George Takei was in London at Halloween. Star Trek: The Original Series has been remastered in high definition and many of the special effects have been updated with CGI.
This new improved series has been shown on television in the US, but now is coming to the UK on HD-DVD.
To celebrate (and advertise) this release there was a screening of 'The Menagerie' on a (relatively) big screen at the Odeon Covent Garden.
Free wine and tasty nibbles got the evening off to a good start. And then, about 45 minutes before the show was due to start, George Takei walked into the cinema foyer. With no announcement, and apparently no security, he mingled with the crowd. He was happy to chat to guests and posed for numerous photos.
He was a little less sure when he introduced the main feature, stumbling over his words, but he was amongst friends and his introduction was warmly received.
Bizarrely he is not actually in 'The Menagerie', a rehashing of the rejected original pilot for the show. This proto-Star Trek featured a different captain, a female number one and a surprisingly emotional Vulcan.
The acting was just as dated, the sets wobbled and the plot was not as sophisticated as we have come to expect, but the new high definition print looks gorgeous. Even the fans had to chuckle indulgently at some of the scenes, but it was generally very well received.
The five year mission may be endless - but it has a new bold sparkle!
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