Star Trek Sets Phasers to Blu-Ray!

No need to beam me up, I'm already in orbit! This week I found out that the original Star Trek series and movies are coming to Blu-Ray April 28th. This long awaited Blu-Ray bonanza begins with season 1 of TOS (that's The Original Series to you earthlings) and is to be followed closely by seasons 2, 3 and the first six Star Trek films. If you haven't guessed, this news makes me happier than a Tribble in a storage compartment of quadro-triticale. 

If you haven't seen the original series in a while, you're in for a treat. The remastered live action footage look brand new and the new special effects are amazing. What's fun about these high-def discs (for purists) is that you'll be able to watch both the newly remastered episodes as well as the original episodes with their old school effects. Either way, the stories are still relevant and entertaining morality tales exploring the human condition. In space!

About a year ago, I came "this" close to getting a HD-DVD player based solely on the fact that the first three season of Star Trek had been released on that format. Despite my nerdly urges I resisted the gravitational pull of my favorite TV show in high definition and now I can only pity those who couldn't. 

Of course, in typical of Star Trek fashion, a red shirt takes one for the team. Because when the 6 pack of movies is released it will include the 1979 theatrical release of Star Trek: The Motion Picture instead of 2001s highly superior Director's Edition. I mean, c'mon, they're only doing this because they suspect I'll buy the director's edition when it comes out on Blu-Ray too. I don't know why they'd think this. I've only ever bought that movie on VHS, Laser Disc (first full screen then wide screen), then DVD, then the Director's Edition on DVD. What's a few more formats between friends? 

On the plus side, the set will also include a digitally remastered edition of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn so they've pretty much got me by both nacelles. My favorite TV show will finally be in dazzling high definition. I'm going to just have to bite the bullet and watch it!

Star Trek Blu-Ray on Amazon

Original Series: Available April 28, 2009

Original Motion Picture Collection: Available May 12, 2009

Motion Picture Trilogy: Available May 12, 2009

Ru Paul's Drag Race is No Drag

Now that the homophobic cloud of past 8 years is starting to lift, it seems like there's an ever increasing gaggle of gay shows on the air (hooray!). And I don't think it can get any gayer than Ru Paul's Drag Race. 

This hot tranny reality competition is definitely worth checking out. That is, if you like watching drag queens claw, cry and lip sync their way to become the "next drag superstar." Come to think of it, all the bitchiness and silicon reminds me of The Real Housewives of Orange County. Except the drag queens somehow seem more real.

Now, as balls-out fun as this show is to watch, these girls take the competition seriously. It's one of those shows where you get pulled in by the spectacle and hooked by the raw, human emotions. The early favorite (and mine) seems to be Ongina, but time will tell.

In the episode I watched last weekend, the girls had to create a persona based on The Queen of All Media, Oprah. Not an impersonation, mind you,  but their own take on what the big O represents. Following Oprah's career path they had to do an unrehearsed read of the news from a teleprompter (everyone had a tough time pronouncing Mamoud Amademajad), then they had to ad lib a pitch for a "favorite things" product followed by interviewing a surprise guest (Tori Spelling and hubby Dean). Now these girls are ALL personality, but the pressure was on and I couldn't help but feel their pain as they struggled through the challenges. It's hard enough even if you aren't wearing 6 inch stilettos (I'm guessing here). I won't spoil the ending, but you can catch all the episodes to date at Logoonline.com.

Like all truly great TV, Ru Paul's Drag Race entertains to teach. Whether that lesson is to look at drag queens with more understanding or how to properly tuck your junk is up to you. The important thing is it's a hell of a way to kill 30 minutes. Watch It.

Watch Ru Paul's Drag Race on:

Logo TV (Check local listings for availability/times)

Full episodes on LogoOnline