Wolf 359: The Prelude (Part I) - JTVFX 

----------------------------------------- *Q&A for Prelude Part I* ----------------------------------------- This project has been a labor of love beginning in August of 2020 with real work beginning in Feburary of 2022. I spent MONTHS researching and collating all avalible canon info I can find on the battle, following canon as much as possible until there is conflict. In which case, I looked for loopholes in canon to make both canon and non-canon elements work together (like script and novel elements/ST: Borg). Now, to the Q&A... This section focuses on Hanson's ship related issues: *(Condensed and edited to sound less harsh)* *A) Isn't Hanson's ship is the Melbourne?* Unfortunately, there is no clear indication in the episode or the script that Hanson was aboard the Melbourne. The only clue is the "red alert" display which I have chosen to ignore in favor of the script which states he is aboard a Galaxy-class starship for the battle. As far as the red alert display on his bridge... for my video, it is unique to this particular ship. *B) But weren't there were only six Galaxy-class ships in service?* As for there being only six Galaxy-class starships in service, that comes from either Gene Roddenberry who believed Starfleet wouldn't build ships that large in large quantities, or the tech manual. Either way, both sources are not considered canon. There is nothing on-screen during TNG's run to indicate that there were only six Galaxy-class starships in service at this point, or that there were two batches built for that matter. *C) Melbourne at Jouret IV:* There is no evidence (either in the episode or the script) that the Excelsior which ferried Hanson to Jouret IV was the actually the Melbourne, simply that Riker was offered command of "The Melbourne." In the script for "BOBW, Part I", Hanson's ship was described simply as transport class. In both the episode and the script, the vessel was unnamed. In my interpretation of events, both USS Melbournes are docked at Earth for the Nebula-class versions commissioning ceremony. The Excelsior-class Melbourne has been rendered inactive by Starfleet only to be reactived again as the USS Roma NCC-62451 for logicistical purposes. Because of the Borg emergency there was no time to relabel the hull before departure. So her hull still reads as USS Melbourne NCC-62043. While true USS Melbourne and the ship Riker was offered would be the Nebula-class version. For more info, please refer to my "Q&A" in part 2 of my prelude Link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-RaPLbgHfw44.html *D) Hanson graveyard scene:* There are those that have pointed out the way Shelby identifies the Melbourne in the graveyard scene as one reason for it being Hanson's ship. For me, the "emotion" from that scene wasn't so much about Hanson or his ship (again, there is no clear evidence he was on the Melbourne). It was more about the sheer devastation and the notion of thousands of officers and their families killed and "what could have been" had Riker taken command of the Melbourne. My two cents: Earlier in "BOBW, Part I" after Picard attempted to encourage Riker to accept promotion, Riker was having inner conflict about his decision to stay. He confided to Troi in Ten Forward "I've always said I wanted my own command, and yet... something is holding me back." Which, to me, sets up the emotional impact later when the Melbourne was revealed to have been destroyed. Shelby was also aware of Riker's promotion and very likely knew what ship he was offered, thus the "mournful" tone in her voice when the Melbourne was revealed. While Riker, realizing had he caved to Picard and accepted promotion, would likely have been killed along with his new crew and the thousands of other officers and their families at Wolf 359. My two cents. *E) Hanson/Melbourne issues:* The problem with the belief that the Excelsior-class Melbourne as Hanson's ship is that she is first ship we witness destroyed by the Borg in the opening of the battle (the saucer is blown in half, and then implied to have collided with the cube). Yet we see Hanson live long enough to witness the battle deterioate into retreat, so he couldn't have been on that ship. Plus, it wouldn't make sense for an admiral to "lead the charge" into battle as he commands the fleet. It makes more sense that a flag officer would be either towards the rear of the fleet or in the center where the heaviest concentration of ships are and on the most powerful ship available directing the fleet. ------------------------------------ *Other questions/issues:* *1) Why didn't the colony know it was the Borg?* Suspense. If I had the colony computer identify it right away, it would have rushed the scene which is already brief. Besides, the USS Lalo apparently didn't know it was the Borg either as they identified it as "an alien vessel, described as cubed shaped." *2) Jouret IV near Romulan space?* It's location is derived from the book Star Trek: Star Charts which places Jouret (the star system) not far from the Romulan Neutral Zone. This layout is even used in more recent Star Trek shows like "Discovery" and "Picard." *3) Where did you get the info for the Lalo's captain?* Any information that I couldn't find in canon or beta-canon, I made up. In this case, the captain was not mentioned in canon nor in beta-canon, so I made him up. *4) Why is the Galaxy docked outside of spacedock? Spacedock should be bigger.* My interpretation is similar to Andrew Probert's original concept for Spacedock during early TNG. He believed that spacedock should remain the same scale as it was during the "TMP" era movies and that the Galaxy-class and larger ships like it would dock on the outside while smaller ships would go inside. He didn't care for them scaling up spacedock for TNG and I don't either because it doesn't make sense. Despite the "larger" spacedocks appearing in "Picard," I'm chose to continue with my interpretation of Proberts concept. *5) What ships are at Starbase 324?* USS Auriga Galaxy-class NCC-71797 USS Yorktown Zodiac-class NCC-61137 (Nebula with upswept nacelles) USS Roosevelt Excelsior-class refit NCC-2573 USS Gage Apollo-class NCC-11672 USS Kyushu New Orleans-class NCC-65491 USS Tolstoy Rigel-class NCC-62095 (Freedom-class saucer with Ambassador-class sec. hull) USS Chekov Springfield-class NCC-57302 ***USS Columbia Excelsior-class NCC-37402*** ***Despite the scene not being shown, the USS Columbia would have been Hanson's transport to Jouret IV in my version. *6) Picard wasn't assimilated during the first encounter...* Due to the nature of these videos and due to copyright, I was forced to condense the two encounters down to one with an empithsis on the second encounter. That's why you don't see Shelby, Data, or Wesley on the bridge in my version, because they weren't on the bridge during the second encounter when Picard was assimilated. *7) The AI voices suck...* It is what it is. In some scenes they kinda suck. I've done what I can with them but I'm one man, not a major production studio, and while working on a personal project I prefer to work alone. *8) Where did you get the AI voices...* Murf.ai

Not only the visual style, but your attention to detail is what really sells these. The camera angles and the way the ships move have a sort of "1990's TV budget" feel to them (in a good way). The scene where the ships are leaving starbase for example, you use that same angle of the Galaxy flying towards the camera that TNG used a hundred times. That's probably exactly what they would have done if that scene were shot in 1990. Really looking forward to the next one. Thank you for sharing; These vids always brighten my day! Cheers!

Fantastic work, mate. You've nailed the asthetic of the TNG era VFX perfectly. Well done!

Great stuff. I loved that you did the saucer separation since the ship was clearly going into battle and didn't need the extra mass. It's also something that was criminally underused during the series. Eagerly waiting for he next part.

All TNG fans bow to you sir -- amazing work and thanks for bringing to life the prelude of the Federations deadliest invasion

I like that the captain of that other Galaxy class didn't take the saucer section into a dangerous situation, unlike the Enterprise literally taking kids into the neutral zone.

I love how perfectly you capture the 90s tv budget aesthethics with the way the camera movements and lighting are done, it would fit so perfectly into the episodes. Cant wait for part II :)

Also want to point out the detail of seeing the colony from orbit in the beginning and a dark hole when the Enterprise arrives. This is the work of someone who's paid a lot of attention to details. Waiting for Part 2.

To see some of these ships that we've never seen use the TNG Warp Jump - that was a treat too. That attention to detail is something that should be celebrated on this one. In particular the Apollo - where the nacelles would glow in sequence before jumping to warp. That was a very nice touch.

I will say this one time: There isn't enough words to describe to you how amazing this was--and this was just the PRELUDE! You not only hit ALL of the TNG visual language notes on this -- you took into consideration that Hanson's ship's bridge was that of a Galaxy Battle Bridge. I can't help but BE AMAZED once again by your work. This labor of love, my friend - is not just that - WELL DONE!

Fantastic Job JTVFX The Destruction Of The Colony, The U.S.S. Lalo's Encounter With The Borg Cube And All The Ships Preparing For The Battle Are Amazing I Can't Wait For Part 2 And The Battle WELL DONE 👍🖖

I've been waiting 30 years for this video.

I played this on my TV and it looks AMAZING! Incredible job as always and I can't wait until part 2! Well done

I've been looking forward to your latest Wolf 359 episode for a few weeks now. I saw your new post just 15 seconds after you published it. And it's a great build up you've created in part one. I love the addition of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy's OST, brings back a lot of nostalgia for me. Plus, your VFX work on the TNG-era ships is awesome. Some of your CGI is better in some parts than the latest Picard series. Can't wait for your next installment!

I wish I could upvote your videos more than once. These are fantastic.

This is nothing less than amazing. I've always wanted to see some pre Wolf 359 filler and this is ticking all the boxes, everywhere! Thank you so much for your time, effort and patience for producing this. Can't wait to see Part 2.

This is absolutely stunning! It's so authentically TNG in every respect with a bit of 90s FMV video game flavor thrown in (nice use of Ron Jones' Starfleet Academy cues!). Amazing! :)

I absolutely love the camera angle and motion on the shot at 3:36. Also dig your decision to have the Auriga doing saucer sep before going into battle.

I have been waiting since I was kid to see something like this, this truely brings tears, I can’t wait till the next part

Damn I don’t think I’ve been this excited for a part 2 since “Mr Worf… fire” Excellent work 👍🏼

This is AMAZING. One of the few times the SFX shots have looked period-accurate. The quality is perfect 90s level, exactly on the nose. Even the shots that could never have been done in the 90s.... look like they were done in the 90s. I'm beyond impressed.

I appreciate the Star Trek Starfleet Academy music. It took me right back. Also it feels perfect for this scenario!

I would consider myself a die hard fan, I loved the Q&A I found it very educational. I never considered hanson on the Melbourne, I always assumed they said Melbourne in the way that they did at the graveyard because it would have been riker dead. Thank you for your hard work I love it

Wow! That sequence brought back so many memories back from when I 1st watched the episode! I remember Lt. Cmdr. Shelby being snappy at Cmdr. Riker in the turbo shaft like it was yesterday!

I just like that you used the Starfleet Academy/ Starfleet Command soundtrack. Brings back memories

LOCUTUS: I am Locutus of Borg. Resistance is futile. Your life as it has been is over. From this time forward, you will service us. COMMANDER RIKER: Mr. Worf, fire.

The Tolstoy, Kyushu, Checkov approach scene is incredible.

Wow, that was really put together. Well done JTVFX 🖖

Thanks for the Q & A REALLY HELPED IN THE MELBOURNE ISSUE. The transfer of his flag to a better COMMAND & CONTROL platform is logical

This is so wonderfully made. WOW. Just freaking WOW. Honestly, you provided me more with trek then all the movies and series that have come out since 2009. You actually built a REAL starbase not that bastardized crap we got in Picard. The Galaxy Class is my opinion is probably more of a menace without the saucer section. Smaller shield bubble and more maneuverable. You captured the ship movements perfectly too! The ships move like they actually weigh a lot. Picard has the Enterprise moving like a fight jet which is absurd! BRAVO SIR> BRAVO

In the words of Picard: "Thrilling! That was… absolutely thrilling! Brilliant editing and design 😍🤩 Huge thank you.

Man, you gotta love Sir Patrick's acting at 3:13, you can literally hear the dread and fear in Picard's voice.

As I've said before, you nail the TNG feel perfectly! Down to the last little detail! You care more about screen accuracy, rather than what you feel is right. And if you don't have the data? Your guesses still fit in extremely well. You ARE the ultimate star trek fan, looking forward to part 2!

Whew the spacedock scene was beautiful! Very well done!!! Not to even mention the music that isn’t part of the original clips. So perfect

Nailed it! Awesome work as always. I love these kinds of videos where you get to fill in the blanks on events that happened off screen. It's amazing how much research you put into this, but at the same time, filling in the blanks means you are well within your right to take some creative liberties and give your own interpretation of the events. If people don't like it, they're more than welcome to go produce something better themselves. I wish them the best of luck though because I don't think most people truly understand how much work and skill goes into creating something as high quality as this. Great work once again! Can't wait for part 2.

I'm ecstatic about the screentime you've given the Galaxy's sister classes. You've paid them a great service as we've never seen then before the engagement at Wolf 359 and for that I am grateful. I love all the "fat ones"!!! 🖖

Never been so excited to see a video drop. Years I’ve waited, for someone to put together a AAA version of the Wolf 359 prelude and battle. I’m not kidding - I used to try and find videos and recreations way back when I was a teen in school, in the late 90s and early 2000s. You’re fulfilling a wish, here, that I didn’t think would be fulfilled. Magnificent.

I can't wait to see part 2!! This was very well done! I'm sure I'm not the only fan that wishes we could have seen the full scope of the battle at Wolf 359...with all 39 starships giving the Borg everything they had with their weapons.

YOUR WORK IS THIS IS ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR DOING THIS.🏆

I love that the music from this was taken from the Starfleet Academy game, composed by Ron Jones who also composed the score for "Best of Both Worlds". Love the musical consistency and attention to detail, not to mention the stunning visuals. Great work!

The Borg beaming in at 1:16 seriously gave me the creeps. Awesome work.

I don't understand why anyone would argue with your labor of love. This is awesome work!

Man this looked amazing. I always thought Admiral Hanson was in a Excelsior due to the older red alert symbol, but I'll take it. Also like seeing the excelsior refit style there, and maybe I missed it but since we know there's some Star Trek 3 parts in that debris field the saucer and the secondary section I was hoping to see a constitution come out of a space dock.. but you know what I can't make what you make, and either way a thoroughly enjoyed it.

Awesome work! All this looks so authentic! The Starfleet Command OST fits perfect! Cant wait for part2! Keep up the great work!

Lieutenant Steve Levy, a Starfleet officer who believes Wolf 359 (the event in which Locutus and The Borg wiped out a ton of starships) was an inside job.

Especially the space dock scene looks so amazing, I love it.

I would love to see these scenes spliced into the actual episode. That would be epic. Nothing looked out of place!

I watched this twice... and its been a long time since I felt anything about Trek. But... You sir, belted this one out of the park, out of the state and off the planet. Wow. your storytelling capabilities are impressive. I will admit, one does not speak for the fans but speaking for myself. Sir. I am in awe. Truly amazing! Also, side note: I also liked the AI voices. These are Starfleet officers being professionals. the AI works in this case :) People doing their assigned jobs with their usual efficiency. Theya re not going to get excited...

Yeah, this was good. With all the disclaimers and the pinned comment, and everything, you had me worried, lol. I would have preferred that the whole thing be one big video, rather than 2 parts, but whatever, it's still shaping up to be everything i was expecting. Been looking forward to this for a while.

4:43/8:13 Awesome! Great scene with the armada going to warpspeed...together with the perfect background music.

I like it. I don't care about the minute details. Way to go for making this. I think it's a step above what is normally seen on RU-vid. Keep it up man, and thanks again for making this. It's good stuff

I honestly hope you're aware of the immense joy your videos bring. This is true passion and it shows....

That was FAR better than I anticipated it would be...the build up to what's coming was solid. I REALLY hope you showcase what a Galaxy class star drive is capable of, the thing is loaded with phaser arrays and three torpedo launchers.

Remember when the Borg were just cool and had style? Thank you for bringing that time back to us. A masterpiece!

I really love your take on Spacedock, with the additional facilities added to the outside of the structure. It makes a lot of sense and having seen it in one of your other videos as well, this concept lives rent-free in my head.

Incredible! The Borg had teeth in TNG, they were completely defanged during Voyager.

Nice job, I really do mean that. While I disagree with a few of your conclusions, I can’t disagree with your reasoning so it’s as valid as any others. No matter what anyone says (or me for that matter) you’ve done a great job so far and your passion and research shows, can’t wait for part 2!

What treat to be a fan now days Picard season 3 was good and your WORK is incredible I feel like you transported me back and I got to see a extension of the episode. Thank you so much

I love the space dock model!!! It's so much detail in it. you do great work. Well done!

AMAZING job!!! Brought to life a very important moment in Federation history.

Oh wow, a Galaxy Class doing what it is meant to do Pre Dominion War when getting into a known scrap, separate the Stardrive leaving the Saucer with no doubt the civilians onboard behind. Oh hello USS Odessey... Attention to detail absolute spot on

Every time I watch one of your videos, it amazes me just how much effort and detail you have put into this project. The Battle of Wolf359 marks a turning point in Federation history. Starfleet stopped thinking every race was friendly and that serious defense capabilities are imperative to secure the Federation's prosperity.

The one thing that's always bothered me is that, when the away team beams down to check the colony, O'Brien tells them they're in the middle of town, when clearly they are on the outskirts. If they were in the middle of town, they would have been inside the crater.

This is absolutely phenomenal! The way you integrated the new scenes is flawless and I really do mean that! I'm gushing right now. I loved this so so much and can't wait for Part 2!

I'm a huge fan of the BORG Collective and, without reading the Q&A just went on to enjoy the show. I have to take my hat off to all the research done to produce this photo play. I'm justifiably impressed. Good work.

This is so unbelievably good - it feels like I'm watching an extended cut of TNG's the Best of Both Worlds. Excellent work!

I must have watched these videos over a dozen times in the last week after finding them...they are so good and add a lot to the episode itself, do yourself a mega nerd favour, watch these in conjunction with the full episodes. Making sure to pause on one or the other so the other can fill in the blanks. Its like watching it for the first time again.

Another magnificent video. We get to see the parts of the story that were not shown in the episode that lead up to the moment the Enterprise engage the Borg

Outstanding, I love it, fantastic job! You made an old man remember the feeling of golden Star Trek, thank you.

I love it. Your sense of production timing and love for Star Trek: The Next Generation is evident. This is what the year 1990 could not afford.

This is AMAZING! As someone whose made fan fiction, I know how hard it is to deal with repetitive “criticism”. Keep up the good work!

That was incredible!!! Thank you so much for your hard work, dedication, and attention to detail. Can’t wait for part two and the battle!

This is an absolute awesome recreation of what's going to be known as the Battle of Wolf 359👍

i really love the sequence at that starbase of all the ships just moving into formation just giving it more of a drastic feel that starfleet IS really calling every ship and then all of them warping out, combined with (whatever music was running the background) it was PERFECT!, little problem i got are the voices which could've done MUCH better with elevenlabs, which is free so.. yeah kinda confused why those voices weren't used but okayyyyy otherwise im pretty happy about the whole video ;>

I literally cannot wait until the second part is released. GREAT work on this!!!

Oh god, i just heard the screaming 1:18 after seeing this a dozen times. This is gonna be a work of art.

You managed to capture the epic nature this battle needed, well done! It was truly enjoyable to watch!

I just finished watching "the best of both worlds" and I gotta say this is a good prelude to the 2-part episode and what we didn't see.. good job man

This is about as accurate an extension of TNG as anyone can possibly make, brilliantly edited and merged with original footage

This is some incredible work

That looks amazing, you’ve gone a great job.

Wow. You've expanded one of the most pivotal stories in Trek history and made it more cinematic

Hanson was all too aware that the Saucer section was redundant in combat operations as the secondary hull had 2 ordinarily hidden Phaser Arrays which would make up for the loss of the 2 Arrays on the Saucer. The disconnecting of the Saucer also enabled the civilians to keep living their lives without much interruption as the Saucer was safe and sound at the Starbase and no evacuation was needed. Unfortunately for Hanson. The Battle Bridge was now completely exposed to enemy fire.

Wow those Starfleet Academy tunes still sound so good. Great work.

Bloody hell that was awesome! Cheers

That fleet launch looks really good

This is amazing! I really appreciate the hard work you put into this. I hope all is good with you. I'm excited for the next part but take your time. Cheers.

10/10! The Galaxy class separating while docked reminds me of the Novel Rogue Saucer when the Enterprise D Stardrive separated in order to rendezvous and connect with a Prototype primary hull.

Of all the Star Trek fan animations I have encountered in my travels…this one was the most... **lip quiver** …stunning. It absolutely feels like what could have been a remastered TNG episode in some alternate timeline where the show had the budget for far more VFX ship scenes. The camera angles, ship movement, etc. perfectly replicates that ‘90s TNG style. Even the jumping to warp/Q snap flash effect that never changed was spot on.😆 That was absolutely thrilling. Well done.

Nem sei como começar a falar do nível de amor, dedicação, qualidade e atenção aos detalhes dessa animação. De queixo caído e sem mais palavras aqui, você fez um trabalho admirável e fantástico aqui.

This was sooooooooooo gooooooood!!! Beautiful piece of art sir!!! No complaints from me at all!! 10s across the board!!!!

This was so well made and fills in a lot with events we barely heard about or saw the aftermath of. I'm definitely excited to see more.

Very nicely done. I do appreciate the Starfleet Academy score being used; I have very fond memories of that game.

I watch youtube everyday. Im the biggest Star Trek Fan, very picky and very opinionated about Star Trek and I strongly dislike fan fiction in its various forms online. I also played Starfleet Academy back since it was new thru today. I never comment on any videos on youtube usually ever. But this time, I have to say, this is different. This was amazing, like watching deleted scenes that SHOULD have been in the original version. In my own head, I'd just simply consider this cannon and just a supplemental addition to the way I think of Wolf 359 going forward. Its perfect. Even the use of the background music from the Starfleet Academy Game was a perfect choice. Well done. You made me extremely happy and please keep up the good work. I literally appreciate this 8 min video more than the entire Discovery series. Well done. I cant wait for the 2nd part to the video prob as much as that fan who pulled up to Patrick Stewart summer of '90 at a traffic light & told him "You have ruined my summer!" and drove off, before the conclusion of Best of Both Worlds aired for the first time. :-) No pressure tho!

I was all excited and very disappointed when it was over! The new scenes look great!

Nice job. Can’t wait for part 2.

This is awesome, putting all the different stories into one. Brilliant!!

Thank you, i too am obsessed with 359 and love analysing every moment from TNG, Emissary and star trek borg, the pc game. This is awesome ❤

This is absolutley brilliant! Makes one wish, the good TNG Episodes that mentioned lots of starships and engagements (The Wounded, Conspiracy, ...) would be remade in this fashion!

I wish I could "like" this multiple times. Outstanding work!