Star Trek V: The Final Frontier - The Great Experiment Workprint

I've thought for years that The Final Frontier was ripe for reappraisal. Dodgy FX and goofy moments aside, there is a lot to love about the movie. Not least that it feels the closest to a real TOS episode out of all six movies.

This edit basically confirms that Shatner was onto something all along. With the improved FX and those infamous moments removed you're left with a genuinely heart-warming and fun movie. Highly recommended for all Trek fans.

WONDEROUS SALVAGE!

Like the editor, I have long planned a recovery edit of ST V...There is sooo much to love about the original. Unfortunately, there is also much to dislike too...the poor VFX, the truncated ambitions of its director (Mr Shatner) and the crushing of the budget leading to a wishy washy ending. Did I mention the cringe factor too?

BionicBob has done away with all those issues....at least to the fullest extent possible...and I must say, I felt I was watching this for the first time once more.

The core of this edit is NOT (IMHO) the replecment VFX (created by fans) that have been used ...NOPE. The core of this edit are the judicious trims, rearrangements and extra additions which the editor has skillfully deployed to deliver a choherant and satisfying narrative. Pure joy!

As with any experimental project, there are inconsistencies in the VFX quality...and I should know...I've made one of these (ST II) myself...so no points deducted for that. However, their integration is seamless in most cases. They feel like they belong and in fact add to the credibility of the overall narrative.

Without giving away any spoilers, there were mnay surprising and unexpected flourishes from the editor that made me smile.

Technicals were spot on throughout, and I for one now have a GOTO version of this underrated entry in the Classic Trek Movies roster.

Thank you so much for pulling this together 9and reaching out to me too)...

RECOMENDED?
NOPE!

MANDATORY VIEWING?
YUP!
Ahead Warp factor 9.9!

Bionic Bob deserves the reverence from every Star Trek TOS fan for the accomplishment of making Star Trek V enjoyable and satisfying!

As a Star Trek fan you may make this version the one you keep on you shelf between IV and VI.

The only complaint you can have about this version has to do with the CGI from the shuttle scenes.

The self serving tone of the original is masterfully removed and we are left with a fun TOS movie that discovers God does not live on another planet. Without giving anything away I would love to see a tie in with the rock creature from the TOS episode!

As always, BionicBob delivers. Unfortunately, I think that this time, he cut too much. Maybe there was no way to salvage some scenes, but I'd like to see if there was some way to salvage some of the ones he cut. Otherwise, an excellent edit of one of the more underrated Star Trek movies.

Have avoided the original for a long time, only really seen bits and pieces that highlighted it's reputation as one of the series' weakest entries, so it's wonderful to end up feeling quite emotional after watching the edit. Going from ST IV to ST VI always somewhat irked me, the crew getting a new ship for more adventures then suddenly being on the cusp of retirement, that's no longer an issue!

One can sense that there are bits missing, but maybe that is partly due to the disclaimer at the start drawing one's attention towards the fact since it's hard to put one's finger on anything concrete, nothing in the plot is nonsensical but maybe there could have been more backstory.

From what I do remember none of this is Bob's fault, and the additions made really made really help as well. The integration of the rock monsters (wonder if Galaxy Quest used the idea in reference to this production) as the beings behind the malevolent force worked really well, as does the extended journey through the Great Barrier which felt massively anti-climactic before.

There are only a few points that I think prefer done differently. As amazing as the new effects shots (testaments to the dedication of fan artists) are they do stand out a bit from an obviously much older production, so would echo earlier comments in wondering if they could be tweaked (adjusting grading, adding grain etc) to blend in better. I would also prefer having more "normally" style and size of Klingon subtitles (don't think there's a need to have them located near the speaker) and am not sure about having the large location cards in the centre of the screen.

Overall though this was a joy to watch, along with "In Search of Spock" I can finally enjoy sitting down with six good films with the original crew.