Earth Star Voyager: Part 1

Earth Star Voyager is one of those gems of science fiction television that comes once in a blue moon. The characters and storyline were very believable. I was equally enthralled by the politics that went on aboard the ship as well as the special effects. On the special effects side, they were done with careful precision, although they do seem dated when compared to the computer generated mish-mash of today (i.e., Matrix, Jurassic Park, etc.). I first saw ESV back in Junior High and fell in love with it. I would count this made-for-television movie as one of the inspirations for me to take up engineering in college several years later. I believe we will climb towards the stars someday, just as the crew of ESV did in the movie. I have no doubt.

I saw this movie about 12 years ago on ABC in 1988. It was and still is a great movie. The plot is original and is very reasonable. I watched it as I grew up and loved every minute of it. It is too bad that Disney didn't bring it back as a re-run or put it out on video. I taped this movie off of ABC when it was aired in 1988 but it is a little worn. I wish there were somewhere that I could get it on DVD. This is one of many great films that I watched then, Earth Star Voyager is still a great film. They should bring back the characters 26 years older than in 1988 and see if they made it to Demeter!

I remember watching this years ago on the Disney Sunday Night Movie. Not only did it never re-run on network television, but Disney has for some unknown reason, never thought to release this on video or DVD. That is unfortunate, because it's a fun space frolic that has something for just about everyone: fairly good special effects, the ubiquitous "boy genius", Duncan Regehr in all his masculine glory, a rather thoughtful plot line, suspense, Duncan Regehr, cheesy fight scenes, a wonderful space ship, "lovable" bad guys and, of course, Duncan Regehr.

This premiered at the same time as "Star Trek: The Next Generation", which has gone into the annals of TV history as an SF classic, however, at that point most fans were already appalled and disgusted at the Wesley Crusher character being given so much screen time. (It seemed ridiculous that a ship manned by hundreds of intelligent, capable adults constantly needed the help of a preteen to save them from their weekly dilemmas.) On the other hand, "Earthstar Voyager" deals with the subject of precocious scientific youngsters in a believable, understandable way, therefore winning the interest of young and mature viewers alike. The fact that the ship is on a 40 year mission is a great plot device to introduce young crew members, who are being groomed to take over the helm of leadership half way through the voyage.

Over the years, I've thought often about this movie, especially after watching a disappointing major release like "Phantom Menace". It makes me appreciate the fact that Disney made such a worthwhile, fun movie with good characters and plot line on a well defined, yet modest (by Lucas standards) budget.

My friend taped "Earthstar Voyage" when it aired, but the tape was destroyed. Both of us wish we still had it. If anyone reading this has a copy, let me know!

I had taped this in 1988 and dug it out of the loser movie vault I own just the other day. My children saw the tape and decided they wanted to watch it. They were so entralled that they hardly moved during the show. After it was over they stated to act a little more earth friendly. I can say they learned the importance of protecting the Earth from this show. This was a lot of fun to watch again and to see where the "kids" that are in this show are now. I think one of them is on a soap.The perceptions they had of where we will be in the year 2088 are a little hokey but all in all it was great. The environment will be filled with acid rain and we will have no oxygen. Gee, it's the same outlook we have today if we don't do something quick. It was an exciting journey when I was young and my children found it an exciting journey today.

After years of voting, this is my first comment. It is sad that Disney has not released this movie (preferably on DVD). I also have a copy of this movie, still watchable fortunately.

This movie was enjoyable with an original plot and interesting views of a future Earth. The portrayal of computers and other technology as it could impact society makes this movie a gem as well. As a teenager planning on a career with space, I admired the opportunity these young explorers had.

The movie is somewhat dated. The special effects are not the best and the acting is a little cheesey in places. But the story is very interesting and having it told from a teenager's viewpoint (the age of most of the crew) helped make this movie memorable for me.