2001 A Space Odyssey Blu ray
A space mission that could reveal man?s destiny is jeopardized by a malfunctioning shipboard computer. A dazzling journey that tops them all ? and showed the way for other effects-packed films that followed.
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Great
Classic sci-fi flick. Still holds up well today, although reality seems to be a little behind…
3 Stars 2 stars out of 4
The Bottom Line:
2001 has 40 minutes of a good movie surrounded by lots of Fantasia 2001 (extremely slow scenes of incredible beauty set to classical music) and scenes not intended to make much sense by admission of the authors–it’s worth watching in the sense that you’ll never see anything like it again, but not for any other reason.
5 Stars Relax, open up your mind, and you’ll be fine with this great film
After 900-plus other Amazon reviews have been filed, there’s not much more for me to add about this movie. I’ll just say that “2001: A Space Odyssey” is an astonishing film, and will especially resonate with those who respond to awe, wonder, and mystery in their movies. But it’s not all mystery and ultimate questions. The tense little section featuring the Hal 9000 computer delivers a jolt of mainstream movie conflict for those who like a little grounding with their metaphysics.
And, hey, I have to say I was proud of myself several years ago when seeing the film for the second or third time. Before I read it anywhere else, I noticed the strange occurrence of characters wishing other characters happy birthday a couple of times throughout the movie, which of course are cleverly-placed signposts and underscores to the ultimate birthday at film’s end. In fact, I’m not sure if I’ve ever read of anyone else pointing out those “happy birthday” moments as an early revelation of theme, though I’m sure someone has.
My DVD of “2001″ (which I pulled out the other day and watched on a whim) is a few years old and only features the film’s trailer as a special feature. It looks very good, though, and is worth picking up inexpensively if you aren’t worried about having the very latest DVD version of a particular film.
4 Stars Blu-Ray Very Good, But Not Outstanding
f your’re looking at this review, you mainly want an opinion of what the Blu-Ray version looks like, because by now you’ve seen the film….perhaps many times. It’s a unique movie which seems to have attained “classic” status.
So how does this Blu-Ray look? Well, I’m going to write something you might not have read elsewhere: the transfer is good, but overrated. I read review after review on other high-def websites and they just rave about the sharpness, so I bought the DVD. Well, I found about half the movie looking really sharp – mainly the outside shots of the space vehicles – and the other half so-so to somewhat fuzzy. In other words, it’s okay but nothing spectacular despite what you’ve heard.
If you doubt what I’m saying, rent a copy and watch the first 20 minutes. It isn’t until the space ship scenes start where you get the sharp pictures. From that point it varies from good to great.
Whether it’s Blu-Ray or a regular DVD, the visuals in this movie have always been fascinating and the soundtrack is astounding, too, especially on a decent surround system. You’ve never heard Strauss’ “Blue Danube” sound any better! Played during many of the slower parts of the film, the dramatic music enhances the feel of the immensity of space itself. Then, audibly, we hear these eerie chants whenever the mysterious monolith appears, whether its on earth, out in space, or in Jupiter. In other words, this film offers a fantastic assortment of visual and audio “trips” for the senses…..high-def or not.
Story-wise, it’s all about HAL, the computer, and two astronauts who are under his leadership. The spacemen – played by Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood – are good, but HAL steals the show. His “voice” is mesmerizing, a haunting monotone. In fact, Douglas Rain is the unsung “hero” of this movie, with his voice-work of “Hal.” .The more one sees this movie, the more cold and evil HAL becomes.
All in all, this is a movie I would think it would have be part of any movie fan’s collection of the memorable films of the 20th century……so why not have it in its best form?
5 Stars Tremendous Blu-Ray version
The beautiful picture and sound in this Blu-Ray edition are stunning. The movie has always been great, but to view it like this is almost like seeing it for the first time. It draws you in. You realize more than ever the brilliance behind the special effects. You feel like you’re in space. The great soundtrack is so much better, so much more powerful in this version than anything else on the market. It gives you chills. This a must buy for science fiction fans and Stanley Kubrick fans.
Kingdom of Heaven Directors Cut Blu ray
Kingdom of Heaven Directors Cut Blu ray
Among the best directors of our time, Ridley Scott (Gladiator), contributes generously to this extraordinary Collector’s Edition of Kingdom of Heaven. Featuring his Director’s Cut of the film and hours of fascinating extras ? including a six-part tour from conception to completion of filmmaking ? this definitive set makes what Variety called a “genuinely spectacular” film even more so!
An epic marvel that’s as beautifully acted as it is visually awesome, Kingdom of Heaven stars Orlando Bloom as Balian, a Jerusalem blacksmith who has lost his family ? and his faith. But when his father (Liam Neeson) shows him his destiny, Balian vows to defend his country, and in the process, falls in love, becomes a formidable leader, and steps forever into history
User Ratings and Reviews
3 Stars 2.5 stars out of 4
The Bottom Line:
As for as the theatrical version is concerned, Kingdom of Heaven is a big glorious mess of a movie–it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but it has its share of enjoyable scenes.
5 Stars Brilliant Historical Piece
Brilliant transfer to Blu Ray and fantastic audio. This is a must-have for any library.
5 Stars Great Movie
This is a great film with stunning visual effects and massive battles. This version provides great commentary and tons of bonus features. A good buy.
5 Stars WHERE IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IF NOT WITHIN THE CONSCIENCE OF A GOOD AND HONEST MAN?
Happily, I did not see this firm when it was first released, and was unaffected by a butchred commercial version. But then, except for STAR WARS, which I saw the day it opened at the Paramount, New York, I make it a point to avoid first release showings on most films. Here, my caution was rewarded and I was able to enjoy a rare experience undiluted and at my leisure. This is, as most reviews see it, a very good, very unusual film; something one expects from Ridley Scott. Myself, I say that’s only the beginning, and for more than a month I’ve been racking my brains to remember when I’ve seen anything as magnificent and as cinematically successful.
The viewing time? Too long? Not for me. I’m a confirmed Wagnerite, and my motto is “If its good, don’t stop.”
The cinematography? Absolutely on the highest level. If many of those battlefield shots were blown up and presented like Matthew Brady’s photographs of the killing fields of our Civil War, they would be hailed, heartily praised as exmples of the very best kind of that photography. In color and sweep and with the cast dressed — so incredibly well — in the armor of the medieval Islamic period, one has the impression of watching vast Delacroix historical paintings come to life. The photography is very often breath-taking. Affictionadoes of war or, call them ancient or antiwue battle movies with swords and spears and horses, will will be able to examine closely and to enjoy one panorama after anotehr from very long shots showing position and movement of troops over terrain, to mid-shots of charges — a couple plainly in homage to Olivier’s brilliant charge of the Knights at Agincourt — and close-ups of the carnage where one almost cringes for fear of being spattered with mud and blood.
The sets are sublime, and there are so many of them and of such wide variety, both inerior and exterior, and of widely differin scale, one’s mind is overwhelmed. To imagine the city of Jerusalem a century after the firsr Crusade, and then to present it in a numer of ariel views and in different kinds of light, is a feat of successfully convincing visualizaion unknown to me. Though I have seen photographs of the Crusader castles in Palestine, their architectural character has never been so clear. And neither has he city itself. City of Abraham, prince of Chaldea, this is one of only a very few cities that deserve to be called Holy,
What about religion? Well, both the Director and Scenarist are diffident about it, to say the least, for though it would be ridiculous to create an historical film about Crusading knights in and around Jerusalem without engaging in some way in the discussion or the depection of occult traditions (as well as disguised motivations) that swirl about everyone in the story, from the lowest to the highest, my personal impression is that although the film story is intensely concerned with personal morality and faith, it is accutely anti-clerical. In symbol it appears to this reviewer to be aseries of contrasts between characters symbolizing Roman Catholic practice and other characters symbolizing Potestant Chrisian practice. The Kingdom of Jerusalem is several times called a Nation of Conscience — which might fit in with what Luther had in mind when he thought and wrote about the christian practice of faith — bur it stands in stark contrast with the words and the inetntions of Innocent III, who intended that all humankind should be ruled by the Papacy, once conquered by the hordes of semi-barbarous marauders he sent East. But one must resist the urge to be sucked into chuch history. Nevertheless, it would probably be fair to say that the film is as profoundly spiritual and sincere as it is anti-religious, or heritical.
Did I mention that it is utterly engrossing? It is. Ane here one ought to think about sound. This master director knows how to utilize and synthesize both found sound, sound effects, and music with the spoken word in such a way that the ear is constantly refreshed, and the mind always stimulated — both by what one hears and what one almost hears or thinks one hears. Or even what one might heave heard. Its a kind of auditory confusion few directors can work well, but which he understands and uses like a virtuoso. For example: Immediately after I finished the movie I realized there were parts of it, details, that I didn’t understand, and thinking I hadn’t heard them, I was prompted to watch the film again (weeks later) with the volume adjusted and sitting closer to he speakers.. After the next viewing I realized I hadn’t missed much at all; that rather, I’d been tricked. This is how: when a dull person wants to get your attention, he shouts at you. When an intelligent one wants your attention, he lowers his voice, forcing you to pay closer attention to what he has to say. The wrier had given to the director a script allowing the director to tell the story mostly with pictures, which is what a good director does. One doesn’t go to the movies to listen to movies. That’s what Radio shows were for. By using the camera skillfully to show the performers in shifting angles as they move through the scenery not always talking, the director is able to give us more and better information than he could were he only to film conversations.
ORLANDO BLOOM: This actor is well cast in this story. He is different from the othr males that surround him; not only is he younger and though physically fit and muscular, he is somewhat smaller than they are. But, within the story it is established that he is yes, a blacksmith, (as well as a silversmith) but a man who can design and oversee the building of a new cathedral; he has already established hmself as one who builds fortifications and siege mchinery. Later, in Jerusalem, he demonstrates his unusual abilities by designing and constructing an irrigation system based on a knowledge of hydraulics. The young man is obviously a genius. So, it is not surprising that he designs and captains the defense of he city against he formidable might of Saladin. In addition, and preeminently, he has inernalized the knight’s code — which includes the command to “protect the weak” — and become a practicing christian. Bloom plays a “perfect Knight”, both an ideal and an idealized figure, and distinguishes himself as a Parcifal or Sir Percival of Arthurian legend. In every aspect, therefore, the choice of yet anoher heroic fighter, like Russell Crowe, or any other actor of the muscle-guy type, woulld have been wrong. The characte Bloom plays is formidably a warrior who fights with his mind and soul, and character. Orlando Bloom’s masculine beauty dramatizes the differences between his character and those of the other men who have been hardened and coarsened by intrigue, battle and murder.
The cast is wonderful; all very, very interesting-looking, and talented. Whoever cast the movie accepted quite a challenge, for most of the actors’ faces are interesting and have something to tell us about the story, from the stars to the extras. The faces of the Muslims were thrilling in their variety and beauty. It is daunting enough to imagine Saladin, but to imagine his sister is even more so. Both hero and heoine are beautiful and beautifully matched. One could go on and on about hem, but why? You have eyes.
In short, the film is in every respect an embarassment of riches. Most of us have seen and enjoyed his other films, and have begun to see what that peculiar gift is that he possesses which runs through all of them. His primary concerns appear to be about men; that is, about duty, strength of character, loyalty and personal inegrity. To my mind KINGDOM OF HEAVEN may well be Ridley Scott’s ultimate masterpiece. His identifying mark or motto is something like “A Scott Free Production,” which leads me to think he may have produced it, (or raised the money for the film) himself. If so, it must have been a staggering sum. But, the difference here is that in KINGDOM, every farthing of the multiples of millions of dollars and/or pounds is clearly visible. He made them all work double or tripple duty, and the result is all for our benefit.
Stop! It just dawned on me as I submited this review, that if you want to get an idea of how really and truly amazing this movie is, you should find a copy of De Mille’s THE CRUSADES, and watch them in sequence. Your choice.
1 Star No Audio Output From Blu-ray Version
Warning to those with older Receivers. This Blu-ray disk only has a DTS audio soundtrack in English. If you have a Receiver, like I do, that only decodes Dolby Digital 5.1, there is no audio output.
The rest of this review is for the clueless producers of this Blu-ray disk. Obviously they have learned nothing from the costly lost sales of the war with HD-DVD. People like me are not going to buy an expensive new Receiver just to play a particular movie on Blu-ray. Especially with six audio formats to cover and perhaps more to come! I will rent this movie on DVD and wait for the audio wars to end. Since Blu-ray has plenty of capacity, I do not see any reason why an English Dolby 5.1 soundtrack could not be included to ensure backwards compatibility. Particularly since Dolby 5.1 is already provided on this disk in other languages. From reading various blogs and reviews, I know I am not the only potential lost sale.
2001 A Space Odyssey Blu ray
A space mission that could reveal man?s destiny is jeopardized by a malfunctioning shipboard computer. A dazzling journey that tops them all ? and showed the way for other effects-packed films that followed.
User Ratings and Reviews
3 Stars 2 stars out of 4
The Bottom Line:
2001 has 40 minutes of a good movie surrounded by lots of Fantasia 2001 (extremely slow scenes of incredible beauty set to classical music) and scenes not intended to make much sense by admission of the authors–it’s worth watching in the sense that you’ll never see anything like it again, but not for any other reason.
4 Stars Great
Classic sci-fi flick. Still holds up well today, although reality seems to be a little behind…
4 Stars Blu-Ray Very Good, But Not Outstanding
f your’re looking at this review, you mainly want an opinion of what the Blu-Ray version looks like, because by now you’ve seen the film….perhaps many times. It’s a unique movie which seems to have attained “classic” status.
So how does this Blu-Ray look? Well, I’m going to write something you might not have read elsewhere: the transfer is good, but overrated. I read review after review on other high-def websites and they just rave about the sharpness, so I bought the DVD. Well, I found about half the movie looking really sharp – mainly the outside shots of the space vehicles – and the other half so-so to somewhat fuzzy. In other words, it’s okay but nothing spectacular despite what you’ve heard.
If you doubt what I’m saying, rent a copy and watch the first 20 minutes. It isn’t until the space ship scenes start where you get the sharp pictures. From that point it varies from good to great.
Whether it’s Blu-Ray or a regular DVD, the visuals in this movie have always been fascinating and the soundtrack is astounding, too, especially on a decent surround system. You’ve never heard Strauss’ “Blue Danube” sound any better! Played during many of the slower parts of the film, the dramatic music enhances the feel of the immensity of space itself. Then, audibly, we hear these eerie chants whenever the mysterious monolith appears, whether its on earth, out in space, or in Jupiter. In other words, this film offers a fantastic assortment of visual and audio “trips” for the senses…..high-def or not.
Story-wise, it’s all about HAL, the computer, and two astronauts who are under his leadership. The spacemen – played by Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood – are good, but HAL steals the show. His “voice” is mesmerizing, a haunting monotone. In fact, Douglas Rain is the unsung “hero” of this movie, with his voice-work of “Hal.” .The more one sees this movie, the more cold and evil HAL becomes.
All in all, this is a movie I would think it would have be part of any movie fan’s collection of the memorable films of the 20th century……so why not have it in its best form?
5 Stars Tremendous Blu-Ray version
The beautiful picture and sound in this Blu-Ray edition are stunning. The movie has always been great, but to view it like this is almost like seeing it for the first time. It draws you in. You realize more than ever the brilliance behind the special effects. You feel like you’re in space. The great soundtrack is so much better, so much more powerful in this version than anything else on the market. It gives you chills. This a must buy for science fiction fans and Stanley Kubrick fans.
5 Stars Relax, open up your mind, and you’ll be fine with this great film
After 900-plus other Amazon reviews have been filed, there’s not much more for me to add about this movie. I’ll just say that “2001: A Space Odyssey” is an astonishing film, and will especially resonate with those who respond to awe, wonder, and mystery in their movies. But it’s not all mystery and ultimate questions. The tense little section featuring the Hal 9000 computer delivers a jolt of mainstream movie conflict for those who like a little grounding with their metaphysics.
And, hey, I have to say I was proud of myself several years ago when seeing the film for the second or third time. Before I read it anywhere else, I noticed the strange occurrence of characters wishing other characters happy birthday a couple of times throughout the movie, which of course are cleverly-placed signposts and underscores to the ultimate birthday at film’s end. In fact, I’m not sure if I’ve ever read of anyone else pointing out those “happy birthday” moments as an early revelation of theme, though I’m sure someone has.
My DVD of “2001″ (which I pulled out the other day and watched on a whim) is a few years old and only features the film’s trailer as a special feature. It looks very good, though, and is worth picking up inexpensively if you aren’t worried about having the very latest DVD version of a particular film.
Fired Without Cause Get a Lawyer They Can’t Fire You Without Cause
I just watched “House” on TV the other night and House tried to fire Foreman for not breaking up with his girlfriend when he told him too. I posted about this online and I said this was illegal unless there was a written non-fraternization policy and to my surprise many people are lambs who think that anyone can fire them without cause. I’m not talking about company lay-offs to groups of people, I’m talking about unfair dismissal individual firings. Bottom line, if you ever get fired without cauUnfair Dismissal No Don’t Be a Victim Get a Lawyer They Can’t Fire You Without Cause
I just watched “House” on TV the other night and House tried to fire Foreman for not breaking up with his girlfriend when he told him too. I posted about this online and I said this was illegal unless there was a written non-fraternization policy and to my surprise many people are lambs who think that anyone can fire them without cause. I’m not talking about company lay-offs to groups of people, I’m talking about unfair dismissal individual firings. Bottom line, if you ever get fired without cauSubscriptions
