Prelude to Axanar (2014) User Reviews

Everything that JJ Abrams failed to accomplish.

[john-barazzuol · 9/10 · 27 August 2014]

This film is what Star Trek was meant to be. On a Q&A panel the director and producer explained that as they made this film they kept asking themselves "Would Gene Roddenberry Do This?" and they made it true to Gene and true to Star Trek fans.

I like how they've used the 2009 ships' models and phaser mounts while fixing the exaggerated ship size and ridiculous out of proportion engines. Its wise to maintain some recognizable features from the latest films. On the other hand I would have liked to have seen the Fleet HQ, Dreadnought, Destroyer and Transport/Tug from the 1975 Star Trek Technical manual. Or even the Klingon Battleship from the '90's Task Force Games Star Fleet Battles. This arms race could have been "bigger" but I see how that would have taken away from their " We were explorers" vein they are pursuing and their unveiling of the Constitution Class. Which is very cool.

Where JJ Abrams has turned Star Trek into an unintelligent, mass appeal action romp these guys succeed in bringing it back to its roots and I couldn't be more impressed or eager to share it with my friends who really care about Sci Fi. I can't wait for the feature film.

Independent Star Trek At It's Best!! Watch It, Join It!

[wec-2 · 9/10 · 22 August 2014]

What's amazing is not that it is such a wonderfully produced, well acted, and beautifully shot film (which it certainly is). It's that it was done with loving care on a budget of less than what probably most TV ads cost nowadays to make. The producers, director, actors, cgi/special effects, photography director, and crew are all long time Hollywood professionals. They made an independent short film on their own terms, visualizing the Star Trek universe as they see it. Which seeing the support they're receiving from the fan base, I'd say they've succeeded. I gave it a 9/10 only because I wish it was longer, Ha. I guess I'll have to wait for the movie....Star Trek: Axanar!

Amazing production

[machinetodd · 9/10 · 26 August 2014]

Technically its a "fan film", but you would not know it from watching. Told in a kind of history channel series of interviews, it grabs you right from the start and leaves you wanting more at the end. The SFX are on par with any Hollywood production and the story is original and entertaining. The cast is compromised of Sci-Fi veterans who know what they are doing and do it very well! This was a project funded through Kickstarter as a "proof of Concept" for the bigger full length production of "Axanar" and they more then proved the concept. If the next production is as good as this it may very well kick start(like that?)a whole new revolution in fan films in not just the Star Trek Universe.

Star Trek as Oral History

[historyphdguy · 10/10 · 31 July 2014]

I'm a historian with a focus on the Space Program, the Cold War and WWII. I have gotten to interview people involved with the great events of the 20th Century from landing at Normandy to working on the Saturn V that took men to the moon. The Oral History is a great way to explore a major event to get the personal perspective. The creators of this short film did an excellent job using this type of format to set up the coming feature film, The Battle of Axanar. You meet the key players for Starfleet while Kharn provides his perspective as the military commander of the Klingons. These are distinct individuals who help paint the picture of what Axanar meant to them. This was a high-quality professional project financed by the fans of Star Trek. In this case it proved to be the best of both worlds as this is just a taste of what is to come with The Battle of Axanar. Qapla!

Authentic Trek

[jonathan_email · 10/10 · 8 August 2014]

Prelude to Axanar is the first real piece of Star Trek to come out since the penultimate episode of Star Trek: Enterprise 10 years ago. It has a great trek-worthy storyline and magnificent acting, and the special effects are great! I also greatly enjoyed the numerous "easter eggs" hidden throughout the film.

The quality is nothing like Star Trek: Into Darkness, which was just a mindless action flick intended for today's unenlightened audience. Prelude to Axanar is a thought-provoking Star Trek that visionary Gene Roddenberry himself would have been proud of.

The fact that Prelude to Axanar is an independent production (commonly referred to as a fan film) did not derail the production at all. The teams at Axanar Productions did a fantastic job of making the movie just as good, if not even better than, any "professional" production, and I have that in quotations because this was made professionally just like any other movie.

I highly recommended watching Prelude to Axanar, which is only twenty minutes long. See for yourself whether or not you like it. It's free and extraordinary; you'll love it.

Prelude to Axanar....Excellent!

[ku-rus · 10/10 · 8 August 2014]

Leaves the viewer begging for more! Can't wait to see the completed film! Casting for Prelude is superb, and the main feature promises even MORE!! Sets, graphics, and premise, are thoroughly thought out, as you would expect from the individuals involved. CBS/Paramount...be warned! There is a new force behind Star Trek...WE!..THE FANBASE...and we will not be pawned off with your drivel anymore! Alternate timelines are fine for attracting new moviegoers, but you have a tried, and true, band of followers for Trek...since 1966 (I'm one!), and stories from canon are legend. Prelude brings Garth back to our screens...and not before time! Alec and his crew of geniuses have achieved a minor miracle, here....a movie that makes this old Trekkie sit up, and take notice of something new, special..nay, magical! Waiting for the feature, Tiny!

CBS & Paramount need to take lessons from these people!

[mitchwebb-68-885540 · 10/10 · 1 August 2014]

Calling all Star Trek fans; This is a must see!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/194429923/star-trek-axanar

This is a team of independent film makers to watch; everyone a die-hard fan of Star Trek that could show Paramount how to make a Star Trek movie. No flash, only a good script, fantastic actors and out of this world cgi. All this created on a kick start budget!

Watched the prelude to the battle of Axanar. It gave me goosebumps, No plastic acting or wooden tops; Totally believable. It gave me the feeling that this war was really going on and I felt that I needed to be part of it. That's how powerful it was to me. Well done the Axanar team; I hope you will be teaching paramount in your film school how the make a Star Trek movies as they need all the help they can get. Stories have to be believable and you nailed it!

A new Kick starter for the main film of The battle of Axanar has opened!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/194429923/star-trek-axanar

An Interesting New Way To Tell A Trek Tale.

[woutervalentijn-34-195688 · 10/10 · 12 August 2014]

Recently I learned of this project 'Prelude to Axanar', that is intended as a lead in to an even bigger film, a feature length movie called 'Star Trek: Axanar', to be made later on. My interest was piqued when I saw which names were attached to it. There are Richard Hatch and Kate Vernon of Battlestar Galactica fame and several Star Trek alumni such as Tony Todd (Worf's brother Kurn, the elderly alternate time-line version of Jake Sisko), J.G. Hertzler (Martok) and Gary Graham (who even 'reprises' his role as Soval). Behind the camera also names of professionals of the movie industry. All this spells that this short film, like few other 'fan films', goes far beyond mere amateur levels.

The film itself has a very unique way of storytelling for Star Trek. It is like a broadcast throughout the Federation. An episode in an historical series about the Four Years War between the United Federation of Planets and the Klingon Empire that was fought a couple of decades before Kirk's historical first Five Year Mission. A documentary in an 'in-universe' style. A documentary presented by another great Star Trek in-universe name. Who that is? You'll have to see for yourself. I'm not going to spoil that for you. If you're like me it will put a smile on your face!

Those that made this film brought passion to it. The FX are outstanding and enhance the narrative beautifully. The actors give their sublime best in their performances. From an inspiring speech before a large audience in Archer Arena to in-depth interviews with several key players in this historic event from both sides! It is as if you are watching a documentary of an actual war!

As the history unfolds you get to see why the war started, what important battles there were and it all leads up that final pivotal battle. A battle you don't get to see of course. This is 'Prelude to Axanar' and not 'Axanar' itself. We can only hope the wonderful people who made this film get to make the actual feature length movie itself.

The bad in all this? Only the length of this film. When you see the final moments you will be on the edge of your seat, and you will scream: "I WANT MORE!" For now it can only be officially seen on the Kickstarter website. As a call to fellow Trekkies I would say: Look up that Kickstarter site and see this great film.

Fans of Star Trek the Original Series will love it.

Star Trek, done RIGHT!

[jecook1965 · 10/10 · 22 August 2014]

This contains spoilers. Star Trek: Prelude to Axanar is an example of Star Trek, done right. It's not all about the action and special effects, it's about some of the major characters in early Federation history. The story, told like a History Channel special, is "Part 3 of The Four Years War" and chronicles events leading up to The Battle of Axanar, and how Fleet Captain Garth came to be known as Garth of Izar (Look up the original series Star Trek episode "Whom God's Destroy" for more on Captain Garth).

Everything about this production screams 'big budget studio' and it is not. All the money for this, was raised through a successful kick-starter campaign. No one profits from it, and the fans are paying for it. And it is well worth it. If you like Star Trek, check out Prelude to Axanar. You won't be disappointed.

The Star Trek fans deserve. The Star Trek we need right now.

[bladelam · 28 August 2014]

Without a doubt the best independent Trek effort ever, and the most exciting Trek-related feature film development since the release of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

The plot, scripting, costumes, designs, directing, cinematography, visual effects, casting, and actors' performances are all professionally executed and rendered and entirely respectful of and faithful to the nearly 50 years of material that came before it. If you are about to experience Prelude to Axanar for the first time, you have come to the right universe.

Awesome. Enjoyable. Looking forward to the follow-up. A big thanks to all involved.

A Short Film Fit for the Franchise

[The_Real_Review · 7/10 · 30 September 2023]

Prelude to Axanar is a very well made short film. It fits perfectly in the Star Trek universe and captures the look and feel of the best films. The acting, directing, special effects and writing are all top notch. If not for some glaring issues this could have been one of the best short films of all time.

Tony Todd is a solid actor but he does not carry the gravitas of Denzel or Morgan Freeman so choosing him as the strategic mastermind and savior of the Federation is not very believable. Having Todd play "Captain" Ramirez would have been a better fit. This was a major oversight and obviously forced since this came out during Obama's presidency and deflated what they were going for.

It is a shame that the creator's infatuation brought down what otherwise is an excellent short film fit for the franchise.

Bigger, faster, more agile, drip drop ...

[scuderiaf1 · 10/10 · 22 August 2014]

Leaves the viewer wanting more! Seems like the creators care and they are showing some love to many parts of the story line.

I have grown up with the Star Trek franchise. The more I think about presentation of this short, the more realize just how good it is. I am going to change it from a 9 to a 10.

I didn't want to wait for it to open at the theater ... so, I contributed to the the kickstarter project

The characters vignettes were all compelling to me. The overview of Admiral Ramirez ( Tony Todd ) speech in Archer Arena was fantastic!

I am not a visual effect expert. But as a viewer .... DAMN ... the combat scenes put me there ... holding my breath. Thinking holy smoke that was close several times. It was very easy for me to see the details described in the vignette being the played out on the screen. Sonya's 'feint to starboard' then 'Garth of Izar' going for it with a 'Klingon like maneuver' were spot on! I was there ... those effects conveyed, in intense detail, how tough the new ship is/was ...

~t

Generic sci-fi movie

[Horst_In_Translation · 4/10 · 8 October 2015]

"Prelude to Axanar" is a 20-minute science fiction short film from summer last year written and directed by Christian Gossett, whose most known achievement before that was working on the special effects of the Oscar winning "King Kong" 10 years ago. Anyway, as the title of this little movie already tells us, there will probably be a full feature film later this year and this one here is a prequel for that. It switches from interviews with important characters to video recordings of important locations somewhere in space. I may be a bit biased here as I am far from a great science fiction film fan, but I found nothing new in here. It's the usual formula for the genre, but there was no real creativity in my opinion. It also didn't help that none of the actors are particularly known or convincing. Make-up and special effects were fine, but that alone won't cut the cake and I'm really baffled about this movie's IMDb rating. I cannot say I am curious at all about the film that follows this prequel. Not recommended.

Just amazing

[confidential-67897 · 10/10 · 27 November 2018]

This 20 min short is just amazing, better than most trek movies. Can't believe it was filmed on a next to nothing budget. Someone should give them a license and a budget to film a feature length sequel

My review on Prelude to Axanar

[gunnarmagaret · 10/10 · 22 August 2014]

What an amazing original piece of star trek history an amazing project that makes you feel like you were there. The actors in it were amazing keep up the great job at this hit film. A Movie I will watch over and over again. Richard hatch's performance was on top and so was the Alec peters as Garth of Izar as well as the whole cast. don't miss this movie you will not be disappointed.A Hit that is better than JJ Abrams movies. The Special visual effects were awesome. The Ships were very impressive. The Story was excellent and it makes you want to see more.It was also very detailed into the war.and Even be amazed at the Klingon makeup and the Vulcan.and The Female Captains makeup it is stellar.

If you watch this you WILL want more....

[davedc1998 · 10/10 · 22 August 2014]

I was shocked at the quality of the talent, the CGI and the writing all done on a shoestring budget. If you watch Prelude to Axanar it will make you crave more. I want more, and I want it now! Rarely has a project left me feeling that way.

My only wish is that someone would do something like this for my beloved Battlestar Galactica. I was happy to see folks with new BSG and classic BSG credits involved, and yes, I have always loved Trek and to see people that have been involved in the creation of important portions of the franchise involved makes me feel comfortable that the next installment will be done right.

I really loved the documentary style, it sets up the next installment perfectly.

The best Independent Star Trek ever made!

[deputy-hernandez · 10/10 · 26 August 2014]

This is the best independent Star Trek short film ever made, and the full length, upcoming feature film will blow everyone away!

In Prelude, the acting, make-up, special effects, writing, camera work, etc. are phenomenal! If you're a Star Trek fan, this short film will bring all the excitement of the franchise back to the forefront of your mind!

You will literally sit at the edge of your seat with your mouth agape as you watch this story unfold. If you want to see true, dyed in the wool Trek, watch Prelude To Axanar and get ready for the ride of your life!

The cast and crew pulled off the best Star Trek I have seen in decades.

Can't wait for the movie next year!

Great combination of acting talent and production quality

[sean-mahan13 · 9/10 · 20 March 2015]

Until George Takei's Facebook post supporting Prelude, I was unaware of fan-funded Trek films. Truth in advertising, I contributed to both the Kickstarter campaign for Prelude and for the full Axanar movie which will be filmed in 2015. However, if I thought I hadn't gotten my money's worth, I'd say so. That is NOT the case here.

This is a great concept that presents a prequel to The Original Series. And despite the shoestring budget for Prelude, the production quality is astounding! It's also cleverly presented as a History Channel-like documentary that reviews the events of the Four Years' War between the Federation and the Klingons.

Production quality aside, this is a brilliant collection of on-screen talent with veterans of The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Babylon 5, and even the original Battlestar Gallactica. I'm sure I'm missing other projects but you get the idea. This is NOT a bunch of rookies.

What makes me an expert at all this? Years of fandom as a viewer, with the elevated expectations that come with that. Bottom line is that this leaves me hungry for the full movie, just as it was intended to do!

A Beautiful, Benchmark Production

[Loren-3 · 10/10 · 17 July 2015]

I've seen my share of Star Trek fan fiction produced and released on YouTube. If I were to characterize what I had seen before Axanar showed up on my radar, in a single word, I'd say it was "uneven." Sets tend to be quite good, graphics variable from mediocre to near-studio-quality, and acting which, while it has its moments, never leaves the amateur ranks.

Then, something over a year ago (June of 2014), the trailer for Prelude to Axanar showed up in my "What to Watch" list on YouTube. Out of curiosity I clicked on it ... HOOBOY! Whoever was doing this, I thought, they were SERIOUS!

* Sets - Perfect

* CGI - BEAUTIFUL!

* Music - Original and well-done!

* Acting - 100% PROFESSIONAL!

That last should be no surprise, considering that many of the actors working in the service of this brief piece were veterans of actual Star Trek episodes. Two months later when Prelude to Axanar came out, there wasn't the slightest drop in professionalism or quality in any aspect of that beautiful short film. This is work worthy not just of the name Star Trek; it is worthy of big-screen time. That sentiment is reinforced by a teaser first scene, released on 10 July, 2015, involving Gary Graham as Vulcan Ambassador Soval and Kim Fitzgerald as Minister T'Lera, discussing critical issues relating to a conflict which will culminate at Axanar.

This is quality work, the likes of which I haven't seen outside of the major studios, made by people who love Star Trek and want to represent it at the highest level possible, even though they cannot make a single dime off of it. They are to be saluted for their hard work and dedication ... and I just can't WAIT to see the final product!

I'm glad this is happening in my lifetime

[seanusps · 10/10 · 27 August 2014]

I had no idea what to expect when I was led to the Axanar site. (Thanks to George Takei.) I was about to leave home for work and when I saw that the running time was 21 minutes I was going to turn it off so as not to be late for work. But once I started watching, I couldn't stop. I haven't felt this excited about anything Star Trek related in quite some time. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and had to watch it again right away and risk being late for work. I donated to the Kick Starter campaign and kept my fingers crossed that enough money will be raised for this story to be finished. Excellent acting, direction, production, and story. Oh, and I ended up being 10 minutes late. It was worth it.

Why this production team didn't get the proper licenses and clearances from the Star Trek owners ?

[oscar-35 · 21 September 2018]

*Spoiler/plot- Prelude to Axanar, 2014. Star Trek: "Axanar" takes place 21 years before the events of the original Star Trek series pilot episode "Where No Man Has Gone Before". "Axanar" tells the story of Garth of Izar, the legendary Star fleet captain who was Captain Kirks hero, and his crew during the Four Years War with the Klingon Empire that almost tore the Federation apart.

*Special Stars- Richard Hatch, Tony Todd, Kate Vernon, Gary Graham, J.G. Hertzler, Alec Peters.

*Theme- Trademark and copyrighted elements are the property of the original owner's and any re-use is protected by license and international law. It protects artists and originators from piracy.

*Trivia/location/goofs- On the basis of a film 'teaser' being shown on the Internet and at sci-fi events, they got interest from the public. This MEGA funded (Internet crowd funded- $800,000) fan film has caused first a controversy and then a legal suit with the original trademark and copyright owners, CBS/Paramount. The producers also opened their own production studio complex in Santa Clarita, CA based on making the full film. The legal suit is in the courts now for the Axanar producers being sued for their apparent illegal re-use of Star Trek elements without license or permission.

*Emotion- Members of this production group; lawyers (Alec Peters), union actors, and film production technicians produced a 'teaser' project to seek money investors for the final feature film. This was stopped legally with a court suit by CBS/Paramount, the owners of Star Trek franchise. Why this production team didn't get the proper licenses and clearances from the Star Trek owners is unbelievable. Seems like a 'no brainer' to hurt the Star Trek franchise that millions love today. The Trek audience is being scammed. (*uPDATE-The Axanar production was stopped and all production disbanded and the santa Clarita studio property was closed & sold off. Alec Peters moved to a southern state to continue his efforts. Paramount Pictures/CBS generously came out with a list of fan films tough guidelines they will allow in any new fandom video or film projects starting in the future. These studio official guidelines have changed fan project film & video productions.)

*Based On- Star Trek TOS and Trek book canon.

Just No

[stake-41266 · 2/10 · 26 December 2018]

Scripts all right, wish it was better.

characters come off as flat and boring. Pass

Great Short Film

[jrscott295 · 10/10 · 27 August 2014]

I loved the new take on Star Trek filming. Using the documentary style used by many History channel documentaries was refreshing. It was engaging, it kept you moving from perspective to perspective and flowed into a seamless production.

Newcomer Alec Peters does a great job portraying Garth of Izar. He is the reluctant warrior. The person who becomes a warrior and a soldier not because he desires to be such but because circumstances throw him into that position.

Alec's acting coach, Richard Hatch of Battlestar Galactica fame both as Apollo in the original and Tom in the re-imagined versions comes across as an angry and frustrated Klingon. One who believes that the failures of the High Council is what ultimately led to the failure to eliminate the Federation. Is one area of what you might term praise is for Garth though.

Tony Todd, famous for playing Worf's brother in TNG and DS9 does an amazing job with his delivery both in his speech in Archer Arena and in the interviews looking back in time as Admiral Ramirez.

Kate Vernon does an amazing job as Captain Alexander. There is probably one line that might offend some Star Trek fans however she delivers it with such grace and finesse that it seems so natural to the character and to a war torn Federation. She is a veteran of the re-imagined Battlestar Glactica.

J. G. Hertzler is another person who shines in the interviews looking up to the build up before Axanar. As Travis he comes across as a war weary veteran whose seen to much death and destruction. That gives him a perspective on the war that seems to differ from Garth's enough to provide another viable viewpoint. Famous for his role as Martok on DS9 he pulls off an amazing performance Gary Graham reprises his role as Soval from Enterprise. It is an amazing transition, that continues the characters move from viewing humans as nothing more than children to viewing them as equals. His participation helps to seamlessly move the story in a believable fashion helping to provide continuity with the greater Star Trek universe.

The work on the graphics, script, costumes and other elements make this a production worthy of a major Hollywood production for a fraction of the cost. Since Prelude came out it has been announced that Garret Wang from Voyager will make an appearance in Axanar as the Captain of the first Klingon D-7. Michael Hogan of re-imaged Battlestar Galactica is also expected to appear in the final version as Captain Robert April of the Enterprise.

This documentary though was amazing and the best Star Trek fan flick I've ever seen. It is amazing what they were able to do with a fraction of the budget Hollywood normally assigns to a film.

Star Trek has returned to it's true Roots

[harney1 · 10/10 · 5 September 2014]

Finally - someone got it right. JJ Adams got it all wrong and thanks to him and his crew i gave up on Star Trek. This Star trek was funded by the fans on kickstarter.

Not bad for a shoe string budget. I watched the 21 minute video a few times and was Phaser stunned at the quality of the acting and CGI. Excellent !!

I'm looking forward to the full movie - Excellent job guys in making this - this has been a LONG time coming for me and the rest of the Star Trek Fans.

Now I shall return to my(this) Star Treks - somehow for me i feel i came full circle.

Prelude to Axanar is inspirational

[Lwbenjamin · 10/10 · 20 March 2015]

I found out about "Axanar" and the "Prelude To Axanar" about a year ago and it inspired me then and continues to do so. This is fan- made Star Trek unlike any other. Most all of the people involved are professional film production people who love Star Trek and it shines from every pore. The idea of having a trailer to a war movie done in the format of a history documentary is brilliant! The inspiration was that just hearing the details of the production, of which there is an abundance, inspired me to donate, for the first time, to a kickstarter project. The Prelude To Axanar was released at San Diego Comicon 2014, which I could not attend, but it was then released on-line as promised. It was and is glorious! It then inspired me to, for the first time, participate in DragonCon in Atlanta, where I was inspired to give of my time and spend most of three days manning a table with new-found friends, helping to promote this amazing short film. If you have ever been a fan of Sci-Fi or Star Trek or though it might be interesting, I can think of no better 20 minute introduction to the possibilities of the genre than this short film.