Half a century ago, one of the greatest science-fiction films of all time made its cinematic debut. It might hail from a genre filled with plenty of excellent flicks — both then and now — but 2001: A Space Odyssey still remains one of sci-fi's best and most iconic efforts. And, one of the best and most iconic movies ever made, too.
With Stanley Kubrick at the helm, adapting Arthur C. Clarke's short story The Sentinel with the author himself, it's easy to see why. Really, this isn't your usual jaunt into space. It was a mindblowing, groundbreaking feat at the time — and come May 24, Sydney audiences will get the chance to watch the film in all of its original glory.
While 2001: A Space Odyssey has remained a favourite pick for retrospective screenings around the city for years, the latest release will feature an 'unrestored' 70mm print of the movie — that is, it'll look just like it did 50 years ago. The version about to do the rounds was created using a true photochemical film recreation from the original camera negative without any digital tricks, remastered effects or new edits. After premiering at this year's Cannes Film Festival, it'll screen at the Hayden Orpheum for a limited two-week run, so you'd best open the pod bay doors, HAL, and hurry along.
Update Wednesday, July 18: Due to the popularity of the initial screenings of 2001: A Space Odyssey, the Hayden Orpheum has announced it will be showing the sci-fi classic in its original 70mm form again this July. The film will be screened just twice more on Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29 at 3pm.