The sad thing is: I know you are correct. The only reason we even get new effects at all is because the old effects didn’t hold up in digital restoration. I only wonder if that was something was considered when they decided to upgrade TOS to HD? Was the budget and time frame given before this gaffe was realized? Are the effects being remade on the “letovers?” Or was this something that was clearly thought out, yet not given the money it deserved?

As for TOS being for a niche market, you are absolutely right. However, I would use that logic in this way: KNOWING your niche. Fans of Star Trek have certain expectations when it comes to special effects. If you contract Eden or ILM to do them, you know you can deliver a product. Plus, you can charge more money for a higher profit percentage, because if you have mind-blowing effects, Star Trek fans will buy.

For example: I myself would not pay $179 for the upgraded effects that I am getting. Yet, if ILM or Eden did the effects and camp up with what I’ve seen posted in other categories on this site, I would be willing to pay $250 for that set.

However, as I have said before, the error in this also comes from marketing the effects, rather than just simple HD. If they had pushed “HD HD HD” and kept the effects as more of a sidebar, I think there would be totally different reactions both opinion wise, and also, more people would be willing to buy this new set.

When it’s all done – how many unique effects shots will CBSD recreate? Hundreds?

I’m very glad to have the updated effects. I’m a ‘glass half full’ type of person and have been enjoying the upgrades. But I have to agree with many of the posts above that the project is not realizing it’s potiential.

Not all, but many of the suggestions are things which could be done as part of the mandate of the project.

I’d like to hear more from the people doing this after all the work is done. I’d think they could be honest about the situation and the problems after they’ve received their last paycheck. At this point, we’ll only be getting positive spin. I’d bet the people putting this together know they are stopping short, but can’t do enough for lack of a sufficient budget.

As I said before, I’ll buy Enterprise on HD-DVD (dead format) before I buy TOS-R on any format.

This upgrade was done purely for TOS to be commercially viable in the HD age. Upgrade the visuals so that they are passable and if time/money permits, some minor tweaking here and there. Nothing more.

I agree this has been a major lost opportunity for some spectacular SFX, but from Paramount’s point of view, I think they feel the appeal of TOS is very niche. If that is true, then I understand the time and budget restraint they have imposed. You can’t blame them, really. It’s all about the bottom dollar. Always has been, always will be. That’s business.