The Black Hole

Rating:
Summary: A decent flick
Review: This is one of those movies I saw as a kid and didn't see again for many years. But I still remembered many scenes from the movie. The movie has some memorable scenes (such as the fireball rolling through the hull of the ship and the evil robot Maximillian.) This is one of the more disturbing but interesting Disney movies that come to mind... a departure from the bland live action films Disney typically rolls off their conveyor belt. It's worth checking out if you're a serious sci-fi fan.

Rating:
Summary: Interfering executives ruined this film.
Review: When The Black Hole was first proposed it had a much better concept and design but,unfortunately,interfering Disney executives decided to "change" the concept and script,and ruined the film.One original impressive robot design was changed into a childish bin of a robot.And the movie ended up with a ridiculous scene where a silly looking robot with a "Slim Pickens" voice does a death scene so bad that it is laughable.Appalling writing!The original double scene ending "voyage through the hole" was kept and is impressive.The villain is shown symbolically going to hell and the survivors go through the Black Hole to another area of space.This is the only hint of what the movie might have been if the executives had left well enough alone.

Rating:
Summary: I loved it
Review: Granted, The Black Hole is not as good as Star Wars or 2001. But it does not deserve it's reputation. It has good effects, tremendous photography, a good cast, and a likable robot. Yes Vincent looks kiddish. But, his size and concept are convenient for a mission like The Black Hole's. Maybe if they had changed the eyes he would have looked better. The best special effects are towards the end when they cross the black hole.

Rating:
Summary: Marvelous, but marred
Review: For their big sci-fi to-do, Disney cloned Nemo with Morbeus (FORBIDDEN PLANET), and rendered a rather moody space opera that stands apart from an army of post-1977 STAR WARS ripoffs -- a true throwback to 1950s pulp SF. Compare Maximilian to Calaban, and the Cygnus to Altair IV, and BLACK HOLE's lineage is clear.

As per the technical details, Anchor Bay has done their usual outstanding job of preserving this film. The sound is great, particularly the overture track. The effects shots are crisp and clear, a true credit to Syd Mead and Harrison Ellinshaw's moody designs. Unfortunately, many of the live action interior shots show color degradation in the traveling mattes, resulting in a clumsy appearance. Probably a result of the original positive this DVD was made from. Still, if you can ignore the clumsy dialog, silly V.I.N.C.E.N.T. robot (hey, it's Disney!), and just focus on the strong points, this is a delightful release.

Rating:
Summary: Not Bad...and leave Vincent alone!
Review: Ok, so the dialogue isnt the greatest, the acting is a little stiff, and sometimes you can see the strings holding up Vincent and his Texan counterpart, but this is one of those movies that shouldnt be taken seriously anyway! Speaking of Vincent, quit picking on him! I thought he was cool, a lot less annoying of a kid's immick than Jar-Jar! (if maybe a tinge too philosophical...) Even into the new millenium I think most of the FX and set designs hold up very nicely to today's movies (the black hole itself and the meteor are still stunning). This is really more of a kid's sci-fi movie, and truthfully it made me feel like one again watching it! Mix together Lost In Space (for storyline and characters) , 2001 (for visuals) , and Star Wars (set/costume design) and you get the Black Hole. Also worth watching to see Norman Bates and Ernest Borgnyne as astronauts! Dont take this movie too seriously and you'll love it...trust me! DVD version picture was nice and crisp, sound was as good it probably was in its day, but a la cheap-o Disney, don't expect any worthwhile extras (like all their other dvd's). I think this movie was more enjoyable and better than the Phantom Menace...honestly!

Rating:
Summary: A must-see for lovers of BAD sci-fi -- disney style
Review: Oh, my. . . this is bad. The writing is terrible, the effects are dated (but not bad) and the direction is just plain icky (same guy who did Gomer Pyle). You MUST see this movie to believe it.

Rating:
Summary: Plot And SFX Are Only Saving Grace On This Film.
Review: Granted the special effects (Back in 70's here mind you) were spectacular, and still hold true when watched today. Yet, what exceeds in SFX, it sorely lacks in dialog and at times acting. The film starts off the day before Christmas in deep space. On board the insteller ship Palamino, a crew of 5 are on board along with Vincent, the ships robot. The ship and crew are on there way home after a long voyage. On there way home, Dr Alex Durant discovers an intense gravatational pull on the ship. It's coming from a black hole nearby. In scanning the hole, they discover a ship sitting on the event horizon of the black hole. It is discovered to be the Cygnus, lost with all hands 20 years ago. After some quick manuevering, the Palamino manages to dock with the Cygnus. To the Palamino's crew surprise, the ship isn't derilict, but quite active at the hands of Dr. Hans Reinhardt. Dr. Reinhardt has been studying the black hole for a good number of years. . It is only after a little investigation, that the crew of the Palmino discover something much more sinister to Dr. Reinhardt's plans. Dr. Reinhardt on the other hand, has strong desires to use the crew of the Palamino to finally complete his study of the black hole by traveling through the hole. The story for The Black Hole would be perfect for a remake. A background story would have been perfect for the existing film, as very little information is given to the type of universe the story takes place in i.e.; technology, culture, how the future is portrayed...etc. All in all, not a terribly bad film.

Rating:
Summary: Very underrated--I need help
Review: I think this is one of the most underrated movies ever. The dialogue is downright awful in some parts and some of the science is just downright wrong (how does Charlie get sucked out into space in the end, but manage to breathe and yell? ). However, it has an overwhelming presence the whole way through. From the insane captain, Reinhart, to the sentry robots, to Maximillian to the Black Hole itself, there seem to be insurmountable obstacles throughout the whole movie. It is a very dark and disturbing movie. I actually think this movie would have been much more recognized had it not been released by Disney. It isn't a typical Disney movie. Death is a central issue in this movie, unlike most Disney movies.

(...)The end is wacky. I understand some of it, but hardly all of it. I'd like to learn what exactly it all means.

Rating:
Summary: A must see for any Sci-Fi Fan!
Review: A very different and unusual movie. I remember when Disney released it in 1979 and my parents would not take me to see it due to it's dark and weird content. I eventually saw it a few years later on a cable movie station and watched it every time it came on. It's plot is weak but has interesting special effects for it's time. I believe it would have done better at the box office if it had been released before Star Wars. If you are looking for interesting special effects with robots and computers, then this movie is for you! Kinda like Scooby Doo and the gang in outer space. It does have some bad script writing and slightly humorous but boring comments, but remember it's Disney not Lucas' Star Wars. Get the Widescreen Version, dim the lights and pop the popcorn, you will enjoy it. Pay close attention to the symbolism with Maximillian and Dr. Rinehardt as it nears the end....

Rating:
Summary: A remake of Dr. Strangelove
Review: Okay, it isn't, but Bob's voice sounds just like the guy who rides the bomb. And that's one of the few redeeming features of this movie. It has so many problems: the irritating, platitude-spouting robot Vincent; the distracting musical cues; the muddled theology and incomprehensible ending, where we see ... <spoiler warning> ... hell? and heaven? (Maybe the movie is a remake of Dante's Inferno--would that make Vincent Vergil?). Not to mention the wooden acting all 'round, the inappropriate "slapstick" moments involving the robots, and the collapse of the plot halfway through the movie, resulting in character behavior which makes no sense. The picture quality was decent, though, except during some f/x sequences where the picture seemed choppy or in jerky slow motion.