2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

[thebluemax]

Originally Posted by B-rad

It is GREAT!! Especially when you realize it was made in 1968!!

It is a great movie, no matter what year it was made. All of Kubrick's films are a must own. Probably my favorites are 2001 and Clockwork Orange, but they are all worth owning

[davidPS3]

I have to join the ranks on the fact this is a classic. A must buy for anyone interested in Scifi and maybe for those not interested in this genre.

[Manco]

I clearly remember seeing this as a kid and just freaking out in the theater during the obelisk sequence in the beginning. That creepy mono-tone that keeps resonating...I started crying and ran out of the theater. I had nightmares for days after. LOL.

Great film. Should be veiwed by any and all HT buffs at least once. What's interesting is that it really conflicts with my religious beliefs but I still think it's a great film nonetheless.

[Marcusarilius]

Originally Posted by B-rad

It is GREAT!! Especially when you realize it was made in 1968!!

Even if 2001 was made and released today, it would still have the same visual impact as it did 39 years ago. A timeless masterpeice and an amazing cerebral experience!

[radagast]

I remember hearing about people who would get high (LSD high) and go to the movie to watch the Jupiter sequence.

[ibeetle]

Here is a note to those that have never seen this film.

I had the incredible pleasure of attending a lecture by the great John Alcott. He reminds us that Kubrick had a wonderful dark streak of humor. And to not look too deep into 2001. HAL, for example can be quite funny. If not what he says, but how he says it. There is humor in the film. 

[venusiansky]

I remember watching 2001 when I was a child. For some reason I really liked it then. When I watch it now, I don't know why I liked it so much as a kid. It can be very dry at times. However, it is a cinetmatic masterpiece. When Bowman gets to the Jupiter system, it is one of the most intense pieces of film I have ever watched. And of course there is the Dawn of Man, probably the most recognized scene of the entire film. 2010: The Year We Make Contact (not directed by Kubrick) is also very good. I bought the first Kubrick collection on DVD. I will probably buy most of the collection on Blu-ray as they become available. Can't wait for Clockwork Orange, one of my all time favorites. I am hoping for Dr. Strangelove and Barry Lyndon to come out on Blu-ray as well.

[You're my boy, Blu!]

2001 is easily the greatest film I've ever seen. It truly is in a class of its own.

[Blu-Ray Buckeye]

Originally Posted by ibeetle

Here is a note to those that have never seen this film.

I had the incredible pleasure of attending a lecture by the great John Alcott. He reminds us that Kubrick had a wonderful dark streak of humor. And to not look too deep into 2001. HAL, for example can be quite funny. If not what he says, but how he says it. There is humor in the film. 

You are correct but this kind of humor is too subtle and sophisticated for 95% of people at a minimum. That may sound arrogant, but sometimes the truth is arrogant.

[Blu-Ray Buckeye]

Originally Posted by Marcusarilius

Even if 2001 was made and released today, it would still have the same visual impact as it did 39 years ago. A timeless masterpeice and an amazing cerebral experience!

You are correct. I tend to think that genius is genius regardless of time. Also people usually think that ideas progress and that movies & art have become more intense, clever or distrubing over time... the truth is that while modern films may show more skin in a sexual way or more gore (torture porn), the end product is actually infinitely more tame and the emotional impact almost nil. The films of Fellini, Bergman, Kubrick and other visionaries are still far superior and jarring than the copycats today.

[GregBlu5]

I agree with all that has been positively said about 2001; however, I think an even wider audience would enjoy the sequel, 2010, on Blu. I watched them both on regular DVD earlier this year and was thoroughly entertained.

There's a wit and Cold War feel to 2010 that would still play well, even now. Both films tantilize the viewer into accepting the fact that, once he gazes out beyond the confines of his own individual cave, there's a vast universe of possibilities out there that make his own issues and personal concerns seem ever so miniscule.

-Greg

[tiger roach]

Originally Posted by GregBlu5

I agree with all that has been positively said about 2001; however, I think an even wider audience would enjoy the sequel, 2010, on Blu. I watched them both on regular DVD earlier this year and was thoroughly entertained.

There's a wit and Cold War feel to 2010 that would still play well, even now. Both films tantilize the viewer into accepting the fact that, once he gazes out beyond the confines of his own individual cave, there's a vast universe of possibilities out there that make his own issues and personal concerns seem ever so miniscule.

-Greg

The thing about 2010 is that they made no attempt to make a movie like 2001. I think they did the right thing, because to try to duplicate the cinematic feel of 2001 would have been a disaster. But IMO 2010 succeeds on its own terms. It is faster-paced and more "normal" than 2001. It may not have the impact of the original, but it is a great sci-fi movie.

I like 2010 a lot and can't wait to have it on blu along with 2001.

[CptGreedle]

I agree here. For instance, 2001 did not use any sound effects in space, in an attempt to be realistic and add a sense of intensity as the only sound you hear is breathing. Sound does not travel in space and any movie with space travel and sound effects is all Sci-fi. However, 2010 added sound effects to appeal more to the average movie goer. To have tried to make this more action filled and faster paced movie without sound effects would have failed!

[Blue]

Does anyone know if the Blu-ray version is a different encode from HD-DVD as 140+ minutes is getting way past HD-DVD's bedtime so they won't be able to get a consistent bit rate anywhere near 30Mb/s for HD-DVD. As this is one of the greatest movies - it deserves the best encode possible. This one movie worth buying a second time when they re-release it as a HD 'superbit' edition when they can average 37Mb/s video + 5Mb/s Audio!

[CptGreedle]

I have not heard, i just hope that it takes up a full 50 GB

[RickD]

Originally Posted by CptGreedle

I agree here. For instance, 2001 did not use any sound effects in space, in an attempt to be realistic and add a sense of intensity as the only sound you hear is breathing. Sound does not travel in space and any movie with space travel and sound effects is all Sci-fi. However, 2010 added sound effects to appeal more to the average movie goer. To have tried to make this more action filled and faster paced movie without sound effects would have failed!

I like to pretend that there is a microphone in all of the ships on screen, and that is where they get the engine and weapon sounds from.

Rick

[WickyWoo]

Does anyone know if the Blu-ray version is a different encode from HD-DVD as 140+ minutes is getting way past HD-DVD's bedtime so they won't be able to get a consistent bit rate anywhere near 30Mb/s for HD-DVD. As this is one of the greatest movies - it deserves the best encode possible. This one movie worth buying a second time when they re-release it as a HD 'superbit' edition when they can average 37Mb/s video + 5Mb/s Audio!

Warner will use the same encode for everything until they're no longer neutral

[atdm71]

2001 is a classic. The film uses a very quiet, haunting pace; very different from your typical sci-fi. Kubrick's stuff has that ability to frighten in a more subtle way, similarly to Hitchcock. Less in your face. All Kubrick's movies have such a distinct mood.

Be patient with this one. It's quiet and slow, but it delivers an intense and interesting outcome.

[bluskiff]

2001 is one of my top 10 movies I have been counting down the weeks waiting for it.But it is not everyones cup of tea.

[sonicbox]

I'm looking forward to this title and expect Warner treated this release with respect and will give us the best possible quality image & sound within the limitations of the source.