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THX-1138: The (Digitally Enhanced) Director's Cut
StefanJ writes "This is either a marvelous Photoshop hoax or something really . . . cool? Sacreligious? Unnecessary? Reportedly, George Lucas has given his first commercially released movie, THX1138, a digital workover, enhancing backgrounds and altering scenes for more eye-appeal. Here are some comparisons of original and altered scenes. For those who haven't seen the film: Without giving too much away, it's about a working stiff living in a repressive underground bomb-shelter society. Emotion-suppressing drugs are mandatory; people shuffle from work to home, pausing to buy consumer goods along the way. (The goods aren't used for anything; you just feed them into a disposal unit after you get home. Making them keeps people busy . . .) If the drugs don't work, you can vent your spleen in a confession booth manned by a really bad A.I. It's really bleak, and sometimes ugly, but worth seeing. I hope the enhancements don't add too much color: The drab, sterile, white-on-white environment of the underground city is an important mood-setter. Consume more; be happy!"
As far as first films by future 'masters' is concerned. I'd rather wait for the digitally enhanced version of John Carpenter's Dark Star to be made and released. The existing DVD already has a Director's cut included (this might be the un-enhanced student version though, I've only seen the movie on cable).
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From what I understand, THX is decent at best. It's only gained esteem due to his other titles out there.
"Here's a spoiler: You're will die alone."-Triumph the Insult Comic Dog
I saw this first on Fark quite some time ago. They even had a photoshop contest for it. After a little research, this is no hoax at all. I can't wait to see what Lucas does with this film, a film that lead to so many others like it, yet none were quite as good. Can't wait to see the final results!
The dangers of knowledge trigger emotional distress in human beings.
...they include the original version and include scene markers. I'm a real stickler for the originals. I love the latest Alien release. It includes the original theatrical release and then a director's cut where I can activate text scene markers and know exactly what was changed. You can choose what versions you like best and actually learn something about how the editing process can change your perception of a film.
While I agree that THX-1138 is obviously inspired by Brave New World, I think calling it a "ripoff" is a bit harsh. That implies that he just ganked the plot and made a few bucks. What it is, is a reworking of some of the same themes within a different medium. That's perfectly legitimate and valuable in many cases.
THX-1138 is also one of a depressingly few science fiction movies that isn't watered-down drivel with some special effects thrown in. I highly recommend it.
...was when those 2 guys were talking and Robert Duvall was convulsing on the floor. Just loved the technical conversation as he was suffering.
Given that Lucas's THX-1138 was an obvious and pivotal influence on the paper roleplaying game PARANOIA, it is perhaps on-topic to mention that the game of a darkly humorous future is returning to print this August in a new edition from Mongoose Publishing, as previously covered on Slashdot.
The new PARANOIA XP edition emphasizes the Alpha Complex sort-of economy and a new consumerism very much in tune with THX-1138. You can follow the development of the game on the PARANOIA development blog.