2001: A Space Odyssey...Imax

I am always amazed at the quality of the special effects in 2001, a timeless masterpiece imo nt, posted on August 28, 2018 at 21:54:55
PhilJ Audiophile Posts: 2826 Joined: January 20, 2002	...

Impressive restoration of a true classic..., posted on August 29, 2018 at 18:04:45
Steve O Audiophile Posts: 12385 Location: SE MI Joined: September 6, 2001	...I left the theater thinking "It could have been".

RE: 2001: A Space Odyssey...Imax, posted on August 29, 2018 at 18:26:40

beach cruiser
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It is a good show. I recently saw it in a seventy MM projection, but the show would have been better served on an Imax screen.

There probably was a little pan and scan, from the look of the print I saw, but it was a new print. I saw it with a little interview where it was mentioned Kubrick was having problems with introducing the aliens, what how and where. The science fiction writer issic asamov suggested just don't show the alien, leave it to the imagination, and the problem was solved.

The first time I saw it , projected in cenerama at the dedicated cenerama dome theatre was the whole show, quite an impact with three film projectors filling a semi wrap around screen, with sound in a theater large enough to have a balcony. The score on that one is pretty strong, sharing in the sensation made back when this movie changed sci fi forever.

Before this movie, sci fi was guys in silver suits fighting monsters.

The theatre is still there, a hollywood feature, but I wonder how many cenerama prints are still left, not many movies could budget technicolor film for three cameras and count on only a handful of theaters capable of showing the format.

Always dug it that model building on that movie provided the seed money to get michell turntables into production, because I own one.

Almost forgot, went to see Ben Hur at the cenerama dome, with charton heston as a featured guest. When he arrived at the far side of the parking lot 50 year old ladies in dresses broke into a full run, pumping arms to cover ground, purses flying,

I would have bet money those PTA looking ladies could not move like that, they had on sensible dresses and heels, and then broke into a sudden sprint when someone yelled heston had arrived. Heston was old at the time, but getting around on his own, no problem. Good movie, but EDward Robinson's work doesn't hold up, laughable.

Do you remember..., posted on August 29, 2018 at 20:43:11
mkuller Audiophile Posts: 38130 Location: SF Bay Area Joined: April 22, 2003	...it had an intermission. I saw it in college in Cinerama and thought it was amazing.

RE: I am always amazed at the quality of the special effects in 2001, a timeless masterpiece imo nt, posted on August 29, 2018 at 21:19:15
c1ferrari Audiophile Posts: 640 Location: Southern California Joined: March 16, 2001	Indeed, 2001 was awarded an Oscar for Best Visual Effects. Vbr, Sam

RE: Do you remember..., posted on August 29, 2018 at 21:24:07
c1ferrari Audiophile Posts: 640 Location: Southern California Joined: March 16, 2001	I forgot 2001 featured an intermission, but hadn't realized the first few minutes of the film start with music and a black screen. Vbr, Sam

RE: Impressive restoration of a true classic..., posted on August 29, 2018 at 21:25:58
c1ferrari Audiophile Posts: 640 Location: Southern California Joined: March 16, 2001	Would you mind elaborating on this...it eludes me. :-) Vbr, Sam

RE: 2001: A Space Odyssey...Imax, posted on August 29, 2018 at 21:35:46
c1ferrari Audiophile Posts: 640 Location: Southern California Joined: March 16, 2001	Wasn't 2001 originally screened in Cinerama? IIRC, 2001 is being screened in IMAX 70mm in 4-5 venues in North America during this theatrial run. I'd love to see it thus, perhpas not too late. Maybe, I can interest my spouse in a trip to L.A. to see it, again! :-) Vbr, Sam

Just returned from seeing it, posted on August 29, 2018 at 21:38:16
padreken Audiophile Posts: 8518 Location: San Diego Joined: November 28, 2000	Looked fabulous, although the sound mix was too loud (typical in IMAX presentations) which made the sound effects rather piercing as well as the Ligeti score. I'd only seen it on letterbox laserdisc, so this was a real treat.

Elaborate on the impressive restoration? ;-) (nt), posted on August 29, 2018 at 21:41:51
Steve O Audiophile Posts: 12385 Location: SE MI Joined: September 6, 2001

RE: Just returned from seeing it, posted on August 29, 2018 at 22:16:39
c1ferrari Audiophile Posts: 640 Location: Southern California Joined: March 16, 2001	Yes, there were some sound effects which should have been quieter. Where'd you see it? Vbr, Sam

RE: Elaborate on the impressive restoration? ;-) (nt), posted on August 29, 2018 at 22:18:31
c1ferrari Audiophile Posts: 640 Location: Southern California Joined: March 16, 2001	Haha -- nope! This part..."It could have been". Thanks. Vbr, Sam

Great classic, a little slow in places but what the hell. Nt, posted on August 30, 2018 at 04:25:44
geoffkait	Nt

RE: Elaborate on the impressive restoration? ;-) (nt), posted on August 30, 2018 at 10:15:38

Steve O
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I first saw 2001 in its original release as an impressionable young kid. It was at an old time single screen 1000 seat theater that had been retrofitted with all the latest Cinerama stuff including big curvy screen, three projectors and enhanced sound. I left the theater completely awestruck. Overhearing conversations on the way out, it was clear I was not alone. I'd guess about 50% of the audience were in a state of WTF, 25% "got it", and 25% were pretty buzzed. To add a bit of context, this was at a time when the US space program was in its prime and the first manned moon landing was imminent. Considering that the manned space program had progressed from a Cold War challenge to a moon landing in less than a decade, nearly everything portrayed in 2001 seemed plausible and achievable in the next 3 decades or so. It was utterly inspirational and provided a culturally unifying element in a time of great turmoil.

Then reality set in. Going to the moon became routine, the general public lost interest in space (more generally, science and technology to a large extent too) and other more worldly distractions appeared.

Fast forward to now, 17 years after zero date and we find a moribund space program where we (US) rely on Russians to get a man into orbit, a large number of satellite launches get to space using 1960s era Russian rocket technology and no one could get a man to the moon if humanity's very existence depended on it.

Ultimately, that statement was an expression of disappointment resulting from youthful idealism and naivety and adult nostalgia. It's as if the promise was within our grasp and we blew it.

RE: Elaborate on the impressive restoration? ;-) (nt), posted on August 30, 2018 at 12:13:06
c1ferrari Audiophile Posts: 640 Location: Southern California Joined: March 16, 2001	Ah! Thank you...well-said. Vbr, Sam

RE: Elaborate on the impressive restoration? ;-) (nt), posted on August 30, 2018 at 14:35:31

Crazy Dave
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So true. When I saw 2001 in the theaters, it seemed like a very likely future. When 2001 really came around, it was clear that this movie was not our future. The Star Trek episode, where they were going to launch a missile platform in space, is probably a more accurate future, although I doubt that aliens with superior intellect and technology will intervene to save us. If they try, they will probably wind up in an ICE prison that is run by a private company. (Just kidding!)

"Disappointment resulting from youthful idealism and naivety and adult nostalgia."

That about sums it up!

Dave

No worry about aliens ending up in prison..., posted on August 30, 2018 at 16:02:47
Steve O Audiophile Posts: 12385 Location: SE MI Joined: September 6, 2001	...if they're advanced enough to get here, they're advanced enough to avoid primitive human grade prisons by whatever means necessary. But we could stand a good, benevolent outside intervention just about now.

Nice post, Steve - well done!, posted on August 31, 2018 at 00:33:58
Chris from Lafayette Audiophile Posts: 26487 Location: SF Bay Area Joined: February 17, 2004 Contributor Since: February 6, 2012	But don't worry about getting back to the moon - the Chinese will do it! And then we'll be in catch-up mode again, because, you know. . . the moon's military significance - the true rationale for bothering to go there again! ;-)

Well, not so fast... , posted on August 31, 2018 at 05:25:58

Victor Khomenko
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***Fast forward to now, 17 years after zero date and we find a moribund space program where we (US) rely on Russians to get a man into orbit, a large number of satellite launches get to space using 1960s era Russian rocket technology and no one could get a man to the moon if humanity's very existence depended on it. ***

That is not a very real picture. While it is true that the US space industry has lost some time doing not much, it woke up and is gaining fast, overtaking the former rivals like while those are stuck in the bog.

The Russian industry is falling apart, they are unable to keep up with the likes of SpaceX, who is now leading in launches. There are new developments everywhere, with several companies really pushing the frontier. First manned flight to ISS is supposed to happen next year. These are VERY good times for the US space industry.

Definitely NOT one of my favorite films, posted on August 31, 2018 at 05:36:34
Victor Khomenko Manufacturer Posts: 55319 Joined: April 5, 2000	Way too cerebral, much less in the art department. Here the nasty Russians win hands down with their timeless Solaris...

RE: Well, not so fast... , posted on August 31, 2018 at 06:27:29
Crazy Dave Audiophile Posts: 14371 Location: East Coast Joined: October 4, 2001	We are in a transition from public sector to private sector funding. Hard to say at this point where it will end up. Dave

RE: No worry about aliens ending up in prison..., posted on August 31, 2018 at 06:30:46
Crazy Dave Audiophile Posts: 14371 Location: East Coast Joined: October 4, 2001	- But we could stand a good, benevolent outside intervention just about now. I agree, but if history is any guide, when a society with superior technology, meets one with inferior technology, it never goes well for the one with inferior technology. Dave

RE: Definitely NOT one of my favorite films, posted on August 31, 2018 at 07:19:52
c1ferrari Audiophile Posts: 640 Location: Southern California Joined: March 16, 2001	Hi Victor, I am unacquainted with Solaris...perhaps, it's available on Netflix? Vbr, Sam

Yes, available as DVD from Netflix. , posted on August 31, 2018 at 07:34:07
Victor Khomenko Manufacturer Posts: 55319 Joined: April 5, 2000	To me it was really big deal back when it came out, because we all read the novel and it was one of the universally loved ones. Its director, Tarkovsky, can be considered the Soviet version of Kubrick, with a strong touch of Bergman, they both had that uncommon and often dark vision. Like Kubrick, Tarkovsky made very few movies, but all of them deserve attention.

There is definitely a shift, and a welcome one, posted on August 31, 2018 at 07:43:58
Victor Khomenko Manufacturer Posts: 55319 Joined: April 5, 2000	I would much rather pay money to an American company, than to the soviet regime. SpaceX is today number one launcher in the world. As result of our cancelling further flights with with the russians, the soviet Roskosmos is experiencing great difficulties, and I like that. We lost some years, but now we are taking the lead again.

Yes, so fast..., posted on August 31, 2018 at 08:47:41

Steve O
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...I was speaking of the present, not the future. As of August 2018, what I stated is unequivocally true.

While there is no doubt that there is renewed interest in space exploration, in the US, there's a lot of "re-inventing the wheel" going on. This coupled with the transition to private sector operations brings much added risk to the ventures from the perspective of continuity. As I'm sure you're aware, Musk's Tesla automotive and solar panel operations are under great financial pressure these days. Success here is not a given. How this uncertainty might affect his Space-X operations is unknown but it's easy to envision a Tesla failure cascading into his other ventures regardless of supposed financial firewalls betw them.

Also, I believe the Boeing/Lockheed Martin venture that gave us the antiquated Russian rocket technology situation is behind schedule with their supposed USA sourced alternative.

Another major issue with the US space program is that it has become highly politicized and from what I see, rife with conflicting priorities that politics brings with it.

Bottom line is that much uncertainty remains in the present US space program as we attempt to both privatize it and make up for much lost time and lost expertise while simultaneously navigating the eternal BS of the politics that will ultimately control its direction. I'm hopeful but have low expectations.

Present is just the future in the making, posted on August 31, 2018 at 10:23:33

Victor Khomenko
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And at present all the stuff that I mentioned is happening. Tesla and SpaceX are not exactly related, and there seems to be no issues with the launches, they are getting new contracts, including the real big deal - military launch on its new Falcon Heavy rocket.

There are several new engines (things like AR-1 and BE-4) in the works, as well as boosters, two spacecraft and even some crazy stuff like the Stratolaunch.

Now, one can, of course, feel any way he wishes about all this. I am entirely optimistic.

You're probably right about the Chinese...and that will be another Sputnik moment (nt), posted on August 31, 2018 at 10:59:46
Steve O Audiophile Posts: 12385 Location: SE MI Joined: September 6, 2001

RE: Yes, available as DVD from Netflix. , posted on August 31, 2018 at 11:27:52
c1ferrari Audiophile Posts: 640 Location: Southern California Joined: March 16, 2001	Excellent...I'm delighted to learn of Tarkovsky. I'll put Solaris in the queue! Vbr, Sam

RE: Elaborate on the impressive restoration? ;-) (nt), posted on August 31, 2018 at 13:56:28
c1ferrari Audiophile Posts: 640 Location: Southern California Joined: March 16, 2001	I'm happy this thread has elicited interesting replies. :-) Vbr, Sam

I finally saw Solaris..., posted on August 31, 2018 at 14:10:20

tunenut
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On video and watched it and also watched it again with the excellent commentary track. It is a fine movie by a great director, yet I still like 2001 much more. When I first saw 2001, I did not appreciate ambiguity in a movie. I do now. I very much appreciate the visual ending that can be interpreted as one sees it, with no right answer. There is much more I love about it, including Ligeti's music.

RE: Definitely NOT one of my favorite films, posted on August 31, 2018 at 21:22:15
c1ferrari Audiophile Posts: 640 Location: Southern California Joined: March 16, 2001	If 2001 were too cerebral, then the film must have communicated to you in a visceral sense? Vbr, Sam

RE: Yes, available as DVD from Netflix. , posted on September 1, 2018 at 13:17:16

beach cruiser
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I have a very different opinion. i don't think the work holds up, it seems slow , very slow and pretentious, look at me I am arty. I suppose in the context of the times it made sense.

Perhaps I didn't approach it well.

I was riding my bike in the sunshine along the boardwalk to the theatre and stumbled across a concert at venice beach, missed big brother and the holding company, saw part of a band, moonalice, that sounded like the greatful dead, when I had to make a decision, stay and see county joe and the fish, or continue my ride and see what was supposed to be a big deal science fiction movie , my first exposure to this director.

I considered the movie might be a higher level of art than country joe, so I split, ad there was an after concert steps away. I really enjoy sci fiction and don't drink much,which effected my decision.

As once happened in an old indiana jones movie, someone chose poorly. At least my face didn't melt off, so I got that going for me, caddyshack style.

I stuck all the way until the house lights came up, some walked out early. This is a crowd that will applaud selected opening credits, hard core movie fans.

Natalya Bondarchuk. . . unthawing. . . , posted on September 1, 2018 at 15:35:21
Chris from Lafayette Audiophile Posts: 26487 Location: SF Bay Area Joined: February 17, 2004 Contributor Since: February 6, 2012	. . . mmm! I think I was in love! (Of course, now she's a babushka - so sad!) View YouTube Video

Oops! - I meant thawing out, not unthawing! [nt], posted on September 2, 2018 at 00:12:05
Chris from Lafayette Audiophile Posts: 26487 Location: SF Bay Area Joined: February 17, 2004 Contributor Since: February 6, 2012

Just a welcome chance to watch it again... , posted on September 2, 2018 at 13:52:18
Victor Khomenko Manufacturer Posts: 55319 Joined: April 5, 2000	One could watch it in both directions.

Good point! [nt] ;-), posted on September 2, 2018 at 13:56:14
Chris from Lafayette Audiophile Posts: 26487 Location: SF Bay Area Joined: February 17, 2004 Contributor Since: February 6, 2012

You nailed it., posted on September 8, 2018 at 14:05:00

Ross
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During the Kennedy administration, we were a nation scared. The Russians beat us into space, and put missiles 90 miles from Florida. The Cold War was real. What we needed was a national goal to absorb our focus. Kennedy gave us that goal- beat the Russians to the Moon ! Put our best and brightest to work, no expense spared and get there by the end of the decade. The Space Program became a metaphor for our fighting of the Cold War.

History shows we beat the Russians to Moon. We were winning the Cold War. We had the Russians on the ropes. Detente was a feint; the illusion of equality when we were really forcing them to keep spending to keep up with us. Then Regan delivered the coup de gra and the Cold War was over.

The last time NASA had the nation's focus was during the early days of the Space Shuttle...the waning days of the Soviet Union and the Cold War.

We lost interest because we achieved our goal by "winning". What we need is a new reason to embrace "Space", that is perceived to be in the national interest.

RE: You nailed it., posted on September 13, 2018 at 07:31:02

mark.korda@myfairpoint.net
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Hi,
When I first saw 2001 I was 11 or 12. I went with a friend my same age. Before they ran the film a man addressed the audience saying if you had a problem with the movie there would be a discussion group talking about it at the end. That was a first for me.
I saw it again in 1975/1976 as a freshman at U.R.I. on a Friday night. The movie hall held about 3000 people and it was jammed. There was pot smoke everywhere when the lights dimmed.
It was dead silent when these words came across the screen; ....The Dawn of Mankind.....Then out of the blue some stoner exclaimed; Where's Tony Orlando?
A small laugh started and spread like a virus really fast thru the crowd and it became like the last fight scene in Blazing Saddles in that hall. It was something you just never would forget, like the movie which was way ahead of it's time....Mark Korda

Films/DVD Asylum

2001: A Space Odyssey...Imax

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