Just this week Diamond Select / Art Asylum has released the next item in their ‘Trek Tek’ line, the Kirk era version of the communicator. This joins the previously released TOS phasers and the forthcoming tricorder (announced at the recent Toy Fair). This is not the first TOS communicator made available, but for $29 it offers many features usually only available with high end replicas.
Recently TrekMovie.com has been picking up rumblings of work on new DVD special features for previous Trek feature films. However, as of now Paramount still do not have a single new Star Trek title announced for 2008 or 2009 on either DVD or Blu-ray, but a new blog post from David Gerrold (writer: “Trouble with Tribbles”) has let the cat out of the bag. Gerrold writes about a recent trip to the Paramount lot to shoot special features for a new DVD box set…and while on the lot, Gerrold was also treated to a visit to the set of JJ Abrams’ new Star Trek.
As the Star Trek editor for IDW Publishing, one might think I would use my ‘guest TrekInk columns’ as a venue to hype our latest releases, but instead, I’m actually going to talk about all of the Star Trek stories that we don’t publish. Either comics that have come before—little gems of storytelling from other publishers that you might have missed the first time around—or, also, interesting pitches that we receive, which for some reason we’re not able to use. This week we will focus on past comics from Trek celebrities.
It’s the beginning of March, and winter is nearly done, so it’s time to head out and grab a novel, and prepare to settle in for one final winter reading-fest. This week, the Library Computer is taking a look at “Forged In Fire,” the new Excelsior adventure by Michael A. Martin and Andy Mangels. We’ll also be catching up with Bones Rodriguez, and keeping an eye out on upcoming releases.
Although much of the talk about collectibles focuses on models, figures, toys, statues, and the like, there is a lot more to Trek merchandise. Some of the stranger items in the past have included the Mr. Spock liquor decanter, cigar wrappers, candy bars, a marshmallow dispenser, and even a garage door opener. But there are still a number of strange Trek products for you to add to your collection. In this week’s "Collective" we have gathered together some of these lesser known items which are currently available…check it out below
Last week we reported that Paramount was the last studio to announce support for the Blu-ray HD standard. At the time Paramount still had a number of planned HD DVD titles and even just announced two new ones. However today comes news from Video Business, HiDef Digest and The Hollywood Reporter that the two Paramount titles coming out next week (Into the Wild and Things We Lost) would be their last. All future announced HD DVD titles have been cancelled. Paramount has still not announced any Blu-ray titles or any plans for Trek.
This weekend at WonderCon in San Francisco, Paramount premiered the fourth promotional poster for the new Star Trek movie. The poster was free to attendees and measures 11 by 17 inches, the same size as the first promotional poster given out at the 2006 Comic Con in San Diego. The new poster has the new official logo and says "UNDER CONSTRUCTION" and (like the newly updated trailer) "SUMMER 2009."
Cloaks, Trickery, and Romulans In this TrekInk column we review IDW’s final issue in the "Alien Spotlight" series. Comic legend John Byrne doesn’t disappoint with this Romulan point of view from the classic TOS episode "Balance of Terror." We also take a look forward and preview Byrne’s upcoming projects with IDW (for both Trek and other comics).
Actors often have to sing for their supper, yet Star Trek actors have a tendency go above and beyond that. There is something about being on Trek that brings their inner Dion and Sinatra. While easy to mock these actors for "trying" to be singers, many have extensive singing and Broadway musical experiences. The latest effort is a new album, Dreamland, from TNG’s Brent Spiner. This has inspired this special Sunday edition of ‘The Collective,’ where we take a listen to some of the more memorable efforts offered from the Trek stars turned singers.
Today the shared owners of Star Trek are making moves in the digital world. First up is CBS who announced they are offering ‘classics’ from their television library to a new “CBS Audience Network” of sites. The initial programming consists of The Twilight Zone, Hawaii Five-O, MacGyver, Melrose Place and (most importantly) Star Trek (TOS). Shows are streamed in their entirety for free, with advertising.
The "Library Computer" column is new here at TrekMovie.com. Last week we kicked off with a Valentine’s Day themed review and interview (and giveaway). But before we move on to more we thought we would take a look back at the books of 2007 and see where there were hits (and misses). Plus we gaze forward and see what you can look forward to be reading in the next year…join us will you?
Last Fall CBS and Toshiba made a big splash over Star Trek coming out exclusively on HD DVD, starting with the first season of The Original Series. Toshiba reps dressed up in Trek uniforms at an industry trade show, they did a phaser remote-control give-away, and used Trek as a big selling point for their platform during the holiday season. However 2008 has been a very bad year for HD DVD and indications are that the format war is over and HD DVD has lost. Studios and retailers alike are jumping ship and all that is left is for Toshiba to finally call uncle…leaving Trek as a casualty of war.
Review: Star Trek TNG: Intelligence Gathering #2 Although it is set in the time of The Next Generation, the second issue of the Scott and David Tipton written "Intelligence Gathering" series is another opportunity for the pair to show off their knowledge of The Original Series. This time they bring in Rigelians (who first appeared in “Journey to Babel”) and the Kaylar (who made their only appearance in the original Star Trek pilot, “The Cage”). But the center of this story of intrigue is Worf.
Day 2 for TrekMovie.com at the New York Toy Fair was supposed to be all about Playmates and their upcoming line of figures and toys for the new Star Trek feature. Playmates did finally officially announce their movie license along with details on the the planned line. However (likely due to Paramount’s recent decision to delay the film) Playmates limited their Trek presentation to just a press release with no prototypes on display. But we do have pictures and details on a fun DVD game all about Trek from SceneIt?
TrekMovie.com has hit Toy Fair 2008 in New York City. Today we got a personal tour of the Diamond Select booth and a preview of what’s in store for Trek toy fans for the next year. The biggest news is new figures for Voyager and Star Trek The Motion Picture. But DST also showed off new MEGO and DS9 figures, lots of new Minimates and an Enterprise D. See below for more details and pictures.
Last week TrekMovie.com took a look back at the history of Star Trek film merchandising. We will now take a look forward at what we can expect with merchandising for the new JJ Abrams Star Trek movie. According to sources the film will have the biggest merchandising campaign since Star Trek The Motion Picture, which is befitting the film’s budget and mass market target. See below for what we know as of now.
NEW FEATURE: ‘Library Computer’ is our latest regular column and it is entirely dedicated to Trek Books. The goal will be to review and preview every new Trek book (novels and non-fiction), plus offer interviews, retro-reviews and retrospectives. This first ‘Library Computer’ has a Valentine’s Day theme as Rob (and Kristen) Lyons take a look at the new "Captain Kirk’s Guide to Women." Plus we have copies of the book to give away…see below.
Stardate 02.14.2008 is approaching rapidly, do you want to show that special Star Trek fan how much you care this Valentine’s Day? In this week’s ‘The Collective’ we look at the many presents for your Star Trek paramours now available in retail or online stores.
Trekmovie.com broke the story a few weeks ago that Playmates Toys has the license to the new Star Trek film. Now, Ain’t It Cool News provides coverage from the German Toy Fair occurring this weekend, and their report gives specific costume and design details from the 2008 feature based on the prototype toys available. See below for a summary.
This has been active week of news for retro Mego Star Trek action figures. Earlier this week we reported a newly designed Khan figure was coming out this summer and ToyNews is reporting the original Uhura and the Mugatu Megos are on their way later this year as well.
Our friends over at the On Network webshow “Bif Bam Pow Wow” have dedicated their most recent episode to all things Star Trek. Their focus is comics, but there are also interview snippets from last summer’s Vegas con with Rod Roddenberry and Wil Wheaton talking about the new Star Trek movie. Check it out below.
NEW FEATURE: The latest regular column to add to the TrekMovie.com mix is “The Collective” from regular contributor and all around expert in ‘stuff’ John Tenuto. Every week or so John will bring news, reviews, retrospectives and more from the worlds of toys and collectibles. This first week brings breaking news on a new Khan figure done in the MEGO style, plus a look back at Mr. Singh’s history with Trek collectibles.
NEW FEATURE: In the last year Star Trek made its comeback into comics and with more and more issues coming out every month, TrekMovie.com will now devote a weekly column to them. This first TrekInk column takes a look IDW’s first year including reviews of January’s comics. Plus we have some previews for upcoming issues.
There is more to movies than just going to the theaters. There is, of course, the merchandising. The Star Trek film franchise kicked off shortly after Star Wars really brought film merchandising into the big time. As the merchandising for the new Star Trek movie is just gearing up, TrekMovie.com takes a look back at some of Trek’s past forays into this world, with a close look at a couple films in particular.
Ever since Star Trek Enterprise brought back the Mirror Universe with the popular “In a Mirror, Darkly” in 2005 the alternative place with the beards has been all the rage. Pocket Books has released a couple Mirror Universe books with more on the way and IDW recently announced a Mirror comic, and now Diamond Select is headed to the other side.
Earlier this week, TrekMovie.com broke the news that Playmates Toys was granted the toy license the new Star Trek film. Now a new article from one of the Internet’s most popular collecting websites, Action-Figure.com, not only confirms the Trekmovie.com news, but also gives details on some of the first prototypes being shown off at UK ToyFair which kicked off today.
William Shatner continues his quest to become king of the Internet with the addition of a couple of new online projects. Firstly a site called VideoJug announced today a new set of interactive videos of The Shat discussing his “candid and personal views on life, Star Trek and the entertainment business.” And if you want to get more personal, LiveAutographs.com is offering the opportunity to get a personalized video of Shatner signing memorabilia.
This month Diamond Select Toys has issued their second set of retro Mego version action figures. Mr. Spock and Andorian join the already available Kirk and Klingon figures
It has been the stated intent that the new Star Trek movie will move the venerable Trek franchise back into the broader mainstream audience. One area where this will manifest itself is in merchandising and TrekMovie.com has learned that a big step has been taken by awarding the toy license for the new Star Trek movie to Playmates Toys. This is actually a ‘coming home’ for Trek toys as Playmates held the license for much of the 90s but dropped it in 2000.
Collectible company Corgi International announced this week that it had extended its Star Trek license through 2010. The announcement specifically mentions that the license will include the 2008 Star Trek feature film. TrekMovie.com has learned that the license applies mainly to the Master Replicas brand (which Corgi bought in 2006). Master Replicas, maker of high-end collectibles, has been producing Star Trek-related prop reproductions and ship models for the last decade.