Star Power

The original Star Trek series lasted less than three seasons, but in the forty years since it first aired, it's created a cultural legacy of which few other entertainment properties can even dream. It's spawned four additional TV series, an animated version, ten feature films and a seemingly infinite number of novels, comics, video games and other spinoffs. Its fans are famously devoted, creating elaborate costumes, arguing about series minutiae and even naming their children after favorite characters. There's just something special about creator Gene Roddenberry's doggedly optimistic, we-shall-overcome humanistic view of our future that sets it apart from most science fiction.

Tonight, six theaters in the Denver area will offer a chance to see one of the finest episodes from the original series on the big screen. "The Menagerie" (Parts 1 and 2) is a tale of duty, loyalty and betrayal. This Hugo Award-winning episode follows the repercussions of Spock's decision to hijack the Enterprise and take it to the most dangerous planet in the galaxy in an effort to ease the pain of an old friend who happens to be the ship's former captain. Digitally remastered from the original print, with a newly recorded orchestral version of the show's famous theme song and reinvented CGI effects, the two-part episode will be shown along with a special making-of featurette featuring Roddenberry's son Eugene.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $12.50 and can be purchased at the box office or online at www.fathomevents.com, which also has information on theater locations. If you miss it tonight, two more screenings will be shown Thursday, November 15, at 7:30 and 10 p.m.
Tue., Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m.; Thu., Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m., 2007