The special effects are downright beautiful, I'm a big fan of classic model-work with matte paintings (pinnacles being Douglas Trumbull's 2001, Blade Runner, ST:TMP etc) and this fully delivers in that area. The detailing on the model shots is world-class, and this is a rare / lost art now so it's safe to say these techniques may never be equaled again in the future of film.
On a technical level, the film is superb, with excellent performances and a general air of authenticity, with care given intelligently to minor details in the sets and props, which makes for a convincing, believable view of the future....1969's view of the future of course, but as such it stands up very well.
The story itself is where things are not quite at the same standard. This feels like a great entry in a sci-fi short story collection, that is stretched out too thin for a feature length film. There is a bit of meat to the story in the beginning, with elements of international politics, Bond-like espionage and some adult-themed interpersonal drama, but they feel under-developed and don't go anywhere, and when the film's real point gets into gear, it's not explored as thoroughly as it could have been and the end feels abrupt and fairly unsatisfying. I think another half hour of running time and a more developed story could really have made this an epic sci-fi that would be better known than it seems to be now.
In conclusion, this is still a must-watch for sci-fi genre and SFX enthusiasts such as myself, so I can still recommend it highly.
On a technical level, the film is superb, with excellent performances and a general air of authenticity, with care given intelligently to minor details in the sets and props, which makes for a convincing, believable view of the future....1969's view of the future of course, but as such it stands up very well.
The story itself is where things are not quite at the same standard. This feels like a great entry in a sci-fi short story collection, that is stretched out too thin for a feature length film. There is a bit of meat to the story in the beginning, with elements of international politics, Bond-like espionage and some adult-themed interpersonal drama, but they feel under-developed and don't go anywhere, and when the film's real point gets into gear, it's not explored as thoroughly as it could have been and the end feels abrupt and fairly unsatisfying. I think another half hour of running time and a more developed story could really have made this an epic sci-fi that would be better known than it seems to be now.
In conclusion, this is still a must-watch for sci-fi genre and SFX enthusiasts such as myself, so I can still recommend it highly.