Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2 is available now on DVD, Blu-ray 4K UHD and digital platforms.
Synopsis
In series two of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise, under the command of Captain Christopher Pike, confronts increasingly dangerous stakes, explores uncharted territories, and encounters new life and civilisations. The crew will also embark on personal journeys that will continue to test their resolve and redefine their destinies.
Review
If you’re a Star Trek fan looking for items to go on your Christmas list then we have plenty for you to be excited about. Not on is the final season of Star Trek: Picard now available, but we also have the home video release of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds absolutely game-changing season two. Once again Paramount is spoiling us by releasing the second season on 4K UHD with stunning Dolby HDR visuals.
You can read my full thoughts on the season 2 story right here but it’s incredibly exciting to see any season of Star Trek getting this kind of home video treatment. Each of season 2’s ten episodes, including a Lower Decks crossover and a musical, are presented in their original 2.39:1 aspect ratio. As with the final season of Picard, Strange New Worlds sophomore season looks incredibly cinematic throughout. The 4K UHD really brings out the unbelievable about of fine detail which goes in to every aspect of the series’ production.
Every blinking light, every fibre of the crew uniforms and even the corridors of the U.S.S Enterprise itself all look at their absolute best in the format. From the small Starfleet insignia which make up part of the uniform design, down to the most minute screen readouts. Every detail is perfectly presented on screen and then enhanced by the Dolby Vision. Colours are exceptional. As I said in my Picard review, there is plenty of discourse amongst fans about the lighting in contemporary Trek. But it’s hard to argue the lighting design is hurting the series’ when Strange New Worlds looks this good.
Fans familiar with the series’ production will know that cavernous sets like the Enterprise engineering hub and each of its alien locales is created using AR technology. As we learn in the bonus features on this release they took that one step further this year by creating multiple sets within AR locations. This is evident in the first episode of season 2 when the crew visits Cajitar IV. What’s even more incredible is now little this is evident in the episode itself. The depth of the AR visuals is striking. Visual effects sometimes lose a little fidelity and can appear softer. This was more evident in season 1, with season 2 appear much more crisp and impactful.
As with the first season’s UHD release, season 2 comes packed with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. If you’re already familiar with Trek on home video then you know exactly what to expect. The soundtrack is absolutely dominant and packs a punch. From the immersive nature of the starship interiors with their various chirps, beeps and boops. To the field-encompassing action sequences in space which make use of all the various channels. Phaser and torpedo effects are particularly heavy, as they should be. The DTS-HD Master is also the perfect platform to present Nami Melumad’s emotionally driven score.
No Star Trek home video release is complete without a plethora of bonus features and Strange New Worlds season 2 is no different. The Blu-ray and 4K UHD release come with over 2 hours of bonus features including:
- • Producing Props
- • The Costumes Closet
- • The Gorn
- • Singing in Space
- • Exploring New Worlds
Each of the features presents an insightful look at parts of the series’ production. “Exploring New Worlds” takes the lions share of the work, clocking in at over 40 minutes and covering each of the season 2 episodes except the musical. There’s some exciting glimpses behind the scenes of the Lower Decks which includes interviews with director Jonathan Frakes and guest stars Tawny Newsome and Jack Quaid. The music episode, “Subspace Rhapsody” gets its own 25 minute feature with “Singing In Space” highlighting the episode and all of the major players in its production.
Sadly season 2 is missing audio commentaries, likely due to the Hollywood writers and actors strikes which took place over the summer. But there is still great insight to be found within each of the bonus features.
Verdict
4K UHD is an unparalleled way to experience Star Trek on home video. I just wish that all series got this level of treatment. Strange New Worlds sophomore season has never looked or sounded better.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
