Oh how I love those Romulans! They are a nasty group that I love watching, so "Face of the Enemy" was one of the highlights of this season for me. Season 6 also contained my most-memorable episode: "Frame of Mind" where Riker thinks he's insane. Maybe he is. I guess the producers decided to make up for the lack of "Q" in the fifth season by including 2 episodes with him in the sixth; "True Q" and "Tapestry". Toss in the Borg, good old Barclay and a visit from Scotty, and you have a great sixth season.
The Packaging
This 7 disc set comes in the same packaging as season one, three, four and five; a seven panel fold out containing the discs and a booklet. Each disc lists the episodes and the production number on the disc art.
The Menus
The menus have been changed to reflect a computer on the bridge.
Video
Like most TV shows, "Star Trek: TNG" was broadcast in full frame (1.33) and is presented that way on these discs. Shot on film, the print displays some dust and grain. The "stock footage" shot of the Enterprise from behind is still found in this season, but the rest of the special effects shots look good. "Time's Arrow Part II" looks a little soft, but I believe it was shot this way for effect. Overall the picture is equal to that of the third, fourth and fifth seasons.
"Chain of Command Part I" is the only episode with a bad chapter this time ago. Ohhhhh so close!
Audio
We get a very nice Dolby Digital 5.1 track on this release, along with a Stereo track. I listened to the 5.1 track for this review, and overall I was happy with it. It's really cool to hear the ship zipping by you in the opening credits. The rears are mostly used for music, the ship zipping by and the ambient hum in some scenes. There are a few very nice pans from the rears to the front speakers. English subtitles are included.
All the featurettes in the set include English subtitles.
Mission Overview (17:54)
The cast and crew comment on Patrick Stewart's acclaimed performance in "Chain of Command." Also highlights James Doohan's appearance in "Relics"; the cliffhanger episode "Time's Arrow"; the appearance of Stephen Hawking in "Descent, Part I" and the launch of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Bold New Directions (17:55)
Explores Patrick Stewart's experience directing the episode "A Fistful of Datas." LeVar Burton comments on his directorial debut of the episode "Second Chances."
Departmental Briefing - Production (15:32)
Mon Moore discusses writing episodes from the sixth season. Visual Effects Producer Dan Curry remembers the challenges of recreating the Original Series Enterprise bridge for "Relics," and Michael Westmore and James Cromwell discuss makeup design.
Departmental Briefing - Profile Dan Curry (19:56)
Star Trek: The Next Generation's Visual Effects Producer provides a fascinating tour of his home containing unique props and weaponry that inspired many of the artistic designs for the series. Also featuring a demonstration of the Klingon bat'leth and Tai Chi moves he choreographed for the crew.
Special Crew Profile - LT. Commander Data (18:59)
An exclusive profile of Brent Spiner and his android character, including rare footage of his recording "Old Yellow Eyes Is Back."
Star Trek Nemesis Trailer (1:34)
Trailer for the new Star Trek movie
Star Trek Deep Space Nine Collector's Edition Trailer (1:29)
A promotional piece for the DS9 sets coming out next year.
Summary
Look for these guest stars in season six: Jerry Hardin (X-Files - Deep Throat), James Doohan (Scotty, Original Star Trek), Lanei Chapman (Space: Above and Beyond), Olivia d'Abo (Wonder Years), Brian Bonsall (Growing Pains), James Cromwell (Babe), Tim Russ (Star Trek Voyager), Linda Thorson (The Avengers) and Stephen Hawking. Look for our review of Season 7 coming soon...
