[VOYAGER] DVD LAUNCH PARTY |
On 19th February 2004 a special event was held in Los Angeles to launch the DVD release of [Star Trek Voyager] and honour the efforts of NASA, JPL and those involved in furthering exploration in space.
Robert Picardo: This is the [Star Trek: Voyager] DVD Launch Party, so I'm here because of the sheer thrill and excitement. It's a pleasure to meet people who work in NASA, particularly in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory which I've visited often. They grew up watching Star Trek. We are in the inspiration business, working in science fiction. We dream the dream then the real guys go out and do it. Star Trek has been a wonderful way for people to be interested in technology, science and in space travel. My [Star Trek Voyager] co-workers are hopefully inspiring the next generation of people who will work in space exploration, and that some kid who's watching [Star Trek Voyager] re-runs is going to be trotting around on Mars in 25 years.
Garrett Wang: I'm here for a gala celebration where there will be a plaque presented to NASA. The plaque is of the Season 1 DVD [Star Trek Voyager]. We've had NASA and astronauts come to the [Star Trek Voyager] set to take photos. They've suited up, they've worn our outfits! We've had invitations to shuttle launches, so it's a hand-in-hand thing - Hollywood, real life.
Russ: When they mentioned it would have to do with NASA and the projects that they're involved in I was on board in a minute.
Tim Russ' speech: It's been said that, given the vast number of stars and star systems like our own, there's a good chance that intelligent life exists in the universe. It's possible that like us, they might even have achieved space travel. Perhaps they could be orbiting our planet right now, waiting to make contact with the human race, or just hoping to get an audition on 'American Idol'. On behalf of the [Voyger] cast we would like to present this special plaque to NASA to be accepted by Dr Janice Voss.
Dr Janice Voss, astronaut, NASA: I take this line from President Bush: "It is not a race, it's a journey." That's what Star Trek is about. If children enjoy the journey and can be inspired to be the best they can, then Star Trek has fulfilled everybody's dream. Thank you.
Ethan Phillips: There are so many people that enjoy watching it. They love the idea of leaving Earth and going to a different environment. That's what the space programme is about - exploring out in the cosmos. The show is a symbiotic thing. That show immersed you in the 24th century and in space travel. I watch it and think: "It feels like we were really out there." I'm sure there are people out there who will go: "I'm going to do this. This doesn't have to be fiction for me." I'm sure it will be a catalyst for a lot of careers.
| Screenshots and interview transcriptions by me from ST DVD. Transcriptions have been slightly edited for flow, because oral speech is more forgving than written. Thanks to Juliomac for the background tile. |
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