2001: A Space Odyssey (2-Disc Special Edition)
Review by Steve Rogers
Production Year: 1968
2001: A Space Odyssey is, simply put, the greatest science fiction film ever made. Stanley Kubrick’s only foray into sci-fi remains an awe-inspiring, mind bending achievement, one that transcended the genre like no film before or since. Rightly hailed as a directorial genius and one of the masters of 20th century cinema, Kubrick, with 2001, created his magnum opus, and audiences continue to be astounded by its spellbinding aura to this day. With its themes of evolution, alien contact, the dehumanizing effect of technology, nuclear Armageddon, and man’s relationship to God and the universe, to name just a few, Kubrick pushed the boundaries of modern cinema to places that simply hadn’t existed before. And in doing so left a legacy that continues to influence and inspire generations of movie fans and filmmakers. Originally based on a short story called “The Sentinel” by science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke, about man’s first contact with alien intelligence, Kubrick along with Clarke constructed a sweeping saga that ranged from the dawn of man in 4 million B.C. to the realization of space flight in the near future of the title year. The plot itself was minimalist. When evidence of alien life, in the form of the now iconic black monolith, is discovered on the surface of the moon, a team of astronauts is sent to Jupiter to investigate the source of strange signals emanating from the monolith. Accompanied by the HAL 9000, a supposedly infallible onboard computer that speaks in an eerie human voice, the spaceship Discovery embarks on its voyage to Jupiter, with HAL becoming increasingly paranoid as the mission wears on. The film ends on a dazzling journey across space and time with hypnotic, mind-boggling special effects, light years ahead of past efforts (literally!). The final image of the embryonic Star Child floating back to Earth, reborn and gazing down at the planet, was a metaphysical mind bender of an ending if ever there was one, and left most viewers scratching their heads. What exactly was 2001 saying about the future of our species? The past? As a director, Kubrick remained a paradox throughout his career, consummate craftsman and methodical technician, yet an eccentric genius and maverick visionary. This contrast was never more brilliantly illustrated than in 2001. Kubrick’s depiction of space travel was unlike any that had ever been seen, much less filmed. The visual effects were seamless and presented space travel in all of its vast beauty and stark isolation. Ships didn’t fly through space, they floated. Kubrick’s use of Strauss’ exquisitely graceful “Blue Danube” waltz was the perfect complement to the opening shots of the orbiting space station. Yet silence predominated throughout much of the film as befitted a movie set primarily in the vacuum of space. The startling realism of the film’s visuals only added to the intensity of the experience and its mysterious allure. Kubrick was quoted as saying that he had no particular answers for the film’s mysteries. He believed if his movie had gotten people to think and ponder the Big Questions, then he had succeeded. I would say he succeeded and then some. Video Quality Warner claims to have remastered both picture and sound for this release, but comparing this version with the most recent special edition from 2001 (naturally), I could find virtually no difference between the two. It doesn’t really matter since the image throughout is consistent and beautifully presented. There was a slight over saturation of colors in some of the early space travel shots, but grain and artifacts are kept to a minimum and the movie’s striking visuals are as spectacular as ever. The Super Panavision 2.20:1 aspect ratio seems to be intact, and it’s essential to appreciate Kubrick’s astounding composition and framing. Audio Quality Sonically, the movie does not offer a whole lot, with only 40+ minutes of dialogue and long stretches of little or no audio action. But the dialogue is crisp and up front in the mix and the majestic score is well served by the digital surround sound. The stunning scenes scored to “Also Sprach Zarathustra” pack a punch nearly as dramatic and powerful as the original theatrical showings. Special Features The bonus features included on Disc 2 are as diverse and interesting a group as I have seen on any DVD so far this year. The main documentary, “2001: The Making of a Myth” is hosted by James Cameron and includes substantive interviews with a variety of talking heads from Arthur C. Clarke to feminist author Camille Paglia. It explores the film in depth from its genesis through production and its far reaching influence. Clarke’s contributions throughout the special features are invaluable, and I dare say he clears up quite a bit of the confusion and mystery surrounding the film for those in search of literal interpretations. “Standing on the Shoulders of Kubrick: The Legacy of 2001” features an impressive array of personalities weighing in on the genius of Kubrick and the film, including Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Roger Ebert, Sydney Pollack and William Friedkin. Lucas astutely states, “In terms of traditional special effects, it [2001] is the pinnacle and it will always be.” The disc also features many of the special effects wizards who worked on the film, including visual effects supervisor Douglas Trumbull. Other featurettes examine the existence of extraterrestrials, the film’s special effects, and Kubrick’s early photographic career with Look Magazine (a gallery of his shots confirm the nascent genius already budding at only 17). Perhaps most intriguing is an audio-only interview conducted with Kubrick in 1966, where the director chronicles his entire life and career up to that point. Disc 1 features a patchwork commentary with actors Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood, who are obviously not together for the track, and a trailer. Summary Stanley Kubrick remains one of filmdom’s most gifted directors. His bold, controversial vision was never more on display than with 2001: A Space Odyssey. And, as with many great artists, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. This latest special edition DVD of 2001 is a must for serious fans of science fiction and belongs in the collection of all those who treasure the art of filmmaking. |
