http://tv.ign.com/articles/730/730321p1.html
CBS Paramount Confirms Original Star Trek Episodes Have Been Remastered and Updated
High-Definition version of the 1960's series, featuring new special effects, will begin airing September 16th.
by Eric Goldman
September 1, 2006 - Confirming the rumors that quickly spread this week, CBS Paramount has announced that they are putting the original Star Trek TV series back into syndication, with brand new digitally remastered episodes which are in High-Definition and feature new special effects, along with other visual and audio updates to the beloved 1960's series.
The most surprising thing in the announcement is that these new versions will begin airing almost immediately, on September 16th, on over 200 stations the series has been syndicated to nationwide. Obviously work was well underway on the upgrades before the rumors hit the web this week.
According to the press release, special effects have been redone for many aspects of the series, with new CGI effects replacing the 1960's imagery. The press release lists the following alterations:
Space ship exteriors -- The space ship Enterprise, as well as other Starships, will be replaced with state of the art CGI-created ships. The new computer-generated Enterprise is based on the exact measurements of the original model, which now rests in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
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 the graphics of the galaxy, so frequently seen through the window on the Enterprise's bridge, will be redone.
Exteriors -- The battle scenes, planets and ships from other cultures (notably the Romulan Bird of Prey and Klingon Battle Cruisers) will be updated.
Background scenes -- Some of the iconic, yet flat, matte paintings used as backdrops for the strange, new worlds explored by the Enterprise crew will get a CGI face-lift, adding atmosphere and lighting.
The press release also notes, "The refurbished episodes also feature higher quality sound for the famous opening theme. The original score by Emmy Award-winning composer Alexander Courage has been re-recorded in state-of-the-art digital stereo audio with an orchestra and a female singer belting out the famous vocals. A digitally remastered version of William Shatner's classic original recording of the 38-word 'Space, the final frontier…' monologue continues to open each episode."
"The remastered episodes have been converted from the original film into a High-Definition format, which gives viewers a clearer, crisper, more vibrant picture than before, even when viewed in standard definition. Once stations upgrade and start broadcasting HD signals, the episodes will be all ready for viewers to enjoy in HD."
