2001: A Space Odyssey Movie Review

Director Stanley Kubrick and writer Arthur C. Clarke redefined cinematic science fiction with this masterpiece. Dispensing with many conventional narrative techniques, they told the centuries-spanning story through startling (though sometimes opaque) images. Kubrick succeeded in making space travel seem absolutely real and believable. Who cares if the plot makes no sense? The stately pace, the combination of effects and music, and the core conflict between man and machine have made the film a cultural milestone. Martin Balsam originally recorded the voice of HAL, but was replaced by Douglas Rain. Arthur C. Clarke adapted the script from his novel The Sentinel. Followed by a sequel, 2010: The Year We Make Contact. Laserdisc edition is presented in letterbox format and features a special supplementary section on the making of 2001, a montage of images from the film, production documents, memos, and photos. Also included on the disc is a NASA film entitled Art and Reality, which offers footage from the Voyager I and II flybys of Jupiter.

1968 (G) 139m/C GB Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Dan Richter, Leonard Rossiter; D: Stanley Kubrick; W: Stanley Kubrick, Arthur C. Clarke; C: Geoffrey Unsworth; V: Douglas Rain. Hugos ‘69: Dramatic Presentation; Academy Awards ‘68: Best Visual Effects; National Board of Review Awards ‘68: 10 Best Films of the Year; Nominations: Academy Awards ‘68: Best Art Direction/Set Decoration, Best Director (Kubrick), Best Story & Screenplay. VHS, Beta, LV MGM, CRC, FCT