‘Star Trek: Prodigy’ Season One, Volume One Blu-Ray Review – Youth-Focused Series Respects The History

Star Trek: Prodigy follows a motley crew of young aliens who must figure out how to work together while navigating a greater galaxy, in search of a better future. These six young outcasts know nothing about the ship they have commandeered a first in the history of the Star Trek franchise but over the course of their adventures together, they will each be introduced to Starfleet and the ideals it represents.

For in-depth thoughts on Star Trek: Prodigy – Season One, Volume One, please see my colleague Martin Sexton’s reviews from its original streaming release below:

• Episode One & Two – Lost and Found, Parts I & II

• Episode Three – Starstruck 

• Episode Four – Dreamcatcher

• Episode Five – Terror Firma

• Episode Six – Kobayashi

• Episode Seven – First Con-tact

• Episode Eight – Time Amok

• Episode Nine – A Moral Star, Part I

• Episode Ten – A Moral Star, Part II

Video Quality

Star Trek: Prodigy – Season One, Volume One comes to Blu-Ray with a lovely transfer that looks quite nice throughout these ten episodes. Colors are bright and bold with some excellent saturation from episode to episode due to the different environments we get to explore. This is an immaculately clear presentation free of any digital anomalies or debris, which is to be expected from a brand new series. The animation style is not the most cutting-edge, but it does the trick for a family adventure. Distinct lines and details are crisp and maintained well without any bleeding. There does not appear to be any issues with banding or crush in the deep blacks. While the series looks solid on streaming, you have to appreciate the increased stability that is given to this physical release that showcases the series at its best. 

Audio Quality

The Blu-Ray comes with a well maintained DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio lossless soundtrack that brings this world to life admirably. The show deploys an excellent array of environmental effects that are directionally precise within the mix. Certain sound effects and various active moments provide a nice kick to the low end that is appreciated. Dialogue is the priority in the track with a crisp, clear presentation in the center speaker that subtly creeps into surrounds during moments where different environments are being engaged. Music is immersive with a buoyant score accentuating certain scenes in the rear channels. You could not ask for better from this audio presentation. This release comes with optional English SDH, German, Spanish and French subtitles. 

Special Features

• The Kobayashi Maru: A four-minute featurette which takes a look at the place of this classic test in Star Trek lore, how this show delves into the past in its depiction, what it means for the character and more. 

• Trek Tradition: An 11-minute piece in which the cast and creative team discuss the idea of giving newcomers a rich and distinct Star Trek experience which can still dazzle longtime fans. There are some great insights into the creative choices made up until this point. 

• The Prime Directive: A three-minute look at the rules that bind the Trek universe and how they are showcased and applied in this series. 

• The Protostar Pack: A selection of brief featurettes are provided which take a look at the new and returning faces of Star Trek lore, how they fit into this story and the performers that bring them to life. 

• • Creating Character (2:57)

• • Dal R’El (2:40)

• • Gwyndala (3:18)

• • Jankom Pog (2:44)

• • Rok-Tahk (3:25)

• • Murf (3:28)

• • Zero (4:33)

• • Hologram Janeway (5:25)

• The Protostar: A similar set of featurettes are provided for different elements of the ship that grounds this particular narrative. 

• • The USS Protostar (3:39)

• • Bridge (2:19)

• • Transporter Room (0:51)

• • Cargo Bay/Hangar (1:07)

• • Crew Quarters (1:11)

• • Engineering/Warp Core (1:23)

• • Holodeck (1:46)

• • Nacelles (1:19)

• Gadgets & Gear: One more group of featurettes is provided which shines a spotlights on some of the technical innovations showcased in the series. 

• • Trek Gadgets & Gear (3:44)

• • The Runaway (3:20)

• • Gwyn’s Heirloom (1:40)

• • Tricorders & Phasers (2:11)

• • Hologram (1:21)

• • Vehicle Replicator (1:23)

• • Food Replicator (2:14)

• • Cloaking Device (1:26)

Final Thoughts

Star Trek: Prodigy is a really exciting entry in the franchise which finds the property reaching out to a new audience while maintaining the high quality of storytelling it always strives to achieve. The series is perfect for getting a younger audience familiar with and invested in the world at large, but older audiences will find much to delight in themselves. The characters are very engaging, the storylines maintain some thematic resonance, and there are plenty of easter eggs to delight in and make you comfortable knowing these creative figures are honoring the history. CBS Home Entertainment has provided a Blu-Ray that sports a spectacular A/V presentation and some really entertaining special features. If you are a fan of Star Trek or want to introduce it to a younger generation, this show is worth your time. Recommended 

Star Trek: Prodigy – Season One, Volume One is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray and DVD. 

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: CBS Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.