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Time To Upgrade Star Trek V? Feature May Be Worth Revisiting In Light of TOS Remastered Efforts - You Be The Judge!

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By GustavoLeao / 14:10, 5 November 2006 / TrekWeb Features

With the success of the upgraded CGI effects for the remastered version on The Original Series now airing on syndication, why not reconsider upgrading one of most troubled productions in the history of the franchise? This is a re-post of TrekWeb's comprehensive article concerning the lost vision for Star Trek V's effects.

Star Trek V The Final Frontier remains to many Trek fans the movie franchise's 'disappointing failure'. But as originnally imagined and filmed by director William Shatner, The Final Frontier was to be one of the most visually exciting Trek movies yet. But the unexpected substandard special effects delivered by the FX company 'Bran Ferren And Associates' and a shrinking budget left many of the most exciting and filmed sequences of the movie unrealized and in the cutting room floor. So this is the case of the original filmed ending, abandoned due to the lack of budget and the unconvicing FX.



Originally, after the discovery that the "Sha Ka Ree alien" is not God, Sybok leaps against him, and both of them dissapear within the shaft of light as fire fills the sky. Kirk orders the Enterprise to fire and the torpedo explodes the 'God Altar' creating a huge crater. As Kirk, Spock and McCoy make a run for it, they begin hearing a horrible shrieking sound, that turns to be numerous living rockmen creatures spewing from the torpedo crater (when the final cost of the rockman costume was calculated, the production was limited to a single creature, and when the single creature did not look convincing on film, it was cut from the film completely - see an image of the test footage for the Rockman creature below).



Once the trio are inside the Copernicus shuttlecraft, Spock is unable to take off as the rockmen have arrived and torn apart the thruster units. Cut to the Enterprise, as Mr. Scotty beams Spock and McCoy on board, but when he activates the transporter for Kirk, he beams aboard a rockman who has grabbed the captain's communicator. Freaking, Scotty pick ups a hand phaser and destroys the creature, but by doing so, he also accidentally destroys the transporter console - there is no way to bring Kirk up. (When the Rockman was cut from the movie, this scene was later re-shot and re-edit in post production to include the attack of the klingons on the Enterprise and the destruction of the transporter by a photon torperdo. Also, the destruction of the shuttle by the rockman and Kirk fight with him was replaced by a badly edited scene of Kirk running from the 'God-head' beams).

Back on the planet, Kirk is being pursued by the rockmen. He fleeclimbs a small mountain and reaches the top. Armed with a hand phaser, he shoots at many creatures as he can, but their number are legion and the phaser fire only makes them hotter and smoking.

Then, the Bird-of-Prey decloacks, the machine gun phaser weapon lowers into frame and fires multiple shots at the rockman and blows it apart. Kirk stares at the ship and begins firing the hand phasers at the vessel, but is transported aboard. The rest of the film plays out as did in the final version, but this was certainly a more exciting finale to such an intense build-up.

"I look at Star Trek V with mixed emotions" screenwriter David Loughery told journalist Edward Gross in 1990. "The FX turned to out to be very disappointing, and this was a movie that we really needed them to put us over the top story-wise. Especially at the climax with the horde of rock gargolyes. You don't ever like to say that because you don't want to think that a movie is dependent on special FX. Certainly, Star Trek is the kind of thing where the FX play less of a role than the characters and the story, but I think that the story we were telling this time, at least at the movie's end, very much needed unique and convincing special FX to make those story points work. Those FX don't quite deliver, and in some cases, it looked a little shoddy and ludicrous".



So, though the 'God Altar' set was constructed as planned, the visual effects that were to take place whitin it to pay off much of what had been set up in the script remained unrealized, due to Bran Ferren's flawed special effects.

With the sucess of Special Editions on DVD and the popularity of the format, plus the success of the reworking and upgrading the FX for the Star Trek The Motion Picture Director's Edition DVD and the TOS remastered episodes, perhaps it's time for Paramount and William Shatner to revisit Star Trek V The Final Frontier and restore many of the film's lost sequences with the use of state-of-the-art CGI effects (which can not only create the legion of rock gargolyes and the fire on Sha Ka Ree's sky, but correct the poorly lit and matted FX sequences, especially Kirk's fall from El Capitan and the Enterprise warp effect and battle scenes) thus giving the troubled production the rewarding place its deserves in the Trek franchise.



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Come On | Report this post to moderator
By: IamKirok!!! (Odo's file, contact) @ 17:13:32 on Nov 24, 2006

Dude, I don't care if ILM is hired for an unlimited budget. The movie had "ROCK MEN." It was a nice concept that was just destroyed by bad plotting and bad directing. The Klingons were ridiculous. The whole peace planet idea was Mad Max-not Trek. Sybok taking over the ship was handled without any suspense whatsoever. It had some nice moments, but it had ROCK MEN. It sucked.


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RE: Come On by GustavoLeao @ 12:08:00 on Nov 25

Trek 5 SE | Report this post to moderator
By: Penfold (Odo's file, contact) @ 10:00:23 on Nov 12, 2006

Well, as a casual Trekker, this now explains where the rockman scenes in Galaxy Quest came from. :-)


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RE: Trek 5 SE by jrbindfw @ 12:36:03 on Dec 08
RE: Trek 5 SE by jrbindfw @ 12:35:45 on Dec 08

Great idea . . . | Report this post to moderator
By: El4short (Odo's file, contact, web site) @ 20:26:20 on Nov 07, 2006

Like many others posted below, I agree that there's a fine movie in ST V buried within the bad effects. The character moments are some of my favorites in the entire series (yes, I love all the campfire scenes, and DeForest Kelley acted his heart out in the scene where he relives his father's death with Sybok). Kirk's "I need my pain" speech is a great moment for our favorite captain, and very true to the character. It's a very thoughtful movie, despite the cheese here and there.

Man, I hope they consider this idea -- it would be a shame if Paramount misses the opportunity. I'd buy a "remastered" DVD in a heartbeat (and I already own the "special edition" DVD). From a marketing standpoint, the timing does indeed seem perfect. I hope someone shares all these thoughts with the powers-that-be.

Now if we could get that Shatner cameo as Kirk in ST XI ...


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Can updated FX really save V? | Report this post to moderator
By: ds93 (Odo's file, contact, web site) @ 20:02:55 on Nov 07, 2006

First off I agree the effects in TFF certainly could use upgrading. But is that really enough to redeem the film?

David Loughery is quoted as sayng:
Quote:
The FX turned to out to be very disappointing, and this was a movie that we really needed them to put us over the top story-wise.

But then he treads on his own tail by saying:
Quote:
You don't ever like to say that because you don't want to think that a movie is dependent on special FX. Certainly, Star Trek is the kind of thing where the FX play less of a role than the characters and the story,

The point here is a good Trek story should never be dependant on FX. Do you honestly think the Original Series would ever have become so popular as to spawn the franchise it has if it was dependant on FX to tell its story.

So what was the story of TFF? A radical, borderline-psychotic Vulcan hijacks an unfinished Enterprise-A to go to the centre of the galaxy in search of what he believes is God, only to discover it's a monster some force had deliberately imprisoned there.

Okay. What's the point of the story?

I really don't think that some fixed-up footage of rock monsters, which look pretty pathetic in the raw footage on the Spec Ed. DVD btw, is really going to help the storyline.

Don't get me wrong TFF is far from the worst Trek story out there (Generations or Nemesis for instance), but I'm just saying that getting all hyped up over the prospect of updated special effects improving story isn't worth it,

Harkening back to the David Loughery quote, a good Trek story ought to be able to stand on it's own, without the need to rely on FX.

Now, all that being said, if Paramount ever does get the gumption to let Shatner fix TFF, I probably will buy it, because HEY, it's TREK.

P.S. to the person who commented on the campfire scene: That's one of the better scenes in Trek, because it's a true character scene between the Original Series Top 3: Kirk, Spock and Bones.


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RE: Can updated FX really save V? by Cylykon @ 01:33:13 on Nov 10
    RE: Can updated FX really save V? by ds93 @ 19:21:46 on Nov 10

The Rockman Footage | Report this post to moderator
By: GustavoLeao (Odo's file, contact, web site) @ 12:51:36 on Nov 07, 2006 | Edit History (1)

A photo of Kirk fighting the Rockman can be found here

The photo (from the book The Art of Star Trek) proves the footage exists and can be upgraded.

Gustavo

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TrekWeb.com Supervising Editor



gustavo@trekweb.com


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This Should Already Be in the Works | Report this post to moderator
By: Lord Edzo (Odo's file, contact) @ 11:51:02 on Nov 07, 2006

Given Mr. Shatner's incredible popularity, Paramount should already be knocking down his door and begging him to throw them a guaranteed Star Trek "boner."

Shatner's currently on two TV shows, in Priceline commercials and as Kirk in another commercial, and in radio ads ... Paramount should be pleading for a piece of him! Total creative control ... I can see him relishing the chance to correct and finish what may be his last professional contribution to Star Trek. And what a way to go!

I don't think there's even one visual effect that doesn't need fixing. It would be an incredible task, but well-worth the trouble. And it would get Star Trek back in the news with something positive.

So get going on this already, Paramount! You wanna make some money? You want Star Trek fan boys drooling with excitement again? You want a great lead-in for the next Star Trek movie? This is the way to go. Don't f*** it up.

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LORD EDZO

Imperious Leader - Paramount Ruler - Master and Commander


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RE: This Should Already Be in the Works by plasmaboy @ 12:52:21 on Nov 07

I always thought there was a decent movie in there | Report this post to moderator
By: rowboat (Odo's file, contact) @ 17:30:25 on Nov 06, 2006

I think with some editing and yeah, the special effects, it could be a really fine film. There are some good moments in there- off the top of my head I am thinking of McCoy's visit with Spock's brother (forgot his name).

I also liked the big nautical steering wheel in that movie. Nice touch.

--------

It's time to separate the weak from the chafed, the men from the boys, the awkwardly feminine from the possibly Canadian.


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RE: I always thought there was a decent movie in there by Grizzlor @ 20:18:00 on Nov 06
    RE: I always thought there was a decent movie in there by Cylykon @ 01:36:52 on Nov 10
RE: I always thought there was a decent movie in there by Endeavour @ 19:07:48 on Nov 06
RE: I always thought there was a decent movie in there by Endeavour @ 19:07:40 on Nov 06

RE: Didn't Shatner try to do this a couple of years ago? | Report this post to moderator
By: Merlinus Ambrosius (Odo's file, contact) @ 17:15:27 on Nov 06, 2006

Why do I get the feeling that you think 2001 is a boring movie as well....

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Nos fecisti ad te et inquietum est

cor nostrum donec requiescat in te


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Stop stop there'll be no siinging here! | Report this post to moderator
By: MikeNinNH (Odo's file, contact) @ 13:18:46 on Nov 06, 2006

Only if they can edit out the fireside singing of "Row Your Boat" - to me, one of the most painful to watch scenes in all Trekdom. PLEASE.

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"Who are you, and how did you get in here??"

"I'm a locksmith, and... I'm a locksmith".

- "Police Squad"


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RE: Stop stop there'll be no siinging here! by Cylykon @ 01:38:21 on Nov 10

Time for the Fans to Take Action? | Report this post to moderator
By: The Magrathean (Odo's file, contact) @ 13:10:29 on Nov 06, 2006 | Edit History (1)

While I understand where some people arguing against this idea are coming from, I think there's a great chance for improving TFF here. I'm against a lot of the updates that have been done to classics that didn't really need them, like Episode IV, but TFF's special effects looked dated and cheap when the movie was first released. Just fixing that would help.

And I'd love to see the movie the way Shatner originally envisioned it. I don't know that adding rock monsters would necessarily make the movie a fantastic one, but it would still be an improvement over what we got.

Does anybody remember how when the Lord of the Rings trilogy first came out, fans donated funds and got credits in the DVD release? It seems like something similar could be done here, if Paramount was just too cheap to pony up the dough. Granted, you would still need Paramount's permission, and the fundraising should be through some legitimate, official party, as opposed to another TrekUnited or something like that. ;) But could you think of a better way for fans to contribute to Star Trek's 40th Anniversary? And it would be a great way for fans to say thank you to Shatner for all he's done--by letting him make the movie he always wanted to.


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Yes...DO IT!!! | Report this post to moderator
By: skillz (Odo's file, contact) @ 05:18:24 on Nov 06, 2006

I would love to see this film cleaned up. Not only Robert Wise, Richard Donner, but does anyone remember Highlander 2??? The re-edited Renegade version was great...much better than the original release crapped up by the studio. Shatner tried this before and was turned down...I am afraid that will be the end of it. But with Shatner's new found popularity...I think we have a shot!


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RE: Yes...DO IT!!! by timmer33 @ 12:49:20 on Nov 06
    RE: Yes...DO IT!!! by Ludwig the 2nd @ 15:50:57 on Nov 06
       RE: Yes...DO IT!!! by timmer33 @ 20:09:40 on Nov 06
          RE: Yes...DO IT!!! by compupc1 @ 00:27:06 on Nov 07
RE: Yes...DO IT!!! by timmer33 @ 12:48:54 on Nov 06
RE: Yes...DO IT!!! by paustin @ 10:29:13 on Nov 06
RE: Yes...DO IT!!! by Terry212 @ 08:27:02 on Nov 06
    RE: Yes...DO IT!!! by Cylykon @ 01:42:31 on Nov 10

Strangely... | Report this post to moderator
By: Tupperfan (Odo's file, contact) @ 20:02:35 on Nov 05, 2006

I always thought Final Frontier was a decent movie, not even the worst Trek movie ever made...

But do you guys really think a bunch of Rockmen would make it a better movie?!?



--------

tupperfan.blogspot.com



Staff housing fun with a Triceratops:


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Why not? | Report this post to moderator
By: Sabotman (Odo's file, contact) @ 18:44:08 on Nov 05, 2006

Before Bill landed his new show making him hotter that s*** Paramount turned him down. Before he also was offered an appearence on Enterprise, but when Bill asked for money (what a cadd!) B&B told him take a walk.
Well look at Bill now, nominated and winner of an Emme, hot show, people can't get enough of him.
Warner Bros decided to let Donner do his version of Superman II (granted it made some money), why wouldn't CBS let Bill do his version of Star Trek V?
I'd buy it.


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Didn't Shatner try to do this a couple of years ago? | Report this post to moderator
By: GreginWA (Odo's file, contact, web site) @ 15:04:15 on Nov 05, 2006

Before the SE edition of the film was released on DVD, Shatner approached Paramount with a budget to redo the fx and fix the film. I believe the budget was somewhere around $750,000 and Paramount turned him down flat. I believe the justification for turning him down was the fact that Trek 5 was, at the time, the lowest grossing Trek film and they could not justify putting anymore money into a film that didn't deliver back in 1989.

However, I agree. This needs to be done. While Trek 5 will always have it's flaws (the Nimbus 3 cantina is just waaaaay too cheesy) it has some excellent character moments for the trio and I think the overall storyline of a man searching for God (only to be disappointed in the end) will pay off with new fx. As it is right now, it's a very unfinished film.

Like Robert Wise was able to do with Star Trek: TMP and, more recently, Richard Donner was able to do with Superman II, I believe William Shatner should be allowed the opportunity to finish his film the way it was meant to be seen. No, you can't "polish a turd" as the naysayers to this proposal often suggest, but you can make a diamond out of coal, and I think Trek 5 could very well be a valued gem in the TOS film franchise, if given the chance.


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RE: Didn't Shatner try to do this a couple of years ago? by GustavoLeao @ 15:53:13 on Nov 05
    RE: Didn't Shatner try to do this a couple of years ago? by GreginWA @ 16:40:41 on Nov 05
RE: Didn't Shatner try to do this a couple of years ago? by DarkHelmet @ 15:46:06 on Nov 05
    RE: Didn't Shatner try to do this a couple of years ago? by GreginWA @ 16:37:24 on Nov 05
       RE: Didn't Shatner try to do this a couple of years ago? by timmer33 @ 12:52:33 on Nov 06
       RE: Didn't Shatner try to do this a couple of years ago? by DarkHelmet @ 17:02:51 on Nov 05
          RE: Didn't Shatner try to do this a couple of years ago? by falcon @ 09:29:04 on Nov 09
          RE: Didn't Shatner try to do this a couple of years ago? by GustavoLeao @ 04:18:12 on Nov 06
             RE: Didn't Shatner try to do this a couple of years ago? by MikeBarn @ 10:58:15 on Nov 06
          RE: Didn't Shatner try to do this a couple of years ago? by GreginWA @ 17:35:41 on Nov 05

I agree | Report this post to moderator
By: Merlinus Ambrosius (Odo's file, contact) @ 14:41:40 on Nov 05, 2006

Theres really no reason not to do it. It just means I'm going to have to hold off buying that box set of the original 6 for a little while longer....

But I've waited this long for a real Blade Runner (next year, baby!), so I'm sure I can muster a few more years for a real Star Trek V.


--------

Image

Nos fecisti ad te et inquietum est

cor nostrum donec requiescat in te


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RE: I agree by jed @ 06:54:12 on Nov 06
RE: I agree by jed @ 06:52:29 on Nov 06
RE: I agree by Ludwig the 2nd @ 22:13:23 on Nov 05
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