This big-screen sequel to the 1967 TV episode Space Seed is truer in spirit to the beloved space opera than the first feature and a firm favourite with some fans. Here, genetic superman Ricardo Montalban wreaks vengeance against the Enterprise crew for sending him to a planetary wasteland. Nicholas Meyer - who also directed Star Trek VI - puts the stress on the narrative values that made the original series so compelling and vibrantly weaves the thematic motifs of life, loss and adventure together as he expertly continues the saga. Leonard Nimoy has rarely been so moving.

It is the 23rd century. The Federation Starship U.S.S. Enterprise is on routine training maneuvers and Admiral James T. Kirk seems resigned to the fact that this inspection may well be the last space mission of his career. But Khan is back. Aided by his exiled band of genetic supermen, Khan - brilliant renegade of 20th century Earth - has raided Space Station Regula One, stolen a top secret device called Project Genesis, wrested control of another Federation Starship and sets out in pursuit of the Enterprise, determined to let nothing stand in the way of his mission: kill Admiral Kirk... even if it means universal Armageddon.