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CBS Paramount Clears Remastered ‘Trek’ in Syndication

Aug 31, 2006  •  Post A Comment

Syndicator CBS Paramount Domestic Television is releasing digitally remastered episodes of the original “Star Trek” series, with all new special effects and music, to celebrate the billion-dollar sci-fi franchise’s 40th anniversary.

This marks the first time in 16 years that the original “Star Trek” series can be seen in broadcast syndication. The episodes will begin airing on the more than 200 stations that own the rights to the weekend syndication window starting Sept. 16. All 79 episodes of the original “Star Trek” will eventually be remastered, with the first batch of episodes chosen from a list of fan favorites. The episodes are also being converted from film into high-definition video format.

John Nogawski, president of CBS Paramount Domestic Television, made the announcement Thursday.

“By giving the series a digital upgrade using the best technology available today, it will continue to be a leader in cutting-edge television programming as we introduce the series to a new generation of viewers,” Mr. Nogawski said in a release.

The biggest change is CGI updating for some of the episodes’ special effects shots, including:

  • Space ship exteriors: The USS Enterprise, as well as other Federation Starships, will be replaced with CGI-created ships. The new computer-generated Enterprise is based on the exact measurements of the original model.

  • Show opening: The Enterprise and planets seen in the main title sequence will be redone, giving them depth and dimension for the first time.

  • Galaxy shots: All of the graphics of the galaxy, seen through the window on the Enterprise’s bridge, will be redone.

  • Exteriors: The battle scenes, planets and enemy spacecraft, including the Romulan Bird of Prey and Klingon Battle Cruisers, will be updated.

  • Background scenes: Matte paintings used as backdrops will get a CGI face-lift, adding atmosphere and lighting.

    In addition, the original score has been rerecorded in digital stereo audio with an orchestra and a female singer. A digitally remastered version of William Shatner’s original recording of the 38-word “Space, the final frontier…” monologue continues to open each episode.