The "Star Trek- The Original Series" Season 1 HD-DVD/DVD combo was my most anticipated set of the year. When the copy arrived in my hands, I immediately popped the set in and dove right into the episodes and extras. While the episodes themselves vary in quality, this fully loaded 10 disc set does not disappoint.

The 29 episode first season may seem dated to some viewers, but you have to realize how groundbreaking this show truly was for television and the science fiction genre. Gene Roddenberry's vision of the future resonated with people as it showed a universe filled with equality, peace, and hope. The crew of the Enterprise may have encountered their fair share of hostile aliens and humans, but much of the time they attempted to resolve conflicts peacefully. It is because of these stories and themes that Trek contains to prevail 40 years later. To celebrate the 40th anniversary, Paramount/CBS have released this new Original Series Season 1 set with new ship, planet, phaser f/x and remastered prints and music. Purists may take issue with the new inclusions, but I can honestly say that the changes are slight and seamlessly blend into the show. Besides, the show was due for a restoration. If you take a look at the previous DVD releases, the prints were hideously faded and overly grain. Like with many shows, the first season is hit and miss. For every classic like the Romulan encounter episode "Balance Of Terror," the infamous Kirk Vs. Gorn story "Arena," the introduction of Captain Christopher Pike in "The Menagerie," and the first appearance of Kaaaaaaaaahn in "Space Seed," we get unwatchable episodes such as "The Alternative Factor," "Miri," and "What Are Little Girls Made Of?" One of the main flaws of the show, however, was that the episodes tended to be too focused on Spock, Kirk, and Bones. While Spock is certainly the most "fascinating" character, I am sure I am not alone in wishing there were more Sulu, Scotty, and Uharu centric episodes. Granted, these characters got more screen time in the feature films, but I never felt the writers fully explored their characters. Overall, season one can't compare with the brilliant season two, but it's still loaded with fun, characterization, and throught provoking themes and stories. In other words, it's sci-fi at its best.

The 4:3 fullscreen picture quality may be grainy in spots, but so what? This set is superior in every way to previous TOS DVD releases. How can you complain about the gorgeous newly added f/x and the beautifully remastered prints? It seems illogical to me. Th English Dolby TrueHD and English 2.0 Surround tracks are also nicely remastered. Every line delivery, computer beep, phaser fire, booming music score is perfectly audible.

All 10 discs are double-sided. Side A contains the HD-DVD versions, while side B contains the standard DVD version. The extras are as follows: Disc 1 Side A- The Starfleet Access feature is included on the episode "Where No Man Has Gone Before" and can be played during the episode. It is essentially a feature that allows viewers to read or watch information about the episode, ships, locations, and so forth. Side B- Preview trailers and a 20 minute featurette titled "Spacelift: Transporting Trek Into The 21st Century." The CBS/Paramount team give an inside look at how they remastered the episodes and compare the old prints to the new newly redone prints. Disc 2 Side B- "The Birth Of A Timeless Legacy" (24:43) discusses how Trek came to be, the original pilot "The Cage," how Spock got his hears, and other goodies I won't reveal. Preview trailers are also included. Disc 3 Side B- Preview trailers and "Reflections On Spock" (12:12). Leonard Nimoy goes into great depth about his character and his book "I Am Not Spock." Disc 4 Side A- Two "Starfleet Access" features on "The Menagerie" Part 1 and 2. Side B- Preview trailers and a featurette titled "Life Beyond Trek: William Shatner" (10:27) in which William Shatner shares his love of horses. Disc 5 Side A- Starfleet Access feature on "Balance Of Terror." Side B- Preview trailers and "To Boldly Go...Season One." This 19 minute featurette takes a look at the various episodes (namely "Naked Time" and "Space Seed"). Disc 6 Side A- Starfleet Access feature on "The Galileo 7." Side B- "Sci-Fi Visionaries" discusses the scripts and the brilliant minds behind them. Preview trailers also included. Disc 7 Side B- "Billy Blackburn's Treasure Chest: Rare Home Movies And Special Memories" is an enjoyable 13 1/2 minute look at Blackburn's experiences on set as minor characters. Let us not forget the preview trailers. Disc 8 Side A- "Space Seed"- Starfleet Access Side B- Along with preview trailers, there are 2 featurettes on this disc ("Kiss 'N' tell: Romance In The 23rd Century" and "Trekker Connections"). Naturally, "Kiss" (8:33) talks about the various romances on the show and the feature length films (most of which concern Kirk and Scotty and Uharu). "Trekker" is a game in which you connect various actors and actresses that have appeared on Trek shows. Disc 9 A- "Errand Of Mercy" Starfleet Access feature. B- Preview trailers. Disc 10 Side A- "Spacelift: Transporting Trek Into The 21st Century" and "Billy Blackburn's Treasure Chest: Rare Home Movies And Special Memories." A "Star Trek Online Game Preview" and an "Inetractive Enterprise Inspection" are also included. Side B- "Star Trek Online Game Preview," preview trailers, and my favorite extra "Star Trek: Beyond The Final Frontier." Leonard Nomoy hosts this 90 minute special and guides viewers through the massive geektastic Christie's Trek Auction sale and various opinions on why Trek continues to thrive. While "Frontier" already aired on television, it's still a great special to have on disc.

"Star Trek TOS: Season one" is a must own for all trekkies, trekkers, and HD-DVD player owners. Season 2 can't come fast enough.