When Will HD Remasters of Star Trek Become Available?

Star Trek fans have long been anticipating the high-definition (HD) remasters of many beloved episodes from the original series (TOS), The Next Generation (TNG), and Deep Space Nine (DS9). While the remastered episodes of TOS are already available on Netflix, the timeline for the release of the TNG HD remaster is uncertain. Let's dive into the current status of these remasters and explore what the future might hold.

Current Status of HD Remasters

The remastered episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) are currently available on Netflix, delighting fans with enhanced picture quality. For Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG), the news is not as clear-cut. As of now, there is no official announcement of an HD remaster for TNG available on any streaming platform or on Blu-ray.

While the DS9 remaster is underway, the timeline for its release is also uncertain. CBS All-Access is expected to have a monopoly on streaming Star Trek content starting in 2017, which may impact the availability of remastered content on other platforms.

Upcoming Blu-ray Releases

Despite the lack of an official HD remaster, there is some good news for fans of The Next Generation. Paramount Pictures has announced plans to release a Blu-ray set for TNG. However, the process is extensive and requires a significant amount of work. Originally, the special effects department used video for recording, and this was done without considering high-definition quality.

The original television sets were small, and the quality was seen as a cost-saving measure at that time. Now, every special effects shot needs to be redone for the Blu-ray release. This process is labor-intensive and costly, which may delay the release even further.

Even with the release of the Blu-ray set, it is unlikely that Paramount will let these episodes be streamed on platforms like Netflix in the near future. The company is focused on making a profit from the extremely costly venture of re-producing these special effects, and this will likely continue for the foreseeable future.

Fans and the Future

For fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the future of HD remasters is still a matter of speculation. While the status quo may continue for some time, the quality of the currently available episodes on Netflix is already impressive, thanks to recent technological advancements.

Until official announcements or actual releases, fans will have to be patient. However, the efforts made to improve the visual quality of these beloved episodes are worth the wait. Whether through Blu-ray releases or future remastered streams, the enduring legacy of Star Trek: The Next Generation remains a testament to its timeless appeal.

Conclusion

The journey to HD remasters for Star Trek: The Next Generation is a long and winding one. While we may not have clear answers to when the episodes will be available in high definition, the ongoing efforts by the producers and the appreciation of fans alike ensure that the quest for better visual quality will continue. Stay tuned for updates, and keep your Blu-ray player handy!