Image: Paramount Pictures
It was the Wednesday night before San Diego Comic-Con – the night often referred to as “Preview Night,” where fans run around buying up their favorite convention exclusives. This year, if you were one of the lucky ones who were able to get in, you also had the chance to be one of the first to see the world premiere of the newest Star Trek movie, Star Trek Beyond.
And it was quite the premiere. Complete with fireworks, orchestra, and a laser light show, Paramount Pictures held nothing back in launching this movie on an outdoor IMAX theater.
The 6-hour event started at 5:30 and was completely free for fans. Before Star Trek Beyond was played, the stars of the film walked the red carpet while the audience enjoyed popcorn and ice cream under the stars in the Embarcadero Marina Park behind the San Diego Convention Center. The event host, Conan O’Brien, introduced the cast, producer J.J. Abrams, and director Jeremy Lin.
And then a moment of silence was held in honor of Anton Yelchin, who portrayed Chekov in previous films and whose absence was definitely felt at this event. His parents were in the audience.
Similarly, Zachary Quinto honored Leonard Nimoy. He mentioned how the two actors had bonded through their mutual portrayals of Spock and become friends.
The movie itself was very enjoyable, with moments for long-time Trekkies and new fans alike. Star Trek Beyond really honors the 50 years of Star Trek, with moments of nostalgia sprinkled in that true fans will understand and appreciate. But even for those who are just discovering Star Trek, the story is action-packed and accessible. There are even comedic moments that add a touch of joviality to a story about Captain Kirk and a Vulcan. All the characters have depth, making even the villain highly enjoyable, and Jeremy Lin does a great job of making sure every character has their spotlight moment in the film. As if seeing the premiere of the latest Star Trek movie under the open sky wasn’t dramatic enough, the whole film was shown with the San Diego Symphony orchestrating the score. Oh yeah – after they finished the fireworks. And the laser light show. For real.
For those of you who weren’t fortunate enough to see the movie with fireworks and a live orchestra, there is still plenty of time to enjoy it in a local theater near you. Star Trek Beyond is now playing – and with the 50th Anniversary of the airing of the first Star Trek episode coming September 8 – you won’t want to miss a thing!
