10 Best Uses Of Special Effects In Star Trek

6. Models Kits, Explosions, And Glitter Bombs

For Deep Space Nine's fourth season opener, The Way Of The Warrior, the VFX team were tasked with depicting the 'Klingons going nuts!' They achieved this with a combination of Playmates toys, digital trickery, and a lot of glitter.

Visual Effects Coordinator Judy Elkins set about sourcing enough commercially available models of Klingon ships to create the fleet effect. This was a combination of the aforementioned toys, along with model kits and Hallmark Christmas decorations. 

According to the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion, the Effects Department often worked with Paramount's licensing department. The former would loan blueprints to the latter so that the toys etc would be accurate, while the latter could then provide the former with examples for use. This symbiosis worked to great effect on this episode. One effect that didn't make it into the final edit was an extension of a torpedo POV shot, one that originally included said torpedo in the launching tube. 

It was deemed a little too much for the episode, though the result more than made up for its absence.