Prelude to Axanar (2014)
Prelude to Axanar is a short film that will give viewers a historical look at the events leading up to the Battle of Axanar, the central event of the film Axanar. The short is a historical look at the battle of Axanar, filmed like a History Channel special. Each character will give a different view of the war with the Klingons leading up to the final confrontation that will be chronicled in Axanar, which will be released later this year. Prelude will tell viewers about the war and what it meant to each side. Figures from both sides will talk about how the war started, how the Klingons were better prepared for war, how Starfleet built their fleet, and how the war was fought from both the Federation and Klingon perspectives. You will hear from Robert April talk about building the Enterprise, Starfleet Admiral Ramirez talk about building the Starfleet, Garth of Izar telling the story of his rise to fame and Kharn, the Klingon Supreme Commander give the Klingon view of the war.
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I felt guilty for not giving this a 10 initially, but it's only because of one or two nitpicks, which for a Trekker, is actually part of the whole joy of Star Trek, so up to a 10 it went. The production values on this are fabulous. The actors are some of my favorites from television science fiction and let me tell you, they carry over to this medium exquisitely. The documentary style and the special effects cutaways blend seamlessly and meaningfully. If you aren't already immersed in the history of the Star Trek universe, it won't matter. This is still masterfully done. If I were forced to pick between the upcoming full-length Axanar that this preludes, or the next reboot movie as the last Star Trek movie I would see, I would choose this without a heartbeat's hesitation.
So, you got the short answer, Worth Watching? Yes.Probably doesn't but may hint to a ----------------------spoiler----------------------- of how awesome it is!This is Star Trek, a crowd funded campaign of awesomeness, a fan project with a professional production twist, no more awkward almost good actors, this amazing cast comprised of former trek and known actors bring a substance to this prelude that many have fell short of, not here! This project makes the imagination soar and with it the renewed popularity of Star Trek; great CGI, perfect mood, this is not your 90's Trek, it is 2014 trek!
Seriously, this short film is phenomenal. It captures the spirit of TREK better than anything that CBS/Paramount has done in the past 20 years. I can't wait to see what they can do with a full length feature film.The conceit of a "documentary" chronicling the Four Years War is a brilliant way for this team to demonstrate what they are capable of. The SFX are gorgeous, the acting top notch and the editing is first rate.Best of all, we get a fascinating take on an event (the Battle of Axanar) that got a passing reference in canon in the TOS episode "Whom Gods Destroy" and sprouted an entire mythology in fandom. The Four Years War between the Federation and the Klingon Empire is first mentioned in Pocket Book's "Spaceflight Chronology" as the conflict where the Battle of Axanar took place. FASA based it's role playing supplements on the SFC and previous fandom based materials, and expanded on it with a whole RPG supplement about the Four Years War. Fandom has further expanded from that. It's great to see such talent expended on bringing us a vision of this part of TREK history.
I really enjoyed this film. It's gorgeously shot, and the visuals are excellent, but the key is that the visuals support the story, and in this format, the story is delivered through interviews and commentary by the characters, which in turn depend on the superb cast to deliver on the emotions and viewpoints of the characters they portray. This is done very, very well. Particular kudos to Richard Hatch, for personifying as well as anyone I've seen a Klingon who might be described, as did an old Star Trek role-playing game, as a "Thought Admiral" (a fleet grand strategist). Kudos also go to J.G. Hertzler and Tony Todd. Really, though, all the performances are very solid, and it's easy to lose oneself in the events that this "documentary" is recounting."Prelude to Axanar" holds the viewer's attention all the way through, and ends, aptly, with a great desire to see more. I am so looking forward to the full "Star Trek: Axanar" film!