Kubrick's classic - rereleased soon ! (2001: A Space Odyssey (DVD))

Member Name: srkirk

Product:	2001: A Space Odyssey (DVD)
Date:	26/06/00 (27 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A classic of cinema, not just of SF

Disadvantages: None

2001: A Space Odyssey may look dated now in terms of special effects, but it is still a masterpiece of cinema. The story revolves around a space mission sent to investigate a mysterious black slab which has been discovered in orbit around the planet Jupiter, a similar smaller slab having previously been discovered on the Moon. The spaceship is controlled by the artificial intelligence HAL, which is slowly driven mad by a paradox in the instructions for the mission given by its human programmers, turning on its human crew in the process. This drama is set against the deeper mystery of the origins and meaning of the slab, and ultimately the true significance of humanity in the universe.

NASA astronauts have commented that the picture of space travel portrayed in this film is closer to the real thing than most. Set against the soundtrack of Richard and Johann Strauss, the whole business of space travel seems eerily serene. The even emotionless voice of HAL somehow can't disguise its fear and desperation as it struggles to resolve the paradox in its makers instructions.

Warner Bros have announced that they will be releasing a restored version of the original film in the Spring of next year. Look out for it.

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