Bicentennial Man...Your Thoughts?

[OneBuckFilms]

This is one of those movies I really enjoy, though it is far from the pinnacle of filmmaking, it is enjoyable, with a lot of warmth and humor.

The BIG question is: Why has this never been released on Blu-ray?

[Cremildo]

My thoughts are simple: I loved it as a kid, and now I think it's much too saccharine and a bit silly.

[cinemaphile]

This movie SUCKED. Just awful. I think at the time I gave it 1.5/5.

[Head bugs]

Haven't seen this in years, remember I enjoyed it though.

[Steedeel]

Legendary actor and comedian, shit film.

[jl1rp]

I like the film and will get in if it comes out on Blu-ray.

[jsun98294]

Originally Posted by Moviefan2k4

I thought I made a thread for this long ago, but it didn't show up in repeated searches. So, here goes...

Personally, I love this film, and never understood why so many feel differently. It still surprises me after 15 years, that the movie didn't even recoup its budget. My only theory is the trailer presenting a very different idea, from what the story actually is.

Here's a crash course, for those unfamiliar with the tale: in the early 21st century, a robot named Andrew is purchased by a family by the last name of Martin. Soon, all involved realize something's very different about Andrew; he has emotions and tendencies other robots don't. As his individuality quickly asserts itself, he begins a quest to see whether any others of his kind exist in the world.

The cast is impressive, and while some minor roles are fairly stereotypical, most are very well written and performed. Robin Williams delivers what I personally believe was his best live-action work, with excellent support from Sam Neill, Embeth Davidtz, and Oliver Platt. The message of the piece is both simple yet complex, in different ways - what does it mean to be human?

So, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this; all I ask is you please keep it civil. Thanks!

I totally agree, Robin Williams best live performance IMO and the studio Trailer was awful and didn't represent the story at all. I remember seeing the trailer before release and I remember thinking "not another RW being RW goofy vehicle I'll definitely pass" I couldn't have been more wrong. He fit the roll perfectly and I couldn't imagine any other actor portrayed in his roll. but the story was very thought provoking both funny and sad. I'm pretty upset that the studio hasn't released this on Blu-ray, it's a travesty really when you think of all the crap put out on Blu-ray weekly.

[Jay H.]

Williams movie career featured a few gems and a lot of misfires. This falls in the latter category for me. It's not one of his worst but it isn't very good.

[jsun98294]

Originally Posted by klauswhereareyou

Never saw it because I thought the trailer made it look cheesy...maybe I'll have to check it out after some of the recommendations on here.

I hope you do watch it for yourself, you'll understand how the trailer mis-represents the movie very badly. I thought the same thing...until I saw it, and now it's one of my favorite Robin Williams movies. The studio really screwed up putting out that trailer.

[Lee A Stewart]

The novelette was way better than the movie.

[smithb]

Originally Posted by Lee A Stewart

The novelette was way better than the movie.

I tend to find that most times they are. In this case, I never read the novelette, but enjoyed the movie very much. I would definitely purchase if made available on blu-ray.

[Martoto]

This is a movie well worth watching. It's better than the sum of its parts which are all odd and interesting in their way. Most of the jokes land fairly well. And it manages to be oddly affecting in a way your brain might try to tell you to resist, but you just can't.

It won't work on everyone though. And it's maybe better suited to a rainy afternoon.

[Michael1989]

Loved it

[SilverFox84]

It's a very enjoyable movie, it has its sweet moments but it has its flaws and gets lost in its own sentimentality. Average but worth watching at least once

[bladerunner6]

Originally Posted by Lee A Stewart

The novelette was way better than the movie.

I agree completely. They really added a lot of elements to the story and they took away the wonderful last line. Unfortunately, all adaptations of Asimov’s work are pretty unfateful so far.

And from looking at the character list, the upcoming “Foundation” miniseries seems to be following this trend.

[WAusJackBauer]

I just re-watched this tonight. It's extremely underrated in my opinion. I cried.

For those wanting the best quality version of it, there's a HDTV version out there. I think its a rip from the iTunes version. Image quality isn't perfect but it's definitely satisfactory.

[Shane Rollins]

Good movie, sad but good. I only saw it once when I rented it from Blockbuster, and I never forgot it. I’ll pick up the DVD one day, since it’s probably not getting a Blu-ray ever.

[jess1581]

I enjoy it enough for a blu ray or UHD release... not sure why this never got a BD.

[-JKR-]

I remember it being a pretty fine movie.

[Zivouhr]

I'm a big fan of robots and one day, when androids venture into space exploration to go where mankind never will be able to...
It has some good ideas, but in terms of a romance concept film, not something I was interested in despite watching the full movie with Robin Williams as the Robot/human.

Should people fall in love with an Android (Robot made to be human-like)? I can imagine it'll happen in the future when Androids take over the earth, and eventually mankind goes extinct.

I tried rewatching Spielberg's AI again, and that was a task to get through. Great concept though. Just way too sappy for me at this time, as I felt Bicentennial Man was later in the film, when he's falling in love with the human lady.

I can see people enjoying this film though, and it having a following.