Enterprise Flyby (Star Trek: The Motion Picture, 1979)

Kirk and Scott's flyby of the Enterprise (now refitted) while she is still in spacedock, accompanied by Jerry Goldsmith's now iconic score, is a favourite scene of fans in an otherwise flawed movie.

This is one very long scene - not quite the 30 minutes some people will tell you (it's close to about 4 and a half minutes in reality) but what a scene! Out of all the films, this scene most gives the ship character and treats it with the love it deserves (especially as up to now, all anyone had seen of her was stock footage in TOS). Here we see her from every angle, larger than life. Both Kirk and Scotty have, more than any other crew members, always shared a special bond with the Enterprise, so the two of them examining the refit is an important scene.

If you've never watched the movie in 1080p, here's your chance to experience the Enterprise Flyby in it's highest possible resolution without actually sitting through the entire movie...

[datacipher]

What younger people need to realize is that it wasn’t just emotional for Kirk and Scotty in the movie, but for all the fans who had kept Star Trek alive and real in their minds for nearly a decade since the show was cancelled - based on a few years of primitive tv models and effects with no detail. Probably watched on a 19-21 inch TV- often in black and white at the beginning. This was their dream brought to life.

[teto]

On seeing this in the theater for the first time, I breathlessly whispered, "She's beautiful." My now ex-wife questioned me, "Who? It's just a spaceship". "She's the Enterprise." She was quiet for the rest of the movie. And at Spock's funeral at the end of WOK she could not understand how grown men could be crying. I met my present wife a convention where we were both cosplaying 30 years ago. Been happily married for 27 of those years. Oh, and the Enterprise? She's still beautiful.

[qmto]

One of the earliest scenes that can definitively be called: Fan Service.

And it earned it by gosh.

[.M-D]

I remember being in a movie theater in 1979, and most the spectators were completely mesmerized, involved, silent.
Goosebumps in every chair.
This sequence could have lasted 30 minutes no-one would have complained on the contrary.
This music was a déclaration of love.
The Enterprise was back, so was our desires of exploration .
Welcome back Jim.

[Wileylikethehawk]

Any time Shatner is doubted as an actor just remember the look on his face right as he sees his ship again. Amazing.

[TerryTrowbridge]

Love how James Doohan portrays Scottie here. The way he enjoys Kirk admiring the Enterprise is so good.

[DP-hyvh]

When I saw this in the theater in 1979, you could hear a pin drop because the audience was so awed and quiet during this scene.

[bdr]

For those people who say this sequence is too long and drawn out, you can kiss my rear end. I have watched STTMP so many times I have lost count, and this is in my opinion the best damn scene in the whole movie, because it just shows the absolute beauty of this legendary and iconic starship. In all honesty, I think that STTMP is the best movie in the Star Trek franchise, even though it doesn't have the action of the other movies and the pacing of the movie is a bit slower than the other movies, STTMP is the thinking man's Star Trek movie.

[grovedas]

Here is my interpretation of this brilliant piece of music, by the immortal Jerry Goldsmith:
1. This entire composition is a love-song to the Starship Enterprise.
2. Kirk has not seen his cherished ship in years--and is nearly overwhelmed with love, for her beauty, and her power.
3. And we, the adoring onlookers, are also nearly overwhelmed, by our love for our radiant Enterprise.
4. Without the Enterprise, there is no Star Trek, and there is no future filled with intelligence, adventure, and magnificent glory.
5. Because Kirk, and Scotty, and all Trekkers--we all understand that the Enterprise is the greatest machine ever created by the human race.
6. In fact, she is more than a machine--she is alive, our beautiful, our invincible Starship Enterprise.

[PhilDrury]

This has been and always will be my Enterprise.

[ninjabearpress]

Sitting in the theater, munching my popcorn, sipping my Icee, then this...I honestly forgot to breathe.
Truly magical.

[toygiants]

This scene is simply a thank you to all the fans that kept StarTrek alive for ten years. Ten long, lean years. Anyone that doesn't like it, please just fast forward it and move on. No one is making you watch it.

[Fender]

one of the most beautiful moments in cinematic history.

[UncleQue]

This was basically a love scene for Star Trek fans. No words spoken nor needed for 5 minutes. For many of us that grew up watching reruns of the show nearly every day for years the Enterprise is as real as any ship that ever existed.

[siegfriedkleinmartins]

The first time I saw this movie scene I almost fell in beautiful, and still today better than many CGI. Roddemberry put all his love for his creation on this sequence. And J. Goldsmith music is fabulous !! After many years I've decided to pick by ear the harmony to accoustic guitar. It is almost done. Greetings from Brasil

[theessentials]

I dont care what anyone says! I love this scene and will watch it on loop!

[Rekaert]

Still my favourite Starship.

As much as I enjoyed the Galaxy and Sovereign class and various other Federation designs, there was always something about the Constitution Refit that hit the sweet spot.

[GenGamesUniverse]

"You treat her like a lady, and she'll always bring you home!" - Dr Leonard "Bones" McCoy

[Meincartman]

In my opinion this is the greatest scene in the entirety of the Star Trek universe. It's the first time we get to hear the iconic Jerry Goldsmith's theme...which is pure brilliance. It also conveys Admiral Kirk's feelings without him saying a single word: his facial expressions alone are a masterclass in acting. This ship is his baby that he hasn't seen in a decade, and neither have any of the fans of TOS. This is Trek magic at its absolute finest! The name "Enterprise" will live forever!

[patrickmgouin]

In 1979, after 10 years of waiting, Star Trek hit the big screen.
I had the chance to see the Canadian premiere in Ottawa.
The scene, where the real star of the film appears for the first time, gave me shivers...