I've seen my share of Star Trek fan fiction produced and released on YouTube. If I were to characterize what I had seen before Axanar showed up on my radar, in a single word, I'd say it was "uneven." Sets tend to be quite good, graphics variable from mediocre to near-studio-quality, and acting which, while it has its moments, never leaves the amateur ranks.Then, something over a year ago (June of 2014), the trailer for Prelude to Axanar showed up in my "What to Watch" list on YouTube. Out of curiosity I clicked on it ... HOOBOY! Whoever was doing this, I thought, they were SERIOUS!* Sets - Perfect * CGI - BEAUTIFUL! * Music - Original and well-done! * Acting - 100% PROFESSIONAL!That last should be no surprise, considering that many of the actors working in the service of this brief piece were veterans of actual Star Trek episodes. Two months later when Prelude to Axanar came out, there wasn't the slightest drop in professionalism or quality in any aspect of that beautiful short film. This is work worthy not just of the name Star Trek; it is worthy of big-screen time. That sentiment is reinforced by a teaser first scene, released on 10 July, 2015, involving Gary Graham as Vulcan Ambassador Soval and Kim Fitzgerald as Minister T'Lera, discussing critical issues relating to a conflict which will culminate at Axanar.This is quality work, the likes of which I haven't seen outside of the major studios, made by people who love Star Trek and want to represent it at the highest level possible, even though they cannot make a single dime off of it. They are to be saluted for their hard work and dedication ... and I just can't WAIT to see the final product!

Until George Takei's Facebook post supporting Prelude, I was unaware of fan-funded Trek films. Truth in advertising, I contributed to both the Kickstarter campaign for Prelude and for the full Axanar movie which will be filmed in 2015. However, if I thought I hadn't gotten my money's worth, I'd say so. That is NOT the case here.This is a great concept that presents a prequel to The Original Series. And despite the shoestring budget for Prelude, the production quality is astounding! It's also cleverly presented as a History Channel-like documentary that reviews the events of the Four Years' War between the Federation and the Klingons.Production quality aside, this is a brilliant collection of on-screen talent with veterans of The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Babylon 5, and even the original Battlestar Gallactica. I'm sure I'm missing other projects but you get the idea. This is NOT a bunch of rookies.What makes me an expert at all this? Years of fandom as a viewer, with the elevated expectations that come with that. Bottom line is that this leaves me hungry for the full movie, just as it was intended to do!

Finally - someone got it right. JJ Adams got it all wrong and thanks to him and his crew i gave up on Star Trek. This Star trek was funded by the fans on kickstarter.Not bad for a shoe string budget. I watched the 21 minute video a few times and was Phaser stunned at the quality of the acting and CGI. Excellent !!I'm looking forward to the full movie - Excellent job guys in making this - this has been a LONG time coming for me and the rest of the Star Trek Fans. Now I shall return to my(this) Star Treks - somehow for me i feel i came full circle.

Although this short film is a "fan film", the fans involved in creating this film are all professionals in the film business. The entire production is incredibly well done. Incredible writing that leaves you on the edge of your seat. Incredible acting that has me quoting some lines enough that I feel I need to pay the writer royalties! Add in incredible effects that (they tell us) were done on a very limited budget but look as good as any 'professional' or 'studio' production. The story is taken from the Star Trek episode "Whom Gods Destroy" that introduced a legendary StarFleet Captain Garth of Izar, whose tactics and actions in the Battle Of Axanar were required reading for Captain Kirk when he was in StarFleet Academy, and was Captain Kirk's inspiration. This 21 minute short was produced as a 'proof of concept' to show that this crew could produce a full length film concerning the Four Years' War's conclusive Battle Of Axanar. I, for one, can not wait for that film. Spoiler: the Klingons do not defeat the Federation in the Four Years' War, due to Captain Garth's tactical genius at the Battle of Axanar. The actual Battle of Axanar is not seen in this short.