STAR TREK:NEXT GENERATION:SEASON TWO

 PARAMOUNT has released STAR TREK:THE NEXT GENERATION:SEASON TWO, and it’s even better than the first season! 

 As mentioned in our review of PARAMOUNT’s release of the first season on dvd, it was well packaged, and the show generally quite good. However, it’s the 2^nd season, wherein the various characters actually begin to gel together, and a new kind of villain, as unforgettable as the Klingon, is introduced, in the form of the Borg.  The show’s budget was also increased, greatly helping to improve the special effects, which were so lacking in the first season.

 The writing is often fantastic.  “Time Squared” is one of the best episodes of any season, and is almost enough reason alone to purchase the set!  Patrick Stewart really begins to seem perfect for his role as Captain in this season, and Whoopi Goldberg fans will take pleasure in her cameo appearances as a bartender in a few episodes. 

The boxed set features all 22 episodes over 6 discs.  These include: 
The Child, Where Silence Has Lease, Elementary Dear Data, The Outrageous Okona, Loud as a Whisper, The Schizoid Man, Unnatural Selection, A Matter of Honor, The Measure of a Man, The Dauphin, Contagion, The Royale, Time Squared, The Icarus Factor, Pen Pals, Q Who?, Samaritan Snare, Up the Long Ladder, Manhunt, The Emissary, Peak Performance, Shades of Gray. There is a total of 17 hours of material across 6 DVDs.
 

The 2nds season is presented in the show's correct 1.33:1 full frame ratio.  The previous season looked fine, sometimes, even great, but this season is improved. The contrast is far superior in terms of contrast, with far deeper blacks and grays. The color values are more solid as well, offering brighter colors in general, without oversaturation. Fleshtones appear natural throughout.

It appears that PARAMOUNT will be continuing to release every season with a remixed Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack.  While the original stereo mixes are also provided, these remixes are preferable. They’re restrained for the most part, but when directional and rear speaker effects are employed, they’re extremely entertaining. The surround sound is utilized most prominently in terms of the musical score, which also offers a surprising amount of bass. 

There are several featurettes offered here.  “MISSION OVERVIEW:YEAR TWO” revisits the second season in a brief overview, exploring the differences undertaken in this season, especially with Whoopi Goldberg on board.

 “SELECTED CREW ANALYSIS” offers insight from cast and crew members, regarding their favorite moments. 

 “INSIDE STARFLEET ARCHIVES” looks at Penny Juday, the woman responsible for the assorted props from the show, and it’s surprisingly entertaining and insightful for fans and non-fans alike!

 "PRODUCTION” explores the special effects, production design and characters.