An excellent and succinct account of the making of what is arguably the best entry in the Star Trek film franchise. Asherman's book recounts the genesis of the story, the various drafts of the script, the and the special effects as created by ILM. Through interviews with producers Harve Bennett and Robert Sallin, director Nicholas Meyer, and cast members Leonard Nimoy and DeForest Kelley, we gain insight into the creative decisions that went into crafting the plot, the music, the wardrobe, and--most especially--the death of Spock. ( )

In The Making of "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan", long-time Star Trek fan Allan Asherman chronicles every aspect of the titular film's production. Asherman begins with the buzz surrounding a sequel to Star Trek: The Motion Picture, continues with early drafts and the development of the story, features interviews from producers Harve Bennett and Robert S. Sallin, director Nicholas Meyer, and more, as well as a look at the making of the special effects and the score. The overall effect is an excellent examination of the evolution of the film, how various people worked together to craft the narrative and which plot elements were added or jettisoned and why. Only Leonard Nimoy and DeForest Kelley have interviews included in this book, but Asherman includes biographies of the other cast. The longest chapter is that on the special effects, explaining both the origin of Industrial Light and Magic as well as the process for creating models that the filmmakers could "destroy" and reset, the effects of the Mutara Nebula, and more, all complete with photographs of the effects wizards at work. As I write this, Star Trek is celebrating its 50th year and The Wrath of Khan its 34th; Asherman's book helps to shed light on all the work that went into this film to make sure it not only contributed to the legacy of the original series, but stood the test of time itself. ( )