Sci-fi fans should be very pleased at PARAMOUNT's commitment the release schedule of the various "Star Trek" series.  The studio released generally terrific boxed sets, carrying entire seasons of "STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION," at warp speed over the past year.  There were no real delays, and by the time fans had finished watching one boxed set, with all of the supplements, a new boxed set for the following season was just around the corner.

PARAMOUNT is continuing this commitment with the initial release of "STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE 9: SEASON ONE."  Making its debut on February 18, 2003, the series' fans have a lot to be pleased with!

The entire first season is included in a customized slipcase boxed set, over 6 discs, with several featurettes.   Whereas "NEXT GENERATION" had Patrick Stewart as the commander, "DEEP SPACE 9" has Avery Brooks as Commander Benjamin Sisko, and he's terrific!  While "NEXT GENERATION" had its share of terrific characters, "DEEP SPACE 9" introduces viewers to even more memorable ones.  The Cardassians, a brutal race, have all but enslaved the Bajorans, a peaceful civilization on the planet Bajor.  It's up to Commander Sisko to ensure the save induction of Bajor into the "Federation."  The Cardassians have scrambled, but have left their space station behind in the process. 

Sisko, along with his son and numerous officers from Starfleet Command have assumed control over the derilect station, renaming it "DEEP SPACE NINE."  The space station doesn't have the ability to cruise the galaxies, so most of the action in this series revolves in and around "Deep Space Nine."

This first season is a bit uneven, and the series improves dramatically during its 2nd and third seasons, but there are some great episodes.  "DUET" and "THE STORYTELLER" make this a boxed set worth owning by themselves!  Fans carried over from "NEXT GENERATION" will also enjoy brief run-ins with the Borg in the first season, as well.

PARAMOUNT has preserved the series' full frame(1.33:1) aspect ratio.  While there's some minor artifacting in a few scenes, the image is generally pleasing.  It's slightly better than the television airings, with better resolution and contrast. Fleshtones appear natural. 

As with "NEXT GENERATION," PARAMOUNT has graciously remixed the series' soundmix for Dolby Digital 5.1.  It's a marked improvement over the Dolby Surround mix from television airings.  While not as aggressive a soundmix, as in the best "NEXT GENERATION" seasons, "DEEP SPACE NINE: SEASON ONE" offers a sizeable amount of surround and directional effects. 

PARAMOUNT has also put forth various featurettes for this release.  There are six featurettes, and some are much lengthier than others.  We get to examine various makeup and props in one featurette. Another, "CREW DOSSIER: KIRA NERYS" is dedicated to what may be the best character on the show. The rest include various behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.  Additionally, there are even more featurettes to be found on the final disc.

We're looking forward to the following seasons, and even more to the eventual release of "STAR TREK: VOYAGER," down the road!