About the pilot version of WNMHGB; I too hope that it actually is being included at long last. I’ve sent letters to Paramount over the years suggesting that they release it, originally on a special tape paired with ‘The Cage’. Besides just the coolness of the differences in music and format from the aired version, there’s the one small line that was printed in “The Making Of Star Trek” and included in the unaired version, but inexplicably edited in the episode version;

KIRK: Certain you don’t know what irritation is?
SPOCK: The fact one of my ancestors married a human female…
KIRK: Terrible, having bad blood like that…but you may learn to enjoy it someday.

What a shame the second half of Kirk’s line was removed from the aired version, as it was a perfect foreshadowing of things to come with Spock’s character, especially in the feature films. After his epiphany from mind melding with V’Ger in the first film, we saw a Spock more at peace with himself in TWOK indicating that he did learn the value of his dual heritage. Even going as far as allowing himself the expression of controlled fury at Valeris’ betrayal in TUC ( I’ll never forget how startled I was when Spock slapped the phaser out of her hand, nor how forcefully he mind melded with her … something the younger Spock from the series would never have allowed himself to do – especially in front of witnesses ).

I always wanted to see NBC promos for the series in one of these sets. The bumpers they used to air during the episodes, and somehow, it would have been nice if they could have managed to start the teaser of a few episodes with the NBC Peacock. It was a classy way to introduce a show, it gives it that original ‘feel’ of the time when Star Trek had its first airdate.

Watching Star Trek in those days was something special, because you really didn’t expect to see it again. The expectation was that you’d see it once and maybe again in a rerun. After that…go find a Star Trek book.

However, this all changed fairly quickly as the show engendered a loyal following quite quickly, but it was the reruns that…well, you know all that.

I’m quite happy to own the last season of Star Trek in HD with the remastered effects. I enjoyed a great many of them as a kid, and I can manage to find many scenes and moments that are enjoyable and make the show worthwhile to watch.

It’s all about that.

I actually made a suggestion like this myself a few weeks back. Somebody replied back to me that probably wouldn’t happen because Eden FX’s work on the U.S.S. Defiant makes CBS’ appear pale by comparison. I agree that those two episodes of ENT in particular, included as an extra would have whetted an appeitite for that show’s eventual Blu ray release. Maybe they have other ideas for tackling that next year? Since they can’t afford to improve on TNG and ENT is already in 1080p, merely needing worthwhile extras produced, it must surely be on the cards. I mean nuBSG is already out, complete and it only finished a few months ago.

We’re all looking just holding our breath, that’s all… hoping the news really is as good as it seems… hoping that press release doesn’t need correcting.

Once again … the words “RESTORED UNAIRED” is right on the press release.

Since the “original aired version” has never needed to be restored and has indeed been AIRED, it would not qualify for these adjectives being used. Also, the “original cut” is NOT the aired episode.

I don’t know why all official sources are being so unclear here, but it seems highly likely it’s what it sounds like. But as Anthony points out, even Okuda’s comments could be misconstrued. So best to be hopeful and accept what the evidence suggests until otherwise clarified.

I still find it odd that the Season 3 collection has become the “dumping ground” for the pilots for some odd reason. They belong with the season one collection, always have. Season 2 is fine to focus on Tribbles and thanks to Enterprise’s “In A Mirror Darkly”, Season 3 would have been the proper place to focus on parallel universes, especially considering the tie-in with the new film. Arguably, the 2-part Enterprise episode was the best of that series and its inclusion might have even built some interest in an otherwise dead series. Oh well.

Now if we could just get the missing scenes shot for The Cage and other episodes, but ultimately cut for time.

^ Just read your query to Mr. Okuda, Bill.

Woohoo. That old 1980’s bootleg is finally going in the bin!