The beginning of mainstream computer animation.
Tron
Cast & Crew
Directed by Steven Lisberger
Story by Steven Lisberger and Bonnie MacBird
Starring
Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn/Clu
Bruce Boxleitner as Alan Bradley/Tron
David Warner as Ed Dillinger/Sark/Voice of Master Control Program
Cindy Morgan as Lora/Yori
Barnard Hughes as Dr. Walter Gibbs/Dumont
Original Theatrical Release
July 9, 1982
DVD Release
March 2, 2004
Buy from Amazon.com – Buy from Amazon.ca
DVD Features
- Available subtitles: Spanish, French
- Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
- All-new extensive “The Making of Tron” documentary (88 mins.)
- Deleted scenes
- Production photo gallery including archival photos not presented in the laser disc edition
- Commentary by writer/director Steven Lisberger, producer Donald Kushner and visual effects supervisors Harrison Ellenshaw and Richard Taylor
- Storyboard-to-film Comparisons
- Extensive still frame galleries
- Pre-production animation tests
- Deleted original soundtrack music
- Inspirational designs by futuristic artists Syd Mead, Peter Lloyd and Jean “Moebius” Giraud
- Computer animation design and memo reels
- Original publicity materials
- Original theatrical trailer
- Number of discs: 2
Summary
A hacker is literally abducted into the world of a computer and forced to participate in gladiatorial games where his only chance of escape is with the help of a heroic security program.
Review
So, the story is pretty by-the-book, but the effects? 23 years has done nothing to dull the achievement.
High Point
- Light cycles.
Low Point
- Grid Bugs?
The Scores
Originality: Can’t really say it’s been done before… 5
Effects: Brilliant work for 1982, and still looks pretty sharp! 6
Story: It’s fun. It’s not Shakespeare, but it’s fun. 4
Acting: Nothing stunningly brilliant, but decent. 4
Emotional Response: You know what’s going to happen. 3
Extras: Fantastic extras that really make you appreciate the work that went into the film. 5
Overall: A great piece of animation history. 5
Total: 32 out of 42
Links
Additional Notes and Comments
If you’re interested in what’s in TheAngryMob’s review queue, check out my What’s Coming page.
The Master Control Program manipulated the Numbers!
I figured such a movie would get a better score, given how positive your comments were….
…. and I was right! The total score should be 32, not 28..
Re: The Master Control Program manipulated the Numbers!
Well we’re lucky that he only did that and didn’t de-rez the entire review!!
End of line…
What a great movie.
Say on another note, would it be possible to get some 4400 discussions posted. I know some (including me) have asked for reviews, but discussions would be a good place to start in lieu of actual reviews.
Re: The Master Control Program manipulated the Numbers!
it’s being worked on.
also, look for Stargate discussions starting this coming friday.