2001 - A Space Odyssey [Blu-ray]

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2001 - a space odyssey [blu-ray]

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2001 - A Space Odyssey [Blu-ray]

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Description:

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.

Amazon.com essential video:

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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Customer Reviews:

Rating:
Date: 2008-07-05
A beautiful classic.
Short of a Cinerama screen, this is the closest thing to experiencing the theatrical experience I remember in the late 60's.

If your a fan of the film, this is worth replacing your current DVD.

Rating:
Date: 2008-07-02
Reviewer Discussion
I saw this movie and did not like it. I have a few things to say. Feel free to respond.

First, a note for reviewer J. Pauley, who has been nothing but rude to those who do not care for this film-

J. Pauley,

Though you insist upon licking the boots of the director you have yet to offer anything in the way of helpful commentary. All you do is ridicule those of us who dare to stain the honor of your dearly beloved Kubrick. If you have some great answer to the objections put forth by the "have-nots" who don't care for 2001 then by all means let us in on the secret. And please be specific. You seem to love being derisive now let us see if you really have a clue.

To all of the other reviewers who liked this film and are upset in any way by our dislike of the same, or simply feel like being helpful, I would also extend a heartfelt invitation to tell us where we have gone wrong. I am earnest in this invitation and would like an honest discussion with you and will carefully consider your thoughts. Please, bear in mind that many of us fully understand the "deeper meaning" behind the film and still found it (other than the stunning visuals and HAL) to be a bore. Please steer clear of the "higher ideals and language" as some of my fellow reviewers are not philosophy majors and do not care to be beaten to death with over long explanations of a film they already do not like. Be direct. Be specific. Be respectful.

Thank You,
Ross

Rating:
Date: 2008-07-01
A stunning and timeless masterpiece
When I was younger, no matter how much I tried, I couldn't get into 2001: A Space Odyssey. I found it unbelievably boring, could make no sense of it, and frankly, could barely make it halfway through the film. It wasn't until sometime later, after I had grown an appreciation for meaningful films (particularly Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange among others), that I decided to give 2001 another chance. And I was ever so thankful I did. Forty years later, 2001 remains a bold and poetic science fiction opus that paints a picture of the relationship between man and the universe, a visual poem that begs the question of who we are and where are we going. The film's prime narrative, namely the struggle between two astronauts (Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood) and the malfunctioning supercomputer HAL 9000, only serves as a relatively minor plot point in the grand scheme of Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke's story, and remains possibly the best depiction of a struggle of man and machine to ever be filmed. Films like 2001 simply aren't made anymore, an idea made all the more true thanks to the fact that the film has stood the test of time four decades later, and remains a stunning, powerful, and haunting achievement. This Two-Disc Special Edition offers the film in a brilliant transfer (even for a standard definition release), and worthwhile extras that detail the journey that Kubrick and Clarke underwent for the film to be conceived. Yes, 2001 is a film that requires patience when viewing, particularly in these modern times of huge explosions, digital effects, and shallow plots; but make no mistake that it is a science fiction opus for the ages, and will remain a classic until the end of time itself.

Rating:
Date: 2008-06-30
HD refrence disc
The only reason I did not give this a five star review is because I am not a huge fan of the movie. I must say, though, if you want something to show off your HD set, and to show just how good a 40 year old movie can look, this is it. The movie looks like it could have been shot yesterday using HD cameras. No film grain, colors are vibrant, blacks are true, edges are sharp and well defined, and background details really pop out of the screen. The sound is excellent for a film of this age, and will not disappoint. The sound field is rich, using all channels. Its not agressive surround, but it does make you feel immersed. The subwoofer channel is quite aggressive in some areas - really impressive for a movie this age.

This disc is a must have for any HD enthusiast.

Rating:
Date: 2008-06-16
STUNNING BLU RAY IS A MUST HAVE
A post modern cultural phenomenon. 2001 is a genre defining, trailblazing classic that changed cinema and influenced an entire generation of great filmmakers including Lucas & Spielberg. And this brilliant Blu-Ray transfer will turn you into a HD philistine. A magnificent presentation of one of cinemas all time great movies.

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