Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan Retrospective/Review - Star Trek Retrospective, Part 3 

God, listening to Montalban talk about how he got back into the role of Khan..First off, that voice alone is amazing. But the interview just shows what an amazing and intellectual actor he really was. He put everything into getting into character for his roles. He's criminally underrated as an actor. And was a really good man IRL as well. Married to the same woman for 63 years, a deeply religious man without shoving it in anyones face. He loved his home country of Mexico and his adopted country of America both very much. Basically anyone who ever met him said he was about the nicest guy you could ever hope to come across. I can count myself lucky enough to be amongst them, as I had the opportunity to meet him in the mid 90s. He was super easy to talk to, and took a good 15 minutes out of his day to just chat with me like I was an old friend, while I was a nobody who he'd never seen before in his life. I'll always remember his kindness that day. I'm sure he had somewhere more important to be, something more important to do than talk to some random nobody. But he really took the time to make sure I didn't FEEL like a nobody. Not just one of the nicest actors/celebrities I've ever met, but one of the nicest PEOPLE I've ever met. Full stop.

Spock's death to funeral scene is THE BEST character ending scene in movie history. Kirk's subtle falling alongside the chamber glass and the murmur of "No." just shows how minimalistic acting can really deliver a gut punch. People can mock William Shatner's acting all they want, he delivered in that scene.

I remember re-watching Wrath Of Khan a couple of years back, and my mother looked over as the coffin is launched and said. "Is this the one where Scotty dies." An important reminder that most people only half know Star Trek.

Can we make a good Star Trek movie? Yes we KHAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNN!!!!

Three cheers for James Horner. The main theme for this movie is so memorable and just so evocative, and I dare say he basically MADE those battle scenes work.

" I am...and shall always be...your friend" I'm not crying, you're crying.

Nicholas Meyer is hands down the best Star Trek movie director.

I think Gene Roddenberry and George Lucas can be lumped into those people who have a wonderfully creative view of their properties but had tremendous difficulty executing those visions. I was actually relieved they took the second movie away from Roddenberry. (My views on Roddenberry have soured over the years, but that's a discussion for another time.) I actually saw Time After Time in the movie theaters. It is one of the very few movies whose plot twist I didn't see coming. I had no idea Meyer directed that. Now I know why I liked both it and Wrath of Khan so much. I had never seen that interview with Montalban. That was fascinating. As always, a terrific retrospective you put together. Thanks, Rowan. I look forward to Part 3.

Brilliant work as always! Kirk's eulogy for Spock at the end is probably Shatner's best acting of his career. That break in his voice... oof!

The Wrath of Khan, in my humble opinion, is one of the greatest films ever made. The ship combat is the stuff of legend. No spinning, flipping, or barrel rolls. No dubstep pew pew sound effects, and no chaotic, impossible-to- follow CG distractions. Just two massive, powerful ships, trading fire, and doing massive damage with every exchange. It’s absolutely amazing! 🖖😀 Edited to add that James Horner’s score was the finest score ever made for any film, ever!

I’ve watched ST2 a million times but it was only when I saw it on the big screen for the 40th anniversary that I truly noticed how great Shatner’s acting is in it. One of my fave films of all time. Thanks for making this retrospective…

"Pavel Chekov. I never forget a face. Not even a face I've never seen."

I had the great privilege to watch "Star Trek II - the Wrath of Khan" (the directors Cut) during a theatrical screening in January of 2020, here in Berlin Germany, where William Shatner was touring across Europe with this film and also talked about the time working on Star Trek as well as some personal anecdotes & non Star Trek related things. It really was absolutely incredible finally seeing one of your most favorite films on a big screen (although digital video projection but hey, better than nothing) WITH the Captain himself hosting the event. That truly was an unforgettable highlight in my life and it still feels a little unreal, looking at it again. :) I am so glad this actually happened.

I honestly think about 80% of the reason The Warth of Khan works so well is the villain. Because from the get go we are given a villain with clear motives. So audience members like me who had no idea of the past history between Krick and Khan can easily see why this is all happening. I also think this is why Into darkness did not work as well since Khan motives are not clear from the get go and it can be argued that Khan is not the villain in that movie.

Horner's score really elevated this film

As a film composer myself I am really loving the attention you bring to the score in these. It’s such a crucial part of the experience that really flavors the experience a viewer has. Not enough retrospective videos give the composers their due

Interestingly, this is the only TOS-era movie in which the Enterprise fires phasers

Wrath of Khan is now and will always be my favourite film. I must watch it at least 2 or 3 times a year. I consider it to be a perfect film, or as close to perfect as it's possible to be.

We've certainly got a lot to thank Meyer for, not least for creating a new class of Star Fleet vessel other than Constitution-class. If it wasn't for this movie we might still be stuck with one class of Star Fleet vessel. Notice also that it's very similar to Empire Strikes Back, in being darker themed, a major hero dying or almost dying, a bleak ending, a hero finding a new family member he didn't know he had, the heroes being chased by the villain through the movie, it being the second movie in the franchise, as well as it being widely considered the best movie in its franchise. Oh, and also the director totally disregarded the so-called "creator's" loony ideas when making the movie.

The one TRUE Khan. *Especially now that I know that was Montalbán's ACTUAL chest. I always thought it was a chest piece.*

Over the last 50 years many of my favorite TV shows and movies were created with small budgets and limited time. It almost seems as if lack of time and money are the keys to a successful project. And in the case of "The Wrath of Khan" all the constraints , including non-trek-fan creative staff, worked because producers and directors knew the elements of good storytelling. Even the musical score helped to carry each scene to the point that you could close your eyes, and hear what was happening!

22:40. I watched the James Horner segment three times. Wow. What a treat. Thank you, Rowan. You can read about things, hear other people talk about things, but that was special. To hear it straight from the man himself.

This is really phenomenal work, Rowan. Seriously, I'm having an absolute blast. Thank you for all the hard work you (and your team?) put into this short documentary.

James Horner discussing the nebula battle scenes is incredible! His effort paid in full.

When I first saw Wrath in the theater, Horner's music kept me on the edge of my seat! I have watched this movie so many times since that it is beyond counting... but I still find myself on the edge of my seat every time! The score to this film gets your blood pumping! Horner was a genius!

Best Trek film & will never be equaled. Meyer is a genius & Ricardo’s acting presence gave us a masterpiece.

Back in 1982, my friends and I had heard of the "death of Spock" controversy. We were totally taken in by the Kobiashi Maru sequence. When Spock, McCoy, and the bridge crew died it was dead silent in the theater. When Spock got up we all started babbling then grinning. I didn't see anyone get up the whole rest of the time. Everyone was quiet and eyes on screen. Except for gasps and cheers, of course. That was a brilliant way to mend such a breach. We kept the secret, no spoilers.

In the Mutara Nebula fight, I am always put in the frame of mind of a submarine battle. Can't see, can't hear, don't know where the enemy is or will be. The man-vs-man aspect of the fight really comes through. So good!

At last, a composer who appreciates the horn.

Hearing Horner explain his choices for the music gives me an all-new appreciation for what he did with it...and I loved the music from the start!

James Horners work was amazing! What a soundtrack and what a career, he will be missed 🙏🏻

I love Horner's music even more than Goldsmith's. It's technically complex while passionately maintaining clear themes so you know who the good guy and bad guy are with the Reliant and Enterprise in space.

I just laugh everytime Joaquin exclaims, "I caaan't!"

I have always been disappointed that James Horners Star Trek music was never used anywhere else except Star Trek Ii and III. I wish they had used some of it in TNG DS9 or Voyager. But they sadly never did.

I also know that Harve Benette never seen Star Trek so he was given all 79 episodes which took him three months to watch when he seen "Space Seed" and noticed how impressed at Richardo's performance as Kahn. He said, "he dominated the show." He continued saying, "we will see Khan again."

Found the soundtrack to this movie in the discount bin at my local record store(remember those?) I loved the movie and listened to that record many many times. I can pick out a James Horner soundtrack anywhere. Most of the 'songs' are still on my playlist. I can picture the movie in my head from what part of the soundtrack is playing. RIP JH.

Nicholas Meyer absolutely crushed it with this movie. His work on The Day After is as amazing and shows how fearless he was in his craft.

I always saw McCoy's best quotes and performance (aside perhaps from the back alley scene in City on the Edge of Forever) occurred in the films, rather than the original series. In Wrath of Khan he is awesome.

Man i know the Enterprise model was a pain to work with but it really is one of the most beautiful ship designs ever put to screen. In a way im glad that because of the cumbersome nature of the model it never joined the Miranda class in being regular cannon fodder in later star trek shows. Its seldom use helps cements the mystique of this ship and its legendary status to the majority of Star Trek fans. Excellent video i might add very well narrated and presented.

I love this movie so much, I love how hard I cry everytime I see it, even ballin' now just seeing the clips of the ending! When I was a child I cried having never faced death with the fear of that undiscovered country yet to be reached. To now being a grown adult, dealing with the loss of my Mother and other loved ones. I used to strive to be a emotionless vulcan as a kid, hiding my gay side and now, being open, I love the emotions I allow myself to feel. Thanks for a great doc, I subscribed!

RIP James Horner, one of our most underrated film composers. This to me is the definitive Star Trek score and a much better fit for the franchise vs Jerry Goldsmith's bombast.

Man, I've got to say, the blending of the two musical themes at 23:15 is pretty righteous.

I always felt THE WRATH OF KHAN was the real first star trek movie as it carries over an actual aspect of star trek that was already popular.

I know this sound kinda backwards, but. When I first started watching Star Trek I started watching the movies first. The Motion Picture 1979 was such a slow moving burn of a movie that I almost thought that maybe Star Trek wasn't going to be my cup of tea and quit watching. I'm glad I didn't stop there, because this movie is fantastic!

My favorite bit of irony is that Spock tells McCoy "You must learn to govern your passions. They will be your undoing" - and then dies because logic 🤣

Watching the Enterprise and Reliant fight was the best. For the first time in Star Trek you see what king of punishment these ships could really dish out. I really miss practical effects. I was so happy that Peter Jackson used them so well in LOTR.

Excellent stuff - looking forward to part 4! Always fun to see behind the scenes stuff on Wrath of Kahn.

This is the best series I have ever seen, on any media at anytime. I was 5 years old when Star Trek was released. I literally can not remember a time in my life when I could turn on a TV and not find Star Trek on or soon to be on. When I was younger and only 3 channels were available ABC, CBS and NBC sometimes PBS (for my Doctor Who fix) I planned my Star Trek watching well ahead of time, because I had the Awesome TV GUIDE. I know when I hear someone here on RU-vid SAYS they are a fan, and someone that ACTUALLY IS.. THIS GUY... is a fan and well worth your time watching his videos. Thank You Rowan, Thank You so very much.

This movie had a massive effect on my youth. Still does.

James Horner's soundtrack for this film really makes you see sailing ships because of its majestic mood and weight that carries with it. It is an absolutely intense score and the music really becomes one of the main actors. Spock's theme also added so much mysteriousness and underlines the dialogs between Nimoy and Shatner and their friendship. When you watch it you really feel every character is finally allowed to show emotions again and play them. Something you really missed in Star Trek TMP. And also funfact: This score was one of the early digital filmscore recordings.

fun fact: Nimoy grew up in Boston. His father was a barber. I was taken to that barber shop to get my hair cut. Pictures of Nimoy, signed, were all over the place. I told his dad what a fan i was of Star Trek. About 5 minutes before i was done, the door opened and someone said "Hi Dad." It was HIM! I was blown away. I told him, like a kid rambles, how much i liked him in Star Trek, In Search Of, and Mission Impossible. He smiled, gave me an autograph and said "You seem like a good, smart kid. Maybe you should think about astronomy or science. Thanks for being such a loyal fan!" - with that big smile. Well, who got a degree in biology? THIS GUY. I've seen him live about 4 times, and actuallly got to see him and William Shatner in Cherry Hill, NJ share the stage. I saw him at hte 25th Anniversary in Valley Forge, PA. (two of my buddies went with me...we still have the picture of us, grinning like goons, in front of the big banner) And yes, i do speak Klingon with a terrible Terran accent. LLAP!

Thanks to Richardo, he has left a great legacy playing Khan and being such a professional in this role.

I already know this whole story. But here I am. Watching this. Enjoying it.

This video was worth it just to hear James Horner 'sing' the movie. Amazing stuff as usual!

Wrath is a modern masterpiece - it’s not just my favourite Star Trek film but my overall favourite film of all time It never gets old - every time I put it on I’m loving it I once read a quote from Nicholas Meyer that said essentially that art thrives with limitations At his core Meyer is a great storyteller - whether in his films or his books He’s an intellectual and a student of history and art in all it’s forms - he’s well read and brings his abundant knowledge into every project he’s involved in - and it shows - he brings his love of literature, music and Hollywood into everything he does - even the interviews he gives - Star Trek was fortunate to land him - his influence on the TOS film series was enormous

Excellent video. When it popped up in my recommendations I thought, "C'mon, what is there left to say about this movie?" Well, quite a lot, as it happens. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this.

I have to believe that the entire cast, and crew knew that they were creating something truly spectacular, during production of this great masterpiece.

As a child, I don’t remember this film resonating with me. I do remember being moved and impressed by Spock’s death, and when they put that thing in Chekhov’s ear. But when I watch it as an adult, the whole film hit me like a ton of bricks. Really intense drama solidified by the performers, Ricardo Montalban in particular. Wow, what a film!

This is still my favorite Star Trek story.

Best script, best acting, best music, best movie in the franchise.

One of the best films ever made

My favorite Trek movie!! Kahn was the best bad guy!! The music for the movie was fantastic, and fun, especially the attack scenes. They really keep you on the edge of your seat!! Spock's death was iconic, and I actually cried.

It's very fascinating to listen to Mr. Montalban talk. Such a great presence 7:15

Thanks for some really interesting analysis and history on my fave ST movie.

The scene where Spock sacrifices himself had so much more impact here than the same scene with Kirk does in the Kelvin timeline. Kirk always put the crew first, so him sacrificing himself was the norm. Spock letting his human side win out over his Vulcan side was just perfect.

One important item about the music was simply the fact the original theme was used. This was the cherry on the top to the feel of Star Trek being well and truly back! Your retrospective is really good. I know a lot about Trek but am learning a lot from these vids!

The Wrath of Kahn is, unquestionably, the greatest Trek ever. It's perfect.

Horner's score absolutely made this movie what it is. A great score can make or break a movie.

Oh what a wonderfull film. Aside from maybe "The Doomsday-Machine" from ToS, my most wached pice of Star Trek Media, and i still can't get enough of it. Loving you redone retrospectives so far. Can't wait for the next one

The music was in battle with each other like the characters and ships. Simply beautiful!

I always love the way Ricardo Montalban says "buried alive...buried alive...".

I _really_ appreciate the focus on James Horner here, as I feel like his score for this (as well as ST3) really _made_ this film. Jerry Goldsmith may have set the tone for Star Trek for decades, but Horner set the _standard_ for Star Trek films from ST2 onward

Just a fun personal story, my Dad worked for Evans and Sutherland and when he first arrived in salt lake he went and saw this movie (since he was a big fan of Star Trek) and during the credits some of the people started cheering. Turns out they had worked on the movie and were my Dad's new coworkers!

The sole dislike for this video was Roddenberry's ghost.

Rowan, you are really hitting your stride with this series on Trek, just amazing stuff. If I recall correctly in the DVD commentary with Meyer he mentions getting better stuff out of Shatner because he would just do enough takes that Shatner would get slightly bored and this would actually result in the slightly more subdued Kirk that Meyer wanted.

Kirk was robbed of his chance to be a father. We'll never know how that could have impacted his life.

Really great work here. I was 10 when I saw it, and made a lasting impression on me. And I thought I knew a lot about it but you put together only of the most through retrospective I have seen.

Actually, speaking as a "recovering Trekkie", I was more annoyed back then when they brought Spock back to life than when they killed him. Don't get me wrong, I loved Spock, people back then even called me "Spock", but, to me, his death was trivialized by his subsequent resurrection. "If you're gonna kill him, then leave him dead!" was basically what I was saying.

That composer dude f'ing nailed it.

As a classical music afficionado, the soundtrack to this film is the first CD I ever purchased when I was eleven. Time cannot diminish the great work that is this music and this story.

This film is still the franchise's benchmark to this day. Everything made since is still always met with the question, "But is it equal to or better than Wrath of Khan?" Sure, some have come close with some success, with bigger budgets, advancements in filmmaking, etc, but nothing has been able to dethrone this movie.

whenever the subject of Star Trek music comes up my mind instantly centers on The Wrath of Khan. for my money it is quintessential Star Trek. I think the Jerry Goldsmith theme is fantastic but there is just something about the work done on Wrath of Khan. It is perfect.

The best part of this interesting series (cudos) is the interview with James Horner. It is so nice to see how much thought he put into his work. Compare this with mainstream composers nowadays and their dull soundtracks without heart and soul (yes, I'm looking at you, Hans Zimmer, and your many clones--you were great in the 80s, but look at what you've become). I'll always be grateful for James Horner's work and how much joy it brought to my life.

I've seen it at least once a year, since I was a child (watching Star Trek films at Yule is a tradition) and I STILL cry for Spock's death 😥

Without a doubt, the greatest film score in human history...

Nick Meyer is responsible for the top two movies from the original cast in my opinion. Wrath of Khan and Undiscovered Country. A lot of the detractors of WoK state they weren't happy at how militaristic Starfleet had become in this movie obviously failing to understand that Starfleet has always been the first line of defence for the Federation even in the tv show. Personally I agree with Rowan that in this movie they took the spirit, the soul if you will of Trek, and mixed it perfectly with a more action packed style of story telling. The characterisations of our main characters were on point, something a lot of people felt lacking from The Motion Picture, right up to the heart wrenching death of Spock. A lot of people make fun of Shatner's acting style, but my God when the man is in the Zone can he ever hit you in the feels. Add in the incredible Ricardo Montalban who's performance is absolutely perfect in bringing back Kirk's nemesis. It's as if he has never been away. On the subject of James Horners music ... I liked it, but the man has a terrible habit of stealing his own work from previous movies. A while back I caught Battle beyond the Stars (first released in 1980) on tv and it was killing me why the music felt so damned familiar but I couldn't place it until I happened to rewatch WoK on DVD. A lot of the music is almost piece for piece what he used on Battle beyond the Stars. I know a lot of composers are guilty of this but if you watch the two movies back to back ... well, you would see what I mean :)

The scene with Kirk and Khan conversing via view screen is so much more meaningful when you hear how they weren't on set / screen speaking with one another. They recorded the lines

Saw this on tv a few years ago when I was 16 and it was incredibly delicious and I owe it so many good times

"If I am not on the screen, they are talking about me." - Ricardo, my man... We are talking about you years... No, decades after your passing. Yopu were truly something peerless!. You made Khan Singh into something truly memorable.!

Incredibly well-produced video. Good pace, fun facts, excellent written and voiced. Can’t wait for the next part!

I think I learned more about music theory, and the philosophical purpose of a film score from that Horner clip than from the entire rest of my life including watching tons of movies, being close friends with a composer, and having formally studied film in classes.

I love hearing about the making of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

Really enjoying these retrospective videos, in particular all the info about the pre-production and writing. Super job! Can't wait to continue the series.

This series is the greatest breakdown of Star Trek films on the web. Thank you for all you have done here. My story…. I was 7 years old when Star Trek 2 was released. It would go on to change my life in a profound way based on my fascination with this film. Star Trek 2 is the GOAT of all the films in my opinion.. And to have this one as my first exposure to Star Trek enthralled me to know end through my formative years in the 1980’s. I typically do the triad marathon of 2,3,4 back to back for the continuation fun. I watched via VHS tape over 50 times, enough to be able to recite every line. But it was the majesty of the special effects and score that brought me into this new world. Inevitably, now, I am still enthusiastic to hear these back stories and scene depictions down to the most minute level simply as a retrospective to a time that was essentially the beginning of a lifetime journey with Star Trek. As I write this.. I can’t wait to watch the directors cut again, knowing what has been revealed here. And also to check out more of Nicholas Myer’s work from your suggestions. Ricardo Montalbon was simply brilliant and absolutely deserved best supporting actor from this performance. Absolutely epic villain. Long live classic Star Trek Long Live William Shatner And Live Long and Prosper 🖖

There are, of course, only four Star Trek films, II, III, IV, and VI. This is the continuing mission of ToS crew and completes the Kirk arc. I love these films for the heroism and character in the series.

I was single when this film came out and I took 3 separate dates to see this film. Not a dry eye every time. Great date movie!

I can and will watch old trek forever. (Up to Enterprise is what I call old nowadays) keep making old trek videos forever xD

It’s both endlessly fascinating and hilarious to me that the best of Star Trek films came at the exclusion of its creator.

Horners work is the stuff of legend .... His score IS part of the battle, it lifts every scene and moment into the realm of cinema greatness. You could almost remove all of the dialogue from the battle scenes, and his score would still let you know what is happening.

I wasn't a huge trekkie. The original series, while entertaining, always came off as being somewhat elitist and utopian in its scripting and direction. The character development was lacking and somewhat one-dimensional. The Motion Picture was the culmination of that facet of the series and franchise. It wasn't until the second installment that I really became personally invested in the stories. The on-screen chemistry between the characters, especially in II, III, and IV was second to none. Thank you for doing this retrospective series...great work.