'Star Trek: The Next Generation' returning to the big screen!

A long, long time ago, on a TV far, far away ...

Don't get overly excited, Trekkers. Yes, the cast of "The Next Generation" is returning to a theater near you (if you're lucky) this summer. No, a new movie has not been secretly filmed. Instead, a pair of episodes - "Where No One Has Gone Before" and "Datalore" will be screend at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 23.

Why? It's a publicity stunt, of course. From the press release: "Painstakingly retransferred from the original source material during its ongoing multimillion-dollar restoration, this special anniversary event also celebrates the release of 'Star Trek: The Next Generation - The First Season' Blu-Ray on July 24."

And it just happens to mark the 25th anniversary of the series premiere. What a coincidence!

Adds the press release: "In addition to the two episodes - which will be introduced by well-known Star Trek experts and restoration consultants Mike and Denise Okuda - fans will also be among the first to get a glimpse of the brand-new special features, including interviews with the team behind the restoration, as they discuss the process and countless man-hours dedicated to the upgrade of 'The Next Generation.'"

In Western Massachusetts, you will be able to watch the one-night event at Hampshire Mall 15 in Hadley and Rave Cinemas in West Springfield. If you like to plan ahead, you can purchase your tickets earlyat participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

“We’re thrilled to be able to introduce ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ to a new generation,” said Ken Ross, executive vice president and general manager of CBS Home Entertainment. “Seeing the episodes in a theater setting is the perfect way to show off the pristine picture that high definition allows and launch the first season on Blu-Ray.”