Before it took root and blossomed into a mega-franchise, “Star Trek” was viewed with skepticism by studio and network executives and wasn’t always treated with the respect it deserved. Now it’s part of the fabric of our pop culture and has been for 60 years.

The original series was broadcast for the first time beginning on September 8, 1966. To mark the diamond anniversary of its debut, not only will I be playing “Star Trek” music on my radio show “Picture Perfect” tomorrow on KWAX (8:00 p.m. EDT/5:00 p.m. EDT), but the first four theatrical features will actually be screened over the next several days at select AMC, Cinemark, and Regal theaters. These will be coupled with apposite episodes from the original series.

“Star Trek: The Motion Picture” (1979) will be presented in its director’s cut, preceded by the original series episode “The Changeling.” Both deal with probes of human origin that become sentient with perilous results. (Friday, 9/4)

“Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” (1982) will be preceded by “Space Seed.” Both feature Ricardo Montalban as a genetically engineered superman, one of the Enterprise’s most formidable antagonists. (Saturday, 9/5)

“Star Trek III: The Search for Spock” (1983) will be preceded by “Amok Time.” Both are tied to the Vulcan time of madness pon farr, during which Spock must mate or die. The television episode spawned the famous “Star Trek” fight music composed by Gerald Fried. (Sunday, 9/6)

“Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” (1986) will be preceded by “City on the Edge of Forever,” one of the series’ best episodes. In both, members of the crew of the Enterprise travel back in time. (Monday, 9/7)

For “Star Trek” die-hards, all four episodes and movies will be screened back-to-back, an all-day affair, ON THE ACTUAL ANNIVERSARY of the show’s first broadcast. So better plan to call in to work now! (Tuesday, 9/8)

My pick is “Star Trek II,” with its double-dose of Montalban, its James Horner score, the poignant character relationships, and the nautical space battles.

But I’ve already got my ticket for “Star Trek: The Motion Picture.” I’m one of the few who prefer the theatrical cut. For all its faults, there’s a stateliness – that admittedly teeters on the brink of stagnation – that really allows for a good wallow. I don’t think it’s a great movie by any standard, but it shoots for the stars. Sitting in a theater and experiencing Jerry Goldsmith’s score with Douglas Trumbull’s original effects seems like a good time to me. Highlight: a six-minute sequence of the glorification of the Enterprise at drydock – a heavenly union of image and sound. Also, Ilia’s theme, composed for Peris Khambatta’s character.

Google is your friend. For showtimes, search the websites of Cinemark, AMC, and Regal. Live long and popcorn!