I searched the archives and didn't see it covered so here's my first topic.

What are your feelings on the recent updating of special effects on the original STAR TREK series? I've caught a few episodes and I like the modifications primarily because they are in keeping with the general structure and concept without becoming too heavy-handed.

An example would be the episode "Arena" featuring the Gorn. It's still portrayed by a man in a rubber suit, but now its glitter-coated eyes occasionally blink. New shots of the Enterprise orbiting planets bring the establishing scene up-to-date with digital effects. Since this doesn't affect the storytelling one bit I see no problem with the fresh coat of paint. But how do you see it?

I like what I've seen of it, but probably not enough to want to buy the series again. I actually(!) wanted more changes. Nothing whatsoever to the actors or physical props and sets, but better CGI effects, aliens, and planets. We got only the latter in my opinion. A couple of new CGI models designed to mimic the original practical shots as closely as possible wasn't what I was hoping for, and seems to me like a missed opportunity. We already HAVE the originals, now have some fun with it!

The Enterprise could really use some flames painted down the sides of the nacelles.

...


Well, it could.

The idea of it doesn't bother me at all. In fact, I think it could make it more enjoyable for me if done right-but I haven't seen it.

I've really liked them so far. I agree with Jeff that they could have played a little more -- and they've been doing that more and more with some of the episodes lately (like that final tracking shot of the Enterprise leaving Scalos at the end of "Wink of an Eye").

I'll probably get these when they're released on DVD.

LOVE IT

have the unaltered series and will defenitely be picking up this version as well. The aired revamped versions are sometimes close to 5 to 6 minutes shorter than their normal run times due to syndication time allowances, so i'm dying to see them in all their uncut, full length, remastered glory!!!

I think they chickened out. They should have gone whole hog with the CG changes. We have the original series, we can see its artistic perspective. You can get rid of those lame pointless images around the bridge, put something interesting on those monitors. You can put in a new Gorn who doesn't look like he can hardly move because he's covered in plaster and can't see through the golf ball eyes. You can get replace the giant gag fake vomit Horta. Go wild!

I'm sorry, James, but I really have to disagree with you here. I thought the Horta looked like a giant version of the sausage pizza they served in the cafeteria when I was in grade school. Giant gag fake vomit is a lot more toward the brown/tan family.

And for variety:

Hugh,
From my vast experience of watching Pimp My Ride, I can't wait to see the size of the viewscreen you would put on the bridge of that baby!

And a nuclear exhaust pipe.

Hugh, that is awesome - clearly, someone took the Enterprise to a chop-shop in Miami to get it pimped out, circa 1987!

All it needs are some fuzzy dice and a foxtail on the antenna

Top notch, Hugh!

Or Spokane, circa 1991.

"It's not dying. Jim, I'm beginning to think I can cure a rainy day! I just ordered some of the marinara sauce they use in the refectory -- it's mostly tomato -- and troweled it in the wound. It should act like a patch until it's healed. Come take a look."

"Jim, take this bread stick and dip it into the Horta. If the miners here knew the Horta were this delicious, I bet they would be finding a way to hatch those silicone nodules instead of smashing them! I can't wait to take one back the Enterprise, get a beer from the replicator, and then settle down for a good movie in front of that giant flatpanel they installed at West Coast Customs!"

"Doctor, I find your proposal to eat the Horta apalling. It is a sentient creature well over 50,000 of your Earth years old. To digest it while consuming an alcoholic beverage and watching video entertainment is illogical."

"Give it a rest, Spock. Just because your green blooded ancestors can't appreciate a good Italian style Horta doesn't mean the rest of us have to miss out."

"I must point out that you just used a double negative, thus..."

"I swear, Spock. The next time you are lying in sick bay near death, I am going to forget my hypocratic oath and remember what a pain in the ...."

"Gentlemen! Gentlemen! Let's save this arguement for another day"

"Agreed, Captain."

"Enterprise! Three to beam up! Bones, save me a slice of Horta for later."

"I heard that!"

"Damn those Vulcan ears!"

Nice, the Neon really highlights the flames, too.

Some enormous dice hanging from the bottom of the saucer would be nice.

Low............Ri...............Der.......................


Dah dah dah dah dah DAH dah dah dah DAH dah..............

My God, Hugh, you're like a genie!

Uhh, uhh-- Carmen Electra on my couch!

Crap, I didn't phrase it as a wish

What happens to the world if Hugh loses his Photoshop?