Star Trek' exhibit, screenings and contests at Hollywood & Highland this weekend

Gerrick Kennedy is a newcomer to the Los Angeles Times and the Hero Complex. He sent over this report on the big Starfleet geekfest this weekend in Hollywood. -- Geoff Boucher

"Star Trek" arrives on DVD and Blu-ray next Tuesday as one of the big home-video releases of 2009 and fans can get in on the Starfleet spirit this weekend with Trek Fest, four days of special programming being hosted at the already-running "Star Trek: The Exhibition" at Hollywood & Highland.

Jessica Smith, assistant manager of the exhibit, said fans will be treated to an impressive array of memorabilia. There is a collection of authentic "Trek" ships, set re-creations, costumes and props representing a huge swath of Federation history -- all five live-action television series and 11 films, including this year's sleek revival by dirctor J.J. Abrams, which grossed $385 million in worldwide box office.

Smith said the exhibit offers a hands-on experience, which includes a chance to sit in Captain Kirk’s famed chair. “Everyone," she said, "gets really excited about that.” There is also a showcase of Madame Tussauds wax figure of Patrick Stewart on his Capt. Picard role from "Star Trek: The Next Generation," movie trivia challenges and film screenings. You can find a schedule of events below.

Rod Roddenberry, son of the late Gene Roddenberry, creator of the original “Star Trek” TV series, will be on hand for a DVD release party on Tuesday. Fans can bring their copy of the movie for Roddenberry to sign, but Smith said the exhibit won’t be selling copies on-site. Roddenberry continues to honor his late father’s legacy and said he often considers the reasons why the mythology endures the way it does.

“‘Star Trek’ has always been a lot more than just entertainment," Roddenberry said. "It’s not like 'Star Wars,' and no offense to it. Star trek has substance. It gives people hope for the future. It’s that great feeling that we’re going to actually survive and prosper. Not even the great storytelling, it’s the metaphors that we are worth saving.”

Smith also praised the optimism that is key to the franchise’s lasting appeal. “People are always fascinated by what’s going to happen in the future," Smith said. "People also like the utopian feel of [the story], especially in these times when so much rough stuff is happening."

STAR TREK: THE EXHIBITION

Through Dec. 27. Tickets are $16.50. TREK FEST runs Nov. 14 to 17. Tickets are $11.50 each day (it's $5 dollars off the standard exhibition admission price for this special four days of programming).

SATURDAY NOV. 14 (Spock look-a-likes admitted for half-off admission price): “Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan”: screenings at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock”: screenings at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

SUNDAY NOV. 15 (Fans dressed as Klingons get half-price admission) “Star Trek: First Contact”: screenings at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

MONDAY NOV. 16 “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home”: screenings at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

TUESDAY NOV 17 “Star Trek” DVD release party: With an appearance by Rod Roddenberry, 6 to 9 p.m. and “Star Trek” (2009): screenings at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

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