Blu-Ray Review - 2001: A Space Odyssey

2001: A Space Odyssey - Blu-Ray Review

by Stephen LaRose

Stanley Kubrick’s science fiction epic, 2001: A Space Odyssey is without a doubt one of the most intellectual, and beautiful films ever made. It only makes sense that this film be given the blu-ray treatment. Seeing Kubrick’s vision in 1080p gives the viewer a blu-ray experience like never before. The film continues to blow me away with repeat viewings. The crisp, clear and flawless quality of the picture alone makes this worth a buy, but for the die hard fans, there are a few extras that make this disc even more valuable.

The disc includes nine exclusive features that include a “making of” documentary, narrated by James Cameron, and several featurettes highlighting Kubrick and his legacy. Another few featurettes take a look into the technical side of 2001, and the possibilities of what could exist beyond the infinite.

2001: The Making of a Myth

A simple, but very informative “making of” documentary. This is a must watch for anyone interested in filmmaking, and gives the viewer a glimpse of Kubrick’s unique process. Through interviews with Arthur C. Clarke, Keir Dullea, and others, many of Kubrick’s secrets, and technical tricks are revealed and add more too the enjoyment of the film. Furthermore, the documentary looks into Kubrick’s themes about the evolution of technology, and the accuracy of his futuristic vision.

Standing on the Shoulders of Kubrick: The Legacy of 2001

Stanley Kubrick is, without doubt, one of the greatest directors of all time. He belongs in an elite category of filmmakers that few will ever reach. In this featurette, Steven Spielberg, Sidney Pollack, George Lucas, and others give their testimonies of Kubrick’s influence on them. They also tell of the impact 2001 had being released in the midst of B-movie science fiction that was common in the mid-1960’s. For anyone who’s a fan of film history, and any of the directors mentioned above, check this out for sure.

Vision of a Future Passed: The Prophecy of 2001

This featurette discusses how Kubrick was able to successfully create a vision of the future, even though that vision proved to be inaccurate. We also get some information regarding the historical context of the film, such as how it influenced, and was influenced by the space race. Most importantly, it reflects on how Kubrick’s consistency and detailed methods were able to pull off a film that will continue to stand the test of time.

2001: A Space Odyssey – A Look behind the Future

You know how every now and then we see some old film footage of informative videos, which give a walkthrough of an old factory, and explain some kind of scientific theory? Well, this is actually one of those old videos. Viewers are given details, and evidence to support Kubrick’s vision of the future. We see how he makes different choices, and get some behind-the-scenes footage of the art department. Essentially, this is a “making of” documentary before they got super popular. Well worth the watch.

What is Out There?

This featurette had the potential to be the most interesting; however, it is poorly executed. Keir Dullea, who plays Dr. Dave Bowman in 2001, reads from a script for 80% of the time, while occasionally cutting to some cover footage. He questions some of the ideas in the film, and breaks down Kubrick’s theories on the existence of Gods, or extra terrestrial beings. Along with that, we do get a few excerpts of Arthur C. Clarke and his personal beliefs on lesser, and higher beings in the Universe. Now, although Dullea just reads the entire time, he does present some interesting ideas that still make this worth the time.

2001: FX and Early Conceptual Artwork

Here, we’re given a breakdown of the artwork and design of the sets in 2001. This is remarkable to any upcoming filmmaker. The complexity, and simplicity, put into the sets and artwork is truly amazing to observe. Although pretty short, we’re given enough to be satisfied.

Look: Stanley Kubrick!

This is simply a short montage of Kubrick’s early photography that was taken for Look! Magazine. His subjects are great, and it is interesting to see Kubrick’s earliest work.

Interview with Kubrick (audio only)

Although pretty long (about an hour and twenty minutes) this interview with Kubrick is by far the most entertaining and engaging feature on the disc. He discusses his early life, through his first interests in filmmaking, and how his career had gone up until the release of 2001. He tells stories in such a friendly, and inviting tone, that we feel as if we’re hearing the old stories of a close relative. This is something to throw on in the background, and listen to while you sit around the house.

Commentary

The commentary for 2001, given by Dullea and Gary Lockwood, who plays Dr. Frank Poole, is not the best, but not the worst commentary out there. While the two actors recount their experiences while making the film, and provide a different perspective in Kubrick’s process this is not nearly as informative as it could have been. Of course, it’s the best we could get considering it was probably recorded after Kubrick had passed. However, I think anyone who is a fan of the film would love the stories shared by the actors. Besides, it shares even more facts that aren’t heard in the other features on the blu-ray.

This is a must buy for anyone who loves 2001, simply because the quality of the picture is simply breathtaking. However, all of the features give the film buffs something more to enjoy. Each featurette adds to the enjoyment of the film. This blu-ray release of this classic science-fiction film is one for everyone’s collection.