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(MGM Studios, England) In response to the success of George Lucas' updated "Star Wars", Stanley Kubrick announced today the planned re-release of "2001: A Space Odyssey". The enhanced version of the film will be released early in 1998, celebrating its 30th anniversary. Kubrick explained, "Much of what we tried to accomplish in 1968 as limited by then-current technology. We feel this greatly impinged on the structure and style of the film, grossly affecting our ability to tell a modern story." Many of the changes and additions are fairly minor; only a true devotee would be expected to notice. For example, the "Pan Am" space clipper will have its logo changed to "Discount Spaceways." Other logos will be inserted, as deemed appropriate by the sponsors of the updating: "Coke" and "Nikon" will appear on food and photographic products, while the HAL 9000 computer will sport "Intel Inside" and "Microsoft Windows NT 8.5" appliques. Other sequences are expected to present visual and auditory changes more apparent to those who may only have seen the film a small number of times. * Computer displays will be rendered with true 3D modeling. As an inside joke in one scene, graphics engineers will be inserting images from "Quake 2000." * The "Star Voyage" sequence designed by Trumball and Veevers will be replaced by an entirely computer-generated sequence. * New scenes will be inserted. One known scene involves the "hominid murder;" a new computer-assisted sequence showing a battle between thousands of hominids will be added following this scene. * All of the music will be replaced by a soundtrack performed by U2. The soundtrack will be broadcast in digitized, Dolby- enhanced surround sound. Kubrick explained, "No one liked the music in the original, anyway." * The monolith, which most viewers found "boring" will be redesigned to look like a large human-shaped robot with blinking lights. * Frank Poole's sex will be changed, adding new interest. Also, Francine Poole will not die; She and Dave will be saved by MONOLITHMAN and will live happily every after. Kubrick explains again, "No one understood the ending; we feel that our rewrite will be much more accessible to the typical intelligent moviegoer." Kubrick summarized the release, codenamed "3" (short for "2001- 1998") as an "Experience for the younger generation, born well after the original. The original film was dated and did not meet the needs of new viewers. The new release will be competitive with today's movies and should provide a fulfilling, enjoyable experience to all." A spring, 1998 release is anticipated.
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