What We Left Behind: Looking Back At Deep Space Nine

For a franchise that has endured more than 50 years of success and remained as relevant a part of the pop-culture lexicon as "Star Trek," its creator Gene Roddenberry couldn't have imagined a time when there would exist a debate about which of his successive would leave the greatest impact. With an unprecedented number of broadcast hours and more than a dozen motion pictures (and still counting with the third season of "Star Trek: Discovery" on the way) there's always been a "black sheep" among the spin-offs that has caused many a controversy over the years.

After the success of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (which debuted in 1987) the first spin-off set 80-years after the famous crew of the Starship Enterprise lead by Captain Kirk completed its five-year mission, the studio tasked the show's producers with taking another trip to the well and come up with another trek to the final frontier, but the showrunners were intent it would have to be different, and more diverse than any previous "Trek" that's come before. The result couldn't have been more different.

Premiering in 1993, "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" broke the mold but setting its intrepid space adventure onboard a station on the edge of known space between two warring factions, all under the charge of a commander who is at a personal crossroads in his own life and career. Avery Brooks was also the first African-American actor to lead the franchise and his character of Starfleet officer Benjamin Sisko became instantly inspired a following. The series also introduced conflict on many fronts that addressed social, political and even religious ideologies.

In the new documentary "What We Left Behind: Looking Back at STAR TREK: Deep Space Nine" available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital the series showrunner Ira Steven Behr reunites the cast and crew to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the series they left behind. The intention of producing this documentary was as a gift to the cast, but in so doing, Behr pulled on an entirely unexpected dimension of depth as many of the cast and crew, as well as fans, got an opportunity to reflect on the "Star Trek" franchise's "middle child."

This release is also packed with brand new Special Features including an introduction from the filmmaker Ira Steven Behr on the impact of "Deep Space Nine", a "Brief History" of the series, Deleted Scenes, an insider look at the HD restoration of scenes and more. Among the most distinct bonus features is an on-set visit with the cast gathered for their "Variety" magazine photoshoot. The "Special Edition" Blu-ray includes an additional disc with a bonus 50-minute discussion on the making of the documentary, and "A Musical Reunion" with the series' composers.

Whether you're a diehard Trekker or have only just discovered the franchise, this documentary is revelatory. "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" should be regarded as one of the best among the franchise, though because many critics felt it diverted so profoundly from the idealism of Roddenberry's original, its relevance was overshadowed. The series took far more risks than any of its contemporaries and interpreted a future that was as much in flux as the present in which its audience inhabited.

"DS9" ventured to reflect all possibilities of human aspiration; what we could all become if we ventured in pursuit of the best in all of us. In that, perhaps it was the truest most genuine reflection of Roddenberry's "Star Trek" and the continuing legacy the creator has left behind.

"What We Left Behind: Looking Back at STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE"
available on Blu-ray and Digital
$29.95
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