THX 1138 at theaters for only 1 week!

[Gemini1999]

Hey everyone -

I just found out Friday night that THX 1138 would be out in a limited release for 1 week coupled with the 9/14 DVD release. I checked and found that the closest 2 locations to Sacramento would be in Berkeley & San Francisco. I opted for Berkeley to avoid the tolls on the Bay Bridge & parking garage fees. It's an hour and a half drive from Sacramento to Berkeley, but it went very fast!

I just had to take advatage of the chance to see a 34-year old film in the theater! Even though I knew the story to be somewhat slow and nebulous, I figured that it would be more memorabe on a movie screen than a TV screen. THX 1138 in it's restored form, is only about 90 minutes long, so even though the pacing of the film is somewhat slow, it goes rather quickly. I did notice the "enhanced" CGI footage that George Lucas added to scenes in the film - most of them only managed to serve as a more elaborate backdrop for the story. The most elaborate CGI scene I noted was during the car chase scene near the end and it was only 10 seconds long.

I thought that it was interesting to see the film in it's undedited form with all of the scenes cut out by the studio when it was released and also cut for television as well. I do like the stark quality that was visually present in the film, but also found the idea of going through life in a constantly sedated state and sex being illegal somewhat scary. Considering the film was filmed in 1970 and it was supposed to take place in 1975, I think we're all safe....!

I didn't mind the trip to see the film - it only cost 7 bucks to see it, plus another 7 bucks for popcorn and a drink. If it weren't for the gas, I probably would have saved some money instead of buying it! I did make an interesting discovery though - the theater I saw it at likes to show older films along with newer ones. They had Spielberg's "The Goonies" playing there as well! I guess that's what comes from being in such close proximity to UC Berkeley and it's film school! I'll have to keep an eye on the website and see what other older films they get.

Best to all,
Bryan

[julix]

Thanks Bryan,
I kinda wondered about it....saw it years ago and heard it was being released in theaters....just too busy this week!

[The 14th Colony]

I've never gotten to see this film. It isn't playing in any theatres in any of south Florida so I have to wait for the DVD but I intend to see it eventualy when it comes out.

[Gemini1999]

Originally Posted by The 14th Colony

I've never gotten to see this film. It isn't playing in any theatres in any of south Florida so I have to wait for the DVD but I intend to see it eventualy when it comes out.

You won't have to wait long - the DVD comes out this week....! I would rent it if you've never seen it. This isn't one of those action packed, SFX laden SciFi films.

[The 14th Colony]

No doubt. But the story holds up well, is what I've heard.

[Muffit]

Thanks Gemini THX was pretty neat for its day, kind of like 1984-lite. Goonies is just wonderful, I must have watched it 20 times by now

This is a movie I first saw on TV 25 years ago. Back then, I was expecting action in my sci fi movies so I thought the movie sucked. I just saw this movie on DVD recently. This is a great film! It it hard to believe it is by the same guy who made Star Wars. This movie is one of the great Science Fiction movies. After I see the movie again a few times, I'll leave some of my impressions.

Any word on the DVD release?

It is already out. Look for it at Amazon.com. The version I was referring to is the directors cut that has lots of impressive CGI.