William Shatner’s Captain Kirk Returns In “Unification” Short Film From Roddenberry Archive

In honor of the 30th anniversary of Star Trek: Generations, the movie in which Star Trek: The Original Series' Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) breathed his last, Roddenberry Archive has released as short film that brings back...well....Kirk.

Yes, most of what you will see is CGI, but Shatner does provide voiceover in this magnificent eight-minute film. Executive produced by both Shatner and Susan Bay Nimoy, "Unification" also brings back Robin Curtis as Saavik and includes Sam Witwer as a young Kirk.

Using CGI as well as live-action footage, the film, created by both the Archive and their technology partner OTOY (in cooperation with Paramount), is the fourth in a line of short films released by Roddenberry Archive [via Trekmovie], but it's this one, with voiceover from Shatner himself that actually takes fans back to pivotal moments in Star Trek history. Not only do we see Kirk as we last saw him on Generations, but the film also brings in a young Kirk who once captained the Enterprise during The Original Series' run.

The CGI is perfectly utilized in this movie, taking fans back to a time when these characters were still vibrantly alive. Though not much is spokenwith the exception of the voiceover, the beauty of the surroundings and the simple touches say a lot more than words ever could.

Shatner worked with OTOY to "fine-tune the technical and creative direction required to bring his interpretation of Kirk back to live action." And Shatner was present at the preview of the film at the Star Trek Tour in Ticonderoga, New York on Sunday. Clearly, it was a work of art he found satisfaction with, and this could mean it's the first of many more times we could see the original Captain Kirk again.

To watch more short films created by the Roddenberry Archive and to explore more of Star Trek, visit the Archive's website.