Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, December 20, 1994 TAG: 9412290013
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: IAN SPELLING
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Fear not, for there are many interesting and fun ``Trek'' items available this year that will make even the pickiest Trekkers think they have entered the ``Generations'' Nexus.
The following are just a few examples of the wide array of ``Trek'' merchandise available at bookstores, toy shops and other retail outlets nationwide. (All prices are suggested retail prices.)
The soundtrack for ``Generations,'' featuring the fine Dennis McCarthy film score as well as a 23-track library of sound effects, is available for $15 from GNP Crescendo Records.
Look for it in record stores or order directly from the company by calling (213) 656-2614.
Great-looking ``Trek'' ties, boxer shorts, caps and T-shirts are the specialty of Ralph Marlin & Co. Some feature characters; others depict aliens, planets and ``Trek'' show logos. Silk ties run about $35 each, while the boxers boldly go for $15 each.
Call (800) 922-8437 to order or to get information about local retail outlets carrying Marlin products.
Turn your IBM-compatible computer into a ``Next Gen''-themed unit with a fully functional keyboard, mouse, mouse pad, monitor mask and disk holder (in the shape of a shuttle craft), all from BrainWorks. The package sells for $149.95 at computer and electronics stores, or call (800) 999-9989.
Applause offers a wide variety of ``Trek'' gadgets, gizmos and toys, including a 1995 ``Next Gen'' calendar (with digital clock) for $15; ``DS9'' and ``Next Gen'' key chains with character photos ($4 each); and large mugs in the shape of Quark, Kirk, Spock and Data ($15 each).
These items are available at stationery and collectibles shops nationwide.
Playmates Toys introduces a wide variety of ``Generations'' action figures, featuring everyone from Picard, Kirk and Soran to Lursa and B'Etor.
Collectors alert: Most of the figures are dressed in preproduction uniforms that did not make it into the film. Each figure sells for about $6.99.
New this holiday season is ``Future's Past,'' an interactive ``Next Gen'' SuperNintendo (NES) game from Spectrum Holobyte, in which a player can assume the role of one of the main characters and boldly explore strange new worlds.
``Future's Past'' sells for $68.95 at computer and electronics stores. To order directly from Spectrum Holobyte, call 1-800-695-GAME.
The ``Making of the `Next Generation''' 100-card collectors' sets, featuring behind-the-scenes photos from the series, are available from Skybox. The platinum edition costs $69.95, the gold is $49.95 and the collectors' edition is $39.95. You can get all three for $139.95. To order, call 1-800-9SKYBOX.
A wide variety of wall, frame and alarm clocks featuring ``Trek'' characters and starships are available from Centric. Prices range from $15 to $18 at collectibles shops and other retail outlets.
Other gifts to consider include a $495 autographed, limited-edition ``Next Gen'' cast-photo plaque from the home-shopping outlet QVC (call 800-345-1515; ask for item No. C13868); the top-selling ``Next Generation Interactive Technical Manual,'' a virtual-reality tour of the Enterprise from Simon & Schuster Interactive ($69.95 at computer and electronics stores); a subscription to Starlog Magazine (12 issues for $39.97 in the United States and $48.97 for foreign subscriptions; call 212-689-2830 for subscription information); membership in the Columbia House ``Next Gen'' video-collectors club (call 800-538-7766 for information); copies of Leonard Nimoy's new Primortals comic books ($1.95 each at comic-book stores; call 1-800-HI-TEKNO for more information); and the informative new behind-the-scenes book, ``The Making of Deep Space Nine'' by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens (Pocket Books; $14).
Trek specs
Want to learn more about the Starfleet Marine Corps, a participatory ``Trek'' fan club? Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Starfleet Marine Corps Headquarters, 1629 Lawing Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28216. ... New from Paramount Home Video is the very funny futuristic science-fiction/Western spoof ``Oblivion,'' starring ``Trek'' veterans George Takei, Carel Struycken and Julie Newmar, with a script by the omnipresent Peter David. Fans will rightfully wonder why ``Oblivion'' wasn't released theatrically.
Trek/sci-fi alert
If you have Trek or science-fiction news or trivia to share - or if you have questions relating to ``Star Trek'' - write to Ian Spelling, in care of the features department, Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010-2491. Be sure to enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you would like a reply.
by CNB