Roddenberry Producing DVD Set Of Unseen Star Trek Behind Scenes Footage & Interview May 20, 2009
by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: DS9, DVD/Blu-ray, ENT, TNG, VOY , trackback
Roddenberry Productions has just closed a deal with Toolbox Productions to to put together a new DVD set sourced from a library of 500 hours of unseen behind the scenes footage and interviews from the Star Trek: The Next Generation - Star Trek: Enterprise era. Details below.
Footage Goldmine
News of the deal comes from today’s Variety which reports that Roddenberry Productions as inked a $2 million deal with Toolbox Productions to get access to the 500 hours of footage. According to the report, the library consists of
interviews with cast and crew, as well as behind-the-scenes material shot over the past 20 years, starting with “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and progressing through the three other spinoff series that followed.
The plan is to put the material into a video encyclopedia that covers “Star Trek’s” mythology and characters with Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry as host of the DVD set. Of the library Rod is quoted:
This footage is a gold mine. With the enormous success of the new movie, now is the perfect time for us to share what made ‘Star Trek’ so special with the legions of new and old fans worldwide.
TrekMovie contacted Roddenberry Productions, for more details, but none were available at this time on how or when this new set will be distributed (or how much). However we will be the first to bring you news on this exciting new project as it becomes available.
For more on Roddenberry Productions (and to view Rod’s review of the Star Trek movie), visit roddenberry.com.
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Comments»
That’s something I’d be very interested in…especially if it has bloopers. :D I grew up on TNG and VOY, so it’d be a real blast.
First? way to go rod!
Oh, very cool!
I adore seeing behind-the-scenes footage; makes it seem even cooler than it already is. 8D
We had the pleasure of meeting Rod shortly before the movie’s release, and I hope he won’t mind sharing with you the fact that he showed me and Alex just a little taste of some of the moments. It truly is a gold mine for anybody who cares about Star Trek or TV and movie history in general.
Hello, Mr. Orci. Always nice to see you drop by.
Did you ever get to actually meet the Gene Roddenberry?
I’ve only had the honor of meeting a Star Trek comic book artist… But, as an artist myself, it was pretty neat.
I’d buy that, this sounds neat.
Line flubs followed by expletives = pure gold. Can’t get enough o’ that.
This could be a continuing series of DVDs rather than one big volume. I’d line them up on my DVD shelf!
5. Christine – May 20, 2009
Sadly, no, we never met.
I never met the great bird
but Darren Doctherman does a great impersonation of the man, so I feel I almost have ;)
Thanks Bob for that, and Rod we all look forward to reliving these memories and getting a new perspective on this great legacy
#9; Boborci ::
Oh, shame. He actually passed away two years before I was even born, but I’m sure it would have been incredible to meet him.
But, who knows. Maybe I’ll meet Alex Kurtzman, or Abrams, or.. even you, someday!
(Ah, a girl can dream.)
Mr. Orci,
I know ideas from fans aren’t usually welcomed, but here’s what I’d like to see on the next movie. Come up with a new adventure that doesn’t remake any of the old shows… but to give the fans a thrill, START THE MOVIE with the end of a big episode’s edventure, re-imagined to be big, but wrapping up what we knew happened. E.G., start with the big finale of The Doomsday Machine, which everyone knows, and show the explosive finale. Just to kick off the new adventure with a glimpse of a little of the old. That lets us know the adventures we saw are happening around the movies, which are new and unseen stories. I think that would be an awesome way to have an exciting, familiar start and then kick off an unrelated adventure.
Oh yeah, I’m definitely interested in this!
I never met Roddenberry, but I did see him lecture at my college in the early 80s.
I brought a friend who thought it was boring, but I bet he’s happy he went now!
#14 :: Oh, wow, you’re so lucky!! Just out of curiosity, what college was it?
Great news, this is something I will definitely purchase. I have seen EVERY episode of TNG, DS9 and Voyager MULTIPLE times, so any new insights would be appreciated.
Post-TNG Trek takes a lot of crap. I don’t care, I LOVE it all.
Very cool, I can’t wait! I really want to buy the movies on blu-ray but I am really opposed to non directors cuts lol. But the interviews with Stewart, Frakes, Shatner, and Nimoy hosted by Whoopie…I am tempted to buy it. For me I love to have the interviews and extra tidbits like that, bloopers are a must!
Cool.
#7: Even some of the ones without cussing are great. Of the ones on YouTube, I remember a few Voyager bloopers: one where Tim Russ is escorting the little girl into the cave (in “Innocence”), then suddenly says “Man, I ain’t going in there!” and runs away; another one where he gets hit by a phaser and flops to and fro in his bridge station for probably a good quarter-minute before finally falling over; and one where Robert Beltran slips up and ends up substituting “ship” for very other word in his line. Those all had me cracking up.
This seems way cool… I’d definitely be interested in it!
I am just lovin that Trek is back… and in such a huge way. SO many of my friends that were never fans now suddenly are rabid for more… I keep telling them that there’s over 700 hours for them to sink their teeth into.
Rod seems like a good guy… let’s see what he’s got in this goldmine!
#12… wow, you’re young. lol. I was just mulling that comment in my head that you weren’t born until 1993… sorry, no offense meant in anyway, it’s nice to see that there are some young fans out there. :-p
P.S. I am VERY interested in this DVD… I’ll snap that one up in a heartbeat!
Bloopers would be cool, I have always wanted to see more interviews with Jennifer Lien and Nicole De Boer.
must…buy…now…!
#13
Damn, that’s a cool idea!
Rod Roddenberry is a cool dude. He is a nice guy in person and a decent fellow to carry his dad’s legacy. I look forward to seeing the video he compiles.
#15 Christine
It was the University of California at San Diego. I guess Mr. Roddenberry just hopped in his car and took a pleasant drive down the freeway to see us!
any shat footage?
I’d be very interested in this. I love behind the scenes stuff. I don’t care how much I’ll definitely buy it.
Nice!
I’d be all over this! Very exciting! Pity it doesn’t cover TOS as well, but still.. a set of behind-the-scenes DVDs culled from 20 *YEARS* of material????
o_O
It *WILL* be mine. Oh yes!!!!
Ooh! I am excited for this!!!!!!!!! I will be buying it.
(Mr. Orci – you guys did awesome w/ the new film. Saw it 4 times!)
#19
Not that I like the cursing so much as I enjoy seeing our venerable heroes letting down their hair/dropping out of character. I mean, Picard saying, “Phvk!” is something to see. All right, maybe I do like the cursing. Did I just invent a new Klingon word?
Hi Mr Orci, thanx for the great effort you an jj an all involved did on Trek for us all! I was lucky enough to see Gene R speak at the Seattle Center arena a couple of times back in the 70s-sold out both times-showed the bloopers reels and the cage original-I took my brothers to that and they took me opening day to see jjs Trek in Imax at the Seattle Ctr. so our Trek tradition continues-Hope you guys make more trek traditions for us to go see Bob Orci and crew!
I have wondered why Roddenberry hasnt ever released the original bloopers as well as tng and any bloopers plus behind the scenes footage-they only exist as lousy quality fan videotapes-if rod is around this sounds like a great start!
I never met Gene Roddenberry personally, but my wife did on a Sea Trek cruse she went on in 1989. She was in an elevator on the ship when Mr. Roddenberry and William Campbell (Trelane from “The Squire of Gothos” and Klingon Capt. Koloth from “The Trouble with Tribbles”) stepped in with her and her other female friend. They were too struck to say anything to them, so to break the ice, Mr. Campbell leaned over to my wife and said, gesturing to Mr. Roddenberry, “He’s not wearing any underwear.” It cracked everybody up. If that’s any indication of some of the stuff on footage, it will be hilarious!
#21 :: Eh, don’t worry ’bout it. I’m used to that comment. xD I get that from some friends of my mom and dad.
However, almost NONE of them know anything about ENT. That is, except for like… one of my peers and my church youth director!
QUESTION
Can you explain the disparity between the width between the primary dorsal fin of the secondary power coupli..
oh shoot; wrong page
#13. frederick -
Swell idea!
This sounds awesome!
This definitely sounds interesting. Sign me up for the full set.
I think this would be a rental unless the reviews of it (which I’m sure TM will post an indept review when its released) are high.
In 1974, I was living in Connecticut, Gene came out to Yale University to show “The Cage,” and I was fortunate enough to be able to meet with him after the screening. We talked for something like two hours about everything from the Apollo moon landings (the last one was only two years before) to his hopes for a second TV series or even a feature film. He was gracious, generous with his time, and genuinely interested and concerned about humankind’s future. I’m happy to have known him and to have been able to help bring his vision to the screen. And I can think of no one better than Rod to keep the history alive.
Does Rod Roddenberry have the production rights to STAR TREK now or is that now controlled by Paramount?
Uhm…… what about the GOOD STAR TREK?????
@43
Depends: If its Rod’s private footage they can’t do much about it if they allowed the initial recording. Otherwise he should go and release in some african or oceanian country were they don’t care so much about copyrights – you have to love those countries….(-;
But I hope they make it – and yes – also hope for bloopers.
This is fantastic!!
You know what’s really great about this site, people like Bob Orci and Rick Sternbach just pop in for a quick comment and hello, amazing.
That is so awesome Rick. And also thank you to you for all your hard work and design genius for Trek over the years! I love all the star Treks and every incarnation has something worth watching it for and I know you were a major part of Trek. Thank you so much!
The last and only Trek Convention I have been to was the 40th Anniv. in Vegas. My girlfriend went too and she is slightly handicapped. When we were in the audience watching some of the guests she went to the restroom after Majel Barrett and Rod had finished talking. Majel was in her wheelchair with Rod in the hallway by the bathroom. They made it a point to call Sheri over and say hi to her, were so very friendly and nice to her even though they never met her and she wasnt even sure who they were. Offered to take a pix with her etc. but I had the camera in the main auditorium. She came back and told me the lady in the wheelchair on stage just talked to her….I couldnt believe it we got up and went out but they were gone. So Sheri did Meet Mrs. Roddenberry and Rod and I just missed it….But I will tell you for Rod and Majel to treat Sheri so nice when she is used to people ignoring her staring at her etc…was just wonderous. Wish I had the chance to tell them how special they are to me for being so nice to Sheri….
#34: “I have wondered why Roddenberry hasnt ever released the original bloopers as well as tng and any bloopers plus behind the scenes footage-they only exist as lousy quality fan videotapes-if rod is around this sounds like a great start!”
Blooper reels are a touchy subject with actors (for a variety of reasons).
If the tales are true, the 60s blooper reels were a huge point of contention between Gene Roddenberry and Leonard Nimoy.
I am sure the actors’ guild has rules about blooper reels and dispensation to the actors, but it sounds like Rod has this covered. You go, Rod!!!
This could prove invaluable to fans as well as those interested in choosing filmmaking as a career.
AND speaking of careers, Mr. Orci, thank you so much for your continued presence here showing your interest in what we fans think.
You and your partners have provided us with a movie infused with a great deal of heart and fun (while I know I don’t speak for all fans, I trust you to give us a great sequel– even better than this film)! LL&P!
This is boxset will be a wonderful boon for Trek fans. And Mr Orci, look what you’ve done to Trek! The new movie obviously has re-energized the Trek community, and associate projects like this one Rod is assembling is just indicative of the momentum that is surely to follow on the footsteps. You guys pushed the snowball down the hill, so to speak…
Gene was an ‘old soul’ and you guys definitely channeled him in the movie you worked so hard to bring to fruition.
Nice also to read about ppl’s reminisces of meeting Gene, Majel, Rod, etc.
nice! ol george lucas will learn something from the sales figures from this upcoming release :)
Where’s the original series bloopers totally restored??
#47: “You know what’s really great about this site, people like Bob Orci and Rick Sternbach just pop in for a quick comment and hello, amazing.”
Yeah, and let’s not forget that JJ Abrams, Alan Dean Foster, David Gerrold, Christopher Bennett, Chris Doohan and James Cawley (and I am sure there are others) have all popped in on occasion to offer their thoughts.
Anthony, I would love to see Mr. Gerrold’s thoughts on the movie. Any chance we could get his comments?
43 — CBS = Trek on TV, Paramount = Trek on film.
Rod more likely has behind the scenes, home movies, and access to cut footage/bloopers. He would of course have to get permission from the two corporations, but I have a feeling there is no problem there considering who he is.
I will gladly buy this set if it has some pics of Troi in her hooker boots from the pilot. Those were totally underused.
And I say again – why isn’t there a TOS equivalent of this? Or do they consider the features already on DVD to be enough?
Granted there’s some neat stuff on there, but I’ve seen far rarer material on fansites …
Pretty sure the TOS stuff has long ago gone missing, etc. Remember they simply tossed out/gave away the sets, props, etc. from TOS, since they saw no value in what was an underpeforming show.
Also there wasn’t an emphasis on documenting behind the scenes processes until home video came about, and really only when DVDs became widely adopted (~1997).
I would wager that the best of what’s available from that era is in the Billy Blackburn extras of the TOS-R sets.
#55: “And I say again – why isn’t there a TOS equivalent of this? Or do they consider the features already on DVD to be enough?”
Actually there are tons and tons of material already available regarding TOS cast interviews.
There are hundreds of interviews already on the current DVDs… and the newly repackaged and remastered TOS has some new interviews and home movies shot by one of the extras (Billy Blackburn) + we have many behind-the-scene books (Stephen Whitfield’s ‘The Making of Star Trek,’ David Gerrold’s ‘The World of Star Trek,’ Robert Justman and Herb Solow’s ‘Inside Star Trek,’ Terry Erdmann’s ‘Star Trek – Action!,’ for example (and best of all, all of them are good reads)… and there are countless others.
Sure, they’re not video, but hey! go read a book, it’s good for you, I hear (grin).
I’d buy these DVDs in a heartbeat!
Wow, I would actually go buy that!
#47 and #53:
You are so right; it’s a testament to the people who have been involved in Star Trek over the years that people like Sternbach, Orci, and innumerable others actually care enough to come here, read the articles and respond to fan comments.
To any of “the powers that be” (past or present) out there (especially Mr. Orci of late for doing those fan Q&A sessions) , thank you so much for your dedication to the franchise and us, the fans. It’s a pleasure to hear comments from you guys and to have the opportunity to talk to you directly!
Just another of the many things that makes Star Trek great.
#52
I’ve been wanting to do that for years.
Actually it’s funny that Rod is doing this because I thought if any family had (at least 16 mm) copies of the original bloopers it would be the Roddenberry family.
The great thing is, I know there are many Trek fans out there with editing and film restoration skills that would gladly give up their time to restore these bloopers if only for the sake of history.
Someone has already started with other clips.
http://tinyurl.com/qcqe82
With his clips and restored bloopers we could make a fantastic TOS video if anyone is interested.
Anyone acquainted with Rod?
Anthony?
Javier Bardem for Khan in Star Trek “2″
#13 – that is a really great idea…like the way the Bond and Indy films begin with the end of the last adventure….plus itd give fans a taste of an TOS episode done HUGE without it taking up the entire movie
the possibilities for what it could be are endless….as u say the Doomsday Machine…Obsession…Space Seed (with Khan cameo)…Arena…Spocks Brain…any eps final scenes could be adapted into a 5 minute opening
what a great idea
#13: I’m with you on that – that’s inspired!
Here’s what I’d really like to see though: some good science fiction ideas, as opposed to McGuffins like “red matter”, tired cliches like time travel, or plain old technobabble.
I’d like to see them fulfil their remit for once and explore a strange new world. Funny thing is, they seldom did that even in the original series – something always got in the way… some diplomatic errand or rescuing some colonists or something. Maybe it’s to do with the time and place the show was made in, but they always seemed to be doing the job of the UN or the US Cavalry rather than, say, the British navy in the time of Captain Cook, or the Portuguese in the time of Vasco da Gama. I always felt it should feel more like that, but with them finding weird stuff along the way that they have to figure out and not get killed by. Herb Solow and Bob Justman describe in “Inside Star Trek” how they got talking about Gulliver’s Travels one night over drinks when the show was in development, and even considered making that the name of the show. They wisely dropped the idea the next morning after they sobered up, but my favourite episodes were always the ones that had that feel about them – that they were out there dealing with something new and unknown. Let’s have some of that!
“With the enormous success of the new movie, now is the perfect time for us to share what made ‘Star Trek’ so special with the legions of new and old fans worldwide.”
Any fans turned on to Star Trek by the new movie won’t be looking to TNG and the spin offs for more of the same I’m afraid. And rightfully so as they are so completely different. If someone is expecting more of TOS style-Abrahm’s style Trek and they tune into an episode of TNG or any of the spin-offs, it will be like running from a full sprint into a wall. Successful they were. Top notch production and good television they were. But one thing they were decidedly not, in their approach as well as execution, is TOS. An audience that is craving apples, won’t be happy with a plate of oranges.
I almost purchased the barely watchable Next Generation season DVD sets, but then I remembered that I would rather watch TOS:Way to Eden, Alternative Factor, Lights of Zetar, or Plato’s Stepchildren all afternoon, than TNG.
This sounds like good insomnia therapy.
#13 that is a pretty cool idea. It would work for new fans and old fans alike. We would see the beginning as a great homage to the old episode and “newer” fans would simply think it was a great way to kick off the start of the movie.
It could be a little indiana jones style…where his adventures in the first 10-15 minutes dont have a HUGE impact on the plot for the rest of the film…but do help to set the forthcoming plot and introduce new characters. I always loved that in the Jones movies we pick up with him at the beginning of movies just as he’s wrapping up another adventure. and on to the next!
Captains log stardate 2152009. Now that Star Trek is back from the grave but now i fear the new generation of Star Trek will be more cash following cult. btw J.J could you put my Sonichu on the new Star Trek Movie?.
I would totally buy this
I found Rod’s comments about the new movie interesting. It seems he’s far more accepting of the new movie than many fans are.
I also LOVE his webcomics. They’re pretty fun stuff!
Oh, and RE: the apples and oranges thing (Star Trackie, #64) — that’s pretty much the way I see it. I had a non-Trekkie friend who loved the movie ask me if there were any other Star Trek movies . . .
He got the long answer.
~ Ben
I am also anxiously awaiting the Trek Nation Documentary.
64. & 69.
Got a couple of friends working on TNG & TOS now that didn’t have any interest before the new film. They agree it is quite different, but they are enjoying both and wondering why they never watched them before (nerd stigma?). This is probably the exception and not the rule, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Taking some more friends soon. We’ll see how they react.
-P
Oh, and I would buy this as well. Would also love to see more from TOS.
-P
Way to go, Rod. Really looking forward to this.
#67 Bad idea bro.
Wow this video collection sounds amazing, I can’t wait!
Trek Nation is still around?
Wow, thats just sad. Can’t wait for their next convention.
Re: 64, 69 & 71.
It only takes one really good movie to make people curious about the possibility of watching maybe a TNG or DS9 episode. Then slowly they watch something else. There is so much to watch. Maybe NOT everyone will turn to the old episodes, but there will be plenty of interest in at least checking them out. And that’s all that’s needed to get new fans. In my opinion, it’s ok if they don’t like it all. As long as it’s cool to like Star Trek.
I will be all over this! I’ve seen so many crappy VHS blooper tapes at conventions…
Cool stuff.
Would love to check it out. Have hear of Frakes’ Johnny Volare routine, but never seen it…
#13 – Hey! That was MY idea!!
And I’m glad to see others thinking the same. :)- The idea actually originates from the “Star Trek: Debt of Honor” (DC Comics) graphic novel. It would be fantastic to see homage to an original TOS episode. Remember, though: While Paramount/CBS owns “Star Trek” there’s the legal entanglements of what aspects of TOS can be used, WGA rules, etc.
But I hope Roberto, Alex, Damon, J.J. and Bryan can sort that out… :-)
Make it so!
suggestion for sequel!!!…Mr Orci…your attention please…
The Wrath of Sybok
that it all
This sounds excellent.
A veritable buffet to consume!
#12,15,36. Christine: I think the most awesome thing is that were Gene Roddenberry to know that an active fan like you was born after his death and is posting here would make his day many times over. You are the proof that Star Trek has a quality which will continue for many many generations. Thank you!! I was born on 27 November 1964, the first day they began filming “The Cage” with the Pike/Boyce sequence about him feeling old. Still one of my favorite scenes in all of Trek. :)
#47. And Chris Doohan, too! And he was in the movie.
Chris, I know they didn’t give you a line, but your grin at the end when all was successful in the movie telegraphed quite a lot! Did they give your character a name at all in the script or was it just “TRANSPORTER TECH” or something? There’s always “Welshy” ;)
too bad its not tos…i’d all over that like flies on shit
#13 Pure genius. It would satisfy long time fans, throw us some easter eggs and also give a glimpse into what the crew did immediately after some of their bigger adventures. A great chance for a little character development. And then…. strange new worlds, new life and new civilizations… you know, some boldly going for a change!
Over 500 hours????
Even if they put 4 hours on one side of a DVD, that is more than 130+ DVDs. Something to do if you have a weekend free, sounds good to me. Perhaps they can break it up by series or create a Fan Favorite format.
86: “Sourced from a library of over 500 hours” doesn’t mean they’re going to use all 500 hours-! I suspect that would be very dull, like watching 500 hours of someone’s uncut home movies…
This is a really good idea. I’m sure that in over 700 episodes, there is bound to be a lot of material that never makes it to screen.
Fantastic idea! I’ll definitely be picking it up. Kudos to Rod for bringing all this together and for wanting to be involved in his fathers (and mothers) legacy throughout the years and onwards in the future. Of course the dollars help (/jk!) but Rod sounds like a classy guy, same with Chris Doohan. Keep on keeping on guys.
@Rick Sternbach:
Great story Rick, is it any wonder you ended up working on trek?!
RE: Jim Nightshade Why Bloopers are rare.
I remember reading something a few years ago about Rick Berman disliking blooper reels. It was him who put a halt to them. Though I do remember before the Berman era there were snippets of bloopers on shows like TV Bloopers and Practical Jokes in the 80s. As well as the 25th anniversary specials. Though this was back when Gene Roddenberry was still in control of the franchise. Shame we didn’t get these bonuses in the DVD collections. Even the deleted scenes would of been nice.
Yay! New stuff from Star Trek Enterprise.
Sort of.
Eventually.
Maybe.