While the DVD hasn’t officially been announced yet, it seems some details have come forth about one of the year’s biggest hits on DVD. It seems that Variety has gotten a hold of the DVD and Blu-ray details for the forthcoming Star Trek DVD, which will apparently hit the shelves on November 17.
The trade is reporting that the film will be released in a two-disc DVD set and a three-disc Blu-ray set, both of which will include a new state-of-the-art feature right on the disc’s packaging. Dubbed “augmented reality,” the packaging will be fitted with a device that, if you hold the packaging up to any normal webcam, the packaging will unlock a special hologram that comes up on the computer screen. Users will have to log in to a website to access the feature, but they can take a virtual tour of the decks of the U.S.S. Enterprise and even fire upon enemies as well.
“If you took the visual cue in the package and turned your hand, then you’re turning the ship,” Paramount homevideo senior VP of brand marketing Bob Buchi said.
Consumers can get a sneak peek at this new interactive feature by visiting Experience-the-Enterprise.com.
The film will be released in a barebones single-disc edition, which will only include commentary tracks, a two-disc edition and a three-disc Blu-ray edition. Both the two-disc and the Blu-ray editions will include a Digital Copy of the film. Specific details weren’t released, except that there will be deleted scenes and the Blu-ray will include BD-Live features which will allow users to access live updates from space through NASA.
We’ll certainly keep you posted on this amazing DVD/BD release as soon as we have more information.
UPDATE: (7/17/09 11 AM PST) Paramount Home Entertainment has just issued a full press release confirming the November 17th release date which also includes full details on the special features. Take a look below.
This year audiences thrilled at the triumphant voyage of the Starship Enterprise and her young and vibrant crew in movie theaters across the planet–and on November 17, 2009, the world will go where no one has gone before when Star Trek debuts as a three-disc Blu-ray with digital copy, two-disc DVD with digital copy and a single-disc DVD from Paramount Home Entertainment. Bursting with “spectacular action” (Hollywood Reporter) and “pure filmmaking exhilaration” (Rolling Stone) director J.J. Abrams’ sensational reinvention of the “Star Trek” franchise was hailed by critics and embraced by long-time and new fans alike, earning over $375 million at the worldwide box office. Starring a hot young cast including Chris Pine (Carriers), Zachary Quinto (“Heroes”), Zoe Saldana (Avatar), Karl Urban (The Bourne Supremacy), John Cho (Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle), Anton Yelchin (Terminator Salvation) and Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead), the global smash hit also features seasoned actors such as Eric Bana (Munich), Bruce Greenwood (National Treasure: Book of Secrets), Winona Ryder (Girl, Interrupted) and the original Spock himself, Leonard Nimoy.
“I cannot wait for fans of Star Trek to check out the home entertainment release of the film. The behind-the-scenes features on the DVD – and especially the Blu-ray – give a wonderful look at the crazy hard work and incredible fun that went into making this movie,” said J.J. Abrams. “The cast and crew were truly extraordinary to work with – watching these special features, you’ll see why. And for people who didn’t catch Star Trek in the theater, I hope they do now, as Paramount has done an exceptional job with this release; the picture and sound quality are both excellent.”
The Star Trek DVD and Blu-ray will boast out-of-this-world special features to take viewers even further into the new universe of the rousing space adventure. The two-disc DVD and three-disc Blu-ray include in-depth explorations of the reimagining of the franchise, the phenomenal cast, the spectacularly real action sequences, the powerful score and the captivating aliens, commentary by J.J. Abrams, the writers and producers, a gag reel and a digital copy of the film. Additionally, the discs feature compelling deleted scenes that reveal a side story involving Nero with a first-ever look at Abrams’ version of the infamous warrior Klingons.
The Star Trek Blu-ray boldly ventures beyond the final frontier with over three hours of sensational bonus footage including branching pods that allow for enhanced exploration, more fascinating features on the starships, planets, props, costumes and sound of STAR TREK, as well as a Starfleet Vessel Simulator and access to the latest NASA news about real-life space exploration via BD-Live.
The two-disc DVD and three-disc Blu-ray will also offer a home entertainment first: groundbreaking augmented reality technology. Using a webcam, a Star Trek visual cue will morph into a 3D holographic tour of the U.S.S. Enterprise on the screen, providing a unique immersive and interactive experience.
The Star Trek single-disc DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 5.1 Surround and Spanish 5.1 Surround with English, French and Spanish subtitles. The single-disc DVD includes the commentary, “A New Vision” and the gag reel.
