Released in 1982, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan quickly overshadowed its predecessor, 1979's Star Trek: The Motion Picture, which had the misfortune of debuting in the same year as Alien and Apocalypse Now. Despite that, the first movie's influence on the franchise's success cannot be overstated, making it, in many ways, just as important as The Wrath of Khan. The Motion Picture may have initially been met with lukewarm reception from critics, but the subsequent revisions, edits and enhanced visuals added in later home releases have not only helped it stand the test of time, but have, arguably, bettered it. Moreover, it provided a crucial foundation for what would come after, not only for its immediate sequel but the franchise as a whole.
The Motion Picture brings together the cast from the original series and serves as a vital expansion of the Star Trek universe. A complex feature which showcases both visually stunning and intriguing dramatic storytelling set the template for many of the elements which make the series so great, not least of which is the epic adventure that marks the beginning of the movies. Direct comparisons with the show, also started during this time, illustrate a similar commitment to these elements likely forged in the Motion Picture. The work and skill that went into making The Motion Picture must not be lost on viewers who now prefer The Wrath of Khan. This fact is even more striking when we learn that 1978's Superman set the standard for all heroic stories within the sci-fi universe that followed and Paramount decided that the Motion Picture had to be of the same standard.