2001: A Space Odyssey Blu-ray Review

The Blu Ray release of "2001: A Space Odyssey" presents a visual experience that distinctly honors Stanley Kubrick's cinematic masterpiece with an exemplary high-definition transfer. The film, originally shot in 70mm and displayed in the unique 2.20:1 widescreen aspect ratio, retains the crisp, clean aesthetic that Kubrick meticulously crafted. Largely set against starkly contrasting environments of deep space's endless black and the stark whites of space stations, its video presentation on Blu Ray, encoded in 1080p using the VC1 codec, delivers an immaculate upgrade over previous editions. Past issues like edge enhancement and noise that plagued earlier releases have been wholly eradicated, showcasing the film's iconic visuals – from the sun-drenched hues of "The Dawn of Man" to the deep blood reds within the HAL 9000's memory bank – with pristine clarity and vibrant coloration without a hint of banding, blooming, or loss of detail.

Technically, this release is a revelation, offering viewers a near-perfect replication of seeing the film in theatres or even better. Shadow details illuminate previously obscured nuances, while the whites and blacks maintain their integrity without compromise. The spectrum of colors displayed throughout is both magnificent and steadfast, with primary hues receiving significant enhancements over older DVD versions. Fine details are abundant, whether in facial textures, the minutiae on the spacesuits, or the intricate designs of the Discovery. This transfer allows for an unprecedented observation of Kubrick's deliberate textual placements and set designs, proving it to be a reference-grade Blu Ray that surpasses all preceding home video editions.

Viewers will find this version devoid of any major technical flaws commonly associated with film transfers to digital formats. No edge enhancement, grainy scenes, or annoying blockiness are present. Even the smudges detected in "The Dawn of Man" scene are attributed to the original film production techniques rather than the Blu Ray transfer itself. Such minor imperfections do little to detract from what is easily described as a triumph in high-definition catalog releases. Every frame of this nearly four-decade-old film has been treated with the care it deserves, making this Blu Ray not just a viewing opportunity but a comprehensive immersion into one of cinema's most groundbreaking journeys.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "2001: A Space Odyssey" offers a meticulously crafted sonic experience, featuring both an uncompressed PCM 5.1 surround track and a Dolby Digital 5.1 option. The former, with its higher bitrate, is preferred for its superior handling of the film's iconic orchestral pieces and dialogue clarity. The auditory experience enhances Kubrick's masterpiece through its faithful reproduction of dialogue, where HAL's unsettling timbre and the conversational nuances of the Discovery crew are presented with exceptional clarity. Ambient sounds, like the haunting breathing in spacesuit scenes and the distinctiveness of mechanical hisses or prehistoric grunts, contribute to the immersive atmosphere, showcasing the dedicated and nuanced sound design that remains true to Kubrick's original vision.

Orchestral music plays a vital role in the film's soundscape, with classics such as "The Blue Danube" and "Also Sprach Zarathustra" radiating from the front stage but also engaging the rear channels subtly, albeit the overall mix leans heavily towards the front. This front-loaded mix showcases the rich fullness of the orchestral arrangements and their precise placement in the sound stage. The LFE channel, while not constantly in action, asserts itself forcefully during key sequences such as the stargate scene, offering a depth and vibrancy to the viewing experience with deep bass and powerful overtones that underscore the visual spectacle.

While this Blu-ray edition presents an audio experience that is both lush and intricate, highlighting small ambient details and providing a robust platform for dialogue and music, some may find the soundfield somewhat front-heavy, reflecting its '60s origins. Nonetheless, these minor limitations do not detract from an audio presentation that elevates Kubrick's enduring sci-fi epic, offering a comprehensive and immersive auditory journey that complements the stunning visuals. The sound design, faithful to the original yet distinctly improved in clarity and depth, ensures that "2001: A Space Odyssey" sounds better than ever before on home video.

The Blu-ray presentation of "2001: A Space Odyssey" supplements section is a treasure trove for fans of Stanley Kubrick and this seminal science fiction masterpiece. It blends a rich variety of extras that delve into the making, impact, and enduring legacy of the film. Highlights include a revelatory commentary with stars Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood, providing personal insights into the filming process and anecdotes about Kubrick. Notably, the inclusion of a rare 1966 interview with Kubrick conducted by Jeremy Bernstein offers an invaluable peek into the mind of the reclusive director. Documentaries such as "2001: The Making of a Myth" and "Standing on the Shoulders of Kubrick: The Legacy of 2001" feature commentary from industry luminaries like James Cameron, George Lucas, and Steven Spielberg, underscoring the film's profound influence on cinema. Additional pieces explore the movie's speculative technological visions and the meticulous craft behind its visual effects, rounded off with Kubrick's early photography work for Look Magazine. This collection not only satisfies die-hard followers but serves as an essential companion to the film, encapsulating its monumental significance in film history.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood: Engaging insights from the leading actors.
• 2001: The Making of a Myth: Channel 4 documentary featuring industry icons and insights into Kubrick's process.
• Standing on the Shoulders of Kubrick: The Legacy of 2001: Filmmakers like Lucas and Spielberg discuss the impact on their work.
• Vision of Future Past: The Prophecy of 2001: Exploration of the film’s technological predictions.
• 2001: A Space Odyssey - A Look Behind the Future: A look at the production during filming.
• What is Out There?: Discussion on extraterrestrial life and its portrayal in the film.
• 2001: FX and Early Conceptual Work: Insights into the special effects and preproduction art.
• Look: Stanley Kubrick!: A collection of Kubrick's early photography work.
• Kubrick Interview with Jeremy Bernstein: A rare in-depth interview with Stanley Kubrick.

Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” remains a titanic achievement in the realm of science fiction, transcending its era to captivate audiences with its visual splendor, complex narrative, and philosophical musing. Watching it, particularly in its Blu-ray incarnation, reveals not just an advancement in home-viewing technology but a fresh, immersive way to experience one of cinema’s most enigmatic masterpieces. With its release on Blu-ray, Kubrick aficionados and novices alike are offered unparalleled video quality and sound that breathes new life into this iconic film. The painstaking care in the remastering process underscores Kubrick’s meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring that the film’s exploration of human evolution, artificial intelligence, and the unknown reaches audiences with an intensity that rivals its original cinematic release.

The film starts provocatively with a sequence showcasing human ancestors, setting the stage for a narrative that ambitiously spans from the dawn of man to the futuristic odyssey of the spacecraft Discovery One. The journey onboard Discovery One introduces viewers to astronauts Dave Bowman (Keir Dullea) and Frank Poole (Gary Lockwood), along with HAL 9000, the sentient computer whose presence becomes increasingly ominous. This isolated and tension-filled setting is masterfully used by Kubrick to delve into themes of isolation, evolution, and technology’s role in human destiny. Blending sublime visuals with a haunting score, “2001” maneuvers through its technical and narrative complexities with grace, presenting a journey that is as intellectually stimulating as it is visually arresting.

Kubrick's refusal to provide concrete explanations leaves much open to interpretation, inviting audiences into an active engagement that remains rare in cinema. The film’s pacing may deter some, luxurious in its deployment yet integral for the immersion and depth “2001” achieves. This Blu-ray release not only affords an opportunity to witness Kubrick’s vision with clarity and depth unparalleled in prior editions but invites a reevaluation of the film’s contributions to both the science fiction genre and cinema at large. Whether witnessing its majesty for the first or the fiftieth time, “2001: A Space Odyssey” on Blu-ray represents a confluence of technological advancement and timeless storytelling, securing its place as a monumental piece of cinematic history that continues to challenge, mystify, and awe.

"2001: A Space Odyssey," directed by the visionary Stanley Kubrick, continues to be a monumental achievement in the realm of science fiction cinema, offering an experience that remains unparalleled in its ambition, scope, and execution. This particular Blu-ray release appears to meet, if not exceed, the lofty expectations set by the film's enduring legacy. From the meticulous remastering process to the exhaustive supplementary materials included, Warner Bros. has treated this release with the reverence it deserves. The video quality is described as reference-grade, paying homage to Kubrick's meticulous craftsmanship and ensuring that the film's visual grandeur is faithfully reproduced. The audio, although somewhat constrained by the original's age, has been given a commendable upgrade with an elaborate PCM track that enhances the film's immersive soundscape.

The litany of special features unearthed from the Warner archives adds significant value to this Blu-ray edition, satisfying both long-time aficionados and newcomers with insights into the film's storied production and its profound impact on both audiences and filmmakers alike. Notably, the attention to detail in the film's transfer has been praised across the board for preserving and amplifying Kubrick's visionary aesthetic, ensuring that viewers can experience the movie in a quality previously unattainable at home.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "2001: A Space Odyssey" is more than just a revisit to Kubrick's masterpiece; it's an essential acquisition for cinephiles and science fiction fans alike. Representing a harmonious blend of exceptional video and audio quality with an enriching array of extra content, it indeed stands as a pinnacle of home entertainment offerings. For those looking to explore or re-experience Kubrick's magnum opus, this edition promises an unparalleled viewing experience that honors the film's legacy while unveiling new layers with each viewing. As both a testament to cinematic history and a benchmark in Blu-ray releases, it commands the highest recommendation.