This summer, Trekkers across the country can ‘boldly go where no one has gone before’ with “Star Trek: The Next Generation 25th Anniversary Event,” a one night in-theater celebration on Monday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. local time, with an additional 10:15 p.m. showing in select theaters. Painstakingly retransferred from the original source material during its ongoing multimillion dollar restoration, this special anniversary event celebrating the debut of “Star Trek: The Next Generation – The First Season” Blu-ray on July 24 will feature two of the most popular episodes from the storied first season, “Where No One Has Gone Before” (Ep. 106) and “Datalore” (Ep. 114). The episodes were handpicked by well-known “Star Trek” experts and restoration consultants, Mike and Denise Okuda, who chose “Where No One Has Gone Before” for its beautiful space imagery and the Data-centric “Datalore” because the character played by Brent Spiner has long been a fan favorite.
In addition to the two episodes, which will be introduced by the Okudas, fans will also be among the first to get a glimpse of the brand-new special features including interviews with the team behind the restoration as they discuss the process and countless man-hours dedicated to the upgrade of “The Next Generation.” The evening will conclude with an extended preview of the Season 2 Blu-Ray, which will be released later this year.
Tickets for “Star Trek: The Next Generation 25th Anniversary Event” will be available beginning Friday, June 8 at presenting theater box offices and online atwww.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of presenting theater locations and prices, please visit the web site (theaters and participants may be subject to change).
“We’re thrilled to be able to introduce ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ to a new generation,” said Ken Ross, executive vice president and general manager of CBS Home Entertainment. “Seeing the episodes in a theater setting is the perfect way to show off the pristine picture that high definition allows and launch the first season on Blu-Ray.”
Presented by NCM Fathom Events, CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Media Distribution, this event will be broadcast to nearly 500 select movie theaters across the country through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network.
“‘The Next Generation’ series is timeless. It’s hard to believe 25 years have gone by since this iconic show premiered on television,” said Shelly Maxwell, executive vice president of NCM Fathom Events. “This special event celebrates the magic that made this beloved series so memorable.”
Created by Gene Roddenberry as part of the “Star Trek” franchise, “Star Trek: The Next Generation” was produced 21 years after the debut of the original “Star Trek” series. Featuring one of the most endearing ensemble casts in television history, “Star Trek: The Next Generation” took fans on the remarkable continuing voyages of the Starship Enterprise set in the 24th century from the year 2364 through 2370. With 178 episodes spread over seven seasons, it ran longer than any other “Star Trek” series. In addition to “Next Generation,” the “Star Trek” franchise includes “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (1993-1999), “Star Trek: Voyager” (1995-2001), “Star Trek: Enterprise” (2001-2005), and “Star Trek: The Animated Series” (1973-1974), as well as 11 feature films.
“Star Trek: The Next Generation – The First Season” Blu-ray will be available at Best Buy as a six-disc set on July 24. The set includes a wealth of exclusive bonus material, including over 95 minutes of brand-new documentaries featuring never-before-seen cast and crew interviews and an inside look at taking “The Next Generation” to the next level of high-definition, archival footage, original episodic promos and featurettes from the DVD release.