Never-before-aired 'Star Trek' pilot to be released

As "Star Trek" fans know there were two very different pilots for the original series.

The first, "The Cage," was rejected by NBC for being "too cerebral" (ah, some things never change).

The second, "Where No Man Has Gone Before," replaced the actor who played the captain with William Shatner and was more action driven. That pilot had an alternate version which was largely lost and has never aired.

Apparently, a film collector in Germany somehow acquired a print of the alternate version and recently brought it to the attention of CBS/Paramount. CBS is now releasing this version on Blu-ray on Dec. 15. 

The alternate version is in three parts with 1970s-style act breaks, an entirely different version of Captain James T. Kirk's opening monologue ("But now a new task. A probe out into where no man has gone before") and music that contrasts from the famous opening theme and an extended action sequence.

From the CBS/Paramount release:

This version of "Where No Man Has Gone Before" was completed in 1965 and features archived footage that was not included in the pilot episode ultimately broadcasted.  Never-before-aired, this newly recovered version is believed to be what was originally screened for NBC, and the basis for their decision to broadcast STAR TREK®. ... "When we first discovered the original film print existed, we jumped at the chance to give STAR TREK fans the opportunity to add this never aired pilot to their collections," said Ken Ross, executive vice president and general manager of CBS Home Entertainment. "It will be a real treat for fans to see and hear how it all could have begun."

The restored pilot will be included in the "Star Trek: Original Series - Season 3" Blu-ray release, here.

Here's a some clips that have been previously circulated from the alternate version....