Release Date: July 9, 2013
Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 82 minutes

Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, also known as the Great Bird of the Galaxy, passed away in 1991. His son, Eugene Rod Roddenberry was only 17 years old. As a teenager, Rod never knew the impact his father had on the world, but as a man, he ll find out.

Trek Nation is an enlightening documentary that details Rod s trek across America to discover his father through the touchstones Gene left behind: his friends, his work and his influence. Including surprising, revelatory conversations with Star Trek actors, fans, family friends and some of entertainment s most iconic figures, Trek Nation is a journey to understand one of the world s largest cultural phenomena, the man behind it, and the legacy he s left us all.

As the daughter of an artist, growing up watching sci-fi movies and television shows and going to conventions but not realizing the beauty of cons and truly appreciating them until years later… I found myself really drawn to Star Trek Nation showing Gene Roddenberry’s son on a journey as he gets to know his father and the legacy he left behind.

Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry reaches out to everyone from his mother to writers and producers, actors, fans, and more for interviews (years in the making) which really must have been a treat for Rod. It’s one thing to learn the facts but it’s another thing to sit down and hear how someone views your parent, a well known and respected visionary who goes down in history for his work. Legendary. Rod’s journey is priceless and I’m sure the most unforgettable journey he will go on. What a treat for the fans to be able to see this journey. Especially the meeting of Rod and George Lucas. What a treat.

No matter how familiar you are with the history of Stark Trek, there’s something special here that is undeniable and how fortunate Rod is to have been able to capture much of what went behind making it such on film. Star Trek fan or not, if you appreciate sci-fi, you need to watch this documentary. It would be a disservice to not know about this major moment in sci-fi history that has transcended the art and expectations of sci-fi.

Bonus Features:

*Picture in Picture Commentary – This commentary is conducted by Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry and Trevor Roth. In the lower left corner of the screen, video of Rod and Trevor conducting the commentary can be seen in various moments throughout the film. If you thought the commentary was good, there’s so much more to be learned in the commentary. Must see.

Due to a crack in the second disc, I was unable to view the remaining bonus features but they are listed below:

*Extended Interviews – This feature shows extended interviews with George Lucas, JJ Abrams, Rick Berman, Stan Lee, Seth MacFarlane, Nick Sagan, Wil Wheaton, and Ernie Over.

*Infinite Diversity: The Fans of Star Trek – Experience the worldwide phenomenon of Star Trek fandom, as a broad spectrum of enthusiasts share their stories of how the franchise has inspired and empowered them.

*A Star Trek is Born – Writer and friend, Christopher Knopf recalls the day Gene Roddenberry described his idea for Star Trek.

*Star Walking – This feature shows the original footage of Gene Roddenberry’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony.

* Home Movies – A compilation of rare video from Gene Roddenberry’s home movie library.

Own Trek Nation Special Edition on DVD today.