It was 1968

Rating: 10/10 (14 August 2011)

As I understand, this film was released for Cinerama. Cinerama was a 180 degree "wrap- around" screen. This film is primarily a visual experience. I feel that the only meaningful dialog in the film was between HAL9000 and the Kir Dulea character. We watched in awe because we had never seen anything like this! I was running the 16mm movie theater at Cape Romanzof, Alaska when all of us GI's saw this amazing film. Many of the troops argued about its' meaning for days after having seen it.
ABC television "borrowed" some of the effects used in the film to introduce their evening news broadcasts. What really surprises me is that elements of this film are used in advertising today. I'm in my mid 60's and remember the film well, but how many younger people understand these ads? HAL's birthday is still celebrated.
A visual experience if there ever was one. One of those films that one never forgets.