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

First off, let me state that while I own this movie (I own all the Star Trek films), this particular one left such a bad taste in my mouth, I don't think I've watched it in more than 20 years. Therefore, I went in with VERY low expectations. And I remember this film in its entirety, so in spite of many years of not watching, I know it very well.

First, let me state that BionicBob has done a FABULOUS job in tonal shift, making this a more serious, grounded story all-around. The worst elements have been excised it works far better than what we saw in the official release. Also, an added flashback connects this film to the prior ones, making it feel like a logical progression. Good job!

Many of the shortcomings that remain exist in the film itself. There are several moments where the direction is obvious and unnatural... "We're going to pan from left to right and each of you will in turn say your version of Eden..." or "You're going to walk into shot, then out of shot, then back into shot as McCoy hovers over his dying father...." These are just a couple of the MANY obvious ham-fisted directorial decisions that keep this film from feeling "real" or in any way believable. In spite of this, BionicBob has done the best with what exists.

As to the new effects, most work, although some feel a bit like dated CGI. Overall, these improve the story, but I think someone who is well-skilled with color/lighting effects in an editor could tweak these to make them blend a bit better.

I definitely recommend this to all Star Trek fans, even if you downright despise the theatrical cut of this film.

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!