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New Hallmark NCC-1701 Convention Exclusive Ornament

With a quarter-century of Star Trek entries in its famous Keepsake Ornament catalog, Hallmark has once again announced an exclusive new ornament for this year’s holiday season, which will only available at a few select fan convention events in 2016.

Featuring dialogue and music directly from the original “Star Trek” TV Series, this Keepsake Ornament depicts the iconic starship as originally built and painted for special-effects filming. This is a repaint of a 2016 Keepsake Ornament celebrating Star Trek’s 50th anniversary.

Available exclusively at Comic-Con International, July 21-24 in San Diego, Calif., and at New York Comic Con, Oct. 6-9, in New York City.

Hallmark will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Trek by taking part in Star Trek: Mission New York, scheduled Sept. 2-4 in New York City. Two items are announced for that event:

– A Hallmark-branded exclusive ornament featuring Maxine, the star of Hallmark’s “Crabby Road” cartoons, dressed in her finest Star Trek cosplay. This ornament is a repainted version of one available this year in stores selling Hallmark-branded ornaments.

– The U.S.S. Enterprise Keepsake Ornament previously available at Comic-Con International.

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This new Enterprise ornament joins the other three wide-release Keepsake Ornaments planned for 2016, which were announced at last summer’s San Diego Comic Con, which include Pavel Chekov, a gold-painted Enterprise commemorating the 5oth Anniversary of Star Trek, and Kirk’s encounter with the salt vampire (as seen in “The Man Trap”).

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2016 is also special for the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament line, of course, because it’s the twenty-fifth anniversary of their first Trek ornament: naturally, 1991’s original Enterprise.

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STAR TREK BEYOND Coming to New, Ultra-Wide Theaters

When STAR TREK BEYOND arrives this July, it won’t just be in traditional, 3D, or IMAX theaters: a new development has been announced today that the movie will be featured in ultra-widescreen Barco Escape theaters, which involve three connected screens which wrap around audiences.

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An example Barco Theater experience.

The Hollywood Reporter details the plans, which seem to actually involve additional footage not visible in other theaters:

“When you’re on the bridge of the Enterprise, you might see additional coverage of the bridge,” Bad Robot producer and head of visual effects and post Ben Rosenblatt told The Hollywood Reporter. “Or you might see the Enterprise coming across the screen — and maybe you’ll see more and the attacking forces. There are new ships and antagonists that are well suited to the expanded image.”

For this version, Bad Robot will be remastering the film, with certain sections of the movie expanding to reach out across the panoramic tri-screen display — “at least 20 minutes, hopefully more,” said Rosenblatt.

Since the film was already shot when the deal was completed, the expansion of the imagery into the side wall screens will be, in some parts, fully CG extensions of the VFX shots. Rosenblatt said some shots will incorporate production footage that wasn’t used in the wide release version, while others would be a combination of production footage modified with VFX.

Barco expects to have roughly 50 Escape-equipped theater installations in time for the ‘Star Trek Beyond’ release. Looking further out, it projects at least 100 by the end of the year, and 3,000 in next three to five years.

While most of the world does not currently have a Barco Escape theater nearby, those of you who do may have a wild ride in store when attending a STAR TREK BEYOND screening this summer.

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UPDATE: Barco has provided us a copy of their full press release on this endeavor:

J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot and Barco Boldly Go Into the Future of Cinema
with “Star Trek Beyond” Release in Barco Escape
Digital Cinema Powerhouse Brings Multi-Screen,
Panoramic Experience To Theaters This Summer

LOS ANGELES — April 11, 2016 — Digital cinema leader Barco and Bad Robot Productions today announced “Star Trek Beyond,” one of this year’s most anticipated films, will be released in Barco’s multi-screen theatrical format Barco Escape, bringing audiences inside the action from the interstellar franchise – like never before. J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot will master a special version of the film, expanding the storytelling across three screens to unveil a thrilling new movie going experience to audiences when the film, from Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions, releases on July 22.

“Star Trek Beyond,” the third installment of the phenomenally successful reboot, is directed by Justin Lin, and stars Idris Elba, Chris Pine, Simon Pegg, Zach Quinto, Zoe Saldana, John Cho, Anton Yelchin and Karl Urban. The most recent film, “Star Trek Into Darkness,” grossed more than $467 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing entry in the Star Trek franchise.

“Justin Lin’s Star Trek Beyond is an epic adventure — truly larger than life,” said producer and Bad Robot president J.J. Abrams. “It is especially fitting, then, that we are partnering with Barco to provide an ultra wide-screen immersive experience using their unique Barco Escape format. This premium format dramatically expands the width of the viewing plane, giving filmmakers an innovative new tool with which to tell stories and audiences an enhanced new way to experience cinema.”

barco-largeBarco Escape will illuminate the Star Trek universe by creating key “moments” across all three screens that will exhilarate fans. Bad Robot will re-master more than 20 minutes of “Star Trek Beyond” into the new format. As part of Bad Robot’s commitment to the innovative technology, an executive from the company will also join Barco Escape’s advisory board.

“J.J. Abrams and the Star Trek franchise share in our passion for exploration and innovation, which is why we’re thrilled to lead Barco Escape’s 2016 lineup together with ‘Beyond,’” said CEO of Barco Escape, Todd Hoddick. “We are honored to have J.J. and the incredibly talented team at Bad Robot Productions as partners and look forward to sharing the power of this experience to capture the magnitude of big, bold stories like ‘Star Trek Beyond.’”

Since debuting in fall 2014 with the hit movie “The Maze Runner,” Barco has been working hand-in-hand with today’s top studios and filmmakers to create projects that offer audiences an unmatched viewing experience – only available in theaters. Director Scott Waugh (“Act of Valor,” “Need for Speed”) recently announced he is directing the first feature shot entirely for Barco Escape. The film, titled “6 Below” and starring Josh Hartnett, will be released later this year.

Barco Escape also holds a multi-year deal with 20th Century Fox and a development deal with Jerry Bruckheimer, who is also an advisory board member. Barco is committed this year to offering at least four films in Barco Escape, which has proven to bring audiences out to the cinema with its first two theatrical releases.

The fully DCI-compliant Barco Escape technology utilizes three cinema projectors and two additional cinemascope screens, allowing filmmakers to create for a much larger canvas. With current exhibitor partners in the United States, Europe, Mexico and China, Barco plans to expand to more than 100 Barco Escape theaters in 2016.

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Lin Compares STAR TREK BEYOND to a Big Budget Fan Film

cinemacon-film-journal-may-2016In a new interview with Film Journal International featured (in print) at this week’s CinemaCon theater owners convention in Las Vegas, STAR TREK BEYOND director Justin Lin shares some more insight into how he was hired for the project, as well as a look into some more new information on this July’s adventure.

Lin spoke about the efforts put forth by the previous team helming the film – the lead by then-director Bob Orci, who left the project early late 2014 – while detailing J.J. Abram’s request for him to take over the project:

I’ll be very clear: I don’t know what came before me. We basically had to start over, and that was one of the selling points for me… we had to start from scratch. A clean-up mission wouldn’t have excited me.

I got the call from J.J. and he kind of laid out the mission. For lack of a better term – and I think this is out in the open – it was a bit of a rescue mission.

I think something had gone wrong and they wanted to start over. After ‘The Fast and the Furious,’ I was kind of done coming in on the third film in a franchise, but if there was going to be a franchise where I’d do it, it would be this one.

It was J.J.’s call that jarred something in my head, and I realized that ‘Star Trek’ is a big part of me… it was something I was invited to do and I was happy to accept.

Lin tackles one of the most controversial things seen in December’s teaser trailer – the destruction of the Enterprise – head-on in the interview.

I didn’t come in saying ‘Let’s destroy.’ It was more like, ‘Let’s deconstruct’… [Simon Pegg, Doug Jung, and I] felt that with this being the 50th anniversary of ‘Star Trek’, let’s deconstruct it and hopefully rebuild it in a way that reaffirms why we’ve loved it for half a century. That conversation went a lot of different places, and one of the most interesting places was the Enterprise itself.

I remember watching it as a kid and saying, ‘That’s a cool-looking spaceship, but it looks really lanky. Is it built for combat?’ It took me a while to realize that they’re not out there to fight. It’s an explorer’s ship, so of course it looks like that.

Growing up watching Star Trek, Lin got the chance to realize some dreams about managing these characters:

Bones is my favorite character, because I’ve always viewed him as the curmudgeonly uncle I never had. So it was fun to talk with Karl [Urban] about where McCoy is going and where he is right now. I almost feel like I’m making the biggest-budgeted fan film! We got to have Bones and Spock have the conversation I’ve always wanted them to have.

I didn’t realize how much the franchise was a part of me until we played with putting characters in these different situations.

Lastly, the director touched on the subject of Leonard Nimoy – a participant in the last two films – and how his death will affect BEYOND.

It’s something you’ll see in the film. It obviously affected everybody, because he’s been a big part of our lives. There’s an attempt to acknowledge that in some way.

You can read the full interview in our Star Trek Beyond > Magazines gallery, courtesy of @KarlUrbanInt on Twitter.

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UPDATE: Roberto Orci responded to Lin’s comments in a discussion thread at TrekMovie.com:

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More STAR TREK BEYOND Teaser Artwork Revealed

CinemaCon, the annual gathering of National Association of Theater Owners in the United States, launches tomorrow in Las Vegas – and what do you know, some more artwork teasing this summer’s STAR TREK BEYOND has already made it’s way out of the convention hall and onto the web.

The thumbnails below will take you to the larger photos at ComingSoon.net’s gallery:

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As has been detailed in earlier interviews with the cast and crew, the Enterprise attack happens early in the opening act of the film, and as with some marketing designs for 2013’s Star Trek Into Darkness, it seems that the threat to the ship is once again being used as a draw to viewers to find out what has happened to the famous flagship of the Federation.

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The 3D Blu-ray steelbook, one of many “Into Darkness” images of the crashing Enterprise.

Hopefully, with the release of this new artwork, we’re getting closer to another trailer for July’s film. As many others have commented recently, we’re about to the point in the pre-release timeline that Into Darkness got its full trailer — so be on the lookout for the next view of STAR TREK BEYOND in the coming weeks.

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The Compendium
on Blu-ray today!


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Star Trek TNG Remastered: “The Pegasus” HD Comparison

When Will Riker’s former captain arrives on the Enterprise and ropes the first officer into revisiting a classified mission from years earlier, Riker must choose between protecting his own past mistakes and his loyalty to Captain Picard! Can he choose without betraying Admiral Pressman?

STAR TREK ’50 Artists, 50 Years’ Hardcover Art Collection

As we move along into the golden year of Star Trek, CBS Consumer Products have begun to announce special 50th Anniversary merchandise which looks back over the franchise’s five-decade run.

Coinciding with this year’s Star Trek: 50 Artists, 50 Years touring art exhibition, a new hardcover collection of the commemorative artwork is set for release this September, coming from Titan Books.

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To coincide with the 50th anniversary of the original Star Trek TV series, CBS Consumer Products have commissioned a series of art pieces to celebrate moments, characters, storylines and episodes from the franchise.

Artists from around the world as well as famous fans have contributed lovingly made posters, photos, sculptures, comic strips, textiles and much more to commemorate this beloved show. Foreword by Nicholas Meyer.

Some of the art pieces have already been revealed, and you can see the previews and the full list of participating artists at StarTrek.com – and lock in your preorders at the links below.

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50 Artists, 50 Years

STAR TREK BEYOND Photo Booth at Dubai Comic Con

The Middle East Film and Comic Con event kicks off today in Dubai, and recent film partner STAR TREK BEYOND has a presence (by way of the Dubai Film & TV Commission) with a featured photo booth allowing fans to sit in Chris Pine’s command chair.

beyond-booth-1by Saeed Al Janahi on Instagram

This isn’t the first BEYOND-themed feature in Dubai recently, as Dubai Studio City (where the on-set filming for the upcoming Trek film was completed) posted this video from a recent media event, promoting the country’s film development role:

We’ll post some of our favorite shares to social media here as we see them!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BD50l4Vzeg5/

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Justin Lin Teases STAR TREK BEYOND Cameos

It’s forty-seven years until the Vulcans first land in Montana, and in celebration of the First Contact Day pre-anniversary, STAR TREK BEYOND director Justin Lin has offered up a bit of a contest for some signed BEYOND swag direct from the set.

To celebrate the moment when Humans and Vulcans made first contact (April 5, 2063), thought I’d share a photo from the first day of the STAR TREK BEYOND shoot. Here I am hanging with two of my favorite people to ever work with.

And just for fun, I’ll send the first person who correctly guesses the identities of these two actors an official STB crew t-shirt and signed STB poster.

Just leave your guesses in [the announcement comments].

And a small note—because the shirt contains spoilers for the film and the poster hasn’t been finalized yet, I won’t be able to send it out until closer to the STB release date this July, but rest assured you’ll get it as soon as possible.

I know this will probably be a tough one since the casting of these two actors hasn’t been announced yet and you won’t find them listed on IMDb.

So here’s a hint–I’ve worked with them both before STB. Good luck.

If you’re interested in some autographed gear from the STAR TREK BEYOND cast and crew, post your guesses at Lin’s blog post here.

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Darkness
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STAR TREK ’09, INTO DARKNESS Hit 4K Blu-ray on June 14

Well, we knew they’d be coming along soon as we approach the arrival of STAR TREK BEYOND — reissues of the first two Abrams Trek films in the new 4K Ultra-High Def (UHD) Blu-ray format with the high-quality Dolby Atmos soundtrack presentation.

Paramount’s actually making their first entry into the 4K UHD home media format with Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness on June 14, and we’ve got both the official artwork and press announcements below.

Paramount Home Media Distribution Announces First 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray™ Releases

STAR TREK · STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS

Digitally Remastered and Featuring Groundbreaking High Dynamic Range Technology, Films Will Debut in UHD/Blu-ray/Digital HD Combo Packs June 14, 2016

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Paramount Home Media Distribution announced today that director J.J. Abrams’ global blockbusters STAR TREK and STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS will be the studio’s first two titles released on the new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray format. The releases coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Star Trek franchise in 2016.

4K UHD represents the next evolution in home entertainment, offering four times the resolution and more than double the number of colors available with full HD. In addition, these spectacular 4K UHD releases deliver exceptional vibrancy and contrast through High Dynamic Range technology, which reveals hidden details and shades of color that more closely mimic real life.

Both STAR TREK and STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS have been digitally remastered with new 4K UHD transfers for exceptionally brilliant picture quality and feature Dolby Atmos® soundtracks* remixed specifically for the home theater environment. Dolby Atmos delivers captivating sound that places and moves audio anywhere in the room, including overhead, to bring entertainment alive all around the audience.

Each film will be presented in a three-disc UHD/Blu-ray/Digital HD Combo Pack. STAR TREK features a bonus Blu-ray Disc™ loaded with over three hours of behind-the-scenes content. The STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS UHD and Blu-ray Discs include the spectacular IMAX® version of the film and the package also includes a bonus Blu-ray Disc with more than two hours of special features.

STAR TREK
UHD/Blu-ray/Digital HD Combo Pack

st09-4k-smallThe UHD Disc is presented in 4K high definition with English Dolby Atmos, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.

The Blu-ray containing the feature film is presented in 1080p high definition with English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.

The Blu-ray containing the bonus content is presented in 1080p high definition with English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.

The Combo Pack includes access to a Digital HD copy of the film as well as the following:

UHD Disc

  • Feature film in 4K UHD
  • Commentary by J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Alex Kurtzman, Damon Lindelof and Roberto Orci

Blu-ray Disc #1

  • Feature film in high definition
  • Commentary by J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Alex Kurtzman, Damon Lindelof and Roberto Orci

Blu-ray Disc #2

  • To Boldly Go — Taking on the world’s most beloved science fiction franchise was no small mission. Director J.J. Abrams, writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof, and executive producer Bryan Burk talk about the many challenges they faced and their strategy for success.
  • Casting — The producers knew their greatest task was finding the right cast to reprise these epic roles. The cast, for their part, talk about the experience of trying to capture the essence of these mythic characters. The piece concludes with a moving tribute to Leonard Nimoy.
  • A New Vision — J.J. Abrams’ vision was not only to create a Star Trek that was a bigger, more action-packed spectacle, but also to make the spectacle feel real. Every aspect of production—from unique locations to the use of classic Hollywood camera tricks—was guided by this overall objective.
  • Starships — Abrams and production designer Scott Chambliss were careful to pay tribute to the design of the original Enterprise, but they also wanted to make it futuristic and cool for a modern audience. This chapter focuses on the unique stories behind the creation of the film’s starships.
  • Aliens — Designers Neville Page and Joel Harlow talk about the hurdles they faced creating new alien species, recreating the Romulans and Vulcans, and designing the terrifying creatures on Delta Vega for the new Star Trek.
  • Planets — From the frozen landscape of Delta Vega to the desert plains of Vulcan, Scott Chambliss and the art department had a number of radically different planets to create. Abrams’ desire to shoot on real locations whenever possible led the production team to a number of strange and surprising locations.
  • Props and Costumes — Property master Russell Bobbitt had the unique challenge of designing props that were both true to the original series and pertinent to today’s technology. Likewise, costume designer Michael Kaplan talks about how he designed costumes that paid homage to what came before yet were relevant and timeless.
  • Ben Burtt and the Sounds of Star Trek — When famed sound designer Ben Burtt was hired to create sounds for the first Star Wars film, he took his inspiration from the original “Star Trek” series. Burtt jumped at the opportunity to pay tribute to the sounds that sparked his career with the sounds he created for the new Star Trek.
  • Score — As a fan of the original series, composer Michael Giacchino embraced the challenge of creating new music for Star Trek while preserving the spirit of Alexander Courage’s celebrated theme.
  • Gene Roddenberry’s Vision — J.J. Abrams, Leonard Nimoy, previous Star Trek writers and producers, and scientific consultant Carolyn Porco describe and commend the optimistic and enduring vision of Gene Roddenberry.
  • Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary
  • Starfleet Vessel Simulator — Explore extensive data on the U.S.S. Enterprise and the Romulan ship, the Narada. Submerse yourself in breathtaking 360° views and close-ups and review detailed tech information.
  • Gag Reel
  • Trailers

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS
UHD/Blu-ray/Digital HD Combo Pack

stid-4k-smallThe UHD Disc is presented in 4K high definition with English Dolby Atmos, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.

The Blu-ray containing the feature film is presented in 1080p high definition with English 7.1 Dolby TrueHD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.

The Blu-ray containing the bonus content is presented in 1080p high definition with English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.

The Combo Pack includes access to a Digital HD copy of the film as well as the following:

UHD Disc

  • Feature film in 4K UHD – IMAX Version

Blu-ray Disc #1

  • Feature film in high definition – IMAX Version
  • Enhanced commentary
  • The Mission Continues PSA

Blu-ray Disc #2

  • The Voyage Begins…Again – Go behind-the-scenes as filming begins on the next Star Trek adventure.
  • Creating the Red Planet – Experience the creation of a never-before-seen alien world, as featured in the action-packed opening sequence of the film.
  • Introducing the Villain
  • Rebuilding the Enterprise – See the design and construction of a bigger, interconnected Enterprise set.
  • National Ignition Facility: Home of the Core – Location shooting at the National Ignition Facility.
  • Attack on Starfleet – Go behind the scenes with the cast and filmmakers and witness the creation of the shocking attack on Starfleet Headquarters.
  • Aliens Encountered – The design and application of alien makeup.
  • The Klingon Home World – Discover the stunning world of Kronos, and see how the filmmakers reinvented the Klingons for a new generation.
  • The Enemy of My Enemy – Find out how, and why, the identity of the film’s true villain was kept a mystery to the very end.
  • Vengeance is Coming – A comprehensive look at the design and production surrounding the black ship.
  • Ship to Ship – An in-depth and thrilling look at the filming of the iconic space jump sequence, which both defied the laws of physics and pushed the limits of visual effects.
  • Mr. Spock and Mr. Spock – Leonard Nimoy makes a cameo appearance and reflects on his history with Trek.
  • Down with the Ship – Discover the stunt & VFX work involved to make the Enterprise roll over.
  • Kirk and Spock – Explore the dynamic relationship between the film’s heroes.
  • Brawl by the Bay – Sit in with Zachary Quinto and Benedict Cumberbatch as they revisit their intense preparation for the film’s breathtaking climax.
  • Fitting the Future – A look at the film’s out-of-this-world costumes.
  • Property of Starfleet – Sourcing and tracking the film’s myriad props.
  • Unlocking the Cut – A discussion with the film editors about their monumental task.
  • Visual Affection – A comprehensive look at the creation and implementation of visual effects.
  • The Sounds of Music (and FX) – A discussion with film composer Michael Giacchino and sound designer Ben Burtt.
  • Safety First – A prank pulled on the cast.
  • Continuing the Mission – An inspiring look at the partnership between the film’s crew and the organization that assists returning veterans to find meaningful ways to contribute on the home front.
  • Gag Reel
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Theatrical Trailers

Aside from the new 4K UHD discs, each of the two films regular Blu-ray content appears to be identical to 2014’s Star Trek Compendium collection, including all the bonus content and the IMAX edition of Star Trek Into Darkness.

Each 4K release is set for a June 14 street date in the United States, with a suggested retail price of $47.99/each – though we’re sure you’ll find places offering it for less. Many 4K releases currently available sell for approximately $29.99 each in major retailers.

Preorders are not yet available, but we’ll be sure to let you know when they launch in the weeks ahead.

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Order Star Trek:
The Compendium
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New Posters Debut for TREK 2017 and STAR TREK BEYOND

Last fall, Paramount Pictures put up the first teaser poster for STAR TREK BEYOND – a placeholder design using the 2009 film’s photos – at the MIPCOM Entertainment Expo in Cannes, and it seems that CBS/Paramount has continued that trend for both the upcoming film and next year’s new Star Trek television show as well at the MIP TV international television trade show.

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First up is this square presentation of the STAR TREK BEYOND key title art, which also sports the “Star Trek 50” logo we’ve been talking about since our exclusive debut last spring. Nothing really new to see here, but this is the first combination of those two graphic elements we’ve seen.

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Additionally, paired with CBS’s other premium television projects, this large poster for the 2017 Star Trek show vividly announces the return to the small screen, in a design reminiscent of that early sales graphic we saw two weeks ago. Again, there’s no spoilers or hints to the direction of the series, but as CBS president Les Moonves detailed earlier this year, it’s a big draw for the international market.

Thanks to Romain Nigita from 8 Art Global for spotting these!

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