Spock, McCoy, all the original crew members, to me, nothing ever beats the feeling of adventure and heroism one experiences when one watches the original crew in action…i know some fans debate whos a better captain, or which series was better or worse, to me, the original started it all, and when it comes to comfortability, thats what ill take. The second film in the big screen series, “The Wrath of Khan”, demonstrates the best of what the legend of Trek is about….people. Sure, dont get me wrong, i love the spaceships, the epic battles, the alien races the crew encounter…but most of all, at its best, Star Trek is about people, and emotions, and the sense of human unity. This is what Gene Roddenbury strived for when he first thought of the idea of the saga. Essentially, its a continuation of the 1967 original series episode “Space Seed”, in which Kirk and crew meet Khan, a genetically engineered superhuman/conqueror from Earth’s past. In the film,which takes place 15 yrs later, Khan is seeking vengeance against Kirk for sending him and his followers into exile following an attempted coup against the Enterprise crew. This film was and is always one of my personal favorites due to the fact it touched on human frailty, humanity, the lust for vengeance and the sin of such lust, and most of all, the value of all against the need of just one or a few ( a bit of paraphrasing of an old Spock saying…youll know it when you hear it). The dvd itself contains lots of great features: extended director commentary, a look at the visual effects used in the film, interviews with cast and crew, etc, etc….overall, an amazing piece of pop entertainment that doesnt insult its fans, but embraces them and their love for that entertainment.
