Star Trek world premiere in Sydney

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THERE were plenty of Star Trek salutes but the much-hyped world premiere of the latest instalment from the sci-fi franchise lacked crowds, costumes and celebrities when it debuted at the Opera House last night.

While stars of the $210 million blockbuster, including Eric Bana, Bottle Shock actor Chris Pine, Heroes star Zachary Quinto, Harold and Kumar man John Cho and super director JJ Abrams were out in force and dressed to impress, the couple of hundred fans failed to fill the sprawling Harbour forecourt, which organisers expected to be packed.

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Screams were replaced by an eerie silence and hardcore Trekkers were few and far between, with Confidential spotting only one - 2dayFM radio announcer Timothy Dunlop.

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Abrams, stepping on stage to announce Bana's arrival to rapturous applause, thanked the Sydney for holding the premiere, telling those who lobbied online for a Northern Hemisphere premiere: "Why are we doing it here? The question is why isn't everybody doing it here and why did you let us come?"

Bana won the biggest laugh when he said: "JJ, if you would allow me this indulgence, I've always dreamed of this moment . . ." and burst out singing: "Australians all let us rejoice ..."

Noticeable no-shows were Jessica Mauboy, Buffy star Amber Benson and Megan Gale, with the latter's boyfriend Andy Lee simply saying it was a "man's night".

Bana's wife Rebecca, freezing in her frilly frock, bolted inside after photos, leaving the spruiking duties to her husband.

Elegant author Tara Moss almost had a wardrobe malfunction, with her silk dress riding dangerously close to her decolletage.