Star Trek Into Darkness

This sequel to the 2009 blockbuster reboot of the Star Trek franchise is one of those rare second films that surpass its predecessor in virtually every way. Not only are the actors more confident in their roles, particularly Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto as Kirk and Spock, but the story itself, based on a character created for the series and then featured in the best of the original franchise movies, is much stronger. Seeing it on the big screen – especially in 3D or Imax – when it played in theaters was a treat, but seeing it at home on Blu-ray is better because  it gives you a chance to watch the details in those performances, which wasn’t easy to do with the special effects that dominate the film. Kudos go to Benedict Cumberbatch for taking an iconic villain – Kahn – and making it his own instead of merely updating it.