The upcoming Mania Fest (a film festival dedicated to genre work) will play host to several Trek-related events. September 17th's Pre-festival Party at the Beach features a screening of a surefire crowd-pleaser to kick things off — "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home." Then, on September 18, come to the Laemmle Monica in Santa Monica for the West Coast premiere of "Beyond Re-Animator," starring Jeffrey Combs ("Weyoun" and other roles). Combs will be in attendance and will participate in a discussion of the film following the screening. Check out the festival's official site for tickets and further information. As previously reported, Chase Masterson ("Leeta") serves as festival chairwoman. Mania Fest will be held September 18-21 in Santa Monica, CA.

Shatner Takes a Ride

According to the Finger Lakes Times, William Shatner ("James T. Kirk") will take part in The Legend Ride around Seneca Lake on Labor Day. The motorcycle ride begins in Watkins Glen, New York, and continues up the west side of the lake. The trip is open to 15 people and costs $500 (for participants that just want to have lunch with Shatner, it's $100). All proceeds benefit Shatner's Hollywood Charity Horse Show. For more information, check out this Finger Lakes Times article.

Sagan on Tour

Former Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Voyager scribe Nick Sagan's debut novel, "Idlewild," is already attracting good notices from the likes of Kirkus Reviews, Entertainment Weekly and much-loved writer Neil Gaiman. Now, Sagan is embarking on a multi-city book tour with stops in Seattle, San Diego, Toronto and more. Check out the tour page on his Web site for dates and details.

"X2" Gets Deluxe DVD Treatment

"X2: X-Men United" is slated to bow on DVD November 25 with a double-disc special edition. The sequel, which stars Patrick Stewart ("Jean-Luc Picard") and Famke Janssen ("Kamala"), grossed $215 million at the domestic box office, according to Variety. The DVD edition will feature commentary tracks from director Bryan Singer (who, eagle-eyed Trekkers will remember, can be seen briefly as an ensign in "Star Trek Nemesis") and others, as well as deleted/extended scenes and new featurettes. And speaking of DVDs, both "X-Men 1.5" (a special edition DVD of the first film) and "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" are on Borders' list of DVD Essentials this month.

Guest Star Sightings

As always, it's a pleasure to see former Trek guest stars in other roles. This month, you may have spotted Daphne Ashbrook ("Melora Pazlar") and Melinda Clarke ("Sarin") in the new Fox series The O.C. Ashbrook has appeared in a pair of episodes as the alcoholic mother of brooding teenager Ryan (Benjamin McKenzie), while Clarke has a recurring role as the scheming wife of Tate Donovan's character, Jimmy. Also, if you happen to be in the Los Angeles area, check out Bonita Friedericy (she played "Rooney" in "Regeneration" and also happens to be married to John "Phlox" Billingsley) in the play "Toys in the Attic," which runs at the Colony Theater Co. through September 4.