The main purpose of the Editor's Pick — launched March 2003 — is to provide an overview of Star Trek related books, DVDs, CDs and eBooks that we feel warrant a first, or for some items a second, look.

Although 2003 was heavily weighted towards Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, as the season sets of DVDs were released throughout the year, we have made sure to include other items based on their value and uniqueness as well.

Here now is a special selection of some of our favorite items from the 2003 Editor's Picks:

---

"The Best Of Star Trek: 30th Anniversary Special" CD

The most outstanding music composed for the first four Star Trek TV shows has actually been compiled in a soundtrack CD that was released in 1996. Called "The Best of Star Trek: 30th Anniversary Special! Original TV Soundtracks," it contains the obligatory opening themes of each of the shows, but of course they sound a lot better here, in some cases with an extended version or enhanced mix. [Sandy]

Find out more about about "The Best Of Star Trek: 30th Anniversary Special" CD

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Season 7 DVD Box Set

Any of the DS9 box sets are worth owning, but if you're looking to re-live one of the series' greatest accomplishments, look no further than its final year. Season 7 boasts one of Trek's most amazing feats of televised storytelling ever — yes, we speak of the ten-part Dominion War arc that closed the series. There are wonderful character moments, explosive action scenes and callbacks to the very first episode. Though the emphasis is on the war-time drama, there are also at least two particularly fun episodes in the mix — the baseball-themed "Take Me Out to the Holosuite" and the Vic Fontaine-centric "Badda Bing Badda Bang." [Sarah]

Find out more about Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Season 7 on DVD 

"Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion"

For delving deep into a TV series — any TV series — you would have to look pretty hard to find a book this loaded with information. Terry J. Erdmann and Paula M. Block have done an exquisite job of introducing each season and providing all the relevant background information on the show as it evolved over the seven years. [Tim]

Find out more about about the "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion"

"Serpents Among the Ruins: The Lost Era 2311"

David R. George III Aside from nicely depicting the Star Trek universe of 2311, 18 years after the presumed death of Captain Kirk (see "Star Trek Generations"), the novel is a delightful, page-turning read for die-hard fans and dabblers alike. For those pining for the "good old days" of Star Trek, "Serpents Among the Ruins" is a great addition to the Trek mythos. [Paul]

Find out more about about "Serpents Among the Ruins: The Lost Era 2311"