SILENT RUNNING 4K UHD BLU-RAY REVIEW + SUPER 8 COPY

Review of Arrow Films recent 4K UHD disc release of Douglas Trumbull's 1971/72 science fiction classic 'Silent Running' starring Bruce Dern.
I meant to mention this alternative, positive review of Silent Running done by a fellow KZbinr that will show you even more from the disc than I did: take a look at it by MyFireVideos here • Silent Running - 4K Mo...
'Silent Running' has an image aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and mono sound, but good bass to accompany it. It's a film I know rather well having had the Super 8 home movie release since 1984 so that acts as a good comparison to discern how well the image of the 4K matches that of the film.

[@StolenEyesX]

As a child I didn’t quite understand Silent Running. I knew I found the drones enchanting, and it wasn’t until many years later I discovered how they were achieved. The 4K presentation from Arrow is exceptional. And the archive documentary makes me appreciate it even more now as an adult. Wonderful film.

[@moviecollector5920]

I had to grow up a little to fully appreciate it too so you're not alone there. John.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@shanechandler3261 If you watch the extras it's mentioned and shown many times in how the film was made Shane so I don't think you could have seen that. It will tell you all you need to know about how the film was made including the four people inside the robot suits/mouldings. A most fascinating look at a film that was shot so long ago.

[@TheFlixFiles]

A simply terrific review of a movie that's always been so close to my heart. The final shot always puts a lump in my throat.

[@moviecollector5920]

That's exactly what caught my attention when I first saw it too Roger. A set of scenes leading up to that hearbreaking shot of the drone all alone watering the plants put it in my memory and it never left... and why I purchased the Super 8 cut down on the only occasion I ever saw it. A wonderful film that simply cannot be forgotten. John.

[@andysmith1996]

@@moviecollector5920 I remember seeing a Super 8 of "The Exorcist" in a camera shop here in New Zealand in about 1981. I really wanted it but it was far more than my pocket money could stretch to. Many years later, I picked up a copy of "10,000 Years BC" from a charity shop.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@andysmith1996 There was a 400ft reel of The Exorcist first and then a 3x400ft mini feature that came out a little while later. The 400ft is actually more satisfying as many of the best sections in that are missing from the longer edit. Fortunately, it's quite easy to get both and cut them together. I have two copies of each and I need to check how they still look now. John.

[@andysmith1996]

@@moviecollector5920 I'm pretty sure it was the 400ft reel. I can still picture that shop so clearly, even though it's 40 years ago now.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@andysmith1996 I have shown the Super 8 boxes of The Exorcist in one of my early videos Andy but I can't recall which. The Warner Bros./Columbia release comes in an over thick white box with blue lettering and embellishments around the original poster artwork. The back cover has three publicity photos or stills from the film. The German UFA 3x400ft comes in UFA's generic style of film strip mock-ups with frames from scenes of the film inserted. The sound is German but Super 8 sound projectors just about all came with recording facilities and the good ones could record on both tracks at steady speeds meaning it is possible to re-record them into english... which is what I've done. John.

[@billg3356]

Loved this review, John! Silent Running has been a favorite of mine ever since I was a little kid and (also) watched it on my 13" B&W bedroom TV. I remember feeling so profoundly sad after seeing it, even though I wouldn't know what the word profound meant for a few more years. It's such a haunting and human movie. An amazing achievement from Douglas Trumbull and one of Bruce Dern's best performances.

[@moviecollector5920]

We're on the same hymn sheet then Bill and I don't think it's the first time. I've just had an email from a fellow film collector in New York and his Super 8 400ft reel is fading now too so the circumstantial evidence is that anyone with one of these rare first ever home movie releases of Silent Running is going to see it fading away over the coming years. It's sad but nothing lasts forever... except maybe Duey still caring for all the vegetation in that forest dome floating around in space somewhere near the planet Saturn. John.

[@andysmith1996]

@@moviecollector5920 Dewey, not Duey!

[@moviecollector5920]

@@andysmith1996 I stand korrekted. John.

[@jasc4364]

In my view, the best channel about movies and their various releases on BR/UHD. A reference like imdb, no less. Congratulations.

[@moviecollector5920]

Very kind of you to say so. Thank you. John.

[@williamarthurfenton1496]

I do rather like the way 70s film looks. The only exception is perhaps some blues, like the sky at times-- somehow it looks a bit off. What did you think of The Omega Man? Do you think anything could be gained from having the early Hammer Horrors on UHD with that extra HDR and WCG information? The first Dracula and Frankenstein films were very nicely lit and a huge amount of thought was put into colours. Not sure what film and cameras they used though, considering they were pretty low budget.

[@moviecollector5920]

You must have been reading the latest issue of Cinema Retro magazine William because all the films you've mentioned are all over it. I haven't seen The Omega Man in over 40 years and Cinema Retro has rekindled my interest in seeing it again. The extended feature on the Hammer films of Terence Fisher have me interested in seeing those again too. HDR can work wonders with making a cine to video transfer look just like a film again and so yes, I think they would all benefit from a 4K UHD release just like every film ever made. The blood in the Hammer films could look spectacular. John.

[@williamarthurfenton1496]

@@moviecollector5920 I've got the blu-ray of Omega Man. It's a pretty passable copy, my guess being struck from an older master. I often like those old films that don't get all that much attention, presumably poorly reviewed at the time. There's a scene in Dracula where Peter Cushing is talking into his early voice recorder. Rich mint coloured walls and Cushing in a burgandy velvet jacket-- I can imagine that scene looking nice in HDR. My favourite release last year was finally a proper new print and blu-ray release of BC Ghost Stories for Christmas. It's shot on 16mm but that has it's own nice look I think. A Warning to The Curious is one of my favourite things to watch of all time, actually. NIce to have a break as well from big spectacular cinema.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@williamarthurfenton1496 Most cine to video transfers were done from prints until 4K came along. It's saved a lot of original negatives before it was too late and i hope it will save many more. The work that goes into each 4K is tremendous and rather taken for granted a lot of the time. I haven't seen Dracula for years, nor The Curse of Frankenstein but I loved them both when I was young and first getting into horror films. I haven't seen BC Ghost Stories For Christmas or A Warning to the Curious and hadn't actually heard of either of them. I must keep an eye out for them both to see if they're up my street, which I expect they are as I like most films. John.

[@darkvader7231]

Superb review of a fantastic film John. I remember watching it in 1977 christmas time on BBC1 and it came on every year until it stopped in the late 70's or early 80's. I must get this from HMV as I have wanted to see it again for some years now!!

[@moviecollector5920]

That was quite likely the very same broadcast when I first saw it too. I wish I could remember. But I do remember how much of an impact it made despite it being just on the box. John.

[@darkvader7231]

@@moviecollector5920 True, it reduced me to tears and I loved those little droids..

[@andysmith1996]

I watched that broadcast too! I was just a kid but I had known about the film and really wanted to see it, and my family came out to England for a year in 1977 and I remember seeing in on TV. I also remember seeing this trashy American TV film about the Bermuda Triangle starring Doug McClure as a coast guard medic at the same time.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@andysmith1996 I saw The Brumuda Triangle too Andy but I think I saw that one at our local cinema at the time. A disappointment as I recall but that's all I can remember about it which tells me a lot given how I seem to remember just about all movies I see at the cinema. John.

[@darkvader7231]

@@andysmith1996 I remember that film about bermuda triangle..

[@TheShornak]

Hello John, still one of my favorite movies. It's not perfect but I just loved it. I noticed the colors here were much more apparent here. Yes the effects aren't perfect but for a low budget I think they are great. The model of the Valley Forge was 26 feet long (7.9 meters). I always loved physical models over CG. I guess I am just old fashion. The robots were done so well and nice that they were different and even though there are people inside its hard to see that. As with all times I've watched this tear up at the end. My experience of this in 4k was that I absolutely loved it.

[@moviecollector5920]

You might be surprised to know that a couple of comments about Silent Running have told us that not everyone loves the film like we do Stephen. But it would be a boring world if we all thought exactly the same about everything. I too think the models and the effects are excellent and the odd shot where things didn't go entirely to plan or end up looking as good as expected just have to be accepted. The time it takes to do a model shot and combine all the elements together means there isn't the time or money to keep going back to try again and again. Computers are different but there are still compromises with computer generated effects occasionally even if that side of the business is getting better all the time. John.

[@ghostviggen]

Also loved this movie as a kid. There is something with older sci-fi movies that is lost in today's greenscreen/CGI movies. Limitations is what drives creativity.

[@moviecollector5920]

Well put Ghost. And a lack of money always seems to drive creativity - even today. John.

[@MyFireVideos]

Hey John! Great review! I'd love to watch that film reel you have of this movie. Also thanks for watching my review of it too, I love all your super informative comments. I'm also excited for Oppenheimer in IMAX. Have a wonderful day.

[@moviecollector5920]

I hope you're going to get to see Oppenheimer in a real IMAX cinema though. So many people are getting fooled into thinking a venue is IMAX when it's 4K video projection and even that they're seeing an IMAX film when it was shot 2K or 4K video. Oppenheimer is going to be the real deal just like Tenet before it. John.

[@moviecollector5920]

I did intend to mention your review in the video but I'm hopeless! It is now in the description. I'll do something for one of your review soon. I have a few to catch up on actually as I'm busy organizing the next British Film Collectors Convention at the moment. John.

[@MyFireVideos]

@@moviecollector5920 Wow! Thank you so much! I love how respectful all your normal audience are in their comments, I'd love to have them come visit my channel! (The link in the description goes to a short video I have about the artwork, can you change it to the link to my longer review? Sorry to be a bother)

[@moviecollector5920]

@@MyFireVideos Gawd, you just can't get the staff these days. I hope this is the right one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGGpoIOejciDftk I had trouble finding it for some reason and I'm not the one who has had my eyeballs cut open!

[@MyFireVideos]

@@moviecollector5920 That's the one! Thank you so much! I'm such a fan of your channel. It makes me feel like I'm a projectionist again. My eyes are still bruised, bloodshot, and a little cloudy, but I think they are getting better day by day. Thank you again. I'm always excited to see a notification you've made a new video.

[@doublebillmovies]

I think I need to actually watch this all the way through. I do have a copy on DVD but need to dig it out. Nice review as always John. I'm glad it's back in your life in big way. It's a lovely edition. Trevor

[@moviecollector5920]

Morning Trevor. I look at this film and all the way through it seems to be a case of setting up the wonderful ending. This time around I saw it even more like that, probably because I haven't watched the whole film in over 15 years or so and have just dipped into that beautiful Super 8 400ft reel in the meantime. Keep an ear out for when the commander of the flagship (the Berkshire) suggests to Lowell that he might consider taking his own life. I'd never fully appreciated that before. John.

[@JesusMartinez-mk6fc]

Wonderful review for a wonderful movie John. I first saw SR as a late teen on our colour CRT TV. I've watched it a couple more times through the years again on CRT TVs. I was contemplating buying it on Blu-ray a few years back but never got around to it. Now I'm thinking of getting it on 4K; being on Arrow though it's kind of pricey in Canada.

[@moviecollector5920]

It was £22 over here Jesus but that's quite standard for an Arrow Films release. Because I hadn't seen any of the extras and found them all worthwhile and really very interesting (most likely because I have always loved the film) it did mean that the purchase proved to be good value overall. The first pressing comes with the little booklet too so that might be something to keep in mind. John.

[@mirvmn2]

Great review John :) I really like old sci-fi movies and Silent Running has been on my watchlist for a while now. I vaguely remember seeing it on tv in the 80s.

[@moviecollector5920]

I think most of us saw it for the first time through a television broadcast. In fact, I think there's only been one comment so far to say he saw it at the cinema early in 1972. It's another film that didn't do well on theatrical release that gained its audience and fan base through the telly. John.

[@davidhardy7356]

Another great review John . Silent Running is one of my favourite sci - fi movies . For some odd reason i never knew there was a U8 400 footer available away back in the day . If i had known that then i would most certainly have purchased a print . If my memory is correct were the robots not named Huey , Dewey and Louie after Donald Duck's nephews ?

[@moviecollector5920]

The robots were named after Donald Duck's nephews David. I never saw the Super 8 cut down out in the wild but did see it in advertisements occasionally. The first time I saw it in a shop was when I bought it and it was a fabulous print at the time. I'm going to try to rig up a light blue filter to see if I can get some more life out of it for a few years to come now that I can see it's definitely fading but I might also give it a try on the BFCC GS1200 as the HTI lamp in that has a slight blue bias colour temperature. Everything tends to look better on that machine owing to the extreme light output (that can burn a frame out if it stops in the gate momentarily before the shutter comes down!). John.

[@richardwoodley3477]

I was able to see Tenet here in Canada and I think there was only 3 other people in the Theater watching that day. What an interesting and thought provoking movie. It looks absolutely phenomenal on the big screen. I really enjoyed your review on Silent Running and I am going to watch your Rollerball and The Driver reviews as well.

[@moviecollector5920]

I can't wait to see how TENET really looks in its original IMAX 15/70 as intended to be seen. I've seen quite a few genuine IMAX films over the years but TENET looked so special on the 4K disc and was so ambitious a film that it really does need to be seen on a huge screen from a huge film format. So fly over and I'll see you there Richard! John.

[@stevenandnicola123]

Great review as always John. I watched the disc over Christmas and enjoyed it, got to agreed with everything you said about the presentation of the film. Bruce Dern murders the lads he's working with but it doesn't get mentioned much. I thought I'd seen it before but I couldn't remember much about it. Watching a black and white telly in my bedroom those were the day.

[@moviecollector5920]

Next time you watch this one Steve, try to keep an eye out for all the clues and references for the remorse that Bruce Dern's character has for killing his friends. They're only brief but we see flashbacks from his point of view and also a conversation with the commander of the Berkshire who tells him that they can't rescue him before he gets to Saturn's outer ring where he'll surely meet his demise. The impied advice is for him to consider ending his life but Dern replies that he doesn't think there is any way he could ever do that. But that is exactly what he is forced into at the conclusion of the film and rightly so. He had to die because of what he did early on. It's a wonderful film that's even better than we tend to realize until we perhaps sit down to watch it with a view to putting up a video review on KZbin! John.

[@loekegaard9]

What you start saying at the 8:49 point is a brilliant and heartwarming (and funny!) way of ending a beautiful video disc review. Erik

[@moviecollector5920]

And the best news of all Erik is that Tenet is being scheduled for screenings in early February. Guess who's heading to the IMAX?!? Hey, you should fly over. John.

[@loekegaard9]

@@moviecollector5920 A fantastic proposition, John. I'll look into that.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@loekegaard9 It would be brilliant to get together. As soon as we know when it's on we'll look into the Drury Lane Travelodge to see if we can afford it for a couple of nights.

[@SolitaryWolf]

I have always loved this film and soundtrack. I was so happy to see it reach 4k. No complaints here.

[@moviecollector5920]

I'm surprised by how popular the film is Seth. I thought it might only be me who loved it. John.

[@iansmith6166]

Lovely video John, and I agree wholeheartedly with you, Silent Running is a film that refuses to lose its charm. I suppose one loses impartiality with regards these old favourites that we grew up with. I know the film has issues and more than a few plot holes, but I don't care at all. And to think it's arrived on 4K UHD! Pinch me! As far as the music is concerned, for years I regretted not buying the soundtrack album on vinyl back when it was available, but managed to get hold of the cd edition that came out a few years back. It's surprisingly good. More reviews of 1970s films please!

[@moviecollector5920]

Just to have the big LP sleeve would make purchasing the record soundtrack worthwhile Ian even if the soundtrack wasn't as good as it is. I think the songs enhance the film and when you look at it closely, without those two musical interludes (or is it just the one?) it wouldn't work so well because the song is overlaid to the images of Lowell's lonely life on the ship. Time is passing and we can feel it even if it's not rammed down our throats. I might have to look out for the CD now you've mentioned it. John.

[@bobswanson8464]

In 1972 my dad dropped me off at the theater to see "Silent Running". Was AMAZED at what I saw on the screen...had not seen 2001 yet. Acting was fantastic (Bruce Dern!!!) and of course the REAL Stars "Huey, Duey and Luey" (When I watched Star Wars, I KNEW where they got the idea for R2D2). The Ending still affects me to this day, very sad...won't say more.

[@moviecollector5920]

That ending has the same effect on many of us Bob. You only have to look at some of the comments and quite a number of them so far have mentioned the tear jerking ending. Well done to you (and your old dad!) for getting to see this classic in a cinema. What a treat for a young, imaginative mind in 1972. John.

[@WrightOffsGaming]

Many thanks for this review, now I'm knocking on for my 50th these films from my childhood bring it all back for me. I remember taping them onto betamax and rewatching them constantly. I find it funny that for example the Star wars TV showing has memories of the adverts as strong as for the actual film, double shirts with that Roger Moore lookalike and the bond theme tinkered to fit a double 2 jingle are burnt into my memory. I'm not sure if you've covered it or if a 4k version exists but I would love to hear your thoughts on one of my favourite 70's film "The Andromeda Strain" I also have mention Killdozer, not a classic but another of those Saturday afternoon 70's films that memory refuses to forget.

[@moviecollector5920]

While I can't recall 'Killdozer' (sounds like a 70's classic though!) I do have the Arrow Films Blu-ray of The Andromeda Strain. Brilliant. And now that you've got me thinking about it, it's due another watch so that's one to go on the list of great films to watch. You weren't alone in recording your favourite films onto video tape because I did just that with Silent Running but I was never happy with the recording for some reason. I suppose I had the clarity of that Super 8 400ft reel and video was a bit of a joke by comparison. But other films I didn't have on Super 8 in any form always seemed perfectly adequate when recorded off the telly. It's funny how we can perceive things at times. John.

[@mikewilding3199]

Hi John So pleased I caught your review of this. Otherwise I would have not known it was available in the 4k format. I remember it from my youth. Looking forward to renewing my acquaintance with it after too long a break. Have you heard about HMV they made a profit for the first time in ages and are opening some new shops in 2023 mostly on back of vinyl sales. Sadly video continues its downward spiral.

[@moviecollector5920]

HMV did tell me about a year ago that more and more stores would be coming Mike so it's good to know it's not only continuing to happen but that they're making money again. Vinyl has saved the world! And it means that we still have stores around the UK that are able to sell home video on the back of it as a result. I had heard or read that the 4K market was continuing to grow so if that continues and the prices asked for the discs don't keep on going down (like these things always do) then maybe that will ensure that the home video market survives for some years to come. Maybe someone will bring back Super 8 package movies too! I hope you enjoy seeing Silent Running in such good quality as much as I did. Quite a treat for me after loving the film for so long. John.

[@dmitripopov8570]

It is so strange that I never heard of this film before. Thank you for a new recommendation! When you see Tenet, you will see a lot of places, where I was walking, waiting for a date or for a light-rail, or driving on a bus for so many years. It was a bit odd to see those places on a big IMAX screen, but quite pleasant. I wish you to enjoy it and the "Oppenheimer" movie! Dmitri

[@moviecollector5920]

Silent Running turned into a cult film after people started seeing it on the telly Dmitri. That's how most of us on here first saw it and why, all these years later, it's a cult film that seems to have an increasingly big following. It's also a damned good film so that doesn't hurt either. John.

[@dmitripopov8570]

@@moviecollector5920 Why, oh why did I never hear about this film? Well, we don't have it on any of our streaming services, so I will have to rent it. I will let you know what I think of it, once I see it. Thank you for the recommendation! Dmitri

[@edwardtoyebo9690]

Great to know enthusiast for 70MM RoadShowing's. Century 20 and 21 Dome Theaters in Sacramento CA had those huge wrap-around screens suited for the likes of David Leans Bridge on The River Kwai. I did not see that one, but I saw The Poseidon Adventure in an Original Dome Theater and, as a kid, I knew that particular viewing was special. I saw Silent Running on a different screen and I love my parents for taking us to the movies. One of the best 70's sci-fi movies.

[@moviecollector5920]

Not many saw Silent Running at a cinema Edward so you're one of the few it seems. Well done!

[@hblanche]

Oh, I've always loved this film! And I only own a DVD of this one so this time it will be worth the upgrade. And yes, Kubrick settled on Jupiter because he wasn't satisfied with how the rings of Saturn looked. Another great video, of course. And yes, you were wise to avoid mentioning how the movie the ends.

[@moviecollector5920]

Thank you Henri. I consider that this film is all about the ending so giving it away wouldn't have been the right thing to do. But there is a lot more to the film and without the great performance from Bruce Dern and the people playing the three little robots, the ending wouldn't have worked. John.

[@johannes914]

Once again a very interesting video. Thank you for sharing your passion.

[@moviecollector5920]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment Johannes. John.

[@brianfretwell3886]

I never saw it at a cinema, though a cousin did. I don't know if that inspired me to buy the 400ft S* version, but I still have that and must check the colour. Watching your review the song "Big Yellow Taxi" came to mind - "They took all the trees and put them in a museum"!!!!!!

[@moviecollector5920]

Doug in New York has a copy of the 400ft too Brian, so between us I expect we've got the three surviving copies. I hope yours still has vibrant colours but both mine and Doug's have started the dreaded fade, although mine isn't as bad as most of the Universal 8 releases I have. Putting all the remaining foliage in domes and sending them out to the orbit of Saturn is ridiculous but it made for a good film. I expect Doug Trumbull was another of us who read Asimov's Foundation novels and was intrigued by the notion of the planet Trantor which was completely enclosed beneath metal domes and hence no wildlife. Looking at all the building work going on around the area we live in England won't take too much longer to concrete over! John.

[@aurellio33]

What a movie thanks I might pick this up, Bruce dern was excellent in Coming Home 1978

[@moviecollector5920]

I only purchased the Eureka Blu-ray of Coming Home recently. What a fabulous film with acting masterclasses on display by all three of the leads. A Jane Fonda Oscar if I recall correctly but back in a time when it actually meant something. John.

[@aurellio33]

Thanks John we're on the same page👍

[@jimcameron1234]

Rest in peace D.T. can't wait for his MGM Project Brainstorm in 4K

[@moviecollector5920]

I hadn't even heard he'd died last February. How sad. I'm with you on Brainstorm Jim. That was a Kempski Super 8 feature release and it was fabulous but by the time I went to purchase a print, they'd all gone and I've managed to miss every copy that's ever come up for sale second hand. The 'Scope print is fabulous and magnificent when it goes full width 'Scope for the headpiece sections. John.

[@danboy77]

Superb review John. Have you ever used a light meter John to measure your Projector’s brightness? I bought one recently I discovered 100” is the max I can go before hdr becomes inferior.

[@moviecollector5920]

No, I haven't done that Danny. I did it with Super 8 years ago when testing a new lamp that was claiming to be something it wasn't... and it wasn't! John.

[@ElectricGeek]

Great video John. I have never seen this movie though I love its artwork. Every time I'm in HMV my eye is drawn to it. I think it's time I took the plunge on it. I'll probably get Rollerball too, you're costing me a small fortune! I can't wait for Oppenheimer also and will definitely be IMAX bound in July to see it.🤩I really hope you get the chance to catch Tenet in IMAX one day soon John. I was lucky enough to on its original release and it was a fantastic experience. It's a film I appreciate more and more with every viewing although the chamber sequence always hurts my head no matter how many times I watch it! 😵‍💫Thanks for your insight as always. Andy ⚡

[@moviecollector5920]

The good news is that the BFI IMAX are planning to show TENET! I know where I'll be going in a few months time then. Might have to make a bit of a festival of it with Oppenheimer if they're shown in the same week or just a few days apart. If I get more details of what the plans are at the BFI then I'll see if I can include them in future videos so perhaps a whole bunch of us can meet up. It's a long way from where you are Andy but a festival of genuine IMAX films might be the last chance we'll ever get to enjoy the best possible film quality there ever was on the right sized huge screen. I've always loved Silent Running by the way. If you look few some of the comments you should see that I'm not alone. It's that ending. Bloody hell! It really pulls at the heart strings... and it's just a soddin' robot! What is wrong with us all?!? John.

[@andysmith1996]

I picked up the German limited-edition release of _Rollerball_ and can recommend it!

[@moviecollector5920]

@@andysmith1996 I just got the single 4K disc version. I probably should have gone for one of the others but alas, I don't have that wealthy benefactor that I need yet!

[@olliehopnoodle4628]

The comments here make me smile. My first viewing of this movie was an experience that left a mark on me. Just a wonderful movie and Bruce was so awesome. I am glad it is on 4K and I will put it on my 'Christmas List'.

[@moviecollector5920]

I understand Ollie because I had no idea that this film had had the same effect on so many others when they first saw it in childhood too. Remember that it's only the first pressing that comes with the little pamphlet/booklet so don't miss out. John.

[@JacobHeldt]

Another Bruce Dern movie - just really good - again thanks mate ! - Got the Arrow Blu-Ray

[@moviecollector5920]

And I'd put money on that Blu-ray being just about as good as this 4K Jacob. John.

[@JacobHeldt]

@@moviecollector5920 sorry i meant the Masters of Cinema Eureka Entertainment Restored Version - i quite like that one - its less grainy than the Arrow

[@moviecollector5920]

@@JacobHeldt I didn't even know they'd done it Jacob. Interesting. John.

[@malcolmvlahos952]

I agree with you that Silent running is one of my favourite films and directed my Douglas Trumbull who was a underrated film director.

[@moviecollector5920]

Bruce Dern confirms what you've said about Douglas Trumbull in the extras. Things may not have entirely worked out for Douglas as a film director but that did end up putting him down a bit of a different path with Showscan and some of the interactive thrill rides most of us have enjoyed in various parts of the world. A talented man for sure. John.

[@andrewholt5659]

A simply wonderful film. The robots are fantastic, as is Bruce Dern. I have the 4K and Arrow Blu-ray. You are picking some real classics to review. Will have to pick up The Driver.

[@moviecollector5920]

Oh, The Driver is wonderful Andrew. I hadn't seen it before and it was a real treat. So is Silent Running and so is Rollerball. Brilliant that these great films are being offered in cinematic quality to the home market today. John.

[@davemillage6129]

Hi John! Thanks for this work and here we go again with another gem with Bruce Dern. (Does he have any bad work?) Must be honest having watched movies from a young age and turning freedom 55 this year I havn't seen this. Your review and subscribers reaction have it on my must see list so will be looking for it perhaps on blu ray to begin as it may be tricky to ellude my missus with a Blind 4k buy ahahha anyway (i'm already searching for the driver and rollerball 4k) Of note another subscriber mentioned Logan's Run and funny enough I found this at a charity shop with Aronofsky's Noah on blu ray for a couple bucks each...grabbed them and wow they both looked stellar on my 4k upconverting player/ I always loved Logan's Run for some reason (hiccup Jenny Agutter lololol but think highly of it and would also be keen to see it on 4k someday. Correct me if I'm wrong but there is a scene in Star Trek TMP very similar no? (futuristic looking people walking around the main starship headquarters in roman fashion with lots of color? I'm rambling now but your reviews stimulate conversation so gratitude! Ps just wrapped up Trevors's Pinewood tour really enjoyed it. My best for now D!

[@moviecollector5920]

I'm still going through Trevor's Pinewood tour Dave but I need to get a couple more of the films to conclude it all. It's been very informative. Another film to get for that to see the gardens in the fullest possible that I've seen is The Amazing Mr. Blunden which has the big house as the main set. I don't think they use the interior of course but the house is there almost throughout in one way or another. Silent Running is a classic and it's all about the ending as far as I'm concerned. If the rest of the film wasn't as good as it is though then the ending wouldn't have worked. Bruce Dern played the part perfectly and it's hard to imagine anyone else having carried it off so well. I also have Logan's Run on Blu-ray and I also remember it as looking very good. Any excuse to see a young Jenny Agutter in high quality is a film worth having. The Second Sight release of Walkabout is almost perfect in that regard so if you don't have that one, that's another to go on your list! John.

[@jimkuna8687]

It's one of my favorites very underrated all the product placement before it went all crazy money wise...

[@moviecollector5920]

American Airlines certainly stands out as a product placement. I wonder if they just gave permission to use the name on the Valley Forge. John.

[@pete49327]

Excellent John, thank you!

[@moviecollector5920]

Thank you Pete. John.

[@HenrikWilhelmsson]

Love Silent Running! Think I need to get this.

[@moviecollector5920]

Life isn't complete without it Henrik! John.

[@pauljc26]

Great video John, i have never seen this movie, i might just have to send away and buy it from the UK

[@moviecollector5920]

It's available in America too Paul so wowhd should be able to ship to just about anywhere. John.

[@GrimCellar]

Nice review, John. Luckily I didn't pick this up on Blu-ray so I will be getting the Arrow 4K. And yes, a Chris Nolan genuine IMAX run would be very nice (although I'm too far to regularly visit London). Paul

[@moviecollector5920]

Morning Paul. I've had a message from the BFI IMAX and they're planning to re-run TENET early in February so I guess I know where I'm going. It's been a bit of a dream to want to see that work of art there after watching it on the fabulous 4K disc, then working out what the bloody hell it was all about and watching it again. I'll have to watch my own review video to make sure I remember everything before seeing it at the IMAX though. I'm finding the prospect of seeing it as it was meant to be seen rather thrilling. I don't suppose I'll ever grow up! John.

[@GrimCellar]

@@moviecollector5920 Not too much fun in growing up anyway, John! Yes I've got the Tenet as well and am eager to watch it again to try to put it all in some sort of order in my head. I just upgraded the 4K Dark Knight set so this will be the next best thing to the IMAX screening of the last two I guess, will never match it I know but I'm looking forward to watching those again in 4K (like you I watch most stuff on a projector). All the best.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@GrimCellar As far as I'm concerned, cinema is projection so you've got the closest to a cinema in the home with a projector of any sort. Genuine IMAX films make up the majority of the best image quality 4K discs ever issued so you're going to have a great time with them all over again. Tenet is the best of them but to understand it all means watching the film, then all the extras, then possibly my review video and then watching the film all over again. Suddenly it then all makes sense.

[@roberthenderson5945]

One of my favourite films as well John

[@moviecollector5920]

I expect we must have discussed it at some point Rob but it's pretty amazing we both put this one among our favourites. It's a funny old world. John.

[@lukekingsland5851]

I didn't realise Nolan had a film coming out! I was going to visit the BFI IMAX for the first time when the second Dune film came out, but may have to make a pilgrimage before for that one!

[@moviecollector5920]

They've let me know that they're hoping to screen TENET in genuine IMAX (and not the 2K faux IMAX video projection that Dune was put through) in February Luke. Wonderful! To go to a cinema and actually see a film is such a treat, particularly when it's the best film quality ever used. John.

[@lukekingsland5851]

@@moviecollector5920 that's very cool! Are the crowds at the BFI IMAX ok? I have had my cinema going experience somewhat soured by audience members at multiplexes recently

[@moviecollector5920]

@@lukekingsland5851 Because it's a genuine IMAX you have the steeply raked seating specifically designed so that everyone has a near perfect view of the screen. This does seem to make people focus and behave themselves better. I've found that if anyone makes a noise they get looked at. But there's always the chance an idiot will be let in to spoil it for people around them. With a film like TENET though, they'd be drowned out by the soundtrack most of the time. John.

[@mathumphreys]

I first saw this in 1980 as a kid when it ran at 5am on tv (don't know what I was doing watching tv at 5am, but I distinctly remember it). I watched the whole thing and was deeply affected by the ending. So much so that despite owning the movie for over a decade, I haven't been able to watch it through. I've tried to watch it many times, but typically I bail out like a coward after an hour or so knowing the ending is coming. I guess I'll get this 4k and try again.

[@moviecollector5920]

It won't affect you so much now that you're a little older and wiser Matthew but if you find you're having trouble try to look at the sets and how the film makers managed to put it all together and that should help. You're not alone in being affected by the ending so try to watch it and enjoy it. John.

[@etms]

Superbe film, merci for the review 👍🏻 I like enjoying my 16mm print (beside the faded color) once in a while ❤

[@moviecollector5920]

I'm going to try a light blue filter with my Super 8 when I can find a suitable piece of blue cellophane or something like it. Might be worth a try with your 16mm print too. John.

[@etms]

@@moviecollector5920 Meeeu, I tried a couple, it's "less" red but it affects the sharpness :( That's ok, I learned to be "red/pink/sepia" more "compatible" with that hobby, ah ah :D

[@moviecollector5920]

@@etms i did try a blue filter with my Derann 400ft of Phantasm years ago (the most red print I've ever seen on Super 8) and that did make it look a lot better but the blue was too dark. I need to find something lighter. John.

[@jonathanencarnacion8184]

Hi John, Thanks again for an entertaining & informative review! Here's a question unrelated to the above content (so: apologies), but have you ever considered going through some best practices on storing and archiving a movie collection? The various things to keep in mind with respect to different formats? For instance, one of the things I feel has been a good investment is investing in a dehumidifier to keep the rH at 30% or so. Anything we do can only go so far against the inherent degradation that happens from time and materials, as I'm sure you've also experienced yourself already. Also, we all live in different climates... but from your experience, what practices can we implement to keep our items 'alive' for as long as possible? Such a topic might not be substantial enough to merit a dedicated video. But for fellow collectors, perhaps some insights from your experience might be quite valuable. In any event, always happy to see new content from your channel. It's fantastic to have your videos run in the background on occasion, even just for the additional info drops. Thanks as always!

[@moviecollector5920]

Film certainly needs a dehumidifier if there is any possibility of damp Jonathan but I don't think it's worth doing anything for discs or video tape simply because they're just not the same sort of value. VHS doesn't like damp and mould grows on the outside edge of the tape over time but that can usually be dealt with by a fast forward through the tape and back again (the player may need a head clean afterwards though). A bit of mould on a disc can be wiped off but in my experience, there is nothing that can be done to stop the degradation of the encased silver layer if it's going to happen. The most valuable items in my home movie collection are the film prints and with the top Super 8 titles changing hands for around a £1,000 or more now they are worth paying for the running of a dehumidifier. Fortunately the new house doesn't suffer from any damp at all (so far!) so the dehumidifier doesn't have to be on... and just as well too as they're generally 200 to 250 watts. In really hot conditions film should probably be kept in a climate controlled/air conditioned environment but we rarely have excessive heat here despite a few scorching days in the summer. John.

[@jonathanencarnacion8184]

@@moviecollector5920 Thank you for passing along some knowledge here, John! I did not know about the VHS cleaning method. I only have a few tapes these days, but if ever I come across that problem, good to know there's a chance to save them rather than throw them away. I haven't had the pleasure of building a film reel collection, but I find that area fascinating and I've enjoyed learning about it from your content. As always, thank you for sharing! Over here, we're always looking forward to the next vid from your channel.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@jonathanencarnacion8184 You probably have quite a few seconds of The Cell with those 35mm frames Jonathan. It's always special to have any film as it's the 'reel' thing. The next review will probably be the 4K of Brian De Palma's 'Blow Out'. John.

[@michaelford4460]

Hi John ,brilliant review of an amazing film. Tenet is coming back to BFI IMAX very soon.

[@moviecollector5920]

Oh wonderful. Please can I come along and shoot some video of the projector and the film going through? Please, please, please!!!

[@michaelford4460]

@@moviecollector5920 yes no problem 😊

[@moviecollector5920]

@@michaelford4460 I need to make contact with you off of here Michael. I'll see if I can get through to the NFT to point me in the right direction. John.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@michaelford4460 I've just gone through the 'Contact Us' form on the BFI IMAX page and asked that my message be forwarded to you Michael. Hopefully that will mean you'll have my email. John.

[@michaelford4460]

@@moviecollector5920 Hi John ,I have replied

[@mygumybear]

I Liked the drama between the machines and the lead character. You can sense the similar resemblance with SO 2001.

[@moviecollector5920]

Good point, clearly an influence there. John.

[@bryanbond1658]

I believe the first time I saw this movie I was like 10 years old in 1978 and we were visiting my aunt and stay a couple days with her and I got to sleep in her little din where her TV was and I believe it was like 10 or 11 p.m. when it came on the TV it's funny how you remember things like that. But I too as well loved it I believe I only have a DVD of it now but I might get the 4 k

[@moviecollector5920]

Judging by the comments on here Bryan, we're not alone. Many of us were affected by this film as youngsters and still remember the ending well. The 4K may not be the best looking film ever put onto the format but it's wonderful to have it in such great quality. Just like being at a cinema looking at a darned fine print if you ask me. John.

[@tomsmedley9886]

John I do not know how to do the link's. At 60 am a bit behind on it. Other than an PM on the forum. Will have to wait till my granddaughter comes for a visit. Tom.

[@moviecollector5920]

Don't worry about it Tom. I really need to get back out there and find the 35mm Forum again. Although, having said that, I may find one or two items that come up for sale a little too tempting. John.

[@craigosterberg5045]

Thanks John

[@moviecollector5920]

Thanks Craig!

[@tomsmedley9886]

Thanks John. Tom.

[@moviecollector5920]

You're welcome Tom. John.

[@fmulder1989]

Hi John , if you were to choose between 2001 a space odyssey or silent running , what would it be ?

[@moviecollector5920]

2001 A Space Odyssey. And that's because I think its one of the most important films ever made. But I love Silent Running too, it's just not quite the historic piece of cinema that 2001 is. John.

[@thribs]

Going to see Avatar at the BFI next week. People say it’s amazing on a proper IMAX so I can’t wait.

[@moviecollector5920]

Even I would be tempted to see that one at the IMAX if I was still living in London and I don't usually go to see video projections in cinemas at all. I never saw the first film but people have told me how good the 3D is so it's about time I gave one a try and this latest Avatar film would be the one. Every town should have a genuine IMAX with a 90 foot screen! John.

[@dunndiddeli2067]

Haven’t seen this one. Wish they would release ’Logans Run’ in 4K.

[@moviecollector5920]

I have Logan's Run on Blu-ray and if I remember correctly, that's pretty good. Kempski Films issued it full length on Super 8 but it was one that I managed not to get even though it was reckoned to be another great quality release. John.

[@4Kmichelinstarmovies]

awesome film loved this growing up👍😍

[@moviecollector5920]

I think it had the same effect on several us by the look of it from the first few comments. John.

[@nicholassheffo5723]

I agree that the SILENT RUNNING 4K is about as accurate as it can get, but I too thought it was a little grainer than expected (per my review a while ago) but color and detail are impressive and it is worth getting for serious 4K fans. Thanks for the info about Universal Super 8 color films having some fading issues; my Super 8 200ft PSYCHO is not having such issues. By the way, if you are looking or any Super 8 prints you cannot find, let me know, as I keep running into prints here and there. You can contact me via my website.

[@moviecollector5920]

Send me the link to your Silent Running review Nicholas so I can't possibly miss it once I've replied to all the comments on here that have come in overnight. Psycho is a black and white film so assuming it's on black and white film stock then it won't fade. It's the cheapo Eastman colour film stock that is suffering but Silent Running isn't doing anywhere near as badly as some of them. I'm dreading looking at my Battlestar and Mission Galactic double albums as they were turning red ten years ago now. Let me know where you are in the world because we have a BFCC coming up on 29th April just on the outskirts or North West London. John.

[@paulcadman3562]

very good review , i must get this one .

[@moviecollector5920]

Make sure you've got plenty of tissues ready for the ending Paul. John.

[@waynevia6976]

Great Review and a great 4k release.

[@moviecollector5920]

Thank you Wayne. It seems there might be quite a few of us who love this film. John.

[@timothymathetes]

Would you mind having a look at the Terminator 2 4k? It would be really interesting to know what you think of it, because it is generally considered to be the worst 4k disc.I just wonder if you would agree with that.

[@moviecollector5920]

One day Timothy. People think it's bad because the 3D master was used for the 4K so excessive image noise reduction was used to remove every trace of film grain. John.

[@sisulart]

Talking about 70’s movies when are we going to get Deliverance on 4K?

[@moviecollector5920]

I watched the Blu-ray a couple of years ago and I seem to recall that the Blu-ray was pretty damned good. But with the 4K market apparently growing nicely, it all depends on how popular Deliverance as a 4K UHD disc is estimated to be. Perhaps some of the recent 1970's releases will mean that decision will be easier to gauge. John.

[@sisulart]

@@moviecollector5920 I have it on Blu Ray, I’d love a 4K version though.

[@RoyMurphy1]

Great job John 👍 must check this out.

[@moviecollector5920]

Have the tissues ready to wipe away the tears Roy!

[@d.d.5633]

I was just thinking today that the 70s were the best decade for movies.

[@moviecollector5920]

It would take some working out but you may be right. Then again, the 1980's had a load of great movies and so did the 1990's. After that, I'm not so sure but I'm always open to persuasion. 1978 may have been the best year of all. John.

[@d.d.5633]

@@moviecollector5920 I like not just the scripts, but also the actors, the music.. Even the look of the movies, the style that they were shot in, was the best. 🙂 Thanks very much for your entertaining and very insightful videos! 👍🏻

[@garyharper2943]

Nice review, don’t think I’ll bite.

[@moviecollector5920]

You've spent far too much lately Gary, you naughty boy!

[@garyharper2943]

@@moviecollector5920 you’ve been talking to my wife, food and clothing are vastly overrated!

[@moviecollector5920]

@@garyharper2943 And so are children!

[@garyharper2943]

@@moviecollector5920 I got two I can loan you if needed.

[@cyborg666uk]

Can I ask what video projector you use for your UHD playback please John?

[@moviecollector5920]

Optoma UHD550X Simon. It's five years old now but Optoma are still releasing surprisingly good video projectors for not a lot of money when you consider what you get from them. They start as low as £900 now but the lens isn't as good as ours even if other things have probably been improved even further. John.

[@cyborg666uk]

Cheers for that John..I’ll take a look, I have an aging JVC HD100 myself..

[@moviecollector5920]

@@cyborg666uk If you're in the UK Simon then take a look at Richer Sounds web site and if you like the look of anything all their branches have demo rooms. John.

[@alaindelacourt9030]

salut bellle vidèo comme toujour sur se film

[@moviecollector5920]

Merci beaucoup comme toujours Alain. John.

[@jessechristensen6028]

I also agree about film grain. And in my opinion it’s a bigger problem for older animation getting transferred to blu ray. Some of the most disgraceful examples were from Disney with many of their titles from the 70’s particularly sword in the stone. A bad dnr mess! Funimation has also had this problem. But they seem to handle it with far more grace. But then again many of the 90’s titles they’ve worked with have had better animation to begin with. On an interesting sidenote for some reason with the company Anime LMT. in the uk their releases of shows like outlaw star and Escaflowne seem to not be using dnr (or at least not to the degree FUNimation has done for years).

[@moviecollector5920]

Much depends on the film stock used Jesse and in the 1970's there did seem to be some rather coarse grained stock around. It's possible the FUNimation cartoons used a finer grain stock and therefore the scanning of those negatives, interpositives or whatever is being used to generate the video master, is of finer grain than other similar productions and that is why there is less apparent image noise reduction being applied. Sometimes the appearance of grain can be too coarse but overall I think grain gives a more natural look to a projected image, possibly because it's basically the same as how our eyes work with rods perhaps being a similar process to grain. It also makes a film look more like a work of art and that's something that is often lacking in movies shot entirely on video... but not all of them (Top Gun: Maverick 'Scope sections, Le Mans '66 and Drive for example). John.

[@jessechristensen6028]

Maybe I should have clarified a little. Disney is a studio FUNimation (who has now been absorbing the merger with crunchy roll) is a dubbing/distribution company. In the case of the stock they work with it can vary widely. A lot of the stock used in 80’s for these shows was on 16mm most notably dragon ball Z. DBZ has had a lot of inferior home releases. The only one that didn’t screw with the grain and many agree with was the best picture was with the level sets on blu ray and the dragon box DVDs. The problem with the former is that when it came out in 2011 the home video releases of DBZ were way too saturated with different releases of the show. Something to note I think only toward the 90’s and early 2000’s when they were still using cels did they (the Japanese studios that is) use 35mm, before it was mostly used for movies and tv specials. At least this is to my understanding.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@jessechristensen6028 It amazes me how much knowledge there is out there about what goes into these home movie releases. Here's another bit of Disney home movie trivia: when Disney first did a 'restored' release of Snow White, the restoration computer algorithm also successfully removed some of the detail the original animators had put so much work into... and no one at Disney apparently noticed because they issued the damned things with all this missing artistry! Fortunately the highest quality releases of the lot around that time did not have anything missing and that was the Derann/Disney Super 8 features which were absolutely beautiful which they still are to this day. John.

[@tomsmedley9886]

Please. What 4k projector and DVD player do you use . As I am on the forum. Yours.

[@moviecollector5920]

Morning Tom. I have quite a few DVD players but the 4K players I use are Panasonic's. One is a 300 series and the other a 400. The video projector is an Optoma UHD550X which we purchased from Richer Sounds five years ago when the first batch of 11 of them came into the country. They hadn't been distributed to the shops so I based the decision to buy on their similar, but more expensive models. It didn't take long to have the 550X looking better than the double-the-price Optoma in the demonstration room. John.

[@tomsmedley9886]

Many thanks for getting back to me. I am on the 35 forum have been for a few years. As a big jaws fan it bloody hurt . My 35 jaws finally would not run due to the dreaded vs. The first bin collection this year all but reel 5 went. I have put pic's of my little cinema on forum. Yours. Tom.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@tomsmedley9886 That's heartbreaking Tom. I suppose you've tried those Kodak vinegar syndrome pouches that somehow absorb the gases but if not, I've tried a couple of them and they seem to do some good. Get on in that reel 5 case! I used to be on the 35mm Forum every day and that's where many of my 35mm features came from. Shipping them in from across the world always cost more than purchasing the films themselves. See if you can get a direct link into your home cinema pictures on here so we can take a look, or maybe a link to your 35mm Forum post with the link in it. John.

[@jamessickmore236]

You really didn't miss much from Tenet : )

[@moviecollector5920]

I love that film James. One of the best of recent years. Just as well we're all different. What I meant was that I want to see it in genuine IMAX on that huge, genuine IMAX screen because if it's as good as other genuine IMAX films then it will be a real treat. John.

[@jamessickmore236]

@@moviecollector5920 Yes always enjoy your content, Tenet was just not my cup of tea have a great day

[@moviecollector5920]

@@jamessickmore236 Tenet takes some working out James but once you start to put it all into place it starts to become quite brilliant. That was my take on it anyway.

[@AchtungEnglander]

Kubrick settled on Jupiter as it was easier to produce the art given it had no visible rings. Clarke, who was working on the novel at the same time, stuck with Saturn.

[@moviecollector5920]

That's it. Thank you for clarifying. John.

[@Stickers2Go]

My favourite movies are the universal classic monster movies, I could watch the 30's horror all day.

[@moviecollector5920]

Castle Films used to issue wonderful cut downs and extracts of those on standard 8mm and Super 8 down the ages Shina. I think you'd have loved collecting all those years ago and generating a wonderful collection of reels that would now be somewhat historic. Because they're black and white and printed on black and white film stock, there is no danger of colour fade either. The boxes were usually works of art in themselves. John.

[@Stickers2Go]

@@moviecollector5920 that's awesome. I did pick up Dracula, Frankenstein, the invisible man and the wolf man on 4k plus the volume 2 4k universal classic pack and they look incredible

[@moviecollector5920]

@@Stickers2Go You'd love the little 200ft boxes from Castle Films Shina. Some people put them in frames or just pin them to the wall because they are classic little works of art. The films were often very good quality too so an all round treat for fans of those films. I think it was The Mummy's Ghost that had the best cut down combined with good image quality of the lot but it was all a long time ago now. John.

[@Stickers2Go]

@@moviecollector5920 I'll look into them, thank you for your knowledge.

[@thribs]

Surprised it’s only a U. That leg injury was rather bloody. Sure it’s that 70’s blood which just looks like red paint but it was still graphic.

[@moviecollector5920]

And the fight that resulted in a murder. A 'U' certificate does seem a little odd. John.

[@mr.electronx9036]

Super 8...wow

[@moviecollector5920]

It's a rare one on Super 8. But I do have a friend in New York who has it... and the same cut down on 16mm too. John.

[@cheekster777]

94.8Mbps video bit rate on this one! 🤯

[@moviecollector5920]

They should all be around that rate Cheekster as I compile them at 20,000mbps or whatever it is. Double what is recommended anyway. John.

[@murbella7]

I'm not sure if you have ever explained 'film grain' and how it relates to digital noise before. But maybe a comment every few reviews might be a good idea. Those who have little knowledge of film capture and recording often misinterpret what is meant when referring to 'film grain' in a video. Low light digital capture (with still or motion cameras) can/will introduce digital noise into the image, especially when high pixel count sensors and/or high ISO sensitivity settings are used. In a digital rendering this shows as flecks in the image in much the same way that film grain does.

[@moviecollector5920]

Video noise is not film grain Ron. Film grain is the structure that makes up the film much like we have rods in our eyes that give us a complete image made up in a similar way to film grain. Video does not have any of this but when video is shot in low light and assuming the camera is not sensitive enough, then you get all those little colour speckles on the final image. With film, low light can result in an increased appearance of the grain structure if the film stock being used is not sensitive enough to deal with it. Silent Running was shot mainly in lower light levels than many others would have done but it was probably to get the artistic look that the film makers achieved. I hope that answers things for you. John.

[@cremersalex]

Liked it when I was a teen but the last time I watched it, it felt dated, like the scene with the Joan Baez song.

[@moviecollector5920]

It was made in 1971 Alex... actually, it might have been shot in 1970 now that I think about it. I love 2001 A Space Odyssey which is clearly a film made in the 1960's. Silent Running may have stood the test of time a little better even if I think 2001 is the better film. John.

[@cremersalex]

@@moviecollector5920 2001: A Space Odyssey more dated than Silent Running? I'm going to forget that you said that, Movie Collector! 😉

[@moviecollector5920]

@@cremersalex You may be right but it's just my opinion. Doesn't change the fact that 2001 is one of the greatest films ever made. The suits the actors and actresses wear dates it the most.

[@FatNorthernBigot]

This film could have been timeless, but in my opinion, it was let down by the Joan Baez folk music which drags this movie right back to 1971.

[@moviecollector5920]

I know what you mean Andrew but I find that it suits it perfectly. I don't know what others think but I guess we might find out in here. John.

[@FatNorthernBigot]

@@moviecollector5920 I can still hear my dad, sat in his armchair, saying "bloody hippies" and threatening me with the snooker on "the other side". However, we both stuck it out, thanks to the sheer quality of the film, rather than the music 😀

[@moviecollector5920]

@@FatNorthernBigot I can't imagine my father watching this one with me. I mentioned it to him yesterday on the phone and he had no recollection even though I had the Super 8 release over all these years. He must have watched that with me at some time. John.

[@FatNorthernBigot]

@@moviecollector5920 it clearly made an impression 😂

[@thribs]

Such a weird movie. How can there be no plants and trees on Earth? The planet would be inhabitable in months. Wasn’t a fan of the lead. He brutally kills his whole crew just because they were following orders. Makes it hard to relate to the character. He even kills the rescue crew at the end when he blows up his ship when they were about to dock. Not a nice guy. Special features were entertaining. I enjoyed the BTS featurette. Using amputee’s for the robots was inspired.

[@moviecollector5920]

Next time you watch it keep an ear open for the mission commander on the other ship (the 'Berkshire') suggesting to Lowell that he might consider taking his own life as they can't get to him in time to save him. Lowell says that he doesn't think there is any way that he would be able to do that and that ends up being exactly what he does. He is haunted by his crimes all the way through and we see flashes of what he is thinking relating to his murders. It's all in there and that is why he must die in the end. It's not clear as far as I could see that he blew up the other ship at the end so that's probably open to question. Remember they were nuclear destructing all the domes near the ships during the first half of the film. As for the earth being devoid of vegetation, yes, ridiculous. The implication is that man is making all the gases required to maintain the entire planet with exactly the same temperature and everything else all over the globe. Not quite as crazy as it sounds as there are some planetary scientists who tell us that we could terraform Mars for human habitation within 100 years. I kid you not. John.

[@cburg]

I just couldn’t get into this movie. I can appreciate why people like it, but just a tad too generic.

[@moviecollector5920]

Well you'll just have to do better next time! Snort! John.

[@MonkeyspankO]

Saw this on television in the early 90s, so did not have much of an emotional attachment compared to films from my childhood. Purchased the dvd some years ago and the recent blu ray based on name recognition. Overall, its enjoyable enough, but imo not quite enough to make it a true classic. I like the look and special effects, but it feels a little limited and small in scope (given the potential of the story). It probably could have been so much more, but I would assume budget was a major concern. Won't be upgrading unless there is a steep discount, which is unlikely given the current state of the 4K market. Still, I would recommend to anyone who hasn't seen it and enjoys 70s sci fi.

[@moviecollector5920]

It only cost $1m and back then the US dollar wasn't worth very much, unlike today. What an achievement to create a film that looks this good for so little even if it was made as long ago as 1971. Many of us that have commented do cite seeing it as a child and that's why it affected us so much and stayed with us. So you'll just have to go back to being a ten year old and try it again!!! John.

[@MonkeyspankO]

@@moviecollector5920 very true! btw I had no idea it was filmed on an actual aircraft carrier!

[@wernerherzog3502]

John, that first showing on British television of Silent Running that you were referring to was in 1978 but what got on my nerves at the time was that the BBC decided to be awkward (in the days before video of course) and put it directly up against ITV's live coverage of that years European Cup Winners Cup Final (which turned out to be a great match) and i really wanted to watch both so i spent the entire 90 minutes frantically changing the channels backwards and forwards (on a TV that was a laughable museum piece even then ! ! !) and therefore had to miss quite a few minutes of Silent Runnings running time so i had to wait about 18 months before the BBC dained to show it again and then i was finally able to watch it in its entirely and realised what a great movie it is. Trumbull didn't really want to finish Brainstorm 10 years later because of what happened to Natalie. Brainstorm is an interesting misfire but it would still be good to know your opinion on that one as well (if its available on 4K). Another great reveiw John. Tell them to harvest and rejoice. BTW, Joan Baez was a surprisingly tasty bird 50 years ago.

[@moviecollector5920]

In that 'making of' I mention on the Silent Running disc, you'll see Joan Baez in the recording studio actually singing the two tracks. Amazing that they had the foresight to film that back then. Historic really. I don't think I saw the Cup Winners Cup final in 1978 but I may have done and it might have been the next showing of Silent Running that kept me up late one night. As for Brainstorm, it was a Kempski Films Super 8 release and it was a beauty. Sadly, I never purchased a copy but it was amazing when the headsets went on and the image opened up to the full 'Scope ratio. That made it for me but I wouldn't have found it so impressive on a telly, I'm sure. It must have been a struggle to get the film finished after Natalie Wood drowned. Terrible. I remember her best from Miracle on 34th Street. She was so incredibly cute... as a child that is because I know what you're thinking! John.

[@andysmith1996]

@@moviecollector5920 In New Zealand, they used to show ads and trailers at the cinema, then have an intermission, then show the feature. They'd sometimes show travelogues or those "making of" shorts in the first half too, but they wouldn't show the making of for the main film, it would be for some other film. I remember being annoyed because I had enjoyed the film "The Wild Geese" and then a friend told me he saw the making of it before some other movie I had zero interest in going to.

[@moviecollector5920]

@@andysmith1996 I don't think we ever had any 'making of' documentaries in the cinemas as accompanying features here Andy but I'll just hop into my time machine to find out.

[@cheekster777]

Thanks John.

[@moviecollector5920]

First again!