Customer Reviews

Star Trek Sr V31

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Spock's Brain-Many have asked whether airing 'Spock's Brain' first sealed Star Trek's fate. More to the point, any brain trust that thought 'Spock's Brain' the strongest of the early episodes was almost bound to produce more lemons the rest of the way. Particularly destructive is the fact that while the episode is high camp, unlike 'I, Mudd', here the cast attempts to play it straight (presumably Frieberger and Daniels were holding up weapons offstage). This must have contributed to the gradual loss of conviction about the product-always a pernicious thing.
Anyway, about the episode, in which Spock's brain is stolen. The basic premise is silly, and most of the plot far fetched. Just a few examples: 1) Carting Spock's brainless body about, 2) Brain and body surviving independently, 3) the reconnective surgery. There is also seemingly little thought behind the separation of the sexes, although we can thank that premise for the description of women as 'the givers of pain and delight." The S & M theme would make a few appearances before season 3 concluded.
As a third season fan, I can't resist pointing out a couple things I like about the episode. First, there is a pervasive mysterious and surreal feel about the episode. The score introduces several dramatic vignettes that would be repeated (and repeated, and repeated..) throughout the 3rd season. There are also some cool shots of the bridge during an interesting scene in which the officers are invited to participate in some decision-making. Finally, the teaser is pretty strong. (2 stars)

Is There In Truth No Beauty? (4 stars) Here's another 3rd season show (see the Paradise Syndrome and the Empath for other nearby examples) that was refreshingly original (it wouldn't stay that way). It involves the seemingly quotidian transport of an Ambassador too ugly (or is it too beautiful?) for the eye. We have a central character with complex and unique motivations, who is more than just a muse for Kirk's latest escape from danger. One of the most original scores of all Star Trek episodes, plus some very trippy fisheye camerawork and psychadelic special effects, contribute to the episode's unusual feel. This thoughtful, even cerebral episode, nevertheless has a couple surprising plot twists. Also admirable is the strong female character with her own interests and passions, whom the males (not surprising) attempt to control.
Like all 3rd season shows, this episode has faults. Muldaur is as wooden here as in Return to Tomorrow, Marvick is only there as a plot device, and both Spock and Kirk's failures to wear the visor are inexplicable (although for very different reasons). (4 stars)

While I agree that Spock's Brain is not the best effort of the third season, I would rather sit through this episode than "Plato's Stepchildren" or "The Way to Eden" or "The Mark of Gideon". I think these three should have been scrapped before they were aired in 1968-69.
"Is There In Truth No Beauty" has always been one of my favorite episodes since I was a kid. It would be interesting to bring the Medusans back in a future episode to test their great navigational skills. Lots of sequel potential here.

Maybe you'll all think I'm an idiot, but I loved this episode. For 35 years, I would recall one of my favorite phrases coined for my own amusement. After all, Star Trek is supposed to be amusing! I will admit it's hard to think what the moral to this story would be, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment. Also, I never get tired of hearing, "I never should have re-connected his vocal chords" (or was it mouth?) Guess it takes all kinds of Trekkers, or is it Trekkies? I can't keep up. ;D

Volume 31 of The Star Trek DVD Series includes two decent episodes from the haphazard third and final season of the show.

Indeed SPOCK'S BRAIN has become a punching bag for Star Trek critics over the years since it's airing in 1968. I'll agree that it isn't one of the best Star Trek episodes out there but it receives way too much criticism. Yes the episode is too out of this world to comprehend completely however it's still not a terrible epiosode. The plot is entertaining as a race of Imorg humanoids steal Spock's brain. You gotta give the cast credit for this one especially Leonard Nimoy who not only had to play a unemotional Vulcan for three years but also had to play an unemotional Vulcan without a brain! This episode is actually quite nice despite it's constant criticism. There is a delightful helping of eye candy as well with the women humanoids who steal Spock's brain. They will bring "delight" to male viewers indeed!

IS THERE NO TRUTH IN BEAUTY is another average episode from Star Trek's third season. Another episode that focuses on Spock. A strangely dark yet compelling episode with a few thrilling twists and turns. As the crew tries to transport the Medusan Ambassador (whose apparently so hideous that one look at him will drive a human insane) but end up being lost in space! A nice guest star appearance by Diana Muldaur (who appeared perviously in RETURN TO TOMORROW in season 2) Despite her appearance (as a different character then she was in season 2) IS THERE NO TRUTH IN BEAUTY remains an average episode at best.

Overall a nice DVD collection of decent episodes but there is notihng too special about this one. Recommended!

"Spock's Brain" focuses too much on special effects and not on the story...it's very weak. See the premiere of the "rear projection" viewscreen.

"Is There In Truth..." A great I.D.I.C. story about a non-corporeal lifeform that is so dazzling, no one can look at it without going insane!

Two wonderful classic episodes from the original Star Trek series. McCoy delivers the unforgettable line "he's worse than dead -- his BRAIN is missing." I can really relate to this episode as my brain has also been stolen not once but twice (neither time by aliens but by Trekkies pretending to be aliens, but that is another story). Some really marvelous acting here, especially by the ever-wooden Nimoy on remote control through much of the episode. All kidding aside, some of the best SF on American television. The second episode is wonderful as well, with many twists and originality.

Two very different episodes, which underscore the uneven quality of Star Trek's third season, are contained in Volume 31 of Paramount's complete Trek reissue.

Spock's Brain is generally acknowledged as the worst episode of Classic Trek ever. Viewing it again confirms this. The concept is inane, the plot medically and scientifically ridiculous, and the dialogue laughably bad. About the only positive aspect of this episode was the installation of a rear projection screen on the bridge set, which allowed for new camera angles. Parts of this episode were brilliantly lampooned on TV's The Wonder Years. As with the episode And The Children Shall Lead, this story is best ignored or saved for gag viewing during a party.

Is There in Truth No Beauty? is the antithesis of Spock's Brain. The story is intellectually engaging, and the dialogue at times borders on the poetic. The plot deals with several interesting themes: how non-corporeal and corporeal life would "relate" to each other; love and rejection; beauty/ugliness; and the role of the handicapped in 23rd Century society. The acting is some of the best ever seen on Trek. Leonard Nimoy, in particular, shines during his mind-meld scene with the Medusan Kollos. Diana Muldaur, who has a radiant yet wounded quality, is perfectly cast as Miranda Jones. Some new visuals were created for this episode, and a rarely seen shot of the Enterprise from Trek's 1964 pilot The Cage is used briefly.

The sound restoration is excellent. The picture is mostly fine, except for a few instances of wear visible in Is There in Truth No Beauty. This episode also contains a "flipped" shot of William Shatner, which has never been corrected.

If ever there was a choice slice from the cheese wheel that was the third season of 'Star Trek', the episode 'Spock's Brain' is it! Along with the Space Hippie eppie 'The Way To Eden', this particular (mis)adventure to recover our beloved half-Vulcan's grey matter is proof positive that even during its worst moments, classic 'Trek could still be pretty freakin' entertaining. McCoy's exaggerated expressions of uncertainty and trepidation whilst attempting the brain-restoration surgery is worth at least a rental to see!

Then of course there's 'Is There In Truth No Beauty?', featuring Mr. Spock goin' nutso after gazing on the hideously ugly Medusan Ambassador Kollos without the proper eye protection (you should've listened to the shop teacher, Spock)! It just figures, don't it? You just get your brain re-installed, and alla sudden you do something to get it thrown out of whack. Fortunately, the green-blooded logician makes a full recovery. Another testament to Spock's reputation as the Timex of 'Star Trek': he takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'!

'... No Beauty?' also features actress Diana Muldaur's second guest appearance in Gene Roddenberry's little 23rd-century epic. She's one of only a handful of 'Trek thespian alums to play at least three different characters in this realm of cult TV sci-fi. Aside from this outing, there was her previous appearance as Dr. Ann Mulhall in 'Return to Tomorrow', and her subsequent one-year stint as Dr. Crusher's replacement aboard the NextGen Enterprise. Talk about rackin' up the frequent-flier miles!

'Late

I like Spock's Brain. i dont care what others say! As for 2 shows on the DVD... thats almost 2 hours. At best you could put 4 shows ... maybe with out losing image quality. You can't put 8 hours without losing image quality. I also think the price is fair for 2 shows. the image quality could have been a little better, that's why I gave it a 3 star rating. but the image quality is not to bad.

Although, not the best that came out of the TOS series, they do hold to the Star Trek anthem. There is a message / morale in each of these episodes. As for only having 2 episodes per CD....well if you really want a bargin wait until they come out in the blue laser disk. Otherwise, suck it up. They have to make money somehow.