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Sci Fi Focus > Encyclopedia > Arthur C. Clarke > 2001: A Space Odyssey
Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5
In a nutshell:
Stanley Kubrik space movie based on Arthur C. Clarke story.
Note: A sequel, 2010: The Year We Make Contact was made by Peter Hymans, years later.
Plot Synopsis (may include spoilers):
In prehistoric times, a mysterious black monolith helps apes evolve into men. A second black monolith is found on the moon, and a third suspected to be orbiting Jupiter. A space mission is sent to Jupiter to investigate.
Best Bits:
- Spaceship special effects
- Mesmerizing visuals
- Soundtrack
Worst Bits:
- Ape sequences
- Incomprehensible ending
Related Pages:
2001: A Space Odyssey Pictures & Postersby AllPosters
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2001 - A Space Odyssey
 | | Directed by Stanley Kubrick Featuring Keir Dullea, William Sylvester & Leonard Rossiter
Warner Home Video Released: 2001-06-12 DVD
Amazon.com essential video: When Stanley Kubrick recruited Arthur C. Clarke to collaborate on "the proverbial intelligent science fiction film," it's a safe bet neither the maverick auteur nor the great science fiction writer knew they would virtually redefine the parameters of the cinema experience. A daring experiment in unconventional narrative inspired by Clarke's short story "The Sentinel," 2001 is a visual tone poem (barely 40 minutes of dialogue in a 139-minute film) that charts a phenomenal history of human evolution. From the dawn-of-man discovery of crude but deadly tools in the film's opening sequence to the journey of the spaceship Discovery and metaphysical birth of the "star child" at film's end, Kubrick's vision is meticulous and precise. In keeping with the director's underlying theme of dehumanization by technology, the notorious, seemingly omniscient computer HAL 9000 has more warmth and personality than the human astronauts it supposedly is serving. (The director also leaves the meaning of the black, rectangular alien monoliths open for discussion.) This theme, in part, is what makes 2001 a film like no other, though dated now that its postmillennial space exploration has proven optimistic compared to reality. Still, the film is timelessly provocative in its pioneering exploration of inner- and outer-space consciousness. With spectacular, painstakingly authentic special effects that have stood the test of time, Kubrick's film is nothing less than a cinematic milestone--puzzling, provocative, and perfect. --Jeff Shannon
List Price: $19.98 Lowest New Price: $5.08 Lowest Used Price: $4.24 (As of 16:55 Pacific 28 Aug 2008 More Info)
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2001: A Space Odyssey [Region 2]
| | Directed by Stanley Kubrick Featuring Keir Dullea, William Sylvester & Leonard Rossiter
DVD
Amazon.com essential video: When Stanley Kubrick recruited Arthur C. Clarke to collaborate on "the proverbial intelligent science fiction film," it's a safe bet neither the maverick auteur nor the great science fiction writer knew they would virtually redefine the parameters of the cinema experience. A daring experiment in unconventional narrative inspired by Clarke's short story "The Sentinel," 2001 is a visual tone poem (barely 40 minutes of dialogue in a 139-minute film) that charts a phenomenal history of human evolution. From the dawn-of-man discovery of crude but deadly tools in the film's opening sequence to the journey of the spaceship Discovery and metaphysical birth of the "star child" at film's end, Kubrick's vision is meticulous and precise. In keeping with the director's underlying theme of dehumanization by technology, the notorious, seemingly omniscient computer HAL 9000 has more warmth and personality than the human astronauts it supposedly is serving. (The director also leaves the meaning of the black, rectangular alien monoliths open for discussion.) This theme, in part, is what makes 2001 a film like no other, though dated now that its postmillennial space exploration has proven optimistic compared to reality. Still, the film is timelessly provocative in its pioneering exploration of inner- and outer-space consciousness. With spectacular, painstakingly authentic special effects that have stood the test of time, Kubrick's film is nothing less than a cinematic milestone--puzzling, provocative, and perfect. --Jeff Shannon
Lowest New Price: $17.94 (As of 16:55 Pacific 28 Aug 2008 More Info)
Buy It Now |
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2001: A Space Odyssey
| | By Arthur C. Clarke
Buccaneer Books Hardcover
Book Description: A deluxe hardcover edition of the science fiction classic...now with a new introduction by Arthur C. Clarke!
It has been over thirty years since the publication of 2001: A Space Odyssey, the science fiction classic that changed the way we looked at the stars--and ourselves. From the savannas of Africa at the dawn of mankind to the rings of Saturn as man ventures to the outer rim of our solar system, Arthur C. Clarke takes us on a journey unlike any other.
This allegory about humanity's exploration of the universe, and the universe's reaction to humanity, was the basis for Stanley Kubrick's immortal film, and lives on as a hallmark achievement in storytelling.
* Special hardcover edition for the new millennium * New introduction by Arthur C. Clarke * Winner of the Science Fiction Writers' Grand Master Award for Life Achievement * Basis of Stanley Kubrick's 1968 movie--chosen by American Film Institute as one of the 100 best films of all time * 2001's unforgettable character, HAL the computer, has been revived in Macintosh's TV spots
"Full of poetry, scientific imagination, and typical Clarke wit."--The New Yorker
"Breathtaking."--Saturday Review
"Brain-boggling."--Life
"A mind-bender."--Time
Special Millennial Edition
List Price: $24.95 Lowest New Price: $110.00 Lowest Used Price: $34.00 (As of 16:55 Pacific 28 Aug 2008 More Info)
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2001: A Space Odyssey
 | | By Arthur C. Clarke
Roc Trade Paperback (256 pages)
Product Description: The bestselling classic-now in trade paperback with an introduction by the author and a dazzling new package.
The classic science-fiction novel that changed the way we look at the stars-and ourselves.
List Price: $14.00 Lowest New Price: $1.78 Lowest Used Price: $0.01 Usually ships in 24 hours (As of 16:55 Pacific 28 Aug 2008 More Info)
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2001: A Space Odyssey
 | | By Arthur C. Clarke
CD Unabridged Released: 2000-09-12 Audio CD
Product Description: It has been over thirty years since the publication of this classic science fiction novel that changed the way we look at the stars and ourselves. From the savannas of Africa at the dawn of mankind to the rings of Saturn as man adventures to the outer rim of our solar system, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a journey unlike any other.
This allegory about humanity's exploration of the universe, and the universe's reaction to humanity, was the basis for director Stanley Kubrick's immortal film, and lives on as a hallmark achievement in storytelling.
List Price: $29.95 Lowest New Price: $29.94 Lowest Used Price: $14.64 (As of 16:55 Pacific 28 Aug 2008 More Info)
Buy It Now |
|
2001: A Space Odyssey
| | By Arthur C. Clarke
Penguin Highbridge (Aud) Audio Cassette (1 pages)
Book Description: A deluxe hardcover edition of the science fiction classic...now with a new introduction by Arthur C. Clarke!
It has been over thirty years since the publication of 2001: A Space Odyssey, the science fiction classic that changed the way we looked at the stars--and ourselves. From the savannas of Africa at the dawn of mankind to the rings of Saturn as man ventures to the outer rim of our solar system, Arthur C. Clarke takes us on a journey unlike any other.
This allegory about humanity's exploration of the universe, and the universe's reaction to humanity, was the basis for Stanley Kubrick's immortal film, and lives on as a hallmark achievement in storytelling.
* Special hardcover edition for the new millennium * New introduction by Arthur C. Clarke * Winner of the Science Fiction Writers' Grand Master Award for Life Achievement * Basis of Stanley Kubrick's 1968 movie--chosen by American Film Institute as one of the 100 best films of all time * 2001's unforgettable character, HAL the computer, has been revived in Macintosh's TV spots
"Full of poetry, scientific imagination, and typical Clarke wit."--The New Yorker
"Breathtaking."--Saturday Review
"Brain-boggling."--Life
"A mind-bender."--Time
Special Millennial Edition
List Price: $16.00 (As of 16:55 Pacific 28 Aug 2008 More Info)
Buy It Now |
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