Star Trek: Strange New Worlds - Season Three (Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Paramount / CBS
Release Date: March 3, 2026
Rating: Not Rated
 Film:  4.5/5
 
 Plot
 In Season Three of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise, commanded by Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount), confronts increasingly dangerous stakes, explores uncharted territories, and embarks on personal journeys that continue to test their resolve and redefine their destinies. Facing friends and enemies both new and familiar, their adventures unfold in surprising ways never seen on any “Star Trek” series before.
 
My Thoughts
Thankfully, season 3 picks up right where season 2 left off from an entertainment and production standpoint and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There really aren’t any weak episodes in the third season but there are several that really stand out from the rest. The season opener “Hegemony, Part II” delivers a satisfying resolution to the Gorn cliffhanger, while episodes like “Wedding Bell Blues,” “A Space Adventure Hour,” and “New Life and New Civilizations” showcase the series’ willingness to take bold swings with tone, character, and storytelling. The show continues to feel fresh and captures the true spirit of classic Trek while still feeling modern.
 
The cast is outstanding. Anson Mount is commanding as Pike, Ethan Peck brings new layers to Spock, Rebecca Romijn is rock-solid as Number One, and the rest of the ensemble (Celia Rose Gooding, Jess Bush, Christina Chong, Melissa Navia, Babs Olusanmokun, Martin Quinn, and Carol Kane) all continue to shine. The chemistry among the crew feels even more natural this season as they’ve become comfortable in their characters.
 
Paramount only sent the Blu-ray for season 3. The 1080p presentation is excellent all around with plenty of detail in the sets, costumes, and even the visual effects that blend in seamlessly. The DTS-HD MA 5.1  track is immersive and dynamic, with clear dialogue, excellent separation of effects, and strong use of the surround channels during space battles and dramatic moments. It’s nice to see a TV show that gives a feature film-like audio presentation.
 
 
Video 4.5/5 (AVC)
 Audio 4.5/5 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
 
 Special Features:
·      Exploring New Worlds
·      Personal Log
·      Virtual Visionaries
·      VGX Flights
·      Gag Reels
·      Extended & Deleted Scenes

 
Conclusion
 I can’t remember the last time I actually looked forward to watching a Star Trek show every week, but Strange New Worlds has captivated me from its first episode. Season three is fantastic and continues the show’s strong run with further character growth and that perfect blend of classic Trek optimism and modern storytelling. If you’ve yet to watch the show but have been a fan of Trek in the past, definitely give this one a shot because it’s well done. You can stream it on Paramount+ or if you want the best presentation possible, then be sure to pick it up on disc. Highly recommended.
 
 

 Reference Review System:
 JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Kaleidescape Strato + Server
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
SVS SB3000
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
M&K Sound X15+ Subwoofer
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[Barry]

David,

I saw one of the producers discussing why it is not in 4K. from what I understood this movie is not being filmed, instead it is being digitally recorded for broadcast in HD. so the best they can give you is Blu-ray because 4K of a Blu-ray recording will still give it to you in Blu-ray resolution.

people don’t know, and believe it or not, I’m going to discuss this in a little bit, is that Star Trek was always on tape and not filmed. well, not filmed completely.

[bmoney]

I need more shoes to watch. Thanks!

[David Vaughn]

David,

I saw one of the producers discussing why it is not in 4K. from what I understood this movie is not being filmed, instead it is being digitally recorded for broadcast in HD. so the best they can give you is Blu-ray because 4K of a Blu-ray recording will still give it to you in Blu-ray resolution.

people don’t know, and believe it or not, I’m going to discuss this in a little bit, is that Star Trek was always on tape and not filmed. well, not filmed completely.

Barry,

4K is available for this title, but the studio only sent out Blu-ray's for review. The previous 2 seasons are in 4K as well. Lastly, it's presented in 4K HDR on Paramount+.

Here's a rundown of the technical specs of the show:

https://www.google.com/search?q=strange+new+worlds+cameras&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS793US793&oq=strange+new+worlds+cameras&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigAdIBCDc1NDZqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8


Here's the camera that they use (along with a mini form factor one):

The ARRI ALEXA LF is a high-end digital cinema camera introduced in 2018, featuring a large-format sensor (36.70 x 25.54 mm) that is slightly larger than full-frame, offering native 4.5K resolution. It is designed for high-end feature films, commercials, and streaming content, providing a distinctive large-format, shallow-depth-of-field aesthetic while maintaining the natural colorimetry and skin tones characteristic of the ALEV III sensor. 

[Barry]

Barry,

4K is available for this title, but the studio only sent out Blu-ray's for review. The previous 2 seasons are in 4K as well. Lastly, it's presented in 4K HDR on Paramount+.

Here's a rundown of the technical specs of the show:

https://www.google.com/search?q=strange+new+worlds+cameras&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS793US793&oq=strange+new+worlds+cameras&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigAdIBCDc1NDZqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8


Here's the camera that they use (along with a mini form factor one):

The ARRI ALEXA LF is a high-end digital cinema camera introduced in 2018, featuring a large-format sensor (36.70 x 25.54 mm) that is slightly larger than full-frame, offering native 4.5K resolution. It is designed for high-end feature films, commercials, and streaming content, providing a distinctive large-format, shallow-depth-of-field aesthetic while maintaining the natural colorimetry and skin tones characteristic of the ALEV III sensor.

David, i am so completely wrong here. I guess I heard him talking about Star Trek discovery,. but it was an actual producer from the show, and this was about a year ago that he was discussing this.

[David Vaughn]

David, i am so completely wrong here. I guess I heard him talking about Star Trek discovery,. but it was an actual producer from the show, and this was about a year ago that he was discussing this.

No worries Barry. In regard to the original series, I believe that was shot on 35mm film. TNG was also shot on 35mm film, BUT, it was mastered on SD video tape to save money (the VFX were also on the video).

Here's the info:  Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) was shot entirely on 35mm film. The series utilized Eastman 35mm film stock, including Eastman 50T 5291 and 100T 5254 for episodes produced between 1966 and 1969. This high-quality 35mm film was later used to produce the remastered high-definition versions of the episodes.


Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) was not shot on videotape; it was filmed on 35mm film. However, it was edited and mastered on standard-definition videotape to save time and money in the 1980s, which is why original broadcasts appeared in lower quality. The 35mm film allowed for the high-definition Blu-ray remasters. 

[bmoney]

Good to know 4K will be available