Althought I said above, I didn't really like the new JJ Abrams movies, I have to admit Star Trek Beyond gave a light at the end of that tunnel. Finally a good movie which made a really good tribute to the original series for it's 50th Anniversary, and also helped me realize: this is actually start to make sense now. Soon I've found myself actually like the movies, and understanding this new concept. I was comparing the new movies with the classic ones, but that was the point where I made a mistake. They are a new and alternative part of the franchise.
During my "education" about the new timeline I discovered a really interesting video concept what fascinated me since the first second. Chasing The Infinite Sky, a fan film where we can se the test flight of the USS Albatross and her crew. It's a short fan movie which made by fans... although if I don't read the description I firmly believe it's coming from Paramount. Yes! The models, the visuals, the whole experience is a remarkeable job from the designer team. The title itself has a really deep and philosophical statement as well. Chasing The Infinite Sky. Just think about it... isn't this one of the main message of Star Trek? Going boldly where no one has gone before? I think it's a brilliant way to wrap up a new timeline and also make a connection with the original one.
I fell in love with the concept. As I sad above, for a moment I thought I was watching a proper Star Trek movie from Paramount, but no. This movie is purely fan based. Many and more people worked on this in their free time, making sure every detail looks very great, and I have to say the final version is spectacular. I'm sure they spent countless hours building up each ship, each shuttle, the starbase, and the environment as well. Such a wonderful group. The cinematogrpahy and the way of telling the story is simply amazing. It kept the feeling of a JJ style movie, but with less lensflare effect, which we couldn't be more greatful. :) The space phenomenons are very detailed, every nebula, every dust cloud, and planet looks clear and realistic. Overall I have to say, it's a brilliant and true tribute to the movies concept. In the first scene of the movie we see a JJverse Miranda class starship, the USS Texas. It's a remarkeable design compare to the original Miranda class with the elements of the new pilons, the deflector dish, and the hull structure as well. Than we have the USS Albatross, which for me at the beginning looked like a modern NX class Enterprise. Ok, sort of... as the pilons were above the saucer section and also pulled back a little bit. It's a very excellent concept. With a short apperance we also see a Spacedock orbiting earth, also a Drydock where the Albatross waiting for her signal to boldy go into deep space.
Do I like this fan film? Hell, yeah! :) Simply an amazing tribute for the movies, for Star Trek itself. The creative group behind this project deserves a big applause as their work is highly admirable. I hope they keep up the good work and they going to do some other extra bits in the future. :) If you didn't see the movie please check them out on youtbe clicking the video below.
Hi Gary! I saw Chasing the Infinite Sky on Youtube a while ago and thought it was beautiful -- I agree the title is quite true to the spirit of trek! it was so nice that you did a review and offered your thoughts on it! I quite liked it myself however, what irked me was that the Albatross ended up in some part of space where there was "rainfall" which doesn't make sense scientifically as space has no clouds/precipitation -- I mean, as far as we know.... however everything else was visually exciting. I really liked it. have you seen the fan film Horizon?