“2001: A Space Odyssey” is a science fiction film released in 1968 that has since become a classic of the genre. The film was directed by Stanley Kubrick and was based on a short story by Arthur C. Clarke, with whom Kubrick collaborated on the screenplay.
The film follows a voyage to Jupiter with the sentient computer HAL after the discovery of a mysterious black monolith affecting human evolution. The film is notable for its innovative special effects, unconventional narrative structure, and use of classical music. It was a commercial and critical success and has been hailed as one of the greatest films ever made.
As a collector of VHS tapes, I have always been on the lookout for a copy of “2001: A Space Odyssey” on the format. The film was released on VHS in the early 1980s by MGM, and it was one of the first titles to be released on the format. The early MGM releases of “2001” were known for their distinctive black packaging, which featured a dramatic image of the film’s iconic monolith on the cover.
I was lucky enough to come across a copy of “2001” on VHS at an estate sale for just $1. The tape was in good condition and was still in its original MGM packaging, which was a rare find. The packaging was slightly worn and the spine was faded, but overall it was in good shape for a film that was over 20 years old at the time.
As I took the tape home and sat down to watch it, I was struck by the film’s timeless quality. Despite being made over 50 years ago, “2001” remains a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating film that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
In the years following the release of “2001” on VHS, the film was also released by Warner Brothers, who acquired the rights to the film after MGM went out of business. These Warner Brothers releases featured a different style of packaging, with a more muted color scheme and a more modern design.
Despite the differences in packaging, both the MGM and Warner Brothers releases of “2001” are highly sought after by collectors, and it is not uncommon for them to sell for high prices on the secondary market.
For me, finding a copy of “2001” on VHS for just $1 was a stroke of luck that I will always treasure. It is a reminder of the thrill of the hunt and the joy of discovering a rare and obscure film that has stood the test of time.