A Few Words About A few words about...™ 2001: A Space Odyssey -- in BD & HD (1 Viewer)

[Josh Steinberg]

Thanks so much for sharing that memory! That sounds amazing. If I could steal a time machine, seeing "2001" on a Cinerama screen had got to be near the top of my list of things to do.

 

[ROclockCK]

Thanks so much for sharing that memory! That sounds amazing. If I could steal a time machine, seeing "2001" on a Cinerama screen had got to be near the top of my list of things to do.

I'd love a return trip myself Josh.


Typically our memory of movies in their vintage theatrical form becomes sketchier over time - often outright suspect - yet even now, nearly 50 years after my 2 dozen viewings of 2001 in CINERAMA during its 1 1/2 year run at the Glendale, plus other 70mm Toronto venues over subsequent months, my memory of this film still feels as fresh as a viewing mere days or weeks ago. Which is one of the reasons why I'm so sensitive about 2001's still flawed state on home video. I can't say that about any other film, but this one is so imprinted. It's uncanny.


Just one aspect of 2001 that has been seared into my memory Josh: the colour black. And I mean BLACK-black...shot after shot after shot of rock solid, grainless, squid-ink space with these tiny pin prick ultra-white stars. I've never seen filmed space vistas look like that before or since. The screen just seemed to disappear. Whole generations simply have no idea how exquisite this picture looked circa '68.


So I, too, am hoping that a [literal] 'shoot-the-moon' 50th anniversary restoration, remaster, and new DCP for 2001 can come very close to that time machine. Fingers crossed its asset holders see the value...

 

[Josh Steinberg]

Steve, thanks so much for sharing that story - that sounds amazing. I wish I could have seen the film during it's original run. I feel that I've been lucky to see it about a dozen times in theaters over the past twenty years - first a new 35mm print in the 90s, then the 70mm prints during the 2001-2002 theatrical run in New York City and Boston, and then here and there in 35mm, 70mm and DCP in more recent years. But none of that can match what it must have been like to be there when it first came out. I don't actually know anyone who saw it during the original run so it's really pretty cool for me to be able to come here and talk about the movie and have people who are generous enough with their time to share memories of seeing it at the beginning. Thank you again Steve!

 

[Malcolm Bmoor]

Just to add that I've only ever seen 2001 in 70mm. The first twice in Cinerama at The Casino (Now the Prince Edward Theatre) in Old Compton Street, then twice at The Empire Leicester Square and, finally, and a touch disapointingly, on a part of the BFI Imax screen in correct aspect ratio. I don't think the print quite stood up to the ordeal but am sure that the treatment RAH mentions would change all that.


I certainly endorse all that has been said about the original Cinerama experience - it was awesome. I was even caught out by the PA announcements during the early space station scene as, being on the surround track only, they seemed to be genuine cinema calls.


I'll also endorse the conviction that it was always intended to be in Cinerama as when I was supposed to be revising for A Level exams in the Cardiff public library I would look at the cinema year book and the display illustrated in a previous post ran for a long time.


Later, whilst working in tv, I knew an electrician who had the frightening experience of being chased around a Borehamwood supermarket by Mr Kubrick on a Saturday because he'd followed orders from the senior LX and switched off the power on Friday evening as everyone had had enough of this production dragging on for so very very long. That was when studios had permanent staff and the unions had power.


I also once worked with an actor who'd played an ape, another l o n g shooting ordeal, and the unit lived in fear that Planet Of The Apes, being made at the same time, would find a way to copy Stuart Freeborn's head design. Then a head went missing and the worst was feared. But when Planet came out and everyone saw those comic book phony jokey monkeys it was obvious that there hadn't been inter-production espionage.

 

[ROclockCK]

Steve, thanks so much for sharing that story - that sounds amazing. I wish I could have seen the film during it's original run. I feel that I've been lucky to see it about a dozen times in theaters over the past twenty years - first a new 35mm print in the 90s, then the 70mm prints during the 2001-2002 theatrical run in New York City and Boston, and then here and there in 35mm, 70mm and DCP in more recent years. But none of that can match what it must have been like to be there when it first came out. I don't actually know anyone who saw it during the original run so it's really pretty cool for me to be able to come here and talk about the movie and have people who are generous enough with their time to share memories of seeing it at the beginning. Thank you again Steve!

All I can say is that if - or rather when - they do get it right*, at least a couple of generations will feel like they're seeing 2001 for the first time.


And it's encouraging that younger fans like yourself remain so passionate about this film Josh. I think it's precisely that continuing intense interest which will end up creating a virtual "time machine" after all. If it does come back like that, I'm there too in a heartbeat...


* Starting with the 8k harvest RAH recommends.

 

[ROclockCK]

I also once worked with an actor who'd played an ape, another l o n g shooting ordeal, and the unit lived in fear that Planet Of The Apes, being made at the same time, would find a way to copy Stuart Freeborn's head design. Then a head went missing and the worst was feared. But when Planet came out and everyone saw those comic book phony jokey monkeys it was obvious that there hadn't been inter-production espionage.

Kubrick paranoid?!?


Nah...

 

[davidmatychuk]

I first saw "2001: A Space Odyssey" in Vancouver in 1968. I believe it was a 70MM presentation; it was at the Capitol Theatre, which in those days was an old-fashioned movie palace. The entire experience was so overwhelming to my 13-year-old self that I don't think I've gotten over it yet. Even thinking about it now, I feel like I went to space, not to see a film in a movie theatre. And there was so much to reflect upon and puzzle over afterwards! That movie remains a favourite of mine, but no great movie seems less impressive on home video to me, even though the Blu-Ray is very good. I don't know if a theatrical presentation of that (remembered) quality would be possible in 2015, but I sure hope that somewhere, they're working on it.

 

[Jari K]

I was young when I first saw 2001 with my sister. It left an everlasting impression in me. Perhaps someday I'll watch it with my son. In 3D.

 

[Osato]

I happen to see a 2001 screening a few summers ago. I was blown away with how much more visually striking it was on a large theater screen. I had seen it several times before at home but again the theater viewing cannot be matched.

I have the initial blu Ray release. I wasn't aware of all of the issues with the transfer.

 

[john a hunter]

I happen to see a 2001 screening a few summers ago. I was blown away with how much more visually striking it was on a large theater screen. I had seen it several times before at home but again the theater viewing cannot be matched.

I have the initial blu Ray release. I wasn't aware of all of the issues with the transfer.

Like Malcolm and others I was lucky enough to see 2001 in its opening week at the Casino and then about half a dozen times later-always in 70mm.


I kept recalling this while watching Interstellar in 70 mm Imax and how much more impressive 2001 was in Cinerama as both a visual and sonic treat.


I also recall that it appeared in 70mm towards the late 70's at the ABC 1 in Shaftesbury Avenue, London.

I was there when it opened with a number of friend who I had dragged along for "an experience of a lifetime"( sorry Ben Hur ad writer for pinching your line).

Unfortunately as soon as the space sequences started, it was clear that there was a major problem with ghosting which continued through out the film .

I ,of course, complained at intermission but nothing happened. The next day I telephoned the studio where I had heard Kubrick was based. Naturally, I couldn't speak to the great man himself but left a detailed message.

A few days later I received a call from the theatre's manager inviting us all back as his guest. According to him their lenses all had to be replaced and yes it did solve the problem which was obvious and should have been corrected before any public showings.

I am pretty sure that my call to Kubrick brought about this. Thank God ( if there is one) that Kubrick always concerned himself as to how his films were presented. I wish more directors did!

 

[Sam Posten]

Interesting retrospective:

http://nzpetesmatteshot.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/kubricks-2001-one-mans-incredible.html

 

[dpippel]

GREAT article Sam! Thanks for posting the link!

 

[Brian Dobbs]

Any chance we'll see the 17 minutes of lost footage added back in, or at least added as a bonus feature?

http://www.slashfilm.com/17-minutes-lost-2001-space-odyssey-footage/

http://www.slashfilm.com/warner-bros-responds-17-minutes-lost-2001-space-odyssey-footage/#more-94389

 

[Richard Stammer]

I saw 2001 in Cinerama at the Uptown Theater in Washington D.C. in 1968. My first viewing was cancelled as DC went up in flames following the assination of MLK. But, it was nonetheless a transformative experience for this 19 year old. I was fortunate to have been able to see it at the same theater in revivals in subsequent years and the experience was always special. Frankly, I don't expect to ever see 2001 again in such magnificence. But, the experience is seared in my psyche and I know just how this film should look.

 

[John Wilson_273159]

So what is the DCP version BFI used last November? Is it 2K or 4K? THe Variety article says it was 'restored'. Was that not the case?

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/stanley-kubrick-s-2001-a-689874

 

[Jim*Tod]

2018 marks the 50th anniversary of 2001. Given this milestone, will there be a new transfer or special screenings? I know a few years back there were rumors of transferring it for IMAX projection. Hard to imagine Warners would not do something for this landmark film.

I am watching the blu ray tonight and while is is acceptable, I think in the 11 years since it came out transfer technology has improved.

Has anyone heard anything?

 

[Angelo Colombus]

Still have the Criterion laserdisc box set so it would be nice if Criterion will release a 50th blu-ray but have a feeling that Warners will release it themselves.

 

[Mark_TB]

I've been reading the Making Of book from Taschen these last few days, and I was wondering if there might be a good, comprehensive making-of documentary in the works for the anniversary, as well as an updated transfer.

 

[Dick]

Nearly 50 years after my 2 dozen viewings of 2001 in CINERAMA during its 1 1/2 year run at the Glendale...

You were fortunate to have a theater like the Glendale...most Cinerama screens were hijacked far too early in the (successful) 2001 run in order to accommodate MGM's newest "marvel," ICE STATION ZEBRA.

 

[Stephen PI]

Like Malcolm and others I was lucky enough to see 2001 in its opening week at the Casino and then about half a dozen times later-always in 70mm.


I kept recalling this while watching Interstellar in 70 mm Imax and how much more impressive 2001 was in Cinerama as both a visual and sonic treat.


I also recall that it appeared in 70mm towards the late 70's at the ABC 1 in Shaftesbury Avenue, London.

I was there when it opened with a number of friend who I had dragged along for "an experience of a lifetime"( sorry Ben Hur ad writer for pinching your line).

Unfortunately as soon as the space sequences started, it was clear that there was a major problem with ghosting which continued through out the film .

I ,of course, complained at intermission but nothing happened. The next day I telephoned the studio where I had heard Kubrick was based. Naturally, I couldn't speak to the great man himself but left a detailed message.

A few days later I received a call from the theatre's manager inviting us all back as his guest. According to him their lenses all had to be replaced and yes it did solve the problem which was obvious and should have been corrected before any public showings.

I am pretty sure that my call to Kubrick brought about this. Thank God ( if there is one) that Kubrick always concerned himself as to how his films were presented. I wish more directors did!

Like John and Malcolm etc. I was working at MGM Borehamwood when I saw "2001" at the Casino. I went with my parents and my landlady who was 'Dot' Reynolds. She had been a tea lady at MGM who used to wheel a tea trolley around to all the film units. I remember she always spoke highly of actor Clint Walker whenever she served tea on the "Dirty Dozen" set.

John, I seem to have a distant memory of that screening you mention. I actually believe it was to do with the shutter blades set incorrectly out of alignment with the intermittent sprocket movement, that would have caused the ghosting effect.