Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Star Trek: The Motion Picture, released in 1979 was the long-awaited first film in the Star Trek science fiction series.

Also known by fans as ST: TMP, the movie was the first of ten by 2003.

Differing in style from it's sequals, ST:TMP is a pure science-fiction exploration of the nature of identity, the search for God, and meaning of existance. It uses the return to Earth of a NASA Voyager space probe several hundred years into its exploration of the universe to set the scene for the return of the Star Trek crew, 18 months after the end of their initial 5 year mission. The film is directed by The Sound of Music helmer Robert Wise and includes many beautifully crafted model shots and an impressive score by Jerry Goldsmith.

Considered by many to be slow moving and lacking in humour, the movie owes more to 2001: A Space Odyssy than Star Wars. Released on DVD in 2003 with a new director's cut (unusually cutting much material out) and several re-done special effects sequences, the film finally feels completed. Whilst others in the series have grossed more in the box office and been more engaging action-wise, this is where the massive Star Trek franchise we know today started and deserves recognition for that, at least.

Originally planned as the pilot for a new TV series, Star Trek: Phase Two, it shares many connections with the pilot for Star Trek: The Next Generation, including its' theme tune and the unseen previous relationship between first officer and new crew memeber.