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2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Back in the early 1990s, I was on a line at an IMAX theater in San Antonio, Texas, for a one-night-only screening of “2001: A Space Odyssey” in its original 70mm format. A local couple was standing behind me and asked if I was familiar with the film. I said that I had already seen it and asked if they were also familiar with the production. They said they never saw it, but I noticed there was a strange apprehensive expression on their faces, as if they were having second thoughts about seeing the film.

“Here’s my advice,” I said to them. “Don’t expect ‘Star Wars’ – and the film’s ending makes no sense.”

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The Bootleg Files: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Epilogue

BOOTLEG FILES 705: “2001: A Space Odyssey, Epilogue” (2019 fan film).

LAST SEEN: On Vimeo.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: None.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: Borrowing from classic material without permission.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Negative.

Last week, this column featured a merry little fan film that mashed up the Abbott and Costello and Superman franchises. This week, we are focusing on a new fan film that has quickly become the talk of social media.
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The Bootleg Files: K-9000: A Space Oddity

BOOTLEG FILES 633: “K-9000: A Space Oddity” (1968 animated short).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: None.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: It is uncertain what the problem is with this title.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Not likely.

Fifty years ago this week, Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” had its theatrical premiere. It inspired controversy, debate and (for many moviegoers) a great excuse to get stoned in the cinema. It also inspired a cute animated short called “K-9000: A Space Oddity,” which was quickly produced and released within months of the Kubrick film.

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