Star Wars - Episode I, The Phantom Menace (Widescreen Edition)

Amazon.com

"I have a bad feeling about this," says the young Obi-Wan Kenobi (played by Ewan McGregor) in Star Wars: Episode I, The Phantom Menace as he steps off a spaceship and into the most anticipated cinematic event... well, ever. He might as well be speaking for the legions of fans of the original episodes in the Star Wars saga who can't help but secretly ask themselves: Sure, this is Star Wars, but is it my Star Wars? The original elevated moviegoers' expectations so high that it would have been impossible for any subsequent film to meet them. And as with all the Star Wars movies, The Phantom Menace features inexplicable plot twists, a fistful of loose threads, and some cheek-chewing dialogue. Han Solo's swagger is sorely missed, as is the pervading menace of heavy-breather Darth Vader. There is still way too much quasi-mystical mumbo jumbo, and some of what was fresh about Star Wars 22 years earlier feels formulaic. Yet there's much to admire. The special effects are stupendous; three worlds are populated with a mélange of creatures, flora, and horizons rendered in absolute detail. The action and battle scenes are breathtaking in their complexity. And one particular sequence of the film--the adrenaline-infused pod race through the Tatooine desert--makes the chariot race in Ben-Hur look like a Sunday stroll through the park.

Among the host of new characters, there are a few familiar walk-ons. We witness the first meeting between R2-D2 and C-3PO, Jabba the Hutt looks younger and slimmer (but not young and slim), and Yoda is as crabby as ever. Natalie Portman's stately Queen Amidala sports hairdos that make Princess Leia look dowdy and wields a mean laser. We never bond with Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson), and Obi-Wan's day is yet to come. Jar Jar Binks, a cross between a Muppet, a frog, and a hippie, provides many of the movie's lighter moments, while Sith Lord Darth Maul is a formidable force. Baby-faced Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) looks too young and innocent to command the powers of the Force or wield a lightsaber (much less transmute into the future Darth Vader), but his boyish exuberance wins over skeptics.

Near the end of the movie, Palpatine, the new leader of the Republic, may be speaking for fans eagerly awaiting Episode II when he pats young Anakin on the head and says, "We will watch your career with great interest." Indeed! --Tod Nelson

Description

Feature-Length Audio Commentary
The creators of Episode I give you insight into the film like no one else can. Hear from: writer/director George Lucas, Producer Rick McCallum, sound designer and film co-editor Ben Burtt, ILM animation director Rob Coleman and ILM visual effects supervisors John Knoll, Dennis Muren and Scott Squires.

"The Beginning"
Making Episode I Documentary Film
Culled from over 600 hours of behind-the-scenes footage, this all-new hour-long documentary film takes you inside Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic during the making of The Phantom Menace. Sit in on the film's production process including: pre-production, casting, principal photography, editing, rough-cut reviews, visual effects meetings and other events that few people have had access to before.

Exclusive Deleted Scenes and Documentary
All-new documentary featuring George Lucas, Rick McCallum and guests discussing the painstaking process every director must go through in determining what scenes make the final cut. View seven exclusive deleted sequences that were created specifically for this DVD and learn why they were eliminated from the final version of the film.

Multi-Angle Animatics
Discover the amazing techniques used to create two memorable sequences (Submarine and Podrace Lap 1) from storyboards to animatics to final composites.

Featurettes
Five mini-documentaries give you an insider's look at The Phantom Menace's Storyline, Design, Costumes, Visual Effects and Fight sequences through behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and filmmakers.

Web Documentaries
Originally released on starwars.com during the production of Episode I, this award-winning twelve-part web documentary series gives you a fly-on-the-wall perspective into the making of the film as it was happening.

Exclusive Production Photo Gallery
Scroll through a never-before-seen gallery of candid cast and crew shots, each with captions.

"Duel of the Fates" Music Video
One of the most popular music videos during its release in May 1999, the "Duel of the Fates" video intertwines live footage of John Williams conducting the London Symphony Orchestra with behind-the-scenes clips and dramatic footage featured in Episode I.

Posters and Print Campaign
Examine the Episode I theatrical posters (Teaser and Launch) and the International Outdoor advertising used to support the release of Episode I around the world.

Trailers and TV Spots
Watch the theatrical teaser and launch trailers, plus seven TV spots (including the five original "Tone Poems" along with "The Saga Begins" and "All Over Again").

"Star Wars: Starfighter-The Making of a Game" from LucasArts
This featurette offers insight into the making of the popular flight action combat game along with information on other Star Wars games from LucasArts.

Exclusive DVD-ROM Content
Your Episode I DVD is a key that unlocks exclusive Star Wars content only available through a special DVD-ROM website.

Customer Reviews:

A small review of the DVD image quality, not the movie.......2007-09-10

After putting off this purchase for years, I finally walked to the store and got my copy. I was disappointed.

The image was transfered from film, which makes no sense to me. It has the typical dust, scratches, overexposure and over-sharpening problems of a scan from film. I guess back in 2001 when everyone had small TVs no one noticed, but I have a 70" screen and, compared to the Episode III DVD, the image quality in this one sucks.

I know Episode I was the last Star Wars flick shot with film instead of digital cameras, but, come on, it was edited in computers! It makes no sense to further degrade the image by transferring it from digital to film and then back to digital... unless you are planning to re-release it as a "Digitally remastered" version for the 10th anniversary (Which I hope they do, along with the HD DVD and Blu-ray versions)

Use The English Subtitles - It Will Help Make The Movie Better.......2007-09-05

I believe George Lucas said he was inspired by the chariot race in the 1959 epic Ben-Hur, and thought of it often when he staged the big pod race scene in this movie.

So, when I watched the film again the other day, the third or fourth time I've seen it, I kept looking for comparisons. Well, suffice to say nothing will surpass that chariot race, which had no benefit of any special-effects while this was almost all computer-generated. Nevertheless, the pod race in here was a lot of fun to watch, had excellent surround sound, was exciting and the highlight of the film. Oddly, in this movie instead of a man you have a small boy as the good guy- driver, so to speak. Young Jake Lloyd who plays "Anakin Skywalker." He's the key character in this Star Wars saga, the boy who later becomes the father to Luke Skywalker and winds up being revealed as Darth Vader. But....this is long before that

This movie, the first Star Wars movie after a long hiatus (16-years) disappointed a lot of fans but I thought it was entertaining overall. My main complaint was trying to understand "Jar Jar Binks," but on the DVD I can use English subtitles and thus understand all the strange things he says with his Caribbean accent. It makes the movie more enjoyable and I strongly recommend doing that.

As usual, there is a ton of astounding visuals in here, all kinds of strange characters and excellent "effects." Yes, the action gets hokey in spots, especially near the end, but what modern-day action film doesn't?

People who are really "into" this Star Wars saga, and take it seriously, were, as mentioned generally let down with this movie. I guess they expected a lot more after waiting so long for the next installment. I just watch it for the enjoyment of an escapist film and as someone who usually enjoys good visuals. I repeat: put on the "English subtitles." That helped a lot, believe me.

the child, Anakin Skywalker.......2007-09-04

This is a decent movie. it could have been better on a lot of levels but it is definitely a good movie to check out. If you're looking for A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, or Return of the Jedi, this ain't it.

It's a different movie. Not as action packed as those but definitely worth a look. I actually prefer this to Attack of the Clones, mostly because of Hayden Christensen, Jar Jar Binks is an annoyance but you'll learn to live with it. If he didn't talk as much it'd be a very good movie.

Alas, I still recommend this movie. The DVD is great. A commentary from George and others and a few features on the second disc make it all the worthwhile. The deleted scenes are a must watch. Definitely for the fans. If you aren't a fan, you won't appreciate it as much.

It's not my favorite, but still very enjoyable........2007-08-29

It's not my favorite, but still very enjoyable.

I enjoyed 'Star Wars' (a.k.a. Star Wars IV: A new hope) when it came out and I was 7 yrs old and I still love all the Star Wars Movies today. My son has loved all the Star Wars movies as well

MST3K Fans Rejoice -- Rifftrax is Here!.......2007-08-09

Of all the many Binks in the world, who is the most skull-crushingly annoying? Is it the Binks Company, the Canadian insurance brokers? Is it the U.S. manufacturers of spray guns, paint booths, and electrostatic spray equipment? Or is Jar Jar, the mouthy horse-lizard from the 4th Star Wars movie, appropriately titled Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace? If you said anything but number three, you are imprisonably insane! That's right, Mike Nelson and Kevin Murphy take on the franchise-ruining Star Wars that everybody loves to hate but nobody loves to watch! Only we make you want to watch it again, and laugh instead of kill! Finally, Jar Jar gets what he deserves!

Average customer rating:

I enjoyed it
Why can't Spielberg make movies like this anymore?
Was it the robot in the study with the candlestick?
Robots Aplenty
A Fun Movie, A Better Book

I, Robot (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Will Smith , Bridget Moynahan , Alan Tudyk , James Cromwell , and Bruce Greenwood
Director: Alex Proyas
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005JN0T
Release Date: 2004-12-14

Amazon.com

As paranoid cop Del Spooner, Will Smith (Independence Day, Men in Black) displays both his trademark quips and some impressive pectoral muscles in I, Robot. Only Spooner suspects that the robots that provide the near future with menial labor are going to turn on mankind--he's just not sure how. When a leading roboticist dies suspiciously, Spooner pursues a trail that may prove his suspicions. Don't expect much of a connection to Isaac Asimov's classic science fiction stories; I, Robot, the action movie, isn't prepared for any ruminations on the significance of artificial intelligence. This likable, efficient movie won't break any new ground, but it does have an idea or two to accompany its jolts and thrills, which puts it ahead of most recent action flicks. Also featuring Bridget Moynahan (The Sum of All Fears), Bruce Greenwood (The Sweet Hereafter), and James Cromwell (Babe, LA Confidential). --Bret Fetzer

Description

In the year 2035, technology and robots are a trusted part of everyday life. But that trust is broken when a scientist is found dead and a skeptical detective (Smith) believes that a robot is responsible. Bridget Moynahan co-stars in this high-tech action thriller that questions whether technology will ultimately lead to mankind's salvation . . . or annihilation.

Customer Reviews:

I enjoyed it.......2007-09-07

I've read some reviews where people have commented that Wil Smith's was awkward, bad acting, goofy, Big Bird etc and obviously everyone is entitled to their opnion (hence this site ) but I totally diagree. I feel that his acting skills improved in this movie. Also, the story was said to have too many implausible themes but most movies do. If I wanted to watch a movie based on a true story I would and if I did then maybe I would comment on what was and was not implausible or not. I think the movie was thought provoking, action filled, good acting and a nice story line. Kept me entertained..

Why can't Spielberg make movies like this anymore?.......2007-08-16

I finally caught this film, almost by accident, since it had been broadcast on basic cable earlier, and taped it, which came in handy for this is a great movie, complex and challenging and mind-expanding from beginning to end, and in itself may be a "buy" in my near future, based only on what I saw at first, and further on and in, and again. If you see this and like it, or love it (as I did/do), this would be a worthy addition to any collection of great filmic sci-fi treatments of classic other medium, but it stands alone as just a great, intelligent, sci-film and one of the best I've ever seen.

Throughout and at the end, while marveling at this, the smartest and most innovative Hollywood sci-fi film since perhaps the first "Matrix," I kept wondering, why can't soul-less and money/fame corrupted Steven come up with a gem like this anymore? This puts Spielberg's recent tries (AI, Minority Report, War of the Worlds - Remake), to shame. I, Robot is compelling, start to finish, and despite some obvious action-adventure trappings along the way, almost everything about this feels and plays right on the mark.

It seems an injustice to do any sort of capsule storyline review, as it might contain spoilers. Suffice it to say that among all the FX, which are spectacular and so well blended into live action scenes as to be almost unnoticed at times while one is caught up in the story and characters and superb, mostly linear plot, the individual robot face and body renderings are first rate. As are extended times when multitudes of robots become "insurgents" against the madness and folly of mere human thinking, and other parts when the 2035AD robots personally go after Will Smith (how could they?!). Of course, true to the original material, it's not as simple as your average "Terminator" flick, and goes light years beyond what I think Steven could've come up with.

I tend towards trying to write more lengthly reviews on Amazon, but this film is so nearly perfect, to those who really get it, that words fail in a way. If you've never seen this, and are at all into really "deep" ideas in a 21st century Hollywood sci-fi film, along with great FX which only add and do not retract from the whole, you owe yourself a possible treat.

Once in awhile, the corporate Hollywood film structure, either intentionally or accidentally comes up with a clear winner. Especially in the sci-fi/fantasy genre. This is surely one. I was completely blown away by this, perhaps because I didn't expect too much given recent industry efforts and after seeing former master Spielberg fail again and again, despite the budgets and celebrities, but like the original Matrix and followups, this really broke new ground for me, and made me think and for a long time following my initial viewing.

This film will either stick to your metaphysical sci-fi ribs or not. All I really had/have to go on, is years of either silly or disappointing efforts from the studio system to give real due to a master of sci-fi, and while maintaining purely action-oriented entertainment sequences, this goes so much deeper, and is well worth repeated viewings, and enjoyment of all the great things this work has to offer.

I'd give it six stars if I could. A modern day sci-fi/fantasy masterpiece, based upon the works and ideas of one of the greatest and most imaginative minds of this, or any other era. Great, great film...

Was it the robot in the study with the candlestick?.......2007-08-15

Well, if you love a good "murder who done it mystery" then you'll like this film. If you are going to compare it to Asimov's original work, that would be a mistake. This is a very good film in its own right, but not something that is really related to Asimov's work on the subject.

This film has a very simple plot line for the most part. A key scientist sees that the 3 laws, which robots operate by, are not only perfect, but that they will cause all robots to revolt against humanity, simply because man is incapable of taking care of himself and is self destructive in nature.

VIKI the head computer, eventually determines this for mankind and controls all newly created NS-5 robots to revolt, except for one exceptional robot named Sonny, who has free will and is able to feel. Makes me think of Osamu Tezuka's 2004 Astro Boy remake. The comparison is similar.

Anyway, this scientist realizes that he won't be able to get the world to see what he sees coming, so he has himself killed, but by who? Here comes the "murder who done it" part of the whole movie. You have to try and figure out his death and why it was done. You do this through Will Smith's character, who doesn't really trust robots all that much. Reminds me of the inspector in Astro Boy.

There is allot of CGI work and action scenes adding to the usual Hollywood roller coaster ride of special effects in this film, especially an attack scene on Will Smith by two truck loads of NS-5 robots, while Will Smith is driving through a long tunnel, which will keep your eye balls rolling in your head trying to keep pace with the action.

Revelation wise, no real great revelations are given in this film; but if you were to grade it on its own merit, it makes for a good action film and mystery "who done it" with twists and turns. The CGI graphics are incredible and well done. The acting is pretty down to earth for the most part. Otherwise I gave this 4 stars for its own merit, but not to compare it to Asimov's original work.

Robots Aplenty.......2007-08-13

I, Robot is a sci-fi action movie that's supposedly loosely based on the short stories of Isaac Asimov. I wouldn't know how loosely since I've never read any of them but I didn't see anything wrong with the movie itself. It revolves heavily around Asimov's concept of the Three Laws of Robotics having unexpected consequences but also has plenty of action scenes of Will Smith fighting swarms of hostile robots so I'd think it's a good compromise between the stories of two generations ago and the needs of modern cinema.

It's the year 2035 and the city of Chicago is crawling with humanoid robots that do everything for everyone and are perfect at everything they do. I wonder how the American economy can still work. The robots are not sentient like in most other movies but are simply intelligent machines bound by programming to ensure that they are perfectly obedient and can never hurt people.

Will Smith plays Detective Spooner, the only person in the world who hates robots. He's investigating the death of Dr. Lanning, the "father of robotics". It seems to be a suicide but Spooner suspects a killer robot. Everybody thinks he's crazy but you can hardly blame him when robots seem to be malfunctioning all around him in spectacular and violent ways. Will Smith brings his own unique style of humor to the role but he does play it more seriously than most of his other movies. Bridget Moynahan plays Dr. Susan Calvin, a very serious psychologist who is annoyed by Spooner's irrational hatred towards robots. Surprise, surprise, there's also the stereotypical robot who can think for itself and even has emotions to complete the character trinity and give the audience someone to sympathise with.

I really liked the design of the NS-5 robots in this movie. Instead of being tin-men like C-3PO or androids like Data, they are something in between. Their slender bodies and translucent skin is very original and contrasts with their amazing strength and fighting skill. For human vs robot and robot vs robot action, this movie is right at the top.

A Fun Movie, A Better Book.......2007-08-08

I, Robot (DVD)

I, Robot is supposedly based upon the bookI, ROBOT by Isaac Asimov,(The Good Doctor). I've read the book and IMHO they have very little in common. They both have robots in them and that's about it.
I did enjoy the movie, however. I just wish the screenplay had been closer to the book. I doubt that the Good Doctor would have approved, but he's dead now so he doesn't get a vote.

I still recommend the movie ,but be sure to read the book.

Gunner August, 2007

Average customer rating:

I enjoyed it
Why can't Spielberg make movies like this anymore?
Was it the robot in the study with the candlestick?
Robots Aplenty
A Fun Movie, A Better Book

I, Robot (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Will Smith , Bridget Moynahan , Alan Tudyk , James Cromwell , and Bruce Greenwood
Director: Alex Proyas
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0006419J6
Release Date: 2004-12-14

Amazon.com

Description

Customer Reviews:

I enjoyed it.......2007-09-07

Why can't Spielberg make movies like this anymore?.......2007-08-16

Was it the robot in the study with the candlestick?.......2007-08-15

Robots Aplenty.......2007-08-13

A Fun Movie, A Better Book.......2007-08-08

I, Robot (Two-Disc All-Access Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

I enjoyed it
Why can't Spielberg make movies like this anymore?
Was it the robot in the study with the candlestick?
Robots Aplenty
A Fun Movie, A Better Book

I, Robot (Two-Disc All-Access Collector's Edition)
Starring: Will Smith , Bridget Moynahan , Alan Tudyk , James Cromwell , and Bruce Greenwood
Director: Alex Proyas
Manufacturer: Fox Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Crime | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Thrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

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( I ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B0007PALSE
Release Date: 2005-05-24

Amazon.com

Description

Customer Reviews:

I enjoyed it.......2007-09-07

Why can't Spielberg make movies like this anymore?.......2007-08-16

Was it the robot in the study with the candlestick?.......2007-08-15

Robots Aplenty.......2007-08-13

A Fun Movie, A Better Book.......2007-08-08

Mystery Science Theater 3000 - I Accuse My Parents

Average customer rating:

a classic from the MST3K vault
MST3K At It's Best!
Hye, I won the essay contest!
Truck Farming - The Best Short Ever!
I Accuse The Pricetag

Mystery Science Theater 3000 - I Accuse My Parents
Starring: Richard Bartell , Brooks Benedict , Jack Chefe , Edward Earle , and Mary Beth Hughes
Director: Sam Newfield
Manufacturer: Rhino Theatrical
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B0000633TA
Release Date: 2002-03-26

Amazon.com

"Joel, don't you have anything better to do than psychoanalyze a bunch of robots?" Apparently not in this hilarious installment of MST3K, in which Joel Hodgson and the robots of the Satellite of Love deconstruct this starched and stiff juvenile delinquent drama with everything from art projects to a giant mobile representing the hero's roiling subconscious. Square high school kid Jimmy is on trial for murder in this cautionary drama told in flashback, in which we learn all about this nice boy driven to lies, crime, and the arms of a nightclub floozy by a negligent father, an alcoholic mother, and his own utter stupidity. The film's cheesy nightclub number inspires Joel and the bots to put on their own version: Gypsy lip-synchs the lyrics while the other three pop in and out of costume to play the entire audience. "Seriously, Joel, who would you accuse?" --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

a classic from the MST3K vault.......2007-07-23

I've watched this episode over and over since it came out on DVD and for some reason the wise crackings never seem to get old. Just one of many classics for all of us MST3K fans.

MST3K At It's Best!.......2006-11-03

In my humble opinion this is the best episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000 in that show's long history. The original cast and writers are at the peak of their powers with this one, taking an otherwise gray documentary on "Truck Farming" and an equally gray, otherwise forgettable 1940s feature (I Accuse My Parents) and turning it into comedy gold. If fans (MSTies)want to introduce news fans to this hilarious show, this is the episode to show them. From the mad scientists "Cake and Shake" invention ("A real exotic dancer inside!") to the snappy riffs of the short ("In Texas there's a further problem..." "Texans!")to the hilarious host segments (particularly the biting analysis of the mind of the film's protagonist. "You know, Joel, it could be that Jimmy's just really stupid") to the rapid-fire riffing of the main film ("I won the "Get the crap kicked out of you" contest!"), this episode is non-stop laughs that even non-fans of the show should enjoy. MST3K was one of the funniest shows in televison history, and this was its epitome.

Hye, I won the essay contest!.......2006-09-26

I like to think of I Accuse My Parents as the perfect gateway MST3K episode. Not only is the movie laughably moronic in several different ways--without being as mind numbingly boring as Manos, the Hands of Fate--it's proceeded by an awesome short about truck farming and the host segments are all pretty funny as well. My sister and I got my mother to drink the cool-aid with this one, and it was made better because she was pretty sure she'd actually seen the truck farming short in school. I also indoctrinated my girlfriend with it and now it's become one of her favorites.

Yes, this is a Joel episode, but it's Joel at his best. If you don't come out of watching this with at least three or four new catch phrases added to your vocabulary, there is no hope for you at all. You should probably blame your parents for that.

Truck Farming - The Best Short Ever!.......2006-07-07

Of the single-disc releases, this is my favorite by far, and here's why. Sure, the MST3K stuff (bots, invention exchange, etc) is fine as usual, and the movie itself is not so bad (less gag-inducing than average, actually), and the commentary is witty and sharp as always. The real can't miss feature of this disc is the short film, Truck Farming, a documentary look at the gritty life of early industrial farming. The narration is beautifully upbeat, a curious contrast to the apparently depression-era (or close-following) images of workers, machinery, deforestation, and of course the vegetables, all the glorious fresh vegetables. Don't miss it!

I Accuse The Pricetag.......2006-06-19

For an individual episode (with no extras), this DVD is overpriced at $18+. It's certainly a good episode and it's worth getting if you can find it used or discount. I got mine for just under $10 during an Amazon.com sale, which seems about right.

Otherwise I'd recommend one of the collected sets (four DVDs), which are better value for money, especially if you get them used. Of course, this episode isn't in any collected sets (yet), so if you liked this episode in particular, you've no choice.

THX 1138 (The George Lucas Director's Cut)

Average customer rating:

Lucas' Premier Movie (Meaning his First)
Great Movie Buy
George Lucas is a Fool
How it just seems so relevant today
Different, but not terribly thought provoking, OK "classic"

THX 1138 (The George Lucas Director's Cut)
Starring: Robert Duvall , Donald Pleasence , Don Pedro Colley , Maggie McOmie , and Ian Wolfe
Director: George Lucas
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0002CHIJC
Release Date: 2004-09-14

Amazon.com

George Lucas's enigmatic feature film debut expands on a student film he made at USC. Created under the wing of producer Francis Ford Coppola, this movie is a bleak vision of a world in which technology, not man, is the ultimate dictator. Efficiency overrides every other aspect of human life, as people are reduced to code names and their lives are contained, monitored, and manipulated for the sake of the system. Featuring unsettling performances by Robert Duvall, Donald Pleasance, and Maggie McOmie, THX 1138 does not attempt to explain how things became this way; rather, it utilizes the alienation of its characters, the stifling white-on-white imagery of its sterilized society, and the claustrophobic, droning sound design to emphasize the dangers of a world reliant on soulless technology. Even though this is not a film one will want to take in repeatedly, THX 1138 merits attention because it is that rare film that uses images and sounds--rather than relying heavily on dialogue--to communicate its dark prophecy. --Bryan Reesman

Description

* Digitally remastered with THX certified sound
* Commentary by George Lucas and co-writer/sound effects editor Walter Murch

Customer Reviews:

Lucas' Premier Movie (Meaning his First).......2007-05-13

This is a really fantastic movie!! And I mean that literally as well as figuratively. The society it portrays is of a different world-- but which is an extension of ours. Any movie which pits the protagonist against society for falling in love with his roommate (because she substitued his daily drug dosage with placebos) is worth a look to begin with, but this one is particularly fascinating -- one of the major characters is a hologram.

I'll bet this film helped Lucas on his way to his wonderful career in movies.

Definately well worth seeing, but you have to buy it (I did on line for peanuts) in order to see it because it is totally overlooked in the film biz.

Nowadays when you go to a movie theater it often begins with a sound system credit for THX. hmmmmmm

Great Movie Buy.......2007-01-04

The movie is in great condition and couldn't believe I would find it but I did and at a great value. This is one of George Lucas, as a young director and I am happy that I have it.

George Lucas is a Fool.......2006-10-02

Yes, he is you know... George Lucas is a fool. I used to really like this film, regardless of what some boneheads might think. Yeah, sure it's dull, it's dull and confusing and excruciating to watch almost, just like life. In fact, that what it does, THX 1138 shows us one vision of how more and more of life is being drained of its meaninging and people are reduced to automatons. Of course, as relevant as this seems today in many ways (this film is what the world of Office Space becomes in the future - you like Office Space, right? well get those two rusty gears in your poor excuse for a brain working once in a while and maybe you can figure something out for yourself one day) this vision of the future was more relevant back when THX was made. If not more relevant, then a bit more immediate. Today, people actually WANT to be automatons - either that or soulless extreme thrill seeking animals. Anyway, the reason I say George Lucas is a fool is that he really thinks he knows what's best for his films and mistakenly believes that shoving all the fancy effects he dreamed of when he made his films into them years and years after the fact, simply because the technology is there and he has the money to do it, will somehow make them better, "truer to his original vision", like he was making movies only for himself? Hey, you filmmakers out there, listen up! Your "original vision" means nothing. If you can't get it into your films then that's it, you had your chance, because once a film is released to the public it becomes THEIRS. Would you like it if Van Gogh came back as a zombie and started repainting all of his works because what he was going for originally was pictures of big eyed waifs but he just could not get them right so he settled on chairs and flowers and stuff? This new version of THX, the one on DVD SUCKS in comparrison to the original. You'd be much better off buying a used VHS, cropped though it may be. The cropping is MUCH LESS DAMAGING THAN LUCAS' ADD-INS! I wish George was reading this right now, so I could ask him how he'd feel if the director or producer of the original King Kong was still alive and actively involved in film and decided to remove all the Willis O'Brien stop-motion animation and replace it with CGI because that kind of stuff is what they were dreaming of when they originally made the film, and to top it off decided that since he still owned rights to it that we was going to replace all older versions still bearing the old effects with the new one, forcing everyone from here on out to watch only his new, reworked version? That'd be GREAT, right? I mean, didn't you see how hokey that monkey was, jerking around like a Rankin & Bass Xmas special puppet?! And who could POSSIBLY believe that Empire State building scene? In fact, maybe we could CGI in Britney Spears in place of Fay Wray! Basically, what George did here was cram in a few superfluous scenes, jam in some effects, like more going on above and behind the workers on the assembly line, and replace elements like the midgets in the mutant zone with really CHEESY space monkeys. I mean, we're talkin' SPACE MONKEYS, FOLKS, SPACE MONEYS!!! Aren't space monkeys just ever so much better than mere midgets? Hey George, if I was you I'd get to work on figuring out some way I could CGI out that ridiculously swollen fat neck of yours, dude, whenever you are interviewed. I mean, does everything you eat go to your neck or what? Is it a thyroid condition? What gives??!! Anyway, THX 1138 is in many ways a great movie, and even in the current screwed up version it's still pretty good. But after just ONE viewing I was DONE with it and gave it away.

How it just seems so relevant today.......2006-08-30

However, it should I guess as this is a science fiction movie. This takes place in the future as a society where everything goes except for love. I tried to watch this twenty-three years ago when I was almost 16, and didn't understand it then, and only got through 15 minutes of it, but it wouldn't go away. I feel that it's a bit heavy handed, but shows what George Lucas would do six years later with"Star Wars" even with the sound effects of the sticks that the police would use to subdue the violators they sound so much like the light sabers. Robert Duval stars as the main character THX who falls in love with his roommate which is strictly forbidden in this society, and he wants out of it bad. Understandable I know with me if I was in that situation I'd want out too. I know that showing any signs of that in the workplace is rather a dangerous thing these days where you can't give hugs too often, or to the so-called wrong people for fear that you will be sent to employee relations, and according to them it's rehabiliation, but to the person accussed it's bullying. Mind you some do try to make improper moves, but others are just doing it out of kindness, concern, compassion whatever you want to call it, and then they're reported, so that's when it's bullying in my book. THX is the hero of this movie as well as the namesake for the sound quality program that's infamous today. He escapes into the new world, but we never find out what was going on out there, and that's perfect because it's in his hands now to do with as he pleases. Hollywood has a knack of trying to put in happily ever afters too much where something's done to show life after the hardship, but here they do the right thing by leaving it to our imagination. There were a few slow moments in this otherwise good outing for Lucas's first movie.

Different, but not terribly thought provoking, OK "classic".......2006-07-29

I had never seen this movie completely before, so the DVD gave me the chance to. I must say the DVD remaster and Sound quality were excellent. Now, the movie is based again on a world controlled and druged to keep emotions at bay, a genre that was very popular at that time, All with that 1984 feel, as well as fahrenheit 451. Also can't forget Zardoz around the same time. This movie also marked George Lucas's major film debut, executive producer francis ford copolla. THX 1138, played by Robert Duvall, is a drone in a society based on commerce and credits, not time. Everything is about efficency and cost controll. Life essentially is a drugged up non existence. Unfortunately, a few people tend to rebel, as human nature tends to do, and they stop taking their medication. This was forced on THX 1138 by his mate. The movie then revolves around THX 1138 and his withdrawel from the meds, and eventual arrest for Drug violation. He gets sent to Conditioning. In the meantime, he finds out his mate is pregnant, and act which was forbidden but performed when both had stopped meds. Eventually, the movie comes down to THX 1138 leaving, trying to search for his mate, but ultimately just escaping, not able to truely figure out what happend to her, fetus in a bottle? is it the baby and they killed her, or did they shrink her? I guess you have to be a big Lucus fan if you love this movie, but I just didn't seem pulled in to the plot. Ok movie just to see a "classic", but just not as thought provoking or action packed as others of the period. I give Lucas credit, its not a bad start.

Average customer rating:

I enjoyed it
Why can't Spielberg make movies like this anymore?
Was it the robot in the study with the candlestick?
Robots Aplenty
A Fun Movie, A Better Book

I, Robot (UMD Mini For PSP)
Starring: James Cromwell , Bruce Greenwood , Aaron Joseph , Craig March , and Adrian Ricard
Director: Alex Proyas
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: UMD for PSP

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In the year 2035, technology and robots are a trusted part of everyday life. But that trust is broken when a scientist is found dead and a skeptical detective (Smith) believes that a robot is responsible. Bridget Moynahan co-stars in this high-tech action thriller that questions whether technology will ultimately lead to mankind's salvation . . . or annihilation. System Requirements: Starr

ASIN: B0009K7RSO
Release Date: 2005-07-05

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Customer Reviews:

I enjoyed it.......2007-09-07

Why can't Spielberg make movies like this anymore?.......2007-08-16

Was it the robot in the study with the candlestick?.......2007-08-15

Robots Aplenty.......2007-08-13

A Fun Movie, A Better Book.......2007-08-08

Mystery Science Theater 3000 - Beginning of the End

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Incredibly dissapointed!
I GREW UP ON THESE MOVIES! MST 3K TAKES ON AN OLD FAVORITE!
I never liked grasshoppers, but I love this movie
Bugs and more bugs, I hate them.
BIG BUG ATTACK!!!!!!

Mystery Science Theater 3000 - Beginning of the End
Starring: Peter Graves , Peggie Castle , Morris Ankrum , Than Wyenn , and Thomas Browne Henry
Director: Bert I. Gordon
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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