DVD Review: Get ready for multiple editions

“Star Trek Into Darkness” — the second of director J.J. Abrams’ reboot of the original TV characters — did well at the box office but didn’t quite equal his first entry, “Star Trek” (2009). In an industry where expectations rule, this had to be a disappointment, despite making more than $200 million — some of which, albeit, was through inflated 3D prices.

Nonetheless, count me among those who found its virtues in the same ballpark as those of its predecessor, maybe a little better and certainly not significantly worse. The 3D wasn’t bad, but it accounted for perhaps one percent of the film’s pleasure; i.e., you won’t be missing anything important if you don’t have a 3D TV set.

Unsurprisingly, the image is excellent, as is the sound mix. The only problem here is one I’ve criticized Paramount for in the past: There are “exclusive” editions prepared for the benefit of major retailers, including Best Buy and Target. Each has different additional extras — exclusive, right? — which means that completists have to buy multiple copies.

What the generic release has is minimal — seven short (2 to 9 minutes each) featurettes, totaling a little more than 42 minutes. These focus on individual crafts or scenes. The first few are at best adequate, but about half of the batch are a little better. The last is a brief rah-rah piece about using Iraq and Afghanistan veterans as extras, followed, without real explanation, by a public service spot about The Mission Continues, an organization that helps vets.

“Star Trek Into Darkness” (Paramount Home Entertainment, Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD combo, $49.99; Blu-ray/DVD combo, $39.99; DVD, $29.99)

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ANDY KLEIN is the film critic for Marquee. He can also be heard on “FilmWeek” on KPCC-FM (89.3).