For all its inconclusive musings on the nature of humankind, the progress of evolution and man's ultimate destiny, Stanley Kubrick's 1968 sci-fi stormer is at its best in the machinations of the disturbed supercomputer HAL. The quiet menace of his sombre chats with the astronauts hunting for the mysterious black monoliths gives 2001 a solid dramatic core that lets it withstand all the metaphysical questioning Kubrick bolts on.
DVD Extras:
Original theatrical trailer, restored and remastered soundtrack CD, 16-page booklet, Collectable Senitype Image from the movie, 70mm limited-edition film frame. A mediocre package with an expensive price tag, the most impressive element here is the hefty box it all comes in. With no actual DVD extras except a trailer and an unimpressive booklet, this is the sort of glossy gift set you normally get for Christmas. And then exchange for something better in the New Year.
