With passion, pace, and great production values, "Star Trek: First Contact" scores a knockout blow on almost every level. From the opening Jerry Goldsmith theme, you know you're in for something bigger, badder and bolder than just about anything that had come previously in the feature film side of the Star Trek franchise. A true heavyweight indeed.

Jonathan Frakes, in his feature film directing debut, guides a taught script through its paces, and the actors make the most of their roles, no matter where they fit into the picture. But it's mainly Patrick Stewart and Brent Spiner's fight, supported admirably by Alice Krige as the Borg Queen, Alfre Woodard as Lily Sloane and James Cromwell as the venerable Zefram Cochrane.

The Borg, although previously beaten, remain unbowed in what is surely their most defining screen moment. They've been seen plenty of times since, but never in this menacing a capacity. Still, they remain the ultimate Star Trek villain.

If you collect DVD's like I do, the new Special Collector's Edition is a welcome addition to the Paramount library. Let's be honest: the first, single disc edition was unencumbered by anything even resembling a special feature. This is your DVD. Assimilate it.

[Tim]

(For a complete list of the special features, click here.)