DOUGLAS TRUMBULL - Lighting the Enterprise | Star Trek

Douglas Trumbull painstakingly crafted the visual effects for Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Faced with an impossible timeline, him and his team completed more composites in six months than both Star Wars & Close Encounters of the Third Kind combined.
See a rare screening of a 35mm print of Star Trek: The Motion Picture one more time on November 1 at 9:15pm only at TIFF Bell Lightbox.
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Star Trek relaunched on the big screen with this massively scaled sci-fi epic, which finds the reunited Enterprise crew venturing out to meet a mysterious cosmic threat.
A decade after the original series went off the air, Star Trek was relaunched on the big screen during the peak period of studio sci-fi. When a seemingly unstoppable force approaches Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk (William Shatner) reassembles his old crew aboard a new and improved Enterprise and sets out to meet the mysterious alien threat. Although the film's plot (penned by Alan Dean Foster, a long-time writer of ancillary Trek properties) has the familiar structure of a Trek episode, The Motion Picture distances itself from its televisual origins via a truly massive scale - sporting a $46 million budget and special effects from Douglas Trumbull, TMP looks as stunning as Close Encounters, Star Wars, or 2001 - and a weightier, philosophical air in contrast to the swashbuckling and occasionally cheeky tone of the series. That attempt to give Trek some big-screen gravitas was both a strength and a weakness: while the film was a solid hit, its astronomical budget cut into the profits, and fans were disappointed with how far it departed from the spirit of the original. However, the years have been kind to the Enterprise's first theatrical voyage, and TMP now stands as a bold attempt to expand the parameters of the Trek universe.
www.tiff.net/films/star-trek-t...
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Footage from Star Trek: The Motion Picture - Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

[@renato.pastor]

"I just wanted to...let the audience love the Enterprise" You know, you'll find that a lot of people joke about this sequence, that it just goes on and on for like, forever. But I love it. Every second of it. Because that's what it's about: You're seeing the Enterprise for the first time since the tv show ended in the 60's. It has to be grandiose and symphonic, and reverential. You're just taking in the vistas, looking at the details of this new ship. That, along with the beautiful Jerry Goldsmith score, is what makes one of my favorite Trek sequences from any media ever.

[@frankstrawnation]

After 10 years, fans deserved a good look on the Enterprise.

[@Cydonia2020]

Non-fans have no room to kvetch. We have had to put up with their mockery for decades-this was our one moment of self indulgence.

[@renato.pastor]

Exactly.

[@Finsirith]

"Had we but world enough and time/ This coyness, lady, were no crime./ An hundred years would go to praise/ Thine eyes, and on thy forehead gaze./ For lady, you deserve this state/ Nor would I love at lower rate..." Poets have sung for centuries the glory of gazing at the Beloved, especially after a long absence. For me, that's exactly what this was--feasting my eyes on her beauty.

[@DubElementMusic]

Die Filme waren damals noch ruhig, stilvoll, elegant und Bild stark, nicht wie dieser neue Discovery und JJ Scheiß.

[@rockzhard2009]

i'm 59 now, and that reveal is still as powerful and emotional now as it was when i was 19. the Enterprise, for me at least, is, was and always will be the most important character in Star Trek. i loved that ship as tho she were a real thing.

[@chrispnw2547]

The reveal of the refitted Enterprise was one of the most powerful sequences I have ever watched in my life. This 59 year old appreciated the movie not just for the storyline but the 'education' on how the future was envisioned. It is extremely difficult to wrap one's mind around the scale of the Enterprise and this sequence provided that needed context. The complexity of the drydock sequence and that stunning ship had a spiritual quality to it. The reveal felt similarly to what I would imagine if one saw their god for the first time. Reverence, awe, and rapture. Jerry Goldsmith added that layer of underscore that cemented our emotions of this moment. Reflect on how this scene mirrors the Jurassic Park dinosaur reveal and how the score was used to create the same effect and lay down the foundation for the movie.

[@rockzhard2009]

@@chrispnw2547 agreed. having waited as long as we all did, and for many years thinking we would never see it happen, when it finally did, it was mystical. and i'm happy i can say i wasn't the only one that it "brought a tear to me eye".

[@dangeary2134]

On the scale of time, I’m right behind you. Seeing the refit Enterprise in the film was like seeing an angel. Even seeing this again, separate from the movie, still brings that old feeling back. Even though it’s fictional, the Enterprise will have a special place in our hearts!

[@mpshields]

There is talk some day, in a few hundred years, to actually build a space cruiser to replicate the Star Ship Enterprise from the TV show. 😊 🖖

[@davidgaul572]

I never get tired of the sequence! It's just beautiful. Thank you, Douglas Trumbull!

[@DanK123]

The most epic sequence in a movie ever!

[@Aranjuez44]

MY sentiments, exactly!! Such a superbly beautiful vessel!

[@kaipiranha2648]

"Stop talking... and let it flow for while..." Modern films can only learn from Douglas Trumbull wise words!!! 👍👍👍

[@paulwalsh2344]

@ 4:50 " I wanted it to be this beautiful, epic, spectacular sequence, that had no dialogue, no story, no plot. Everything stops. ... And let the audience just LOVE the Enterprise." And so perfectly you did... Thank you for that...

[@LoganHunter82]

That Enterprise reveal still gives me chills. Kirk gives that look which says "Baby. I'm home"

[@ronaldmalcolm5609]

This and the scene at the end when the Enterprise goes to warp and there's that last bit of text, "The human adventure is just beginning."

[@jefferee2002]

Yes he does. And say what you will about him. He nailed it.

[@gordondavis6168]

And then Kirk penetrates the Enterprise with his travel pod

[@darthkurland]

“All I ask is a tall ship, and a star to steer her by.”

[@Draliseth]

The music and visuals still get me misty eyed and goosebump'd.

[@rengarcia5189]

The Enterprise reveal is still one of the greatest moments of my movie-going life, a scene that instills awe and unvarnished joy. I will cherish this scene till the day I die.

[@lobstertelephone8907]

you did a great job Douglas

[@gertraba4484]

HAL wood agree

[@brianjlevine]

People complain about this scene, but I think that the ol' girl totally deserved it. Plus it establishes Kirk's relationship with the Enterprise, the place where he was the happiest.

[@delphicdescant]

People complain about it? And I thought people could sink no lower.

[@thezzzaappp]

The sequence may have been a bit long, but God damn does she look gorgeous! The original movie Enterprise has stood the test of time. It looks more real now 42 years later than a lot of modern CGI. You can feel it, you know it’s there. A testament to the skill and craftsmanship of model work.

[@Salisbury2015]

This scene always chokes me up, and gives me goosebumps. Trumbull did a masterful job. And Goldsmith's score really sells it. How fortunate the franchise was to have people like these to bring Roddenberry's vision to the big screen.

[@Josh_Fredman]

This is one of the most beautiful moments in all of Star Trek, and I do wish more people could see that--could see the beauty in this moment.

[@toddwalker2161]

As a 13 year old at the time, I was in heaven after watching all the syndicated reruns so many times. Seeing this ship and crew back in action was very exciting. Shatner dropped a lot of weight for this film and looked great and very fit. This refit version has aged very well and is still the best looking Enterprise model.

[@rkygriz]

In my opinion, she's the best looking ship in all sci-fi!

[@captcorajus]

I was 14 at the time myself. What a moment this was as a big fan of the TV series.

[@davemiller6055]

I was 12. This was a great scene, and still is.

[@phillytvdirector]

19

[@fkerpants]

3:10 really is a fantastic moment. It's absolutely beautiful how the soundtrack and images are so hopeful and majestic. Even though the Enterprise could kick serious ass, it was never a warship per se. It's always been symbolic of discovery and exploration and nothing that has come out of Hollywood in decades comes close. Even though the movie didn't do as well as they wanted, Trumbull, the modelmakers and effects team did Star Trek proud. That model of the Enterprise is a masterpiece.

[@cleekmaker00]

"This is not a Ship of War. It's a Ship of Peace."

[@fkerpants]

@@cleekmaker00 More like a ship of dreams, for me at least. Live long and prosper, friend. :)

[@nasisimi1]

I always get the chills when the music kicks in and you see the Enterprise from the front.

[@seboritter]

Even tho there is no CGI involved, it puts me much more into the scenery than modern movies which are full of effects, lens flares and stuff. Those where just crafted with love for detail.

[@jtkirkfan2002]

I sometimes want to strangle "fans" who discovered Star Trek with TNG and what came after who complain about how "slow and boring" this sequence was. This scene was for those of us fans who had been around since the beginning, or at least since the 1970's. Every other member of the crew got their "welcome back" scene and the refitted Enterprise deserved no less. Many people were upset that the ship was going to look different and after seeing the McQuarrie sketches for "Planet of the Titans" that had been leaked, they had just cause to. This let those of us in the audience get used to the new lines and see that they hadn't changed things nearly as radically as we had feared. It also let us see Enterprise as we had always wanted to see her, as a real thing. Later in the movie it also gave us a real sense of scale as Enterprise passed over V'Ger as was infinitesimally tiny in comparison.

[@quantumskywalker6888]

And considering the series special effects, this was the first time we REALLY saw it. Completely justified.

[@fkerpants]

You could also see the whole ship, and not just one side because the other had wires and crap running out of it.

[@mrz80]

Really! We'd been waiting since 1969 for this moment! :D I spent my entire childhood just dying for a Star Trek movie!

[@EVAUnit4A]

Jim Schuck I was born in 1982, and grew up on _TNG._ But this is one of my absolute favorite moments across _all_ of _Star Trek_ ! The audience is being re-introduced to this now-iconic starship, and _this right here_ was its greatest moment to shine without any action sequences or stresses on characters or mysteries or pick your poison. And you are absolutely right on another thing- this sequence establishes scale for the audience, and shows us how _big_ the _Enterprise_ is so that later on when we see her fly over _V'ger,_ you are just blown away with the seemingly-impossible size differences; you _respect_ how overwhelmingly large that alien intruder is later on because Trumbull and Wise took the time to give our ship her moment! JJ Abrams' paltry effort in 2009 was a fuckin' joke.

[@johnrobinson4445]

Most beautiful spaceship in all fiction. Only the real Apollo can equal it...because real rules. But in fiction? Enterprise.

[@francoislanciault7866]

My favorite sequence of all Star Trek movies and series ever made. Thank you Douglas. (and Jerry Goldsmith)

[@MrShadowknight2000]

Very magestic

[@jefferee2002]

Francois Lanciault amen. We needed this

[@darthkurland]

Don’t forget about Robert Wise and Gene Roddenberry.

[@captainyossarian388]

Gene's 'valentine' to the original fans. :) He was determined to show off the Enterprise in a way the fans had always wanted.

[@Jeffrey314159]

No, Gene was obsessed with the film 2001: A Space Odyssey, he was so envious

[@TheStockwell]

I'm fairly certain he had little to do with the design, filming, editing, and overall creation of this scene. It was the work of Trumbull's team and Robert Wise.

[@chrischeshire6528]

This is best part of the best Trek movie ever made. On the big screen our Lady looked so real.

[@kevinsupreme_ph36yearsago59]

Man the special effects of this 1978 movie looks better than todays cgi.

[@marcparella]

This sequence is classic. One of the best made.

[@Ladco77]

To me this is still one of the greatest scenes in movie history. I grew up with the original series and watching reruns in the early 70's after it was cancelled. I remember reading in the newspaper that they were going to make a Star Trek movie that would come out in 1979 (this was in 77 or 78, IIRC) and it seemed like forever to wait for someone so in love with the show. This scene just let me sit in awe of how beautiful the Enterprise is and how excited I was to be seeing Star Trek on the big screen. If you didn't come into the movie with that perspective, I don't believe you can fully appreciate how important that scene is to long time fans. The refit Enterprise will always be the best looking fictional space ship to me. "NCC-1701, no bloody A, B, C *or* D."

[@tex148th]

The movie was a monumental reunion for all of the original 1966 fans, characters, actors and the SHIP . The audience all clapped and cheered as Kirk and Scotty came on screen, but during the first new Enterprise sequence, we were dead quiet, awestruck with chills and emotion . The music was fantastic as well.

[@thewestfallmusicgroup9207]

I think I actually stopped breathing during this scene; The Enterprise and the music totally completely overwhelmed me and I was in a word, speechless, Thank you. Douglas Trumball for a job well done!

[@rkygriz]

To me, this is the best scene ever filmed for a Star Trek film. The newly refit USS Enterprise was just so breath taking! She still is. No matter how many times I view this scene. I have to agree with other posters who say that this film does not deserve all the bashing that it has taken over the last nearly 39 years of its' existence . It's basically the same story as the far better received and universally loved Star Trek IV-The Voyage Home. Only ST:IV had more humor and a faster pace. I think that many audiences had a better connection with that film since so much of the story was set in the 20th century and a feel good message about saving the whales (which is a very worthwhile goal,let me tell you!). I may be wrong on that, but that's my opinion. Also, in my opinion, Star Trek-The Motion Picture was far better than many of the films that followed it: ST:V, Generations, Insurrection, Nemesis, and the last 3 . Although I think that Beyond wasn't that bad given how bad and derivative STID was.I'm kind of glad that there might be no more new cast films thanks to Chris Pine breaking off salary negotiations with Paramount. Especially after the untimely death of Anton Yelchin. I was just getting used to him as Chekov. Sad.

[@wmst5065]

R.I.P. Mr. Trumbull. Your work will live on as long as there's a love of movies and popcorn to munch on while watching them.

[@garyambrosini1427]

RIP Douglas Trumbull, a true legend of the industry whom we have to thank for bringing the Enterprise to the big screen

[@Dkentflyer]

Best scene in any sci fi film period.So much better than the Star Trek reboot.

[@ronaldmalcolm5609]

The reboot Enterprise was just a vehicle, nothing storied or special about it. It didn't seem to be a big deal to be in command. TMP's was a character, a metaphor for human cooperation, etc. where deeper themes could be developed and of course, she was oh, so beautiful. There was such an optimism about that film.

[@speedracer1945]

@@ronaldmalcolm5609 Also tje Enterprise was a model not total CGI. They reley on that too much nowadays cutting costs .

[@agfagaevart]

Another myth; CG effects are not always cheaper. And even so, many FX houses these days struggle to make a profit as studios penny pinch!

[@stevencramsie9172]

@@speedracer1945 But a CGI Enterprise could EASILY be created that is just as detailed as this physical model, if not more so. The issue is, modern audiences don't have the attention span they used to, so a modern Star Trek movie has to be faster-paced so they won't get bored.

[@stevencramsie9172]

@@ronaldmalcolm5609 They are two completely different movies. TMP reunited a cast everyone was already familiar with and that already had established experiences and relationships as seen in TOS. The 2009 film was tasked with bringing a dead franchise back to life by using these characters everyone knows, but getting them together and solving their first problem in 2 hours - and be entertaining to boot. Based on the box office and reviews, I'd say it accomplished that in spades. We would not have all of the new TV series now if it weren't for the new films.

[@michiganborn8303]

Every time I see that introduction shot after the shuttle pod faces the Enterprise and Jerry Goldsmith cute lose on the theme, I instantly get transported in time to when I was 10 years old seeing this for the first time at the Fairlane Town center in Dearborn, MI.

[@navynightranger6517]

The Jewel of the Galaxy

[@jeffgaboury3157]

This film is Star Trek for people with an actual attention span. Fantastic film making from one of the greatest special effects geniuses of all time. Doug Trumbull is sadly under appreciated.

[@chrisaguilera1564]

Say what you will about the The Motion Picture but you gotta admit this sequence was absolutely gorgeous.

[@bigkiwimike]

To me, this is to Star Trek as the opening scene in Star Wars episode 4 where we see the arrival of the imperial cruiser. Breathtakingly beautiful and emotive with stunning music and special effects. My favourite scene of TMP.

[@stardude2006]

Trumbull is amazing He truly understands the mechanics of a good shot And he clearly understands the assorted components of the USS Enterprise I respect all he has achieved

[@roquefortfiles]

Doug is amazing!! A Directors eye with a technicians mind. Get out of the way and let the visuals speak. Today a lot of visual effects houses are McDonald's. Doug is 4 star dinning.

[@FabledGentleman]

He died two weeks ago. Rip.

[@DougDreamCatcher]

For me, this sequence was a beautiful statement of "Welcome Home" - both for Admiral Kirk, and for us star Trek Fans. I know, I know, - Character development was sacrificed for such long dialogue-free vistas, but I'll always defend this scene for sure!

[@joealvarez2562]

THIS is the reason I LOVE the USS Enterprise! I had watched reruns of the Classic TV Series wit my Dad, and I enjoyed Star Trek, but this one scene is what made me fall in love with the Enterprise herself. The Starship herself is elegance & grace, the music is sublime; this scene had every element to make it magical, awe inspiring, inspirational, BEAUTY. I will always be grateful to the Artists that created this: Andrew Probert & his Team, Douglas Trumbull, Jerry Goldsmith, the Star Trek Cast, and Gene Roddenberry. LLAP 🖖

[@therizinosaurus214]

i have watched this movie at least 20 times and i had never noticed the person in the window on the right while the pod was docking.

[@fkerpants]

I JUST noticed that not five minutes ago. I was about to write a post about it and saw this. I know they recycled some of the shots from this sequence in Star Trek II, so I wonder if this shot (and actor) is in that as well.

[@toddwalker2161]

Wow...I hadn't either.

[@richconner6389]

Never noticed that either, viewed several clips of the same sequence. The person is in them all.

[@cerethpainting6606]

Just saw that too. Lol

[@blockmasterscott]

HOLY SHIT!!! I never noticed that, and I've been watching this movie at least once a year since the 70s!

[@ZeroRyoko]

"Stop talking for a while, and let it all flow!" I wish I could put that on a 6" nail and hammer it into the heads of film makers like JJ Abrams.

[@shengyi1701]

The best part of the motion picture. It is as if one took a camera, put on a space suit and shot the scenes. When one is depressed, just need to play the sequence of Kirk and Scotty admiring the Enterprise and one’s spirits get lifted!

[@Keithwebb2011]

This is the only scene I remember out of all the films and TV shows, Kirk's love for the Enterprise.

[@Vincent-396]

It is truly the most beautiful scene in all of Star Trek! I holds up over 40 years later, while looking better than any cgi that has come, since. Great job. 👍🏻

[@redcardinalist]

Enterprise looks the best it ever did. It looks "real" because it is real; a model not cgi; beautifully lit and filmed. Equally is good is the scene where the Enterprise gets ready to depart and the exterior lights and deflector come on.

[@speedracer1945]

I saw this in the theater when it came out and to see the Enterprise see it in its glory on tbe big screen was amazing after seeing over and over on TV and to see it as it should on the big screen finally was like looking at the Grand Canyon .

[@Cydonia2020]

One of the most thrilling experiences I ever had at the cinema. The Lady never looked better, before or since.

[@Finsirith]

YES. This exactly captures the feel of it at the time.

[@Piperitum]

Can you validate your point? So that we all can accept it as the truth?

[@dirknitschke3390]

This Beauty had a soul. Best scene of all time. Like the launch sequence of Apollo 13 it makes my eyes watery every time i see it - no: feel it. The music has a great impact. This ship was a character in the movie. Nowadays its all exchangeable hardware - comes, goes ehh. Back then they had an overture to an effect like in Lawrence of Arabia!!! Love those movies. The special effects orgies of today numb down everything. Maybe i am too old!

[@bobbova8708]

still one of the most wonderful scenes of any Star Trek-thanks to Mr.Trumbull and Mr.goldsmith -looks as good or better than what we have today!

[@kranmaster]

It's such an underrated, and undeservedly bashed film. It has a couple flaws, but it's a piece of art, with a great story. I've heard the Director's Cut is great. I wish they still made Star Trek for audiences that don't need immediate & constant stimulation.

[@4seeableTV]

You need to get out more.

[@kranmaster]

Says the guy taking the time to respond to a random comment, on a super- obscure youtube video.

[@fkerpants]

Don't worry kranmaster, some people just don't get it. ;)

[@herbbluntman2287]

kranmaster If you haven't seen the 25th anniversary director's cut, you must. It improves and fills in some SFX and all the little touches they added really do make a good movie better. LLAP.

[@7Earthsky]

They make ST today for low IQ, A.D.D. retards.

[@FloatingOnAZephyr]

If you don't love this sequence, I don't think you understand Star Trek. After 50 years, it still holds up. It looks real.

[@kimopuppy]

The best sequence of the whole film

[@geetee777]

That was an excellent sequence, and I’m glad Trumbull had the thought behind it, given the context of the years between the end of the series and the movie. Like revisiting the house of a cherished childhood, you stand there quietly, look at the house and memories flood back in. Shatner’s gaze was perfect in that moment.

[@Nodux359]

The Enterprise is the Grande Dame of starships and this sequence did her justice. Well done, Mr Trumbull!

[@theRealAV8r]

And you absolutely succeeded sir. This old Trekkie still gets chills. Bravo!

[@nicholasdickens2801]

Such an elegant lady, a timeless, classic design.

[@kickinvideo333]

In 1983, Doug Trumbull made a masterpiece of sci fi called Brainstorm. Outstanding movie and a 'must see'🖖🏼😎👍🏼

[@TheRyujinLP]

Some one needs to pull a Clock Work Orange on JJ and force him to watch this shot over and over again till he finally understands THIS is how you modernize a classic design! You don't just rip off the this versions saucer, slap a stupid window on the bridge, attach it to a badly balanced iPod for a secondary hull and then for now reason decide to up scale it from it's intended 350 meter length to one that dwarfs the Enterprise D!

[@jefferee2002]

TheRyujinLP God you're right. This is a revisit done right

[@gertraba4484]

and not one lens flare in the whole G movie

[@Tag-Traeumer]

For me the best Star Trek movie. Best Story, starring V'Ger, Best Music, Best Scenes, Best Visual Effects.

[@bruce_adams]

Spectacular. I think this scene is what turned me on to Star Trek.

[@timepoet77]

Thank you, Mr. Trumbull, for all the fine work you created for us all.

[@elvisthechef]

At 2:44 in the lower right corner you can see one of the cloud layers on earth that should be in the background, actually pop up in the foreground over the rods of the dry-dock for a second. Never noticed that before. I only noticed it because he was talking about compositing and I was looking at how nicely put together that shot was.

[@4seeableTV]

Good catch.

[@fkerpants]

I've heard they were behind schedule, so that actually makes a lot of sense.

[@steve2275]

just like the ring of unicron at lithone in the transformers the movie

[@ForceMaximus84]

It was fixed in the Director’s Edition DVD.

[@TryptychUK]

I was about to post that myself. Even masters make mistakes, it seems.

[@gordondavis6168]

This film was beautiful to see on the big screen in 1979. It was a shock to see the size of the movie Enterprise after having grown up with the tv series. What was also great was the bookend spaceships - the movie begins with pinwheeling Klingon cruisers, and ends with a pinwheeling Enterprise.

[@bartrazin]

R.I.P. Doug Trumbull. Thank you for all your wunderful effects!

[@BrianRollinsVO]

RIP, Mr. Trumbull. You were a master of your craft.

[@OnTheRocks71]

Absolutely incredible what they did with models and the technology of the day. Still jaw dropping.

[@CarnorJast1138]

One of the best sequences ever done for any movie, and TMP is the best of all Star Trek movies, period. People will argue that point with me, but I don't care. Star Trek: The Motion Picture is PURE Star Trek, and is my personal favorite of all the Trek movies.

[@jaydenchrono]

One of the most beautiful ships, and most beautiful sequences ever filmed.

[@JLOFlix]

Absolutely MAGNIFICENT!! Breathtaking beauty! And Goldsmith's score is absolutely PERFECT!!

[@johnprudent3216]

This scene was definitely Trumbull and his group's power on display. It's one of those few times where you see every penny onscreen but because it's so beautifully composed and executed you don't think about it. You just enjoy it and take it in, especially with Jerry Goldsmith's beautiful score doing more than just backing this scene up.

[@duomaxwell2293]

I am 40, born in 1981, this film predates me, however as a star trek fan and yes I grew up in the TNG era and the late TOS films but for as long as I can remember this shot slowly revealing the refit was and is still absolutely breathtaking and is still in my eyes still the second-best ship in star trek.. sorry to those who think she's first, she was first to me for many years and will always hold a special place in my heart but until the sovereign class enterprise E made its appearance and took the top spot.

[@DavidSwinney]

What a genius. We are so lucky to have experienced the results of his work. RIP, Doug Trumbull, and thanks.

[@shootybaking]

Jerry Goldsmith, RIP. Your work will live forever.

[@mckenziecreative]

Such a beautiful and amazing sequence. Trumbull is a visual effects god, not to mention a tremendous visual storyteller.

[@DefiantOffroad]

This remains one of my favorite movie scenes of all time. I saw TMP in the theater as a child, and was blown away by this scene. I still watch it in awe.

[@aw3752]

God bless you Trumbull. This scene always makes me cry. The visuals, the music and the perfection of design all comes together to create a love song to the Enterprise. One of my all time favorite moments in movie history. I never tire of seeing this moment when everyone “just stops talking” and pays tribute to the eternal beauty and majesty of the greatest space- fairing vessel in all of science fiction or cinema. May she forever fly in our hearts and imaginations.

[@TomYT67]

Wow, 1979 and I remember being in the movie theater as a kid watching this masterpiece. This scene specifically on the big screen was like nothing I had ever seen. I had seen the reruns of Star Trek on a tiny color TV, but now I was seeing the Enterprise in all of her glory. It literally just blew me away and still does. Love this ship and love this crew.

[@CessnaDriver2]

The Enterprise wasn't just a ship, it was THE ship! Not that there weren't other star fleet ships but for our focus of the story, she was the vessel for us to witness humanity going to the stars. Her mission epic, larger than her crew who served her. Something JJ Trek never understood. May this message return to Star Trek someday.

[@hobbiesnorth4440]

That Scene still takes my breath away. And that Score...oh that Score....

[@CanuckGod]

I grew up on TNG, having only been a year old when TMP arrived on the big screen, and watched it well after the fact, and was somewhat blown away with the fact that this movie was where TNG's main theme originated, but yes, it was an amazing scene, if a little drawn out, though I grew to appreciate even that aspect of it. Truthfully, though, they could have done without the incredibly long scene where they were travelling through V'Ger.

[@hobbiesnorth4440]

@@CanuckGod I agree with the Vger scene. Way too drawn out. I saw TMP in a theatre in glorious 75mm which is why when I see this clip I'm in awe. I wont lie, it's a pure nostalgia reaction.

[@wmneill22]

No matter how many times I watch that sequence and hear that music at the reveal of the new enterprise it still gives me that rise the hairs on back of my neck still stand up every time. One of the best movie moments

[@scott6504]

I saw this in the theater when I was 4 y/o. I've been in love with the Enterprise refit ever since.

[@matthewblack7206]

Mr Trumbull - you succeeded beautifully. *Real* Star Trek fans will be grateful and will never forget what you did.

[@mattperrin8372]

I'd say he definitely achieved what he wanted from that sequence, it's a great scene.

[@cwam1701e]

I wanted it to be this beautiful, epic, spectacular sequence" Mission accomplished, man, mission accomplished! This is one of the most memorable sequences in all of sci-fi!

[@jamesjcaterino8714]

This was fantastic! This sequence was a reverential experience (as was the entire film) for those of us who grew up watching the reruns in the 70s. Robert Wise and Doug understood that and allowed the film to breathe. It really is an underrated movie and by far the most cinematic of all the Treks with the best Enterprise and best score. Douglas Trumball - 2001, Silent Running (also directed by him), Close Encounters, ST-TMP, and Blade Runner - greatest visual effects designer ever.

[@tiberius1701]

I clearly remember seeing ST:TMP on opening night At Loew's Rockport in Rocky River, Ohio. This scene was absolutely breathtakingly powerful. Trumbull's work combined with Goldsmith's majestic score blew it off the charts.

[@meiray]

RIP Doug Trumbull, truly one of cinema's greatest innovators. His approach to the VFX of this film informed how every Star Trek movie and TV show approached VFX sequences set in space from the Wrath of Khan for over 25 years right through Star Trek: Enterprise. Everything is elegant, majestic, and thoughtfully lit, with the ships being treated as characters rather than cutaways for the sake of an action fix. I loved when Lower Decks spoofed this scene with a seemingly endless series of shots of the crew ogling the Ceritos in dry dock. It came from a place of true love.

[@kathleenmholland8055]

Each time I see this part of the film, I hear, in my head, the words I spoke the first time I saw this gorgeous reveal of the refitted Enterprise....the Beautiful One is here! ❤

[@darthkurland]

In Memoriam: Douglas Trumbull (1942-2022).

[@markmcmillan6254]

Holy crap that was fantastic! I want that model in my living room. That sequence was the real money shot. The rest of the movie was OK. I'm a big fan. I was in the Navy, stationed on the USS Enterprise (CVN-65, first nuclear carrier) when it was home-ported in Alameda. Yes, I've been on the bridge of the Enterprise! Anyways, there was a Trek convention in San Francisco while I was there (1990). Nautilus (first nuclear submarine) is permanently docked. And there was a Trek convention in Uncasville, CT. Naturally I went. Those conventions are the bomb. Loads of fun for all Trekers/Trekies.

[@kevinhargrave7122]

This movie came out a year before I was born. I still remember watching it with my Dad and being in awe at this sequence. Love Star Trek

[@ChuckKahn]

I hadn't considered the Kubrick-y-ness of this sequence until hearing Trumbull point it out in this video. If you took away Goldsmith's lush score and replaced it with the sound of Dave Bowman's helmet breathing or Ligeti's Atmospheres or some other music from 2001 a space odyssey, it would totally be Kubrick-y.

[@fkerpants]

Chuck, why did you have to do that? Hm? Now I'm going to be sitting around wondering what the movie would have been like if Kubrick directed it. ;) I might even cue both of them up and watch this sequence with all the panting.

[@lezzman]

Okay, that's our next challenge. We have to get the word "Kubrickiness" into the next edition of the Oxford Dictionary!

[@goldenpacificmedia]

Well, at least the shuttle pod's computer wasn't cocky. :)

[@fkerpants]

Challenge accepted.

[@toddwalker2161]

Chuck Kahn ...Very true! 2001 still has the most realistic and true physics-of-space scenes ever shot. Trumbull is a master!

[@johnatsf1564]

Miss those times !

[@randomobserver8168]

That movie had plenty of problems, for my money mostly in writing, but it was flat out gorgeous to look at, so kudos to the teams that worked on that. And yes, even as a then kid under ten, I was not bored by this sequence at all. Maybe later on in the film, but not by this. More likely mesmerized.

[@jamesgarrison7397]

"I just wanted to...let the audience love the Enterprise" - Mission Accomplished!!!!!

[@mikeandrews9551]

This version of the Enterprise is, by far, the most beautiful starship put to film of all time, and evoked the same emotions as any of the human characters.

[@cabbievonbump]

One of THE best scenes in the movie..

[@CB-bi1be]

Man the artistry on all the practical effects is truly historical . Hopefully this style of filmmaking and all its secrets get taught to the younger generation so it stays.

[@zincfinger3817]

My all time favourite special effects moment. She was like a swan. Just beautiful.

[@OrdinaryG33K-SF]

A Fantastic scene. Thank You, Douglass Trumbull, for creating it. This is my favorite Enterprise, to this day. As others have said here, she's never looked better, before or since. Thank you for giving her a scene to show her in all her glory. WE (the fans who have been around long enough to remember this, and appreciate it) get it.

[@jediknight73]

The best ship porn in movie history

[@morganmosley5136]

Yes, indeedy

[@Jeffrey314159]

Did yo ever see that space craft in Battle Beyond the Stars - - - porno images indeed It looked like a woman's reproductive and sexual organs. Jim Cameron made a lot of this stuff and then made the notorious scenes in Galaxy of Terror

[@LoneBrowncoat]

@@Jeffrey314159 ..Its what Corman and Sayles wanted.

[@scott6504]

Lol 😂 I wait until late at night, lock the bedroom door and put this sequence on repeat. Love some hard core ship porn.😂

[@softdorothy]

Hmmm, the Star Destroyer flyover from the Star Wars opener would disagree.

[@txmoney]

Unquestionably the greatest scene of the entire franchise. I absolutely loved this film for the first hour, the unforgettable music, and most of all, this scene! For those reasons, Star Trek: The Motion Picture is #2 on my very short list of favorite Star Trek films.

[@davidrosler5413]

I saw Trumbull give a live talk at the Ziegfeld in NYC talking about close encounters, etc. And it was an astonishing big-screen presentation while he spoke with a flashlight pointer the whole time. A true genius. RIP.

[@phantomcruizer]

One day we’ll build a starship… the Enterprise may not be the template, but she and Star Trek will be the inspiration… Excellent job Mr. Trumbull!

[@Bigtooly]

not kidding about the most beautiful music