Mind Meld - Secrets Behind the Voyage of a Lifetime

Nimoy and Shatner, sitting around and discussing their careers and mutual friendship. At first, one might think that this disc would be a boring, PC rehash of info all Trek fans have heard about a million times over. No so!The actors discuss personal issues both on set and off, failed marriages, alcoholism, and other events they were affected by both during Trek and post-Trek. Much of the discussion is about things even the most hard-core fans had never known about until now.Even the rest of the famous sci-fi cast comes in for scrutiny, as the two Titans of Trek discuss why they aren't close to the supporting cast. Shatner and Nimoy candidly talk about the animosity from the other actors, animosity that Shatner finds himself puzzled by.But it doesn't stop there. They also talk about their different acting approaches; Nimoy, consumed by character, Shatner, turning character on and off like a switch. I found this a particularly interesting insight into the two men, and the characters they played. Nimoy really does embody some of the Spock intellect, artistry, professionalism, and inner turmoil. Shatner really does embody a Kirk-like energy and zest for life, almost gung ho in his attempt to have it all. Nimoy at peace with himself, Shatner still reaching for the brass ring.One annoying curiosity is that, although dedicated to him at the end, there is little or no discussion about the late DeForest Kelley. A similar annoyance was pervasive in Shatner's recent Trek book, "Get a Life!", which supposedly covered Trek conventions and the cast's reaction to them. Kelley's views were noticably absent.It could be that the men wanted to focus on their personal relationship here, or that they weren't all that close to the late actor. What they do say about the third corner of the famous Trek Triad of Kirk, Spock and McCoy is very interesting, but still, I have to wonder why Kelley wasn't just a little bit more prominent in proceedings.If the film fails, it fails only in that it is all too short. There just seemed to be so much that could still be said, still be revealed about both Trek, the actors, the classic cast, and how Nimoy and Shatner really feel about the New Treks. Perhaps a sequel or limited series of these type of discussions would be a possibility. However, this is a rare glimpse at the two actors and their relationship, a private glimpse into that which we, the audience and fans, are intruders into. As such, we should be grateful for this interesting peek we are allowed at the two stars of "Star Trek".

Like most Star Trek fans, I am aware that the relationship between William Shatner and the supporting cast is not good. I don't know that much about the details, other then the cast felt that Shatner didn't treat them well. When Shatner is asked about this "Mind Meld", the answer was, for me at least, enlightening. Basically, Shatner pointed out that he, DeForest Kelly and Leonard Nimoy worked sixty hours a week on the show. That the other cast members were supporting cast who came in, on average, about 1 - 2 times a week. On other words, the three stars of the show were responsible for the success (or failure) of Star Trek, while the supporting cast just didn't have that same investment, and until the conventions made them popular weren't as well known. I thought about that, I like all of the supporting cast, but at the same time, they weren't established lead actors and none of them had the experience of carrying a show (then or now.) The Star Trek conventions have allowed them to stand on the shoulders of giants, as the saying goes, but this doesn't change the fact that they were cast in supporting roles. After watching Mind Meld, I realized that Shatner has a good point. I also watched Billy Blackburn's home movies of Star Trek. These people are all goofing off together and Shatner comes across as a nice, hard working, actor. I know he's not seen that way now, but when Star Trek was filmed, based on Billy Blackburn's film it appeared that William Shatner was a likeable guy who put a lot of energy and talent into making the show work. He just doesn't seem like he was the bad guy way back when the show was filmed. I don't know as much about the background of Star Trek as most fans, so if I'm way off base here I would love to hear your take on things. :-)

I had no idea what this was when it popped up in my Amazon recommendations. I had never heard of it anywhere before. I was afraid it was some kind of low-budget and poor quality profile cobbled together from faded and scratchy archive footage by some no-name outfit out to make a quick buck. There are many of those kinds of unauthorized and completely worthless so-called documentaries being sold these days on the topic of various musical stars and groups.But man was I wrong! This disc here is the real deal. An in-depth interview made by Shatner and Nimoy themselves especially for the fans. This is one of those rare purchases that far, far exceeded my wildest expectations and I feel was worth far more than its modest purchase price.In fact just last year I paid mega-bucks to see Shatner and Nimoy in person at a convention, and while it was wonderful to actually be in their illustrious presence, I have to say the long, probing and detailed conversation contained on this disc was actually far more satisfying than the amusing but limited banter they served up for the fans at the con.The two take turns interviewing each other and discussing their lives, not skirting difficult issues like alcoholism, marriage break-ups and even their sometimes strained relationship with other Star Trek cast members. It seems that realizing their mortality (both actors are now in their 70s), they have made this as a kind of legacy to set the record straight on many things.I really loved the unhurried pace and pensive tone of the interview, which allowed for a very deep discussion which I found more satisfying than any interview with them I had ever seen before. This was truly the kind of interview with them I had always wanted to see!And best of all, when the interview is over, we are taken right inside Leonard Nimoy's house and you even get to see where he keeps his Spock ears!If you are not a Star Trek fan, this disc will probably mean nothing to you. But to the original series Star Trek fan, in my opinion this disc is absolutely priceless and I give it my highest recommendation possible. By all means get this!! You won't regret it.

I have been a huge fan of Star Trek since childhood, and have very fond memories of watching it on television with my Dad when younger. I always thought Mr Spock was the 'coolest' character and the one I wanted to be; I truly bought into Leonard Nimoy's quite subtle performance as the alien everyone wanted to know! As I got older however I became more fascinated by the character of Captain Kirk, I loved his confidence, his bravery and his determination. I saw qualities in him such has his leadership and the loyalty he imbued in others, and became increasingly aware that these were characteristics I wanted to develop for myself in order to be more successful in life.From that point on I became a fan of not just Captain Kirk and William Shatner but also of Commander Spock and Leonard Nimoy, two wonderful actors that made those two heroes of mine come to life in such a convincing way.As I got older still, and also gained the financial means, I was able to explore other work by both men; I always found it particularly fascinating to see the two actors in roles other than Star Trek, I know William Shatner had further success as 'TJ Hoooker' and Leonard Nimoy with 'Mission: Imposible', but for me neither of these roles offered me too much of a different insight into their range as actors.I vividly remember watching a film called 'Never Forget' (1991) starring Leonard Nimoy, it was on televison one afternoon several years a go and the only reason I recorded it was because he was in it; it is based on a true story and concerns survivors, and families of survivors, of the atrocities at Auscwitz at those evil individuals who deny it's existence. I remember being so moved by the film, particularly Leonard Nimoy's performance; I think that was because I was primarily used to seeing him as a highly logical individual with no emotions, and here he was portraying a character who is going through a highly emotional situation and is thus reacting accordingly. That film alone made me realise what a very good actor Leonard Nimoy actually is, and gave me a new appreciation as to why he was so aware of being type cast following Star Trek; I have tried on many occasions since to purchase this film (having lost the VHS copy along the way), but unfortunately have yet to find it available anywhere.I have enjoyed books by both indivduals, William Shatner's experiences on the making of the series and films with both  Star Trek Memories  and  Star Trek Movie Memories , and also his highly amusing autobiography  Up Till Now ; and with Leonard Nimoy's  I am Not Spock  and its highly entertaining sequel  I am Spock . All these book have been fascinating insights not only into the production of Star Trek, but also the lives of the two individuals.A theme that did repeat itself more than once was the relationship between William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy; quite often actors from TV shows and films make us all believe they have become friends for life, and then several years later it turns out they couldn't stand the sight of each other.That clearly is not the case with these two men; and if you were ever in any doubt of just how much respect and indeed brotherly love they have for each other, you will not be after watching 'Mind Meld'.The DVD is approximately seventy five minutes long and the two men discuss just about every issue you could think of, ranging from the loss of William Shatner's wife to Leonard Nimoy's battle with alcoholism; they also discuss the problematic relationships they have with other cast members, and speak openly about how they are increasingly aware of their impending death and what they hope to achieve prior to it. They do not spend a huge amount of time on the subject of Star Trek, it features to some extent, but the program is predominantly about these two mens lives and how their relationship has not only lasted but grown.I genuinely feel that both William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy are immensely gifted men, they both clearly have a wonderful sense of humour; Shatner undoubtedly has a razor sharp wit and boundless energy, and Nimoy is a very creative, thoughtful and gentle man, both are far more intelligent and talented than I feel many people appreciate.Overall I would describe this DVD as a positive and motivational life story of two men who through a combination of talent and hardwork have achieved most of their lifes goals (quite an achievement considering what lofty goals they had set themselves); both have had their fair share of hard times and heartbreak mixed in with the success.It is ultimately because of their longstanding friendship, and the intimate way in which this 'chat' is filmed that they can so efectively talk of these times with honesty, humility, humour and eloquence. Star Trek MemoriesStar Trek Movie MemoriesUp Till NowI am Not SpockI am Spock

2 old friends get together to look back at their time on Star Trek, their careers in general and their private lives, including Nimoy's alcoholism, the death of 1 of Shatner's wives and Shatner realising that the supporting cast of Star Trek all hated his guts ! It's truly sad that their friendship would later break down with Nimoy refusing to speak to Shatner - there's been much speculation over this and I believe it may've been down to sour grapes on Shatner's behalf for him not being included in J.J. Abrhams' reworking of Star Trek whilst Nimoy was, which resulted in Shatner making a few negative remarks against Nimoy's involvment which Leonard didn't much care for.Despite what would later transpire between the 2 men, at the time they made this interview they clearly loved one another deeply, which is demonstrated by their roaring laughter with each other throughout.Especially moving now are the final 10 minutes when talk turns towards death and their good friend Deforest Kelly - this is all-the-more poignant now that Nimoy has himself passed away.I defy anybody not to have a tear in their eye when watching the last shot of Nimoy putting his arm around Shatner and telling him that he is his best friend.A truly beautiful viewing experience then, I just wished it could've been longer as I easily could've watched these 2 men chatting away to each other for another hour at least !

An interesting and very personal conversation in Leonard Nimoy's California home with Bill Shatner. The ending is quite sad when they talk about death and the fact that Deforest Kelly had passed away a short time before. Overall though it will put a smile on your face. Bill comments that apart from the Pilot episode Spock never smiled although in fact he did in Amok Time (briefly) and in This Side of Paradise too (when infected by the spores)

I bought this as a curiosity item but I was astound by it. Its a conversation between Shatner and Nimoy made in the modern era. It is filmed and Nimoys house, indoor and in his garden. They have the most wonderful chat about their lives from childhood right up to present day. It is funny and it is deep and very revealing. What a fantastic watch and what great human stories. This is a must for any fan of these two or for anyone who enjoys the art of conversation.

Very enjoyable if you enjoy watching two old friends discuss life, love, death, career and everything inbetween... in Nimoy's garden! Can't imagine why a proper Trekkie wouldn't enjoy this. It's a little like "Inside The Actor's Studio" but without that fawning sycophant with the dyed beard asking the questions.