Ten years after it was cancelled by NBC, the beloved series, Star Trek, made the leap to the silver screen in 1979. It was a big budget, epic cinematic event. While the response was mixed among fans and critics, the box office returns were enough to begin a new, and lucrative, film franchise for Paramount Pictures. The original cast reprised their roles under the meticulous direction of Oscar-winner Robert Wise. Along with the dazzling special effects, Jerry Goldsmith's bold and timeless score was lauded by all.

Goldsmith wrote what is inarguably his magnum opus. The originality, size, and grand scope of the score is unequalled in all his oeuvre. It was not an easy assignment, however. Last minute edits and delays meant that Goldsmith was often forced to score to an unfinished picture. In addition, Wise added to the pressure by wanting him to write an iconic, memorable theme. After much toil, Goldsmith created a rousing musical identity for the film.

In addition to several themes created for the story and characters, the main antagonist in the film, V'Ger, was represented with a relatively new instrument, the "blaster beam." The bizarre sounds it created, coupled with Goldsmith's lavish and unique orchestration, gave the score its otherworldly sound.