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List Price: $29.99 | | Label: Paramount
Salesrank: 32694
Released: April 11, 2000 |
| Our Price: $69.95 |
| Used Price: $8.48 |
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MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
You didn't think Mr. Spock was really dead, did you? When Spock's casket landed on the surface of the Genesis planet at the end of Star Trek II, we had already been told that Genesis had the power to bring "life from lifelessness." So it's no surprise that this energetic but somewhat hokey sequel gives Spock a new lease on life, beginning with his rebirth and rapid growth as the Genesis planet literally shakes itself apart in a series of tumultuous geological spasms. As Kirk is getting to know his estranged son (Merritt Butrick), he must also do battle with the fiendish Klingon Kruge (Christopher Lloyd), who is determined to seize the power of Genesis from the Federation. Meanwhile, the regenerated Spock returns to his home planet, and Star Trek III gains considerable interest by exploring the ceremonial (and, of course, highly logical) traditions of Vulcan society. The movie's a minor disappointment compared to Star Trek II, but it's a--well, logical--sequel that successfully restores Spock (and first-time film director Leonard Nimoy) to the phenomenal Trek franchise...as if he were ever really gone. With Kirk's willful destruction of the U.S.S. Enterprise and Robin Curtis replacing the departing Kirstie Alley as Vulcan Lt. Saavik, this was clearly a transitional film in the series, clearing the way for the highly popular Star Trek IV. --Jeff Shannon
Star Trek III - The Search for Spock Reviews:
Has to be "that movie" sequel 
2009-11-07 - Right away, I will say that out of 5 stars, I expected a 4 star movie, and I got a 4 star movie.
Unfortunately, it suffers from being between two epics: An epic of comedy (The Voyage Home) and an epic of tragedy (Wrath of Khan)
I pointed out in my (NEW) Wrath of Khan review that Wrath of Khan was about Kirk, and the "maturation" he suffers by Spock's death. Spock's death shows to Kirk for the first time that he is not invincible, and he has cheated death for so long, that the inevitable came, and did what Khan intended to do: hurt him and make him go on hurting: taking his closest friend from him.
Unfortunately, you can't really continue the same Star Trek journeys without Spock. A brilliant writer/director likely could, but it would have to be a genuinely BRILLIANT writer/director, and even then some fans would still whine and complain about Spock.
So they have to bring him back.
To their credit, they did a very good job of bringing Spock back without making it seem like a cheap "I got better" asspull excuse to bring him back to life. The Genesis Planet brings Spock's body back to life, but without his mind, it is a nonsentient animal, confused and in pain, as it rapidly ages with the planet. Teen!Spock has sex with Saavik to sate his Pon Farr, and the Klingons finally return to try to steal the Genesis Project secrets from Kirk.
Christopher Lloyd is magnificent as a Klingon. And in terms of effectiveness, I have to say he's in some way better than Khan. While Khan eventually caused Kirk to suffer the death of Spock, it was only after Khan had died, and indirect. Christopher Lloyd's Klingon is cold, calculating, cunning, and brutal. Such things he does and memorable lines include killing his gunner for accidentally destroying a Federation science vessel when he wanted it disabled because he wanted prisoners, or when he has Saavik and David prisoner on the Genesis Planet, he orders one of them killed, and says "I don't care which one".
In fact, the Klingon seems to directly affect and hurt Kirk more than Khan did, at least in the short-term. While Khan swerved and screwed Kirk several times, Kirk was always smugly in control of the situation and was a step ahead of Khan.
This is the first time in the film that a villain gives pause to Kirk, and seriously hurts him while being alive to do so. First, David is killed while struggling with a Klingon. This news hits Kirk so hard, he falls to the ground in shock and anguish.
And then of course, the Klingons' attempts to take the Enterprise force him to have it self-destruct. Another hurt on him.
But ultimately, because dollars and status quo and a great character's continuing adventures demand it, Spock must return. Spock's "Remember" mind-meld with McCoy becomes central in this film, as they take Spock's body just as it conveniently ages to Nimoy's current age, and bring it to Vulcan, to "extract" his "Katra" or soul or whatever from McCoy and return it to Spock. The ending is very touchingly heartwarming.
But ultimately, because bluh bluh dee bluh mentioned above, Spock must return. And while the movie is decent enough, it loses some points for its severe mood whiplash from the previous film, and the seeming long-term "lesson" and its effects---that being Kirk is not infallible or invincible---being ended, as even though Kirk hurt with the loss of his friend, he got better, and got Spock back eventually anyway.
Respectable middle movie of the trilogy 
2009-09-22 - We already owned Star Trek II and IV and simply wanted to complete our collection of this particular trilogy by adding Star Trek III.
The movie itself wasn't necessarily the wear-with-all but was none-the-less entertaining.
The 2-disc DVD set, though purchased used, was in excellent condition and even had all the original print-material/offers, etc., on the inside.
A Friend In Need
2009-09-11 - Quickly following the events of "Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan," "Star Trek III: The Search For Spock" takes the filmgoer on a highly unusual "rescue" mission. This go-round finds Kirk, McCoy, and the rest of the crew (minus Spock, who sacrificed himself to save the others) returning to the friendly confines of the Federation for rest and, unbeknownst to them, the decommissioning of their beloved Enterprise.
Meanwhile, the Federation starship Grissom is studying the newly alive Genesis planet and discovers a lifeform on its surface. Kirk's son, David (Merritt Butrick) and Lt. Saavik (Robin Curtis) journey down to the planet's surface to investigate. What they find is a young Vulcan boy who is rapidly growing. They also find that the Genesis project isn't quite as successful as they believed. The planet is quickly deteriorating and will soon destroy itself.
Having acquired information about the Genesis project and planning to use the Genesis device as a powerful weapon, Klingon commander Kruge (Christopher Lloyd) sets a course for Genesis. Couple this with a visit to Kirk from Spock's father, Sarek (Mark Lenard), who reveals to Kirk that Spock's "katra" was placed inside one of the surviving Enterprise crewmembers and must be retrieved along with Spock's body in order to properly put him to rest back on Vulcan, and you have the stage set for an exciting space opera.
In order to make it back to Genesis, Kirk and company steal the Enterprise. It's a bold maneuver that Kirk knows will be costly, but he is determined to help his old friend. When the Enterprise arrives at Genesis, they find the Grissom destroyed and face-off against Kruge, who has Saavik, David, and the Vulcan boy held hostage on the planet's surface. Kirk realizes that the boy is Spock, and now he must try to save his son and his best friend.
From this point, the film turns into an especially emotional struggle for Kirk. Kruge gains the upperhand on the Enterprise almost immediately, and uses his hostages as pawns in a game of wits with Kirk.
Who survives the outcome? You might be a bit surprised if you haven't yet watched this third installment of the Star Trek film franchise.
While Khan was a powerful foe in "Star Trek II" (and quite possibly the greatest villain in all of Trekdom), I have to admit that Christopher Lloyd does an excellent job as Kruge. He forces Kirk's hand in ways that will shock the viewer. While it's quite hard today to see Lloyd as anybody but Doc Brown from "Back to the Future," his portrayal of Kruge is good enough that the "flux capacitor" takes a backseat while the renegade Klingon is on the screen.
William Shatner delivers one of his best performances as Admiral Kirk. Kirk goes on an emotional rollercoaster ride in this installment, but manages to keep his composure under immense pressure.
Nichelle Nichols (Uhura) is relegated to a small supporting role, but she does have one very hilarious moment that was a highlight of the film. Walter Koenig (Chekov), James Doohan (Scotty) and George Takei (Sulu) have somewhat larger roles, but their characters aren't challenged as much as Kirk or even McCoy. McCoy, by the way, shines each and every time he's on the screen in this film. DeForest Kelley is brilliant this time around, being both humorous and caring at the same time. Robin Curtis does a solid job as Saavik, as does Merritt Butrick as Kirk's son.
While it's been stated that the odd numbered Trek films have always been the worst ones, I have to say that "The Search For Spock" stands above the pack for two reasons: 1) It is one of the most emotionally tugging films in the entire series and 2) It manages to be a solid stand alone film despite acting as a bridge to the fourth film, "The Voyage Home."
Nimoy does a solid job as a director, holding together a plot that could have easily fallen apart due to its somewhat outlandish setting. The film's score, provided by James Horner, is wonderful.
The special effects are sketchy at times, but they get it right at key moments in the film, especially in the space battles.
The fight sequences aren't up to par with other hand-to-hand combat scenes in other films from the franchise, but I have to admit that Sulu does have one of the best fight scenes in all of the Trek films in "The Search for Spock."
This particualr DVD offers numerous extras. Highlights include commentary from Nimoy and an interesting (if rather dryly delivered) explanation of the development of the Klingon language for the film (and the future of the franchise). Oh, and there's an interesting Easter Egg for those Trekkers willing to hunt for it.
With exceptional highs, powerful emotion, and just a few miscues, "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock" is a fine addition to the Trek universe. It's a mandatory purchase for Trek fans, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys their space opera with plenty of emotion.
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock 
2009-09-04 - This VHS tape was in its original packaging however the sound is bad and the tape is very noisy. It must not have been stored properly.
Genesis? Only the Beginning!
2009-08-29 - Star Trek III: The Search for Spock is a jumping off point for the series like a giant diving board!
As we left our last episode, boys and girls, Khan, in a mad bid for Kirk's destruction, set off the Genesis device and in so doing created the Genesis planet out of the dust and debris of this nebula that Kirk was trapped in. Just before that, Spock died. Yes, he sure did, and no fan boy or girl of the time could believe it. What the heck do they do now?
Sarek, Spock's father returns with some news regarding Spock. McCoy has his part to play as a "vessel" (not to spoil too much). The film is not bad, with disobeying the Federation (what else is new) and seeing Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future) as a Klingon!
The Klingons want the secret of the Genesis device as it would make them a power to reckon with. Kirk wants Spock. Quite a problem.
As in other odd-numbered ST films, this one is not a strong one, but does tie together the Wrath of Khan with the next in the series, The Voyage Home. Directed by Leonard Nimoy and written and produced by Harve Bennett.
