Star Trek:The Next Generation:Season 1

              PARAMOUNT has plans to release every season of “Star Trek:The Next Generation” as separate boxed sets in the upcoming year.  All 26 episodes of the first season are included in this boxed set, and while most of them are quite good, most of them are “run-of-the-mill” when compared to other seasons.  The series had a lot to contend with in winning over an audience.  Let’s not forget that when the first season began, in 1987, it had been decades since the original series had aired, and the idea of an entirely new cast aggravated “Trekkies”. 

              And, while special effects technology had greatly improved during the gap between both series, “STNG” still suffered from a pretty modest budget, limiting the overall quality of the special effects. But, the writing and plots, as with most “Star Trek” episodes, overcame most obstacles.

 PARAMOUNT has presenting the series in its original 4:3 aspect ratio.  The image is pretty sharp, but the colors aren’t consistently vibrant.  They’re bright at times, but more often than not, they appear a little restrained.  Contrast is fine, but blacks and grays aren’t as distinguished from one another as on some of the best PARAMOUNT dvd transfers.

 Although the original series was produced in Dolby Stereo, the series has been remixed for Dolby Digital 5.1 sound.  It makes a huge difference!  Even with the majority of the directional effects being focused on the front soundstage, there are enough rear speaker/directional effects to delight fans.  The music is also well complimented here with a sweeping effect whenever it plays.  There is a surprising amount of bass as well.

 PARAMOUNT is releasing this boxed set with great packaging.  The series is presented over 7 discs within a silver cardboard box, similar to the manner in which the “X Files” series has been released.  A collector’s guide/sleeve is included.