Fans of the original “Star Trek” should not hesitate to buy this second season set.

The 26 episode second season of the original “Star Trek” is far and away the best season. Not only did the writers hit their stride with classics like “The Doomsday Machine,” the intriguing failed spin-off “Assignment Earth,” the underrated “The Gamesters Of Triskelion,” and “The Trouble With Tribbles,” but they also delved deeper into the characters (especially Spock). I, like most viewers, was utterly fascinated by Spock ever since I first saw him on screen, so it was great to learn more about him, his species (Vulcans), and his family in episodes like “Journey To Babel” and “Amok Time.”

 

Like all television shows, there are a few clunkers here. I personally found episodes like “Catspaw,” “Obsession” and the silly “The Apple.”

 

I’m sure many of you reading this are wondering about the newly added F/X. All I have to say is the F/X look fantastic and that they are never distracting or out of place. If you don’t believe me, check out “The Doomsday Machine.” That episode sums up why these new remastered episodes are the ultimate editions to watch.

Once again, the episodes have been beautifully remastered. The 4:3 fullscreen prints may be grainy at times, but the episodes have never looked better on home video.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio tracks are equally sharp. I really have no complaints with the audio.

* Preview trailers for all 26 episodes.
* “More Tribbles, More Troubles” episode from the “Star Trek: Animated Series” with optional commentary by David Gerrold.
* “Trials And Tribble-ations” episode from “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (one of the best Trek episodes ever I might add).
* “To Boldly Go…” Season 2- A 19 minute featurette filled with fun facts such as why Chekhov came onto the show.
* “Billy Blackburn’s Treasure Chest: Rare Home Movies And Special Memories Part 2”- A 12 minute extra with Blackburn talking about his roles and experiences.
* “Designing The Final Frontier”- A 22 minute featurette on set designs.
* “Writer’s Notebook: D.C. Fontana” (7:30)- Fontana talks about the writer’s job.
* “Star Trek’s Favorite Moments” (17:00)- Cast and crew members from all of the series share fond memories of watching the original series.
* “Trials And Tribble-ations: Uniting 2 Legends”- A 17 minute featurette about mixing TOS and DS9.
* “Trials And Tribble-ations: An Historic Endeavor” (17:00)- See above description.
* “Star Trek’s Divine Diva: Nichelle Nichols” (13:00).
* “Kirk, Spock, And Bones: Star Trek’s Great Trio” (7:00).
* “Life Beyond Trek: Leonard Nimoy”- A 12 minute extra about Nimoy’s life and hobbies.