Blancha Record

Written by Blancha Record

Modified & Updated: 05 Mar 2024

Sherman Smith

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

39-facts-about-the-movie-star-trek-v-the-final-frontier
Source: Primevideo.com

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is a highly anticipated film that holds a special place in the hearts of Trekkies around the globe. Released in 1989, it is the fifth installment in the beloved Star Trek film franchise. Directed by William Shatner, who also portrays Captain James T. Kirk, the movie takes viewers on an epic journey as the crew of the USS Enterprise faces a formidable adversary: a renegade Vulcan named Sybok who seeks to find God at the center of the universe.

As one of the most controversial and debated Star Trek films, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier has its fair share of interesting facts and trivia. From behind-the-scenes drama to impressive visual effects, this article will delve into 39 fascinating facts about this iconic sci-fi flick.

Key Takeaways:

  • Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, directed by Captain Kirk himself, faced challenges but remains a cherished part of the franchise. Its exploration of faith and friendship continues to captivate fans worldwide.
  • Despite initial setbacks, the movie’s stunning visuals, memorable lines, and thought-provoking themes make it a must-watch for sci-fi enthusiasts. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of Star Trek.
Table of Contents

The movie was released in 1989

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier was released on June 9, 1989, and was the fifth installment in the Star Trek film series.

Directed by William Shatner

The movie was directed by William Shatner, who also played the iconic character of Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek television series and previous films.

Not well-received by critics

Despite being highly anticipated by fans, the movie received mixed reviews from critics, with many considering it to be the weakest installment in the series.

The plot follows a search for God

In Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, the crew of the USS Enterprise embarks on a mission to find God, who is reportedly located at the center of the galaxy.

Spock’s half-brother is the main antagonist

In the film, the main antagonist is Sybok, who is revealed to be Spock’s half-brother and possesses unique mind-control abilities.

The tagline is “The Enterprise is back. This time, have they gone too far?”

The tagline for the movie is a play on the return of the USS Enterprise and the risky nature of their mission to find God.

James Doohan broke his finger during filming

During a fight scene, actor James Doohan, who played Chief Engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott, broke his finger, but continued filming without interruption.

Features the largest physical Enterprise model

The movie showcases the largest physical model of the USS Enterprise ever created for the Star Trek franchise. It measured 78 feet long.

The movie’s budget was $33 million

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier had a budget of $33 million, making it the most expensive Star Trek film at the time.

The film’s soundtrack was composed by Jerry Goldsmith

The musical score for the movie was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, who had previously worked on the original Star Trek television series as well as other films in the franchise.

Contains Captain Kirk’s iconic “I need my pain” line

One of the most memorable lines from the movie is when Captain Kirk says, “I need my pain” during a powerful and emotional moment.

Shot on location in Yosemite National Park

The scenes featuring Captain Kirk’s climbing adventure were filmed on location in Yosemite National Park, adding a stunning natural backdrop to the movie.

A tribute to the original Star Trek series

The movie pays tribute to the original Star Trek series by showcasing characters, references, and themes that fans of the show will appreciate.

Theaters offered “no talking” screenings

Some theaters offered “no talking” screenings of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier for dedicated fans who wanted to fully immerse themselves in the movie experience.

The movie explores the concept of faith

The Final Frontier delves into the concept of faith and its impact on individuals and societies, adding a thought-provoking element to the story.

Features a notable cameo appearance by Christian Slater

Actor Christian Slater has a brief cameo appearance in the movie as a young officer on the USS Excelsior.

Industrial Light & Magic handled the special effects

The special effects for Star Trek V: The Final Frontier were created by the renowned visual effects company, Industrial Light & Magic.

Contains humorous and lighthearted moments

Despite the serious undertones of the story, the movie incorporates humor and lighthearted moments to balance out the tone.

Introduced the “Spock’s vision” sequence

The film introduced a unique sequence where Spock shares his vision with a group of cult followers, showcasing his connection to the Vulcan mind meld.

Shatner initially wanted to use Yosemite for Kirk’s death scene

Originally, William Shatner had planned to use Yosemite National Park for Captain Kirk’s death scene, but this idea was ultimately scrapped.

Faced competition from the movie Batman

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier faced tough competition at the box office from the release of the highly successful movie Batman on the same day.

The film explores the limits of the crew’s loyalty

The Final Frontier tests the loyalty and bonds of the USS Enterprise crew members in the face of their dangerous mission.

The movie’s visual effects were nominated for an Academy Award

The visual effects in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier were recognized with an Academy Award nomination for their impressive and innovative work.

The movie addresses important philosophical questions

Through its exploration of faith and the search for God, the film poses important philosophical questions about the nature of belief and existence.

The movie was a box office disappointment

Despite the initial hype, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier underperformed at the box office, failing to meet the financial expectations of the studio.

Leonard Nimoy was initially reluctant to reprise his role as Spock

Actor Leonard Nimoy was initially hesitant to reprise his role as Spock, but ultimately agreed to appear in the movie due to a combination of factors, including William Shatner’s involvement as director.

The movie asks: “What does God need with a starship?”

One of the central questions posed in the film is when Captain Kirk asks Sybok, “What does God need with a starship?”

The film highlights the importance of friendship

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier emphasizes the enduring friendship and camaraderie among the crew members of the USS Enterprise.

The movie features intense action sequences

Alongside its philosophical themes, the movie delivers exciting action sequences, including a thrilling battle aboard the Klingon Bird of Prey.

Nichelle Nichols performs a memorable fan dance

Actress Nichelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Uhura, performs a memorable fan dance during a scene in the movie, showcasing her talent and grace.

The film’s production faced several delays and setbacks

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier faced numerous production delays and setbacks, leading to a rushed post-production process.

The movie showcases Captain Kirk’s leadership skills

Captain Kirk’s leadership abilities are put to the test as he guides his crew through the dangerous journey to find God.

The film explores the power of manipulation

Sybok’s mind-control abilities highlight the destructive power of manipulation and the dangers it poses to individuals and societal order.

Shatner sang a song on the film’s soundtrack

William Shatner recorded a song titled “The Moon’s a Window to Heaven,” which is featured on the movie’s soundtrack.

Leonard Nimoy made a brief appearance as Spock’s “spirit”

Leonard Nimoy’s Spock appears in a vision as a guiding force for Captain Kirk during a pivotal moment in the movie.

The film’s original script was extensively rewritten

The original script for Star Trek V: The Final Frontier underwent significant revisions and restructuring before production began.

The movie explores themes of redemption

Several characters in the film, notably Sybok and Captain Kirk, go through journeys of redemption and self-discovery.

The film’s commercial failure impacted future Star Trek projects

The disappointing box office performance of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier influenced the decision to hand over directing duties to different filmmakers for future Star Trek films.

Despite mixed reception, the movie has a dedicated fan base

Despite the lukewarm critical response, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier has garnered a loyal fan base who appreciate its unique elements and continuation of the Star Trek legacy.

The “39 Facts about the movie Star Trek V: The Final Frontier”

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is a film that has captured the imaginations of fans for decades. With its intriguing plot, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes, it remains an important part of the Star Trek franchise. While it may have faced some challenges during its production and initial release, the movie has continued to resonate with admirers of the iconic series. So, join us as we take a deep dive into the “39 Facts about the movie Star Trek V: The Final Frontier,” and discover what makes this film a cherished part of sci-fi history.

The movie was released in 1989, marking the fifth installment in the Star Trek film series. Directed by none other than William Shatner himself (Fact 2), who also portrayed the legendary Captain James T. Kirk, the movie promised to take fans on a thrilling adventure.

However, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier received mixed reviews from critics, with many considering it to be the weakest entry in the franchise. The film’s plot revolves around the crew of the USS Enterprise embarking on a daring mission to find God (Fact 4).

The main antagonist in the film is Sybok, who is revealed to be Spock’s half-brother and possesses unique mind-control abilities. This familial connection added an extra layer of complexity to the story (Fact 5).

The tagline for the movie, “The Enterprise is back. This time, have they gone too far?,” perfectly encapsulates the riskiness of the crew’s mission and builds anticipation for the film’s events (Fact 6).

During the filming of a fight scene, James Doohan, who played Chief Engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott, broke his finger but continued shooting without missing a beat (Fact 7).

When it comes to visual effects, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier pulls out all the stops. The movie showcases the largest physical model of the USS Enterprise ever created for the franchise, measuring an impressive 78 feet long (Fact 8).

With a budget of $33 million, The Final Frontier became the most expensive Star Trek film of its time, demonstrating the studio’s commitment to delivering a grand cinematic experience (Fact 9).

The film’s musical score was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, who had previously worked on the original Star Trek television series and other movie installments. Goldsmith’s talent shines through in the film’s gripping soundtrack (Fact 10).

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier offers an array of memorable lines, including Captain Kirk’s iconic “I need my pain” declaration. This line showcases the depth and complexity of Kirk’s character (Fact 11).

The movie features breathtaking scenes shot on location in Yosemite National Park, adding a touch of natural beauty to the sci-fi adventure (Fact 12).

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier pays homage to the original Star Trek series, incorporating beloved characters, references, and themes that fans of the show will appreciate (Fact 13).

Some theaters even offered “no talking” screenings of the film, allowing dedicated fans to fully immerse themselves in the Star Trek experience without distractions (Fact 14).

In addition to its thrilling space exploration, The Final Frontier delves into the concept of faith. The film poses thought-provoking questions about the nature of belief and its impact on individuals and societies (Fact 15).

Look out for Christian Slater, who makes a notable cameo appearance as a young officer on the USS Excelsior (Fact 16).

The special effects in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier were handled by the renowned visual effects company Industrial Light & Magic, ensuring a visually stunning cinematic experience (Fact 17).

Despite its serious themes, the film incorporates humor and lighthearted moments, providing necessary balance to the story (Fact 18).

The movie introduces the memorable “Spock’s vision” sequence, where Spock shares his vision with a group of devoted followers, showcasing his unique connection to the Vulcan mind meld (Fact 19).

An interesting tidbit about the film’s production is that William Shatner initially planned to use Yosemite National Park for Captain Kirk’s death scene. However, this idea was ultimately abandoned (Fact 20).

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier faced stiff competition at the box office from the release of the highly successful Batman on the same day (Fact 21).

The film explores the limits of loyalty as the crew members of the USS Enterprise are tested during their dangerous mission (Fact 22).

The movie’s visual effects received an Academy Award nomination, highlighting the excellence and innovation of the team behind them (Fact 23).

Through its exploration of faith and the search for God, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier poses important philosophical questions about belief and existence (Fact 24).

Despite the initial anticipation, the movie didn’t meet the financial expectations at the box office, classifying it as a financial disappointment (Fact 25).

Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock, was initially reluctant to reprise his role, but his involvement in the film was ultimately influenced by William Shatner’s participation as director (Fact 26).

One of the central questions in the film is when Captain Kirk asks Sybok, “What does God need with a starship?” This thought-provoking query forms a crucial moment in the story (Fact 27).

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier emphasizes the importance of friendship, showcasing the enduring bond among the crew members of the USS Enterprise (Fact 28).

The film includes intense action sequences, adding excitement and adrenaline to the storyline (Fact 29).

Nichelle Nichols, who portrayed Lieutenant Uhura, performs a memorable fan dance in the movie, displaying her talent and grace (Fact 30).

Conclusion

In conclusion, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is a movie that captivated audiences with its thrilling storyline and memorable characters. This film, directed by William Shatner, delves into the depths of the unknown as the crew of the USS Enterprise embarks on a dangerous mission to find God. Throughout the film, we see the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and the search for meaning in the vastness of space. The action-packed sequences and impressive visual effects make this installment a standout in the Star Trek franchise. Whether you’re a die-hard Trekkie or a casual moviegoer, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is sure to leave a lasting impression.

FAQs

1. What is the main plot of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier?

The main plot of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier revolves around Captain James T. Kirk and his crew’s quest to find God at the center of the galaxy.

2. Who directed Star Trek V: The Final Frontier?

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier was directed by William Shatner, who also portrayed Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise.

3. Is Star Trek V: The Final Frontier considered a successful film?

While the film received mixed reviews from critics, it was a financial success, grossing over $63 million worldwide.

4. Are there any memorable moments or standout performances in the movie?

One of the most memorable moments in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is the famous camping scene where the crew bonds around a campfire. Additionally, Captain Kirk’s relationship with Spock and McCoy is explored in greater depth, showcasing the exceptional performances of William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and DeForest Kelley.

5. How does Star Trek V: The Final Frontier fit into the Star Trek franchise?

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is the fifth installment in the original Star Trek film series. It takes place after Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home and before Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.