2001 - A Space Odyssey [Blu-ray]
A space mission that could reveal man?s destiny is jeopardized by a malfunctioning shipboard computer. A dazzling journey that tops them all ? and showed the way for other effects-packed films that followed.
When Stanley Kubrick recruited Arthur C. Clarke to collaborate on "the proverbial intelligent science fiction film," it's a safe bet neither the maverick auteur nor the great science fiction writer knew they would virtually redefine the parameters of the cinema experience. A daring experiment in unconventional narrative inspired by Clarke's short story "The Sentinel," 2001 is a visual tone poem (barely 40 minutes of dialogue in a 139-minute film) that charts a phenomenal history of human evolution. From the dawn-of-man discovery of crude but deadly tools in the film's opening sequence to the journey of the spaceship Discovery and metaphysical birth of the "star child" at film's end, Kubrick's vision is meticulous and precise. In keeping with the director's underlying theme of dehumanization by technology, the notorious, seemingly omniscient computer HAL 9000 has more warmth and personality than the human astronauts it supposedly is serving. (The director also leaves the meaning of the black, rectangular alien monoliths open for discussion.) This theme, in part, is what makes 2001 a film like no other, though dated now that its postmillennial space exploration has proven optimistic compared to reality. Still, the film is timelessly provocative in its pioneering exploration of inner- and outer-space consciousness. With spectacular, painstakingly authentic special effects that have stood the test of time, Kubrick's film is nothing less than a cinematic milestone--puzzling, provocative, and perfect. --Jeff Shannon
When Stanley Kubrick recruited Arthur C. Clarke to collaborate on "the proverbial intelligent science fiction film," it's a safe bet neither the maverick auteur nor the great science fiction writer knew they would virtually redefine the parameters of the cinema experience. A daring experiment in unconventional narrative inspired by Clarke's short story "The Sentinel," 2001 is a visual tone poem (barely 40 minutes of dialogue in a 139-minute film) that charts a phenomenal history of human evolution. From the dawn-of-man discovery of crude but deadly tools in the film's opening sequence to the journey of the spaceship Discovery and metaphysical birth of the "star child" at film's end, Kubrick's vision is meticulous and precise. In keeping with the director's underlying theme of dehumanization by technology, the notorious, seemingly omniscient computer HAL 9000 has more warmth and personality than the human astronauts it supposedly is serving. (The director also leaves the meaning of the black, rectangular alien monoliths open for discussion.) This theme, in part, is what makes 2001 a film like no other, though dated now that its postmillennial space exploration has proven optimistic compared to reality. Still, the film is timelessly provocative in its pioneering exploration of inner- and outer-space consciousness. With spectacular, painstakingly authentic special effects that have stood the test of time, Kubrick's film is nothing less than a cinematic milestone--puzzling, provocative, and perfect. --Jeff Shannon
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2001 - A Space Odyssey [Blu-ray] Reviews
But this Blu-ray edition was given to me for Christmas, and the picture is so sharp and so bright, all those teeming details and contrast feel almost physical in the eyes. Briefly, the others: "Standing on the Shoulders of Kubrick: The Legacy of 2001" (about 21 minutes long) reflects on the considerable influence Kubrick and this film had on other directors; "Vision of a Future Passed: The Prophecy of 2001" (about 20 minutes), details the science behind it; "2001: A Look Behind the Future" (about 23 minutes), a behind-the-scenes visit by LOOK magazine while the film was still in production, an artifact looking charmingly retro with its 1960s pasty color film stock; "What is Out There" (about 20 minutes), a conjecture about alien intelligence, including a revelation that the film almost had a different ending; "2001: FX and Early Conceptual Artwork" (about 9 minutes), covers almost exclusively the design and execution of that final stargate sequence; "Look: Stanley Kubrick.", is a short montage of some of Kubrick's photos he shot for LOOK magazine; and, lastly, a 76-minute audio-only interview with Kubrick, in which he reveals himself as capable of being candid and warm. . The only feature I haven't investigated yet is the commentary track by Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood. I'll give you a rundown of them instead of reviewing the film itself, which really is pointless here. I didn't see then a real need to upgrade.
The first is the longest (about 40 minutes), "2001: The Making of a Myth," and has interviews with various people involved with the technical elements, the inspiration, the problems, and all put in relation to the zeitgeist, revealing just how remarkable an achievement it was. I owned the older featureless version of this film, and it already looked very good upconverted. But how can that not be interesting. Some of them feel redundant at times, sharing some of the same clips and restating the obvious, but if you're interested in every morsel about the film, they're all good.
And, of course, now I can see those extra features I'd been missing. From what I've gathered, all of them from the SE made it to the Blu-ray, and I've spent the last few hours devouring them. Good stuff, all. Even the mime artist playing Moonwatcher (the ape man) shares his experience, showing just how much attention to detail went into every aspect of it.
. There was a distinct difference, and had I known, I would have made the upgrade myself.
However, it is a classic that is definitely worth purchasing and watching time and again. The special effects are especially awesome considering when the movie was made. This is a fantastic movie that never grows old. My only negative comment is that it follows the book so well, that events can be difficult to understand when they are described in the book but cannot be put into words in the movie.
It's well worth having in the DVD library of people who appreciate films of quality, no matter what the theme or genre. In 'Jurassic Park' and 'Walking With Dinosaurs' God was left out of the equation, receiving no credit for those amazing animals.
I greatly enjoyed this movie. I had all ways wanted to add it to my collection after I saw it when it was new.
That aside the film is an SF Classic. As a Christian I must take exception to the idea that man's ancestors were apes.
PS Anima is the Latin for having a living spirit within. He's left out again in 2001.
Roger DESHON eboracvm@bigpond.com If the characters depicted at the start of the film are my ancestors then I'm a monkey's uncle.
Special effects decades ahead of their time. Stunning cinematography. Filmed and released before we had ever set foot on the moon, with mid 60's technology, 2001 has stood the test of time and is royalty among sci-fi film classics. My advice - if you haven't seen this film, then by all means get it and watch it. See it. A story that will leave you with furrowed brow and jaw agape.
Daisy, daisy give HAL an answer do. Top notch on every plane. A 6 stars out of 5. HAL we hardly knew you. He's half crazy over the love of you and 2001. My heuristics are always stimulated, well heuristically speaking.
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