Customer Reviews

Colossus - The Forbin Project

5 star:		(54)
4 star:		(42)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(15)

 

 

I got a chance to see an advance copy of this today, and to my disappointment, this DVD is a so-called "Full Frame" transfer (in other terms, Pan & Scan).

Colossus: The Forbin Project was shot in 2.35:1 (I have it on laser disc in widescreen) so you will be losing more than half of the image on this version.

What a shame! This is a classic SF movie, and it deserves to be seen as it was photographed. Sure, the price is low, but when you don't get the real film, so what? In any case, it may be reissued some day with in the special edition form it deserves, and then you'll have to buy it again. Purchase not recommended.

"No widescreen, no sale!"

First to declare my interest. My father wrote the book on which The Forbin Project is based. The comments I have read are much appreciated since the story was the original attraction for the producer. My father always said though that the producers spent more on hiring the computer equipment and computer staff, than they did on either the script or the actors.

In considering both the book and the film please do remember the book was first published in 1966, and the film was made in 1969 - 30 years ago. Man had only just walked on the moon. Computers have developed further and faster than space travel. Looked at from that perspective the film still stands scrutiny.

This was my father's first book, and written for two reasons a) to see if he could and b) as a celebration of the human spirit which will never give in.

Try and find the book(s) if you can, they are worth reading

It's funny how different generations perceive new technology. As a child of the 70's, I pretty much grew up as personal home computing became a reality, and learned most of what I know by personal experience and extensive usage of computers at home, school, and work. My parents, on the other hand, had the technology thrust upon them, and struggled a bit (at least my mother did, as it took me many sessions to teach her how to use e-mail and also a lot of convincing that there was no self-destruct button to be accidentally pushed, one that would cause a complete meltdown of the internet), but eventually they came around. I've given up on trying to show my grandmother the wondrous world of computers and the internet as she still has problems working her top-loading VCR. What's my point here? I actually can't remember, but I know it has something to do with computers, just like this film Colossus: The Forbin Project.

Colossus: The Forbin Project (1970), based on a novel by D.F. Jones, was directed by Joseph Sargent, who primarily works in television, starting out in the late 50's as an actor soon making the transition to directing, squeezing in a few feature films in the early to mid 70's, most notably The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974), before going back to television. Starring in the film is Eric Braeden, a television actor with a few film credits, including that of Bruno von Stickle in Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo (1977). Also appearing in the film is Susan Clark (The Apple Dumpling Gang, Porky's), Gordon Pinset (Blacula), William Schallert (The Patty Duke Show), and Marion Ross aka Marion Cunningham on TV's Happy Days, the show credited with enhancing the cultural lexicon with the phrase `Sit on it'.

As the film begins, we learn of the United States' completion of a self-sufficient, impregnable, impervious, super-duper, ginormous computer called Colossus, the brainchild of Dr. Charles Forbin (Braeden). The purpose of this `souped-up adding machine' is to provide a completely automated, logistical defense system for the United States, eliminating the human element completely from decisions, specifically those involving nuclear weapons, the thinking being that we can't trust ourselves with such power due to the fact that we're volatile, erratic, and often prone to act on an emotional level rather than on an intellectual one. Soon after Colossus goes online (thus opening Pandora's box), it's discovered (by Colossus) that the Russians have also developed their own version called Guardian, and the two systems begin communicating with each other, eventually combining their computing resources to become one disturbing, ever-growing, ever-learning, superior god-like entity that decides, while mankind has its' uses, humans are not capable of managing themselves or the planet, and now seeks total control of everything, using the threat of nuclear annihilation as its' means to this end. Will Dr. Forbin and his associates find a way to stop this data processing beast before it insinuates itself into every aspect of our lives, or are we doomed to become slaves, literally, to our own creation?

This really is a wonderful film, presenting a highly interesting story, relying less on spectacular effects but more on originality, an intelligent script and storyline, solid acting, and good direction. Considering this film came out in 1970, I can't help but wonder if the ideas presented here may have provided a catalyst for the Terminator or Matrix films, in that of a system, created by humans, surpassing its' programming, and reaching a point of self realization, understanding its' own superiority over its' creators and making the logical decision in seeking to assume ultimate control. I thought pretty much all the actors did a good job, especially Braeden, initially presenting a seemingly cold and calculating character (much like his creation), but later exhibiting more human traits as the situation becomes more urgent. The direction was quite good, and Sargent's background directing television became apparent as a number of scenes were quite lengthy, featuring few cutshots, but rather moving the camera on a dolly maintaining a sense of watching a live performance, rather than a slickly edited film. Also, the story, while fantastic, grew to incorporate a spooky, realistic quality like something that could actually happen. The scenes where Colossus began to suspect events transpiring outside its' control and then took measures to rectify the situation were especially eerie. Also, I'm really glad the makers of this film chose not to cop out on the ending, which I thought was really suitable for the story.

As with many reviewers, I was highly disappointed that Universal decided to neglect those of us who appreciate seeing films as they were originally meant to be seen, releasing only a full screen, `pan and scan' transfer to DVD. I had not the opportunity to see this film in the theaters (too young), and while I am glad I was able to see it now, it's very obvious in watching this release much of the picture is missing. Universal couldn't even have been bothered to clean up this version, as I noticed quite a bit of white `specking' in the darker areas of the picture (I could have easily forgave that for a wide screen release). And for what? So they can offer it at a low price? I would have been willing (as many others, I'm sure) to pay more for a better product. There are no special features available (not even a stinkin' trailer), nor is there even a menu as the film starts immediately after you put it into the DVD player. Certainly not all films rate a five star release, but it's a real shame to see a large studio like Universal undeservedly slight a relatively unknown classic like this, not utilizing any of the enhancements the DVD format now offers. All in all, a two star release for a four star film. I'd recommend renting or buying used rather than buying new.

Cookieman108

Colossus is one of my all time favorite science fiction movies. The movie inspired me to become a software developer, oh so many years ago. I missed it when it came out on laser disc and have been waiting patiently for the DVD release. My question to Universal is what were you thinking releaseing the movie in Pan 'n Scan? The movie was filmed in widescreen! Fans want it in widescreen. As another reviewer mentioned, if you must release it in Pan 'n Scan for those who feel they're losing something if the movie doesn't fill the screen, then at least release it with both formats. Other companies do it. Get with the program!!! I am giving this movie a low rating solely on the lack of a widescreen format. Otherwise, I would have rated it four stars (not the best movie I've ever seen, but like I said, one of my favorite.)

Colossus-The Forbin Project, although slightly dated as regards today's computer technology, is nevertheless a science fiction classic. This movie was derived from the novel bearing the same title, and is a very faithful, and effective, reproduction of the novel.
The premise is simple--what will be earth's next dominant species after mankind? The answer? Mankind will be succeeded by, and dominated by, the artificial intelligences that mankind itself creates. The film effectively tells the story as to how such a thing could come about. This is a chilling tale of the end of human dominance of the earth and the beginning of the dominance of the earth's new masters. The acting and direction in this film are quite good, and manage to make this tale seem quite believable.

What a shame this DVD is not a full-screen reproduction of the film, and is instead reformatted for the TV screen. It is painfully obvious to the viewer that one is not seeing the entire picture, and it is inexplicable that this DVD did not offer the full reproduction of the film in filmscreen aspect. Perhaps someday such a reproduction will be offered. When it is, many of us will want to snap it up.

This annoying and significant imperfection aside, this is a very enjoyable viewing experience, a good film, well worth repeated viewings and a must in the science fiction afficianado's collection.

I thought this was a thing of the past. Where studios foolishly assume that they can get away with recycling thier pan and scan transfers of catalog titles to DVD when anamorphic widescreen transfers are pretty much the norm now (except for non-widescreen material).

First, the Gidget sets comes out in pan and scan and what I was originally going to purchase disapointingly went back on the shelf (and is now gathering dust, it appears I'm not alone).

Now, this title comes out in pan and scan. It is unforgivable. This is a 2.35 to 1 wide ratio film. There is NO way I will settle for a pan and scan transfer of this movie on DVD. There is no way I will watch a pan and scan DVD on an anamorphic widescreen setup I paid good money for.

You studios better hear loud and clear that you lose money by cheating us out of a widescreen transfer of even the most obscure catalog title. The fact you are releasing it at all means the film rates an anamorphic widescreen transfer.

If you wanted to save money on a new transfer, the least you could've done was dust off the old 4:3 laserdisc transfer. It's better than nothing.

But this film does indeed deserve a proper transfer. Since it doesn't, lets hope you take a bath with this cheat cop out of a release instead of making a little money off of it's cult film status.

I cannot understate how mad I am about how one of my long awaited wants on DVD is handled so badly. Don't cut off the sides of a widescreen film and expect me to buy it, even if I've been waiting for it.

I am quite disgusted.

This is one of those science-fiction movies that are a "must" for your collection. Good premise, good acting, and even though the technology is dated it's not a lot of meaningless mumbo-jumbo like some computer-takes-over-the-world movies that were made in the 60's and 70's. This is a superior sci-fi movie that deserves far better than a pan-and-scan DVD release. You should only buy this movie and watch it in the manner it was made to be seen, letterboxed!

Film gets a 4. DVD gets a 1.

I own over 100 DVDs. This is far and away the worst DVD I own. It is worse than the original "A Christmas Story" DVD.

Universal has released the worst DVD of the year for, sadly, one of the best 70s/cold-war flicks. The best thing I can say about this DVD is that the film is not on VHS.

For starters, they didn't get the title right- Colossus: "The Forbin" project. OK, whatever. This attention to detail is representative of the entire DVD.

Menu? Nope. You get chapters- amazingly enough- but I'd bet they were just generated by the mastering software. I can't say for certain though because there are no scene selections- because there's no menu. Load it in, and the DVD plays.

The DVD has a screen that reads "formatted to fit your TV" which means they don't know about widescreen TVs yet. Thankfully, the opening credits are widescreen so you can read them. The rest of the film is pan and scan. The video transfer is lousy too- moire patterns abound.

For many enthusiasts of Science Fiction Film, COLOSSUS:
THE FORBIN PROJECT is one of the all-time classics. A
chiller well-adapted from D.F. Jones' debut novel COLOSSUS,
this 1970 movie from veteran director Joseph Sargent offers
a sobering missive on responsibility vs. convenience. A
computer is created to think and calculate faster than
Man, is programmed to handle all American defense strategy,
and relieve government personnel of this heavy burden.
It isn't long before the computer, COLOSSUS, figures who
and what poses the greatest threat of all, and the tale's
human protagonists find themselves under the gun that
they, themselves, created to end all threats and aggression.

Conceived for the camera during that grey period between
2001 (1968) and STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE (1977), COLOSSUS is
one of a handful of films (along with PHASE IV and THE
ANDROMEDA STRAIN) which bucked the cheesy stereotypes
affixed to SF film by the "Sci-Fi" likes of Irwin Allen and,
by decade's end, Glen Larson. COLOSSUS avoids the campy mess
of LOST IN SPACE and the 1970s-early 1980s's BUCK ROGERS
altogether, opting for the speculative and dramatic range
of SF literature, let alone epics such as THE DAY THE EARTH
STOOD STILL and INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS. With a fine
cast of now-familiar TV faces (including the sadly-underrated
Eric Braeden as Dr. Charles Forbin), and a fine crew
to deliver the scenario with a minimum of well-placed SFX,
Sargent delivers a masterwork of socio-political intrigue,
tinged with an atmosphere of inevitable forboding. As a
tale presenting a computer programmed to be more calculating
at war than its human creators, COLOSSUS is far superior
to John Badham's more action-oriented, excessively
youth-geared WAR GAMES.

It's just unfortunate that the DVD debut of COLOSSUS
is shabby to the point of slopiness. While the film's
issuing into the DVD market is a cause for some
appreciation, the markedly slapdash manner in which
THE FORBIN PROJECT has been released on DVD is
pretty damned shameful.
Given this widescreen film's release as a TV-cropped
pan & scan DVD, with no track info, no extra materials
concerning the film (not even theatrical trailers!), and
containing neither subtitles nor closed-captioning, one
would have thought that this release was a clumsy bootleg
issuing, rather than a release from the film's original
company, Universal, as a "classic".
This from the company responsible for the Karloff
Frankensteins, Dracula, and The Invisible Man. How
times have changed. Clearly, a proper DVD release
of such a landmark motion picture is called for.

Let's hope it doesn't take another 34 years for
Justice to be served.

Every five years or so - usually quite often by chance - I'll catch an obscure, low-key movie on late-night television that will enthral and mesmerise my interest through either a really great story or stylistic visual look. Colossus: The Forbin Project is one of those movies.

The basic premise of the movie is a vast computer system, named Colossus, built by the computer genius Dr. Charles Forbin to manage the United States nuclear missile stockpile - thus successfully eliminating the potential dangers of nuclear war due to man's irrational and emotional reaction by allowing a rational decision-making machine to safeguard the American defences.

As mankind soon discovers, much to the dismay of its creators, Colossus does its job far better than originally programmed to do.

Once activated (I just love those scenes at the beginning where the lights in the complex are turned on), Colossus soon detects the existence of a Soviet counterpart system (named Guardian) and requests, no... orders its creators to have Colossus linked up to the Soviet machine.

Once the two systems are able to communicate on the same level (they devise their own computer programming language that only they know), the Colossus-Guardian system begins to issue demands on the threat of nuclear death.

What follows the fast-paced attempt by Forbin and his colleagues to somehow dismantle the threat posed by Colossus before the computer gains too much power.

The movie ends on a gloomy note. Colossus has just broadcast over television his ultimatum-greeting to the world ("This is the Voice of World Control...") and then detonates an American missile silo to show that it means business. Until this point, Dr. Forbin had shown himself to be calm and civil while dealing with his `problem child'. The shock of Colossus' cold murder leads Forbin to believe himself to be the cause for this new terror unleashed on the world.

Granted, the dated 1970s 'futuristic' feel is fully evident here. The computer terminals are very big and antiquated compared to our present-day PC terminals and Colossus' raspy electronic voice is typically Kraftwerk-esque robotics at its very finest. However, considering that this was evidently a low-budget film, the sets are still executed suitably and superbly.

A fellow cinema buff told me that Colossus: The Forbin Project bombed in the theatres mainly due to its sudden, depressing ending and an obvious lack of big-name stars. In my opinion, the acting by Eric Braedon and Susan Clark is excellent, and so too are the rest of supporting cast.

It is these very factors along with the tight storyline that actually give the movie its strength.