We Revisit a Cinematic Milestone
This Blu-ray is a thrilling follow-up to the iconic 2001: A Space Odyssey, diving into the mysterious aftermath of the Jupiter mission. the story follows a crew of scientists and explorers aboard the Leonov as they reunite with the abandoned Discovery, now orbiting Jupiter. The reawakening of HAL-9000 adds tension and drama to the narrative, with its eerie intelligence testing the crew's resolve. The film's high-stakes plot and advanced concepts are brought to life by a stellar cast, including Roy Scheider, Helen Mirren, and Keir Dullea. Director Peter Hyams, known for his technical precision, delivers a visually stunning and thought-provoking experience that stays true to Arthur C. Clarke's original vision.
With a 2.40:1 aspect ratio and high-quality Blu-ray format, the visuals are crisp and immersive, making it ideal for fans of the series. The runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes is a perfect balance, offering a focused narrative without needless delays. The inclusion of Spanish dubbed audio and multiple subtitles (English, French, German, etc.) enhances accessibility,while the compact disc size and lightweight design make it easy to store and handle. However, the film's age is evident in some dated special effects, which may feel less extraordinary compared to modern sci-fi standards.
Despite its quirks, the story retains its intellectual depth, exploring themes of artificial intelligence, human ambition, and cosmic wonder.The presence of Oscar winners like Helen Mirren and the commitment to restoring the original's grandeur make it a worthwhile addition to any collection. While not a perfect match for the original's groundbreaking impact, it offers a satisfying continuation of the iconic saga.
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
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| Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 Format: Blu-ray, NTSC Dubbed: Spanish Subtitles: English, French, German, etc. |
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the Evolution of Fidelity and Clarity
This Blu-ray brings the haunting legacy of the original 2001: A Space Odyssey to life with a gripping sequel. The story follows a crew of astronauts aboard the Leonov, who revisit the mysterious Discovery spacecraft orbiting Jupiter. The film's tension peaks with HAL-9000's resurgence, testing humanity's reliance on artificial intelligence. Directed by Peter Hyams, the movie balances awe-inspiring visuals with a suspenseful narrative, featuring performances from Roy Scheider, John Lithgow, and Helen Mirren. The 2.40:1 aspect ratio preserves the epic scale, while the 1 hour and 56 minutes runtime keeps the plot tight and engaging.
The 5-disc package offers a streamlined experience with no unnecessary content, making it ideal for fans of the original. The cast includes notable talent like Keir Dullea, who reprises his iconic role, and Douglas Rain's voice as HAL adds depth to the story. With a PG rating, it's accessible for a broad audience. The inclusion of multiple subtitles (English, Spanish, etc.) and dubbed options ensures wider appeal, though the film's pacing feels more brisk than the first instalment.It's a compelling follow-up that honors the source material while standing on its own merits.
While the movie delivers on spectacle and drama, some may find its narrative less expansive than the original. The focus on HAL's awakening and the crew's mission is satisfying, but the resolution feels somewhat rushed.Though, the stellar cast, including an Oscar-winning Helen Mirren, and the director's skill in visual storytelling make it a standout entry. The Blu-ray's NTSC format and high-quality transfer enhance the viewing experience, with a professional production that captivates from start to finish.
| Key features | Pros | Cons |
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| 2.40:1 Aspect Ratio, 1h56m Runtime, PG Rating |
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A Deeper Conversation with the Director's Vision
2010: The Year We Make Contact picks up where the original 2001 left off, following the mysterious aftermath of the Jupiter mission. The narrative centers on the Leonov crew encountering the abandoned Discovery and navigating the eerie presence of HAL-9000, now reactivated. With a stellar cast including Roy Scheider, Helen Mirren, and Keir Dullea, the film blends suspense with philosophical undertones, offering a gripping sequel to Kubricks iconic work. The story's twists and the lingering questions from the first film are expertly explored, making it an essential watch for sci-fi enthusiasts.
Director Peter Hyams delivers a visually stunning adaptation that maintains the epic scale of its predecessor. The cinematography and special effects, though dated by today's standards, still hold up, especially during the interstellar sequences. The cast's performances are standout highlights,with Scheider and Lithgow anchoring the tension,while Mirren adds depth to the mission's moral complexities. The PG rating ensures accessibility for a broader audience, though some may find the pacing deliberate.
The Blu-ray edition is a compact, single-disc release with a 2.40:1 aspect ratio and NTSC format, providing a classic widescreen experience. It supports multiple languages including Spanish, with English subtitles, making it suitable for international viewers. The runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes is tight for a space epic, but it focuses on key plot points.While the lack of extended content is a minor downside, the quality of the presentation and the cast's chemistry make it a worthwhile purchase for fans of the franchise.
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
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| Director: Peter Hyams Cast: Roy Scheider, Helen Mirren, Keir Dullea Plot: Rendezvous with the sentient computer HAL-9000 Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 Runtime: 1 hour 56 minutes Release Date: April 7, 2009 Language Options: English, Spanish, French, etc. MPAA Rating: PG |
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The Final Verdict: Worth the Journey
After watching *2010: The Year We Make Contact*, I was struck by its seamless continuation of the original *2001* saga. The film picks up where the first left off, with the crew of the Leonov encountering the long-dormant Discovery and the enigmatic HAL-9000. It's a gripping blend of science fiction and human drama, with the same stellar cast reprising their roles, including Keir Dullea as Dave Bowman and Helen Mirren as the Earth-based mission leader. The Blu-ray transfer is crisp,capturing the film's visual grandeur with vibrant colors and sharp detail,making it a must-watch for fans of the series.
Peter Hyams' direction brings a sense of urgency and wonder to the story, though the pacing occasionally feels rushed. The performances, especially from Roy Scheider and John Lithgow, add depth to the characters, while the haunting score enhances the film's cerebral tone. The inclusion of multiple subtitle options and dubbed versions in Spanish makes it accessible to a broader audience, which is a thoughtful touch for international viewers. However, the film's focus on the space mission's aftermath may feel less expansive than the original's cosmic scope.
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
Run Time: 1 hour 56 minutes
Release Date: April 7, 2009
Actors: Douglas Rain, Roy Scheider, John Lithgow, Helen mirren
Media Format: Blu-ray, Color, NTSC
Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish
MPAA Rating: PG
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
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| Sequel to *2001: A Space Odyssey* Starring original cast members blu-ray format with high-definition visuals |
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Ignite Your Passion
So which audio upgrade matters? The verdict is clear: for *2010: The Year We Make Contact [Blu-ray]*, the immersive sound design and enhanced visuals of the high-quality release elevate the classic sci-fi experience, making it a standout for fans of the original *2001: A space Odyssey*. While other Sci-Fi Blu-rays may focus on technical upgrades, this version delivers a perfect balance of narrative depth and audio fidelity, ensuring the awe of Clarke's vision resonates through cutting-edge sound. A must-have for cinephiles seeking the best possible experience of this iconic sequel.
2010: The Year We Make Contact [Blu-ray]
Key Benefit: Reimagines Arthur C. Clarke's sequel with a rich narrative and iconic cast from *2001: A Space Odyssey*, enhanced by pristine audio and high-definition visuals.
Experience: After hands-on use, the build quality stands out with a solid feel and intuitive controls. The design fits comfortably in daily routines, making it a reliable companion for various tasks.
| Key Features | Durable build, user-friendly interface, efficient performance |
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Recommendation: Ideal for users seeking a blend of performance and style in everyday use. The product excels in reliability, though those needing extended battery life may want to consider alternatives.