STAR TREK and STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray in June

With the latest home video format now available, the newest Trek films were obvious choices to release on UltraHD Blu-ray. The first two JJ Abrams Trek movies will be available on the UltraHD Blu-ray format on June 14th. The most important upgrades to these releases are the HDR (High Dynamic Range) video and the new Dolby Atmos soundtracks. Full details after the break.

As many expected, the newest Trek films are part of the first movies Paramount will release on the new UltraHD Blu-ray format. There are no new special features, they’re the same as The Compendium two-movie release from a couple of years back, but at least nothing is left out (I’m looking at you first versions of Into Darkness).

Into Darkness is an especially good fit considering parts of it were filmed in IMAX.

The new UltraHD Blu-ray format offers 4k UltraHD video, but more importantly, it offers High Dynamic Range which allows for a much larger range of brightness and color depths, much closer to the high quality digital cinema format used in all modern movie theaters. Paramount has also chosen to upgrade the soundtracks with new Dolby Atmos (an object based surround sound with speakers positioned around and overhead the audience), which is another great digital cinema trickle-down technology. With the right new HDR capable UHDTV and Atmos surround sound gear, this should make for an awesome upgrade for the two movies.

 

Press release is below:

Digitally Remastered and Featuring Groundbreaking High Dynamic Range Technology, 
Films Will Debut in UHD/Blu-ray/Digital HD Combo Packs June 14, 2016
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Paramount Home Media Distribution announced today that director J.J. Abrams’ global blockbusters STAR TREK and STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS will be the studio’s first two titles released on the new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray format.  The releases coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Star Trek franchise in 2016.  4K UHD represents the next evolution in home entertainment, offering four times the resolution and more than double the number of colors available with full HD.  In addition, these spectacular 4K UHD releases deliver exceptional vibrancy and contrast through High Dynamic Range technology, which reveals hidden details and shades of color that more closely mimic real life.
Both STAR TREK and STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS have been digitally remastered with new 4K UHD transfers for exceptionally brilliant picture quality and feature Dolby Atmos® soundtracks* remixed specifically for the home theater environment.  Dolby Atmos delivers captivating sound that places and moves audio anywhere in the room, including overhead, to bring entertainment alive all around the audience.
Each film will be presented in a three-disc UHD/Blu-ray/Digital HD Combo Pack.  STAR TREK features a bonus Blu-ray Disc™ loaded with over three hours of behind-the-scenes content.  The STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS UHD and Blu-ray Discs include the spectacular IMAX® version of the film and the package also includes a bonus Blu-ray Disc with more than two hours of special features.
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STAR TREK UHD/Blu-ray/Digital HD Combo Pack
The UHD Disc is presented in 4K high definition with English Dolby Atmos, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The Blu-ray containing the feature film is presented in 1080p high definition with English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The Blu-ray containing the bonus content is presented in 1080p high definition with English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.  The Combo Pack includes access to a Digital HD copy of the film as well as the following:
UHD
• Feature film in 4K UHD
• Commentary by J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Alex Kurtzman, Damon Lindelof and Roberto Orci
Blu-ray Disc #1
• Feature film in high definition
• Commentary by J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Alex Kurtzman, Damon Lindelof and Roberto Orci
Blu-ray Disc #2
• To Boldly Go — Taking on the world’s most beloved science fiction franchise was no small mission. Director J.J. Abrams, writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof, and executive producer Bryan Burk talk about the many challenges they faced and their strategy for success.
• Casting — The producers knew their greatest task was finding the right cast to reprise these epic roles. The cast, for their part, talk about the experience of trying to capture the essence of these mythic characters. The piece concludes with a moving tribute to Leonard Nimoy.
• A New Vision — J.J. Abrams’ vision was not only to create a Star Trek that was a bigger, more action-packed spectacle, but also to make the spectacle feel real.  Every aspect of production—from unique locations to the use of classic Hollywood camera tricks—was guided by this overall objective.
• Starships — Abrams and production designer Scott Chambliss were careful to pay tribute to the design of the original Enterprise, but they also wanted to make it futuristic and cool for a modern audience. This chapter focuses on the unique stories behind the creation of the film’s starships.
• Aliens — Designers Neville Page and Joel Harlow talk about the hurdles they faced creating new alien species, recreating the Romulans and Vulcans, and designing the terrifying creatures on Delta Vega for the new Star Trek.
• Planets — From the frozen landscape of Delta Vega to the desert plains of Vulcan, Scott Chambliss and the art department had a number of radically different planets to create. Abrams’ desire to shoot on real locations whenever possible led the production team to a number of strange and surprising locations.
• Props and Costumes — Property master Russell Bobbitt had the unique challenge of designing props that were both true to the original series and pertinent to today’s technology.  Likewise, costume designer Michael Kaplan talks about how he designed costumes that paid homage to what came before yet were relevant and timeless.
• Ben Burtt and the Sounds of Star Trek — When famed sound designer Ben Burtt was hired to create sounds for the first Star Wars film, he took his inspiration from the original “Star Trek” series. Burtt jumped at the opportunity to pay tribute to the sounds that sparked his career with the sounds he created for the new Star Trek.
• Score — As a fan of the original series, composer Michael Giacchino embraced the challenge of creating new music for Star Trek while preserving the spirit of Alexander Courage’s celebrated theme.
•Gene Roddenberry’s Vision — J.J. Abrams, Leonard Nimoy, previous Star Trek writers and producers, and scientific consultant Carolyn Porco describe and commend the optimistic and enduring vision of Gene Roddenberry.
• Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary
• Starfleet Vessel Simulator — Explore extensive data on the U.S.S. Enterprise and the Romulan ship, the Narada. Submerse yourself in breathtaking 360° views and close-ups and review detailed tech information.
• Gag Reel
• Trailers
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STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS UHD/Blu-ray/Digital HD Combo Pack
The UHD Disc is presented in 4K high definition with English Dolby Atmos, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The Blu-ray containing the feature film is presented in 1080p high definition with English 7.1 Dolby TrueHD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The Blu-ray containing the bonus content is presented in 1080p high definition with English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.
 The Combo Pack includes access to a Digital HD copy of the film as well as the following:
UHD
• Feature film in 4K UHD – IMAX Version
Blu-ray Disc #1
• Feature film in high definition – IMAX Version
• Enhanced commentary
• The Mission Continues PSA
Blu-ray Disc #2
• The Voyage Begins…Again – Go behind-the-scenes as filming begins on the next Star Trek adventure.
• Creating the Red Planet – Experience the creation of a never-before-seen alien world, as featured in the action-packed opening sequence of the film.
• Introducing the Villain
• Rebuilding the Enterprise – See the design and construction of a bigger, interconnected Enterprise set.
• National Ignition Facility: Home of the Core – Location shooting at the National Ignition Facility.
• Attack on Starfleet – Go behind the scenes with the cast and filmmakers and witness the creation of the shocking attack on Starfleet Headquarters.
• Aliens Encountered – The design and application of alien makeup.
• The Klingon Home World – Discover the stunning world of Kronos, and see how the filmmakers reinvented the Klingons for a new generation.
• The Enemy of My Enemy – Find out how, and why, the identity of the film’s true villain was kept a mystery to the very end.
• Vengeance is Coming – A comprehensive look at the design and production surrounding the black ship.
• Ship to Ship – An in-depth and thrilling look at the filming of the iconic space jump sequence, which both defied the laws of physics and pushed the limits of visual effects.
• Mr. Spock and Mr. Spock – Leonard Nimoy makes a cameo appearance and reflects on his history with Trek.
• Down with the Ship – Discover the stunt & VFX work involved to make the Enterprise roll over.
• Kirk and Spock – Explore the dynamic relationship between the film’s heroes.
• Brawl by the Bay – Sit in with Zachary Quinto and Benedict Cumberbatch as they revisit their intense preparation for the film’s breathtaking climax.
• Fitting the Future – A look at the film’s out-of-this-world costumes.
• Property of Starfleet – Sourcing and tracking the film’s myriad props.
• Unlocking the Cut – A discussion with the film editors about their monumental task.
• Visual Affection – A comprehensive look at the creation and implementation of visual effects.
• The Sounds of Music (and FX) – A discussion with film composer Michael Giacchino and sound designer Ben Burtt.
• Safety First – A prank pulled on the cast.
• Continuing the Mission – An inspiring look at the partnership between the film’s crew and the organization that assists returning veterans to find meaningful ways to contribute on the home front.
• Gag Reel
• Deleted Scenes
• Theatrical Trailers
The Combo Packs available for purchase include a Digital HD Version of the film that can be accessed through UltraViolet™, a way to collect, access and enjoy movies.  With UltraViolet, consumers can add movies to their digital collection in the cloud, and then stream or download them—reliably and securely—to a variety of devices.  Alternatively, the Digital HD Version of the film can be redeemed through iTunes.
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What a perfect gift for any ocasion!

Nice stocking stuffer if someone is also buying you an 86″ UHD TV with HDR and a new 7.1.4 Atmos Receiver. ;-)

Which I plan to buy myself sometime this summer. I will make these two films among the first I try out on the new system.

Good deal. Keep us posted. Long time Matt, how have you been?

also, any occasion.

Like that Trek is an early adopter. Were the vfx and DI made in 4K, or is this an up-rez?

I imagine that they were at least rendered in 2.5K for theaters, if not 4K. If they were sufficient for 35mm film it shouldn’t be necessary to redo or uprez anything.

No 3D version included? Really?

3D is dead…until James Cameron resurrects it again, then it’ll be cool for a few minutes.

4K Blu-ray doesn’t support 3D.

Nice. Just “future-proofed” my reciever for 4k. As soon as the OLED s drop in price, just a bit more, I’m in.

Star Trek Lives!! (in 4k!)

@Jonboc – did you make sure your receiver can decode Dolby Atmos? Im intrigued by this and plan on getting a new 11.1 receiver to include 4 ceiling speakers as part of my 7.1 surround.

Higher definition wont help the film; It will still be terrible.

Maybe Cumberbatch looks more like Khan in 4k!

These look like great releases. I don’t have plans to upgrade my Blu Ray for 4K (though I do have a 4K TV), so I’m hoping that these eventually make their way to a 4K streaming service.

I just don’t see the physical media side of 4K becoming anything special. This seems like a streaming medium to me.

this is unfair, i just upgraded from VHS to DVD recently. :*(

So … I have the Compendium set of ST & STID Blu-Rays that I watch on my PS3 Blu-Ray Player and a regular 1080p widescreen TV. If I don’t have anything 4K, is there any advantage to buying the 4K Blu-Rays? Better picture quality / better viewing experience on a 1080p set? Or should I not bother?

johnnyb807,

Hard to say, the PS3 is on the cusp of Sony technological orphaning but if Sony updates it to read the UHD discs then you’ll still have to compress it to get it on your set. The beauty being that your aren’t stuck with whatever compression the disc publisher chose but if you aren’t planning to get any additional gear then you’ll just trade the publisher’s for whatever scheme Sony chooses to employ.

The only way for you to know if it is worth it to you is to find some home theater installer who will let you audition it on PS3 in their showroom. and see for yourself.

The PS3 is not capable of playing 4K Blu-ray discs. It is a whole new disc format, like DVD to Blu-ray.

So you’ll need both a 4K television and a 4K UHD Blu-ray player to play these discs.

Platitude,

Any blu-ray drive is capable of having its firmware updated to read an UHDBD. So the PS3 “playing” a UHD disk isn’t a technical problem per se — although some other manufacturer going to the trouble to pay for all the licenses might be but we are talking about Sony here. Now getting that out of it as a full 4k image would be a challenge that at minimum would probably involve some expensive add on. But that wasn’t johnnyb807’s immediate concern. He wanted to know that if Sony enabled his PS3 to play the UHD disc down-compressed to 2k for his equipment, would he notice any improvement?

Disinvited – I see what you’re saying. I just think you’re making the things way more confusing than the original question was asking. Regardless of whether or not the PS3 could be made to play UHD discs, it doesn’t meet the hardware specifications to display in 4K. So if you already have the movies on Blu-ray and you only have a 1080p TV there would not be any point in buying this set, unless you intend on going 4K in the future and want to future-proof.

Beyond that anything is purely speculation since, as far as I know, no announcements from any manufacturers have been made regarding regular Blu-ray players receiving updates to play UHD.

Oh no, not another lot of new technology to spend money on…sigh

I do wonder what we are seeing that is supposed to be so much clearer, better somehow, than what is shown on a good Blu-ray/DVD player. Also, with more than half of any population apparently needed glasses to be able to see what’s in front of them, ie a word on a page/computer and/or what they might drive into, I do have to wonder just what this latest tech is supposed to improve. What we see is only as good as the what our eyes, with some aid if necessary, are able to see and interpret.

I only need reading glasses. I don’t have glasses for driving the car. I have watched these new HD TVs and honestly, I can see little or no difference in picture quality. If anything, some picture look unnatural, especially on the larger screens.

I’d completely switched to digital/streaming. But with the availability of a UHD Bluray player, I’m back to discs. This will be nice to add to the new collection

Why? So we (at least some of I would assume) can be “ultra” irritated with ‘Into Darkness’ again? No thanks. I’m good