2001: A Space Odyssey [4K Ultra HD] [1968] [Blu-ray] [2023] [Region Free]

Product Information

What Is Out There? – 20 minute discussion with Keir Dullea on the possibilities of extra-terrestrial life. A Space Odyssey – A Look Behind the Future – Another 20 minute feature, this time a making of filmed during the production of the movie; interesting and charming! There are certainly stand out sequences here. The section in the red computer room where Dave removes HAL’s ‘brains’ is spectacular in a way it’s never been before, for instance, as is the psychedelic sequence where Dave is dragged through time, space and dimensions after arriving at Jupiter. But honestly every last frame looks pretty much sensational - especially for a film made in 1968. In fact, the only segment of the film that relies on a familiar genre scenario (HAL's mutiny) doesn't gain momentum until the final act. But even then, this classic clash of wills doesn't constitute the climax of the story — that comes a bit later as Dave is confronted with a metaphysical journey across time and space that makes for a most intriguing twist in the story.

None of the serious fans of cinema has any doubt that this film is not just an outstanding work, but a real milestone in both the science fiction genre and the history of world cinema. The film can be watched with its original 1968 theatrical mix, or in a restored and re-mixed version. Both are formatted into DTS HD Master Audio 5.1, and both are also available on the new HD Blu-ray. Vision of a Future Passed: The Prophecy of 2001 – 20 minute feature looking at the invented technology that has come to pass, or not.

Conclusion

What is Out There? (HD, 21 min): A discussion about space and the possibility of intelligent life existing somewhere other than Earth. What is Out There?(HD, 21 min): A discussion about space and the possibility of intelligent life existing somewhere other than Earth. Presented in its original 2.20:1 aspect ratio, the video also arrives with significantly improved contrast and brightness, making the entire film seem sparkling new and rejuvenated. The hallways of the massive space station and the Discovery One spacecraft shine a brilliant, immaculate white and the stars radiate against the darkness of space. In fact, this is arguably the most noteworthy difference between this 4K remaster and the 2007 edition where the older Blu-ray came with the yellowish tint expected of an antiquated source. Now, the various lights come in a true white and the highlights throughout are intensely dazzling. Some of 2001's special effects, like this opening shuttle bay, look incredible even today. Photo: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Warner Bros/MGM The 4K Ultra HD disc includes only one extra, which is carried over from the previous 2007 release:

The restored remix is more a subtle enhancement than a complete ‘do over’. So don’t expect trouser-flapping bass or carefully placed effects to start zinging around your living room. Key kit used for this test: Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, LG OLED77C8 TV, Samsung QN65Q9FN TV, Panasonic UB900 4K Blu-ray player Selected items are only available for delivery via the Royal Mail 48® service and other items are available for delivery using this service for a charge. Here’s some additional information on the mastering process for this 4K Ultra HD release from a technical brief prepared by the studio. It’s shared here by permission.] The 4K Blu-ray release of 2001: A Space Odyssey is a masterclass in how the AV world’s latest video technology can - under a suitably caring and watchful eye - rejuvenate classics of the past for a whole new generation of movie fans. Stunning.Also, the 2018 release contains correct picture aspect ratio as it was scanned directly from the 65mm original negative which is spherical (flat) versus anamorphic (scope). The 35mm anamorphic (scope) reduction that was scanned for the 2000 and 2007 releases contained a little more information on the left and right of the frame then was intended for 2.2 70mm projection aspect ratio. Also, the optical scope reduction added a slight amount of linear image distortion, which is not present in the 65mm spherical camera negative. This film is a more non-verbal experience. It should be perceived more at the level of the subconscious and the senses than at the intellectual level. There is a problem with those who do not pay attention to what they see. Such people listen. And listening to this movie will be of little use. Anyone who does not believe his eyes, will not be able to appreciate the picture. The best way I can describe the way the HDR and wide color work on 2001: A Space Odyssey is that it feels like what happens when restoration experts remove centuries of grime from old paintings to reveal the intensity and beauty of the original painting again. Vice Press' Exclusive Poster Edition limited to just 200 copies each, and will come with a 24x36 inch movie poster featuring the cover art by Matt Ferguson and Florey, along with a certificate of authentication signed by the artists. These posters will not be available separately. A Space Odyssey has long been, and remains to this day, the greatest science fiction film ever made. It’s also one of the most purely cinematic movies to be released by a major studio. And Warner’s new restoration, presented in 4K with HDR and remastered Blu-ray too, offers the film looking better than ever before in the home. Again, the 4K comes very close indeed to replicating a proper 70 mm screening experience (and I don’t mean the compromised Nolan experience). This is easily the single must-have 4K Ultra HD release of 2018. Miss it at your peril.

Vision of a Future Passed (HD, 22 min): An entertaining look at the technologies that the film predicted (or inspired) and the visions that have yet to transpire. All of the previous extras are now included on a second bonus Blu-ray Disc, which features the following:Vision Of A Future Passed is another 20-minute featurette, featuring interviews with the same high-profile film industry people as the previous one. This again is excellent, looking at how 2001 creates a consistent - albeit not an entirely accurate - vision of the future. The 4K detail in relatively close up shots like this is particularly incredible. Photo: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Warner Bros/MGM

Editor’s Note: I’m pleased to share with Bits readers substantial additional technical information on the mastering process for this release by kind permission of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. You will find it below, at the end of this review. I’m confident that you’ll find it useful and interesting.] Visionof a Future Passed(HD, 22 min): An entertaining look at the technologies that the film predicted (or inspired) and the visions that have yet to transpire. Crucially, though, nothing about the 4K Blu-ray’s enhanced colors feels out of place, unbalanced or forced. Even the skin tones look absolutely authentic at all times. The Making of a Myth – 45 minute retrospective documentary hosted by James Cameron with plenty of interviewees discussing the film and its place. Maybe even more exceptional than the sensitivity but also drama of the HDR and wide color work, though, is the 4K grading. The increase in detail, depth and, for want of a better word, granularity in the picture is just gorgeous.

2001: A Space Odyssey 4K Picture

Until now, "2001: A Space Odyssey 4K" remains the greatest science fiction film. His pioneering shooting technique still influences the work on special effects. And, despite the fact that films are becoming more and more spectacular, "Space Odyssey" reminds us that the ideas that lie behind all this spectacle are the most important special effect.