TNG Remastered
The process:
CBS is starting from scratch using the original film negatives, digitally scanning the raw 35mm film into a 1080p high definition digital video workflow and then editing the episodes back together in sequence, as they were when they originally aired between 1987 and 1994.
1/30/2012 — Read our review of The Next Level Blu-ray sampler disc.
1/25/2012 — Read our new interviews with Mike and Denise Okuda about the TNG Remastered project: Part 1, Part 2.
TNG Remastered FAQ
Are the visual effects being redone in the same way as TOS-R?
No, they are not complete replacements like TOS-R was. Video-created effects will be redone. These include effects such as phasers, photon torpedoes, and orbital planetscapes.
For starships in most cases the footage of the original studio models (which were made with all kinds of details that were not able to be seen in standard definition) will be used and should look better than ever. However, some physical model footage may have been lost or is considered otherwise unusable for high definition and so it may be substituted with a CG version.
What is the aspect ratio of TNG Remastered?
TNG was shot on 35mm film using standard spherical lenses and produced for standard definition television (4:3 ratio). As such, TNG-R will be released in 4:3 with pillar-boxes on the sides to keep the proper aspect ratio, just like the Blu-ray releases of TOS-R. The versions being prepared for broadcast syndication and digital distribution may be different.
Will they correct inconsistency x, y, or, z?
Probably not. This is mostly a film transfer operation, re-scanning the original film into high definition. CG is used for things that cannot be transferred (video effects like the phaser fire). That’s it. Expect pretty much everything to be the same. Changing live-action aspects such as uniforms, or tweaking dialog, isn’t what this is about. The episodes have been made, and were made, years ago. This is them again, but with the sharper detail and more vibrant color that high-definition offers.
Who is involved with the remastering effort?
As with the TOS-R project before it, Mike and Denise Okuda are on board as consultants. It is also known that TNG visual effects supervisor Dan Curry, visual effects coordinator David Takemura, and art department alumni Doug Drexler were consulted.
When will TNG-R be available on Blu-ray?
The Blu-ray release of season 1 has only been confirmed as “sometime in mid-2012″.
As of late January 2012, the Okudas have said that the CBS Digital team is still in the midst of season one.
There’s a pretty strong chance that releases will be set to coincide with the 25th anniversary of TNG this September. However, nothing has been confirmed.
The special fan favorite 3 episode “sampler” called Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Next Level was released on January 31, 2012.
Thanks to TrekMovie community member “Disco Justice” for his contributions to the FAQ.
NOTE: Information subject to change. All information based on CBS and other sources.
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