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THX 1138 (DVD, 2004, 2-Disc Set, Special Edition Directors Cut)
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THX 1138 is Director George Lucas' visionary look at a quasi-utopian world in the future, where society lives in a giant, underground bunker. in effect, the government or the powers that be--whoever has control over all of the people (which is un-clear)--control the people, but keeping everyone under a constant state of heavy sedation. each and every person has a code name or designation, instead of a regular name. in the film, the leading role is played by a young Robert Duvall, who's designation is THX 1138. the plot revolves around the fact that everyone lives in this somewhat robotic society, but THX 1138 (Duvall) is human, and so he wants to get out, because he sees how weird and messed up everything is. it's hard to explain, but it's a thinking man's (or woman's) film. in the closed off society it is a crime to engage is sexual activity and it is also considered a crime if any said person refuses to take their daily doses of mind-controlling medication. The problems that i had with this film was that, from the very beginning, this film just dragged it's feet the entire way, until the end. which is to say: THIS FILM IS SLOW AS HELL. i kniow Lucas was trying to drive a point home, but it gets so boring, that it's almost just absurd. i know a lot of people like this film, but i have to say, i hated it........and that's saying something, coming from a big Robert Duvall fan. But i think that's more of a reflection on Lucas, than Duvall. in any case, at the end of the day, it was a neat, futuristic, psychological, intellectual concept, that was marred by horrible execution. at best, this is a rental...maybe. check it out if you're really interested, but to be honest, the trailer was more exciting than the whole film itself. it's kind of deceiving. 3/5 stars. ---Silenthillvictim :DRead full review
Although Lucasfilm put some areas out of context with when it was initially released, thankfully, the keeping of the whole story intact made up for it. Plus having the original student film was huge for this release on DVD. I will for sure keep this as a reminder of how big this film is.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
George Lucas was only 26 when he made a short film consisting of just about the same story-line. Even though he still has a fairly small body of work under his belt, his direction helped shape many filmmakers points of reference for years to come. Made in 1970, this film had much to tell, and did so in a way that most people could easily relate to. Looking at his work, this film is much more complicated than most. As Lucas' first feature length film THX 1138 is steeped in the French New Wave mode of philosophical musings and strange visuals. The sounds are sometimes overwhelming yet draw you in to the film through audio stimulation. Unfortunately, that doesn't necessarily make for a totally exciting film that's just a roller-coaster of fun. However, there are enough intriguing ideas to sustain many segments of interest in the future, although you do have to get past the slow parts of the film. Lucas is, and has always been, a visual filmmaker. He is not great with actors and his films aren't noted for their performances, except "American Graffiti". That was a more personal film, and Lucas probably had a clearer idea of the characters thoughts and emotions. Here, emotions are stifled by drugs and the wooden performances reinforce this skewed perspective. According to Lucas, the film is the story of escape, told in three different forms: an escape from the drugs that keep people in check, an escape from a prison with no visible barriers, and an escape from the city itself. The final sequence contains most of the action, but is marred by the budget constraints. The most interesting thing about this film was its references to totally harmony in worshiping the deity OMM. Robert Duvall commands attention when he is on screen, but you never really feel like you get to know THX. Donald Pleasance, as SEN, provides a nice turn as the antagonist, of sorts. The rest of the cast is fairly forgettable, with only minor moments. The philosophical underpinnings of the film are often lost in pretension, the same flaw which hit the Matrix in its sequels. Lucas could have delivered his message in a far simpler fashion, probably with greater result. Still, the film does have its interesting moments and memorable ideas and images. The robot police are quite chilling, although they are used sparingly throughout the film. The white prison is quite unsettling as well. The final escape is the most riveting sequence of the film. Actually, the end silhouette was not Robert Duvall at all, but, then again, who would even question that kind of trivia any way? The new DVD has Lucas' trademark tinkering. The average shot length in this film was about 6 seconds. Only this time, the alterations help to add scope to the film. The city scenes are expanded to add complexity to the environment that was missing in the original. There are no fundamental story changes, as in the Star Wars Special Edition (Greedo shoots first). The commentary and featurettes help the viewer to understand the intent of the story and help to establish the context in which it was made. Lucas makes a statement that he would like to return to this kind of film. Given the disappointing nature of the Star Wars prequels, I wouldn't mind seeing Lucas take another crack at a more cerebral sci-fi story. My only request is that he works with a great scriptwriter. I'm going to give this 2 disc set a 5/5 for it's pure genius vision to capture the future. IF YOU LIKE MY REVIEW, BE SURE TO VOTE YES!Read full review
George Lucas of Star Wars fame made this debut film in college. It comprises a medely of anti-utopian and utopian models in conflict for carrot and stick management of the herds of people who overpopulate the Earth in the far future. Numbers, THX1138, instead of names are people's distinguishing point, and our hero THX1138 is at odds with a system that is beyond his ability to control. Things are not 'right' with his biology, or his need to feel important to someone, somewhere. Nevertheless, he finds a changing set of support groups gives his life bearing. He stumbles from one scene to another bereft of control, seeking meaning and control. He finds some meaning, but control is elusive and temporary. Futuristic scenes and backgrounds are excellent, supporting cast is varied and at more than sufficient. We find our hero gaining at least appreciation for the complex world that surrounds him. In the end, which is distinct from the amorphous beginning with a clear arrival at the destination, light and freedom. Freedom from the world that manipulates the masses of humanity, but which he has through great risk discovered. No idea of what to do with freedom is clearly expressed, and a new beginning is marked, both for the star, and the director.Read full review
this is a movie that is imprinted itself onto my psychi.i cannot begin to explain all the aspects of that statement without saying this.the cop with the shiney face,the tunnel chase. is well,robert duval bald?profetic.and donald pleasences role too.the bald heads and white washed sceneries have stayed vivid since my first view of this alternate future.im glad i bought this dvd.this one is the directors cut with the bonus dsc and comentarys and trailers with interviews too.i also paid 10.00 less than the local comic store price.thank you boston.and thank you g.lucas for i think ,your most intreaging story and film.
I watched THX 1138 many years ago before I knew what affect George Lucus would have on the old Flas Gordon & Buck Rogers shows I watched growing up in the '50s. He took SyFy to a great new level of believability. Then when saw this & found he used THX for the name of his sound company & the license plate on Harrison Ford's Chevy in American Graffiti I knew I eventually would buy this DVD & it was smart move. It's still great because of his film making abilities.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Had sound effect but movie was really far out there. Everyone was bald, and everything was white. I didnt care for it. If i had a word for it, it would be freaky.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This movie has you on edge from beginning to end. It is frightening and creepy without a bunch of special effects and CGI
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
As usual George modified it from the original cut with CGI Special Effects...but that's to be expected.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
A cult classic like no other. George Lucas's first feature film is a bleak look into the future. Robert Duval stars with a strong support cast. Amazingly visionary for a 1971 film. I'd recommend both the original on VHS tape as well as the updated DVD version. They are different and I think that the unaltered VHS version portrays more of the original feel of the movie. Botht the VHS and DVD are highly recommended.
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