…For what it’s worth… here’s my take on it. DOOMSDAY ENHANCED! (updated new mirrors)
After a long, long time… here it is. My attempt at creating an “Enhanced” version of Classic Star Trek. It’s not glitzy, it’s not modern. But it is what I had in mind when I pitched the studio the idea of updating TOS’s Visual effects all those years ago.
I’m starting out slowly here… but I wanted to get everything done, so I gave myself the deadline of when CBS/Paramount released their version of “The Doomsday Machine”… and I made it. Finished the final shot on Wednesday night.
There sure were a lot of shots. lol
As I stated before… I’m gonna start out slowly… so here is the FX only reel… I’ve left a few of the live action clips to bracket everything so you know the context of the shots… and it is quite choppy… but it should give you a good idea of what I’m doing here.
I may consider releasing the episode in its entirety, but after all… this is supposed to be a demo reel… and that’s what I’m presenting now.
Now… to fend off the usual questions:
1) Yes, I know there is a “mistake” in (a certain shot… name it)… it is intended. An homage to 60s FX technology. (lol)
2) Yes, the Doomsday Machine is transparent in some sections. This is intended. I still maintain that part of the transparency in the front of the cone was meant to be.
3) The shuttle name I’m using is the NCC-1701/1 “Spinrad”
4) I know the shots are grainy. They’re supposed to be. 
5) I don’t show exterior damage to the Constellation’s bridge much. There is a little bit of a burn mark… but that’s it. The original model shot had no damage to the bridge… and yes, I’m trying to duplicate that… but not have it look a foot long.
6)I don’t have time to do specific conversions into your favorite movie format… You are welcome to convert what I’ve offered. Just let me know so we can share it with the rest of the class.
7) Additional hosting is on its way for a couple other formats (including xvid AVI)… just have to hear from the people involved.
8) Here are the WMV versions to start out with:
This is the first time I’ve used Rapid-share… so if there are problems, let me know.
SMALL VERSION (wmv) about 29 meg
LARGE VERSION (wmv) about 75 meg
SMALL VERSION (h.264) about 96 meg
And here are mirror sites with a couple other formats…
MIRROR 2 (Creative Digital Moments Website)
MIRROR 3 (trekmovie.com) Large AVI Small AVI
MIRROR 4 (Renderhosting.com) HDmaintitles TRAILER
Hope you enjoy it… and if there are problems with downloading, let me know… a couple more mirror sites are supposed to be up by the end of the day…
LL&P
Daren
February 9th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am attempting to download this now but I just wanted to be the first person to give you a virtual slap on the back for making it across the finish line. Mazel tov!!
February 9th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
WOW!
I don’t think anyone else understands the soul of the ship as well as you do. You have really captured the essence of it and given it a sense of scale that we only got to see in the movies.
Really impressive.
Cheers,
YARN
February 9th, 2007 at 2:52 pm
Wow indeed.
Great work, and congrats on a job well done!
It seems that a lot of viewers really don’t appreciate the look of the classic series. I can only say that I am amazed at how well you captured that 60’s feel in this demo reel…it feels like the 1960’s on speed. I love it. I don’t enjoy a lot of mainstream entertainment these days, so perhaps that’s why it is so much easier for me to appreciate and accept the look that you have worked so hard to get into these effects. They simply ‘fit’ the style of the show. Bravo.
February 9th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
Great ending credits - nice touch!
February 9th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
As with the ones before me, it’s fabulous work - we have some real TOS hounds here at 3D Realms where I work, I’ve been keeping them updated - thsi has been watched several times here today.
A few questions:
1) You call this “Trek Enhanced” Episode #1. You planning more than just Doomsday? I’d love to see what you’d do with some others.
2) I see two things that could be the “didn’t fix it”. Some “non moving stars” around special effects? Or the fact taht the “15 seconds” to go special effect always seems to have the ship/shuttlecraft at the same distance from the doomsday machine no matter how many seconds are actually left?
3) I actually laughed out loud at the “five second commercial” for your own website in the middle of this.
4) Does all this fall under parody laws? I have to admit to being curious as to how you can legally get away with all of this. Or do you have some sort of special permission given _who_ you are? If you’ve posted this elsewhere, please forgive; I’ve missed it.
5) The Doomsday Machine itself looks a lot more “angry” down the maw than the original did. I wonder what Spinrad would have thought of all this stuff, as his episode seems more beloved than most of them from the past.
I’m sure someone at some point will take the official version and match up the sfx besides both yours and the original. Now that ought to be interesting.
February 9th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Congratulations on completing this. It’s very nicely done.
February 9th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
One Man working on his own - - in his spare time with finite resources. Very Nice Work! Enjoyed the different angles and translucent Doomsday Machine - - that appearance pushed to the limit upon its destruction.
February 9th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
Very nicely done. A real tribute to the episode and the people who worked on it. I especially like the death of the Doomsday Machine. Very cool effect. THANKS!
February 9th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
Incredible!!! Thank You Darren for your hard work and dedication to the Star Trek universe. Although, judging from the still shots posted on the web, I may prefer the look of the CBS effort. Of course taste is always subjective. I feel like a young child again watching Star Trek reruns on Saturday nights with my dear old Dad. An amazing gift, thank you.
February 9th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Excellent Darren, I love the retro style.
February 9th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
What an amazing job you have done with this! The effects are beautiful. Congratulations on a job well done.
February 9th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Well done Darren, well done. How does it feel to have completed this project after so many years? I can only imagine what I would be doing if I were you at this point! Congratulations on a job well done, now get to work on the Ultimate Computer. Just kidding….maybe.
February 9th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
FANTASTIC WORK!!!! I look forward to many more!
February 9th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Wonderful Congrats!!!! “Fpr What it’s worth”! I am so proud of your gorgeous work. Many people criticize but few actually act. Next up Star Trek V!!!!!!
February 9th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
Darren,
You really out did yourself! FANTASTIC WORK! From one designer to another..
I have such respect for you!
Sincerely,
DREW
http://www.eyeonthedesign.com
February 9th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Thank you Mr. Daren
You are the definition of a “true fan”.
Now you can rest……………………
For a little while anyaway
February 9th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
That was so good.
A shame you didn’t have the bandwidth to host the entire episode, but then again, we all have computers now.
I was realy impressed and throughly enjoyed it. I was like a kid again, watching my favorite show. The rendering of the Enterprise was exceptional as was the effects.
So, what’s the next episode to de done? Maybe an enhanced extended Elann of Troyus? I’ve always wanted to see the original Enterprise kick the crap out of a Klingon Battlecrusier.
But this was great, you can tell it was a work of love on this project.
Thanks
Best
Bill
February 9th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Daren, thank you for the gift, you are quite talented, and while I am thrilled we have both your version and CBS Digital’s, I prefer your Doomsday machine design to theirs.
I do hope you are involved with J.J. Abrams film, and if not, there are other SF and fantasy films in your future.
My warmest regards.
Star Trek Lives!
J.
February 9th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
Oh, and I never said the obvious — that your work was a labor of love, and it shows!
Thank you again!
J.
February 9th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
Daren,
Wow, I just watched it and have a lump in my throat. I won’t say anything, except that it is fantastic!
BTW, it appears as though CBS Digital is tooting its own horn. They are very proud of the fact that (and I am paraphrasing the captions from one of their episode stills) “you won’t see any stars showing through the skin of our planet killer!” Your approach to the whole issue is much more alien and gives more weight to the shape and color of the machine. A (planet) killer solution, if I may be so bold!
Anyway, I know these take time, so I think I will take my own episode of TMD, rip it, cut your FX in and txfr it to DiVX myself so I can watch it on my TV.
Thanks again,
Steve
February 9th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Hello Daren,
WOW!!!!! Your take on this episode is simply AWESOME. My Wife and I both
love it. Looking forward to the completed episode in the future.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve
February 9th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
I can’t wait for the full episode. No, really, I can’t. I’m going to rip the episode’s DVD and edit it together myself. The 163.1MB mp4 version at the mirror sites is almost DVD quality.
February 9th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
Hi Daren,
After a long week of waiting, I just watched your version. Great job! I love it. Thank you for devoting so much time to make us all happy here. Keep up the good work and I’ll be watching for your design work on that 60’s TV show that’s being made into a movie.
-Keith
February 9th, 2007 at 11:14 pm
Daren, that was pretty dang incredible.
The Enterprise rendering is by far much much better than what CBS Digital is doing. The Enterprise looks beautiful. Far better than what we’ve seen from the new remastered version.
The Connie looks beautiful too. The remastered version does have some nice broken bits of the interior than can be seen through the holes in the hull. So for that I give them kudos.But the left over energy dispersing on your ship was a very nice touch.
The Doomsday machine looks MUCH better than what CBS Digital has previewed so far. Theirs is better than what I was fearing. But it’s still a long way from looking as good as yours. YOu have done alot of improvement and it shows!
CBS Digital would have a much better product if you were involved.
:D
February 9th, 2007 at 11:20 pm
BTW- I have no plans to buy any Remastered Trek dvds. Its just not good enough to be worth my money.
But if you had been involved, I would have bought them.
February 10th, 2007 at 12:21 am
Daren, I’m a trekker from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and I’ve just watched your remasterization of the legendary “The Doomsday Machine” which, by the way, is my favorite episode of the original Star Trek.
I don’t have enough words to praise your work of love on this. It’s absolutely fantastic!
The CBS/Paramount remastered episodes still are not showing here, but compared to what I’ve seen so far, your work is much more superior.
Thank you very much!
February 10th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
Watched the FX reel a few times now, and I can honestly say that this captures the spirit of the original series far better than the modern look CBS is delivering. I’m deeply saddened that a higher art had to suffer due to the almighty dollar. Obviously, those in charge want to get everyone drooling at the amazing high tech effects in TOS now…regardless of whether or not it reflects the tone of what made the series back in the day. It’s just another example of revisionist attitudes. I have no doubt in my mind, that someday not too far in the future…someone will come along and say…’what the hell did they do to the original series…this looks nothing like it’ and we will see a proper enhancing, that doesn’t toss the sensibilities of the original out the window.
Thanks for doing this Daren, it was a pleasure to behold.
I hope you’re able to release the full episode in the near future. Your work deserves to be seen in the proper context of a full episode.
All the best.
Tim
February 10th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
Very nice work, Daren. Now, I’m not going to sit here and suck up to you while trashing the CBS-D efforts (or vice versa), because I think both have their place. I’m also not someone who’ll nitpick every tiny detail to beyond death.
For my part, you may not need to put up the whole episode at all. My other hobby (besides web surfing) is video editing, and what I’ve started to do is create my own DD edit. I ripped the original episode from the DVD, converted it to AVI (retaining the proper 23.967 frame rate), and am in the process of splicing in the new F/X shots using the XviD video you posted. Once done, I’ll combine it and the CBS-D version onto one custom DVD (and if/when I ever get a dual-layer burner, I can put the original and the two enhanced versions onto one “colledtor’s edition” disc).
I’m gonna be having some fuuuuuuuuuuuun!!!
February 10th, 2007 at 7:01 pm
Just wanted to say several of us (we were all gathered around my computer) watched your version of “Doomsday” and loved it Daren, thank you so much for your hard work and sharing it with the rest
of us…excellent job!!
Thank you!
February 11th, 2007 at 11:39 pm
Oops! A minor but glaring error in the closing credits. You listed John Winston (who plays Transporter Chief Kyle) twice, once as Kyle and once as “Montgomery.” The latter, according to the original credits, was played by Jerry Catron. Methinks you either worked very late that night, or had other things on your mind when you redid the end credits (or both).
February 12th, 2007 at 6:17 am
Good catch, MJ!
My apologies to Mr. Catron… I think it was a combination of long hours and distractions… It will be fixed if I ever do this again… (which I doubt… but at least it will be an easy way to tell which version you’re looking at. 
)
February 16th, 2007 at 7:36 pm
Well, I’ve now seen both Darren’s version, and CBS/Paramount’s version, and I can honestly say that Darren’s version of the exterior ship shots is superior. While CBS/Paramount has come a long way, their Enterprise still looks like something out of a graphic novel… it does not look real. It looks like very good animation, but it does not look real. Darren’s version looks like there is an actual model being filmed, and it gives it a sense of depth and reality that CBS/Paramount can only hope for. Great job Darren. Would love to see what you could do with “The Ultimate Computer” and “The Tholian Web”. With the latter, I know you would be able to enhance the already great original visual effects. My fear is that CBS/Paramount will attempt to completely redo them. I much prefer “enhancement” over “re-creation.”
February 20th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
windsorbear, I think the CBS/D model holds up very well to scrutiny and, except for the overall lighting, looks very good compared to what it looked like early on and compared Daren’s. If you watched “Amok Time” this week, they had an extremely CLOSE beauty pass from left to right, fore and aft, of the Enterprise that looked really, really good. The texture and diffussion maps are much better and the nacelles are approaching perfection. Again, the lighting is really the only thing lacking in these scenes. I can forgive the dull color of the defelctor array.
As to “enhancement” over “re-creation” I would have to go with my contract law teacher and give the lawerly argument “it depends.” In “The Doomsday Machine” I would say that in 90% of the episode one would have to go with “re-creation” since the original planet killer model doesn’t exist for reference and we only have what is on film you can, like Daren, get close, or like CBS just go for it and do it with the same intent as the original, while only echoing the original’s look. I really like what they did at CBS, especially in the debris field of L-374 III at the beginning, the space battle, and in the shuttlecraft hanger. Please note that they went with a different angle for the shuttle and had the ship start taking off BEFORE the doors fully opened for fear that they may close before Decker could complete the launch.
The fact that CBS “went for it” instead of playing it safe is a good thing. It certainly shows in “Amok Time” which only has 5 remastered shots. They are all excellent.
Steve
February 21st, 2007 at 7:55 am
I posted this over at Trekmovie.com and even in an email to DarrenDoc. I didn’t get a reply; so, either I am wrong or I just haven’t been answered yet. I will post here in hope of a reply. Over at Trekmovie.com, DarrenDoc wanted us to find the mistake purposely put into the effects. I didn’t see anyone find it and be directly answered if it is the mistake in question. Here is my take as posted at Trekmovie.com.
“Is the mistake in the shot after the first attack of the Doomsday Machine where the Enterprise flies by the camera and the window (I am guessing it is a window, looks like a white square) on the rear side of the saucer section disappears? This scene is about 5 minutes and 55 seconds into the wmf file.”
February 21st, 2007 at 11:05 am
Sorry, Doc…
I’m still backlogged on replying to email… so I’ll answer you here.
No… that wasn’t the one. Sorry… that was just a bonafide rendering error in my shot.
That one wasn’t intentional.
February 21st, 2007 at 5:57 pm
Hi Daren-
Finally have a chance to post a message. Congrates on the completion of your version of The Doomsday Machine effects! It made for a very exciting weekend of viewing both yours and the CBS version. They both had their positves!
Your Enterprise was very nicely rendered and I like both your take and CBS’s take to make it more “real” verses yours that still looked very real, but had that 60’s vide.
I have a quesiton for you; what was your source for dimensional info to build the Enterprise? I am looking for accurate detail drawings. I’ve seen those by Alan Sinclair which are really good. But I’m curious if there’s a source with dimensions right off the 11 foot model! Thanks for any help.
And I am really hoping you get working on the Hi-Def Star Trek The Motion Picture re-renders!
Thanks again! Nelson
February 24th, 2007 at 6:13 pm
Daren—
I really loved your Doomsday-Enhanced. The thing I absolutely like the best is that once the Constellation is moving again, you treat it like a STARSHIP (with a lot of damage) instead of an AMT model kit that ran into a box of matches. Way better than the way CBS-D treated the old girl.
Totally awesome, dude.
Pat
February 28th, 2007 at 3:35 am
Steve, I could sit here and debate effect for effect, but I’m not. Everyone is going to have their own opinions about the realism of CBS/D’s CGI effects, and what they want from CBS/D. I personally would like to see “enhancement”; use CGI to clean up the existing special effects, and ONLY replace them with CGI WHERE NECESSARY, . The original Enterprise was a beautiful model, especially after the final ehancements. Some of the shots shown in the second and third seasons could stand on their own with no problem, and definately do not need to be replaced. But again, it is going to be a matter of personal preference for each viewer. As far as Doomsday goes, I agree that a lot CGI replacement was needed; especially for shots of the Constellation. In my own personal opinion, reflecting my own personal taste, the realism of Daren’s Constellation beat the realism of CBS/D’s Constellation. For whatever reason, I still prefer the original doomsday machine over both CGI representations. I guess the original was so “cheap” that it made it look more alien while the CGI representations look more humanized. As for the Enterprise, I agree that CBS/D is getting better and better… but Daren’s Enterprise looks more like a real “cleaned-up” and “enhanced” 11 ft. model being filmed, and that’s what impresses me. I don’t want the Enterprise looking like a real starship in real-time space in the real universe. I want it to look like a filmed model from a 1960’s TV show, so that it does not clash with the rest of the show. In both Doomsday machine and Amok Time, we are treated with 60’s sets, 60’s clothes, 60’s hair styles, and the sudden transition to modern techno-styled CGI graphic exterior shots and fighting arenas on top of mountains is just too intrusive. If CGI must be used, it should be used so that the viewers do NOT notice that CGI is being used at all. So far, CBS/D’s episodes are “interesting” to watch, but for me, they will be a one time watch only, and then I will return to the originals… much the same way that I returned to vinyl years ago after finding CD’s to be to be too cold and intrusive. But this is just my own personal opinions and preferences.
June 29th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
[…] Of course, if the episodes can be re-imagined, there’s no reason they can’t be re-re-imagined. There are a number of fans out there these days working wonders on the old episodes. CBS probably got the idea of cleaning up the special effects by a guy who made his own updates of The Doomsday Machine episode for fun. Others are making their own “fourth season” episodes on the Enterprise or one of her sister ships in the Federation. And if none of these options pans out to get what I think is the perfect version of Star Trek, I suppose I could always write a letter to CBS. Letter writing worked pretty well back in the day. […]