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    Silent Running

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    Availability: Only 5 left in stock, order soon!
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    Format: Blu-ray November 17, 2020


    Description

    In 1968, visual effects pioneer Douglas Trumbull (The Andromeda Strain, Close Encounters of the Third Kind) contributed to the ground-breaking special photographic effects of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. Four years later, he stamped his own indelible mark on the science fiction genre with his mesmerising directorial debut – Silent Running.In the not-so-distant future, Earth is barren of all flora and fauna, with what remains of the planet’s former ecosystems preserved aboard a fleet of greenhouses orbiting in space. When the crews are ordered to destroy the remaining specimens, one botanist, Freeman Lowell (Bruce Dern, The ’Burbs), rebels and flees towards Saturn in a desperate bid to preserve his own little piece of Earth that was, accompanied only by the ship’s three service robots.Featuring a captivating central performance by Dern, visual effects that rival anything in 2001 and a powerful ecological message, Silent Running is a haunting and prescient sci-fi classic that resonates even more strongly today than it did at the time of its original release.SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTSBrand new 2K restoration from the original camera negative, approved by director Douglas Trumbull and produced by Arrow Video exclusively for this release High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray™ presentation Original lossless mono audio Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing Brand new audio commentary by critics Kim Newman and Barry Forshaw Original audio commentary by Douglas Trumbull and actor Bruce Dern Isolated music and effects track No Turning Back, a new interview with film music historian Jeff Bond on the film’s score First Run, a new visual essay by writer and filmmaker Jon Spira exploring the evolution of Silent Running’s screenplay The Making of Silent Running, an archival 1972 on-set documentary Silent Running by Douglas Trumbull and Douglas Trumbull: Then and Now, two archival interviews with the film’s director A Conversation with Bruce Dern, an archival interview with the film’s lead actor Theatrical trailer Extensive behind-the-scenes gallery Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Arik RoperFIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by Barry Forshaw and Peter Tonguette

    MPAA rating ‏ : ‎ G (General Audience)


    Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 5.92 ounces


    Director ‏ : ‎ Douglas Trumbull


    Media Format ‏ : ‎ Anamorphic, Widescreen, Dolby, NTSC


    Run time ‏ : ‎ 1 hour and 30 minutes


    Release date ‏ : ‎ November 17, 2020


    Actors ‏ : ‎ Bruce Dern, Ron Rifkin, Cliff Potts


    Studio ‏ : ‎ Arrow Video


    Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ USA


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    Top Amazon Reviews

      • Arrow bluray
    A favorite of a generation of fans who saw it when they were young, Douglas Trumbull’s Silent Running didn’t fare well in 1972 due to a lack of publicity. Trumbull had worked with Stanley Kubrick on 2001: A Space Odyssey and wanted to make a science fiction film of his own utilizing the same level of great special effects, but also brought in writers like Michael Cimino and Steven Bochco to help him write it. And while the effects are to certainly be praised, more important is the performance of Bruce Dern. Essentially a one-man show, the empathy for his character, regardless of his actions, is off the charts because of the pathos he brings to it. As such, the film explores themes of morality and ecological disaster, but does so masterfully. It also utilizes a score provided by Peter Schickele and songs performed by Joan Baez, both of which are highly unusual for a sci-fi film from this era. Films like Moon would build upon and modernize its ideas, but Silent Running stands today as unique science fiction—made at a time when studios were more willing to gamble on filmmakers with new ideas and fresh approaches. Sometime in the future, the Earth has become uninhabitable, meaning that plants and animals can no longer survive there. The solution: preserve what’s left by putting it on a spaceship and nurtuing it over an extended period of time. Chosen to oversee this is Freeman Lowell (Bruce Dern), an ecologist hellbent on the belief that humans have lost their way and that appreciating nature is the most valuable thing left. His three crewmen, Keenan (Cliff Potts), Barker (Ron Rifkin), and Wolf (Jesse Vint), do not share in his views and see plant life as unnecessary. One day Earth contacts the crew and, without warning, orders them to destroy the domes housing the vegetation and come home. Unwilling to go along with this, Lowell sabotages and kills his crewmen, left alone to float in space with his three service robots and avoid rescue. Arrow Video brings Silent Running to Blu-ray for a second time utilizing a new 2K restoration taken from a 4K scan of the original 35 mm camera negative and presented in the aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The final color grade was approved by Douglas Trumbull. The previous Universal disc was plagued by heavy grain and leftover damage, both of which have been addressed here. The grain is fairly well-resolved, aside from opticals, and detail has improved, particularly for skin textures and clothing. The color palette remains mostly the same, which lacks a vibrancy that the film just doesn’t offer, though the uses of blue, red, and green have obvious potency. Blacks are deep and brightness and contrast levels are ideal. It’s a stable presentation as well, and easily the best the film has ever looked on home video. The audio is included in English mono DTS-HD with optional subtitles in English SDH. The film was also released in 70 mm with 6 track audio, but that doesn’t appear to have been utilized here. The mono track handles the various elements admirably, including the score and music selection. Dialogue is prioritized well, even Bruce Dern’s quiet murmurings, though sound effects don’t always have the level of heft that they should. It’s a satisfactory mix without any leftover instances of hiss, crackle, dropouts, or distortion to speak of. The following extras are also included, all in HD: Audio Commentary by Kim Newman and Barry Forshaw Audio Commentary by Douglas Trumbull and Bruce Dern Isolated Music and Effects Track No Turning Back (13:48) First Run: The Evolution of Silent Running’s Screenplay (14:03) The Making of Silent Running (49:17) Silent Running by Director Douglas Trumbull (30:09) Douglas Trumbull: Then and Now (4:52) Silent Running: A Discussion with Bruce Dern “Lowell Freeman” (10:57) Theatrical Trailer (2:58) Behind-the-Scenes Gallery (635 in all – 105:56) In the new audio commentary, authors and film historians Kim Newman and Barry Forshaw discuss the reasons why the film didn’t do well at the box office, the casting of Bruce Dern, the film’s similarities to and differences from science fiction stories of the era, the use of sound and music in the film, its ecological message, the impact of Star Wars on science fiction, the differently abled being cast in films, and Douglas Trumbull’s attention to technology, among other subjects. The older audio commentary with Trumbull and Bruce Dern was recorded in 2000 and features the two men in discussion about the making of the film, commenting upon it as they watch it together—though Trumbull does most of the talking. The isolated music and effects track is presented 2.0 LPCM. No Turning Back features a new audio interview with music historian Jeff Bond speaking about the film’s music and song selection. First Run is a new video essay by writer and filmmaker Jon Spira about the evolution of the film’s screenplay using illustrations and voice actors. The Making of Silent Running is a vintage 1972 documentary made concurrently with the film’s production. Silent Running by Director Douglas Trumbull and Douglas Trumbull: Then and Now features an interview with the director about the film in retrospect. In A Discussion with Bruce Dern, the actor discusses his career, how he got the main role, working with Douglas Trumbull, and his retrospective feelings on the film. The Behind-the-Scenes Gallery contains a whopping 635 full color and black white production stills. Also included is a 32-page insert booklet containing cast and crew information, Silent Running: Douglas Trumbull’s Visions of Nature by Barry Forshaw, Silent Running: Bruce Dern’s Star Turn Among the Stars by Peter Tonguette, and restoration information. Everything is housed in a clear amaray case with reversible artwork—new artwork on one side and the original theatrical poster on the other—within a slipcover featuring the same new artwork. All that’s missing from this release is the German Super 8 version of the film found on the Koch Media Blu-ray release, and the Trailers from Hell commentary featuring Edgar Wright. Arrow Video certainly ups the ante here, giving us a presentation of Silent Running that’s been given careful attention. With a quality transfer and extras, it’s definitely the kind of treatment that a film of its calibre deserves. Highly recommended. ... show more
    Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2021 by Allen Garfield's #1 fan.
      • An unsung classic
    A cautionary tale so unlikely but relatable that you cannot turn your eyes way. Ive enjoyed and appreciated this movie for years. Glad to find it available to stream. Worth the watch. If you're a fan of cult classics like 'Soylent Green', 'Logans Run', or 'A Clockwork Orange', then this is right up your alley. ... show more
    Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2024 by Amber Perkinson
      • Still visually stunning after more than 45 years, but emotionally the film is a real downer
    BOTTOM LINE: Unfortunately not as far-fetched as it should be, SILENT RUNNING still resonates today with a story that makes you think, and sadly shake your head at the same time. I previously owned the film only as an old copy of a copy on VHS tape, so this new Blu-ray was definitely a worthwhile upgrade for me. 4 STARS THE STORY (contains spoilers): In the future, the last of Earth's botanical specimens (plants, trees, small wildlife, etc.) are housed in gigantic geodesic domes attached to massive space freighters orbiting Saturn, in the hopes that one day the ships' contents can be brought back to Earth to jump start her severely damaged ecosystem. Bruce Dern plays Freeman Lowell, one of four astro-technicians in charge of the six domes aboard the USS Valley Forge, one of at least three such starships. Freeman's been out there for eight years, while the other three guys are apparently rookies. They hate the job, seeing it as a totally pointless chore guarding things that no one on Earth even cares about any more. Freeman considers it an almost sacred mission; an honor of the highest calling, and he's convinced that the next radio communication will order them all home to Earth to begin the re-forestation project. But instead the message the Valley Forge receives is Freeman's worst nightmare come true: Scrub the mission, jettison and nuclear destruct the specimen domes, then return to Earth to place the transport ships back into commercial service. While the other three men rejoice at the prospect of finally going home, Freeman retreats into one of the domes, refusing to help his shipmates as they quickly (and gleefully) blow up dome after dome, while the other transport ships around them do the same. Freeman watches helplessly until only two domes remain. When one of the men arrives at Freeman’s dome to install the detonators Freeman tries to stop him. During the ensuing scuffle Freeman is injured. Enraged, he kills the man. Still in survival mode, he traps his two shipmates in the other remaining dome and launches it into space, then blows it up. He hastily fakes a distress call and instructs the ship’s three drone robots to jettison large quantities of trash and miscellaneous debris out into space, hoping to convince the mission leaders that the Valley Forge has been irreversibly crippled and should therefore be left behind and classified as unsalvageable. This would allow Freeman to keep the lone surviving specimen dome intact and safe. But during the ensuing days & weeks, the guilt of his actions slowly overwhelm his thoughts and the tortured man's fragile hold on his sanity begins to erode. In such an emotionally deteriorating condition, can Freeman Lowell persevere and succeed in safeguarding the last of Earth's lush green forests? THOUGHTS: Ultimately more of an arthouse-type offering than a "traditional" film, SILENT RUNNING is nevertheless entertaining in its own way. Be warned however that the movie isn't the usual silly sci-fi fluff entertainment. Indeed, it carries a very heavy, real world, thought-provoking message that is anything BUT pleasant. Taking into account the current condition of Earth's slowly downward-spiraling ecosystem, it's rather eerie how this motion picture parallels what's going on right now... and where we may eventually, inevitably be headed. Thus, SILENT RUNNING is a very sad story. It's a good little film and it certainly is beautiful to look at. But it's a major downer, make no mistake about it. I love this movie but find it hard to watch more than once in a great while because it IS so utterly depressing. Knowing our planet's current pitiful ecological condition, it just piles on the irony by the dumptruck load, making the entire viewing experience even more of a bummer. Douglas Trumbull, better known for his visual effects contributions and movie-going experience developments takes a shot at directing here, apparently by default. It must not have been all he imagined it would be, since he never directed another mainstream film during his career. To be brutally honest, SILENT RUNNING could have easily been done as a 30-60 minute episode on an anthology series like Twilight Zone or Outer Limits. The film's running time is stretched to feature length primarily with lots of (admittedly gorgeous) SPFX footage of the ship miniatures, and panning/tracking shots of the expansive full-scale sets. Undoubtedly, the biggest saving grace of the film are the three robotic maintenance drones. Watching them, you keep thinking that there must be people in there, but the impossibly squat proportions of the odd little robots leave you scratching your head trying to figure out how in the heck it was done. They were ingeniously achieved by hiring legless double amputees, and encasing these folks inside specially designed vacuum-formed suits. These actors then moved about the sets, "walking" on their hands, creating very unique performances. Though completely non-anthropomorphic in looks, Drones 1, 2 & 3, (whom Freemen thoughtfully re-names "Huey," "Louie" and "Dewey" in an attempt to combat his growing loneliness), still manage to have touching, very human personalities. Without the charm of these three little 'bots, SILENT RUNNING would merely amount to a 90 minute demo reel showcasing visual effects techniques. THE BLU-RAY: Universal’s single-disc release of SILENT RUNNING arrives in respectable shape. The picture isn’t as razor-sharp as it could (and should) be, but the film apparently was neither restored nor remastered, so the transfer is good but not great. Picture does contain occasional dirt & grit (and some grain! No DNR!!). Thankfully the pixelation & artifacting are minimal. Biggest gripe is the soundmix. Dialogue is often on the soft side whereas the soundtrack music thunders, forcing you to keep adjusting the volume up & down. Annoying, but not exactly a deal-breaker. Some nice bonus features up the value considerably. The film’s theatrical trailer is thrown in, along with a very interesting, vintage “Making of” featurette. Two newly-lensed interviews with director Douglas Trumball and star Bruce Dern are each interesting & insightful. An engaging full-length audio commentary track with Trumball & Dern rounds out the extras. It covers much of the same ground as the interview pieces, but is still fun and worth a listen. ... show more
    Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2015 by SciFi-Kaiju-Guy @ TeePublic
      • Pelicula de culto
    Buena edición de esta película dificil de conseguir...buen producto
    Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2024 by mauricio del pino
      • Classic with an unexpected surprise
    I remember well the impact this film had on me as a child when i first saw it. Sadly the film is more prescient now than it was when it was released back in the 70's. My nice surprise was that this Blu-ray was copied directly from archived film footage in contrast to 99% of media produced prior to the 2000. As a consequence the video quality for this is near HD quality if not actual high def. For us when viewed on a 75" display video artifacts are few and far between. So if not for the 'special effects' & set designs of that era you couldn't be faulted if you guessed it was made decades later than it actually was. This film is a true classic with the best quality viewing experience you could hope for. I highly recommend it! ... show more
    Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2024 by MikenzCO
      • Great film
    Great film
    Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2024 by Megadeth

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