Westworld [DVD] [1973]

This is a timeless classic science fiction film.Excellent thriller.

As firstly a fan of the new, 2016 to present day TV series of Westworld, I got into the fan theories of that show deeply, and a major reccurring train of thought and inspiration on various group chats etc was echoing plot points from this original, 1973 Michael Crichton film and its sequel ‘Futureworld.’First of all, it’s important to note this film isn’t the same HBO Westworld on the TV - that no doubt many of the people suddenly interested in this film have been inspired to seek out - it has similarities and the same basic premise...but that’s about it. Themes of what it means to be human, what is consciousnesses etc are merely hinted upon here, as opposed to delved deeply in detail as the Nolan and Joy version is/has. There aren’t even any of the characters from its successor here, barring the ‘newbie’ and recurring visitor dynamic of the two main leads and Yul Brynner’s Gunslinger only sharing the same colour scheme and propensity towards violence as Ed Harris’ MIB.In many ways, this Westworld shares more in common with Crichton’s Jurassic Park film, in that it is essentially a sci-fi theme park gone wrong thanks to man’s inability to control its complex creations and financially-driven greed overwhelming concerns of safety. The whole moral, grey area which is a cornerstone (pun very much intended HBO fans!) of the new series is not really a factor, it’s quite simply portrayed as human guests being good guys, the park losing control and robot evil doers killing everyone, the Gunslinger is essentially The Terminator 10 years earlier, although to be fair, he is killed twice before he can get a shot off!The production is good for its time, but looks very dated compared to today’s standards - as is to be expected. The acting is great, Brynner is excellent as a robot combat death machine and is bristling with menace and a cold, detachment you’d expect from a supposed cold-hearted machine, that his character pretty much is and James Brolin is a dead ringer for Christian Bale...seriously!The film also explores ‘Medieval World’ and ‘Roman World’ - Season 3 HBO!? - but, like it’s successor, is firmly rooted in the Ol’ West.Extras are short and sweet. A 3 minute trailer, a brief, 10 minute ‘behind the scenes’ documentary of the film, which basically gives you the gist of the film, its concept and characters (as well as rare footage of the great man behind the lens - Michael Crichton, RIP) and a 45 plus minute Pilot Episode of the original ‘Beyond Westworld’ series, no doubt an attempt to plug that brief, TV series, but hey, it’s free!Overall, much better than I expected. Whilst it pales in comparison to the new TV series as far as depth, production and complexity goes, sometimes you just have to applaud the original for its excellent, original idea and vision, which is still unlike anything else out there and might even have inspired many, more well known and successful copycats in the intervening years before its revival. Great as a stand alone film, interesting for fans of the new series to view as well.

Very enjoyable

Loved this film as a kid. Yul Brennar is terrific, but it has darted a little. When I showed it to my two teenage sons they did kind of laugh at the sexism, and dodgy effects. Kind of adds to its 70's charm.

Love this film since I was younger, preffered to newer series.

I remember seeing this on TV as a kid in the 70s and being on the edge of my seat, it's certainty rare for movies like this being made nowadays.In the then-future year of 1983, a high-tech, highly realistic adult amusement park called Delos features three themed "worlds": Western World (the American Old West), Medieval World (medieval Europe), and Roman World (the ancient Roman city of Pompeii). The resort's three "worlds" are populated with lifelike androids that are practically indistinguishable from human beings,what could possibly go wrong.It's in West World,after paying a sizable entrance fee, Blane (James Brolin) and Martin (Richard Benjamin) are determined to unwind by hitting the saloons and shooting off their guns. But when the system goes haywire and Blane is killed in a duel with a robotic gunslinger (Yul Brynner), Martin's escapist fantasy suddenly takes on a grim reality.This 1973 science fiction Western thriller film written and directed by Michael Crichton was the first to utilize 2D digital computer animation in a entertainment feature film (animation in Vertigo was only in titles segment). The point of view of Yul Brynner's gunslinger was achieved with raster graphics.Blu-ray resolution is pin sharp and the movie has never looked this good.

If I had seen this as a child,it would have scared the hell out of me!

From the writer of Jurrasic Park - This movie is way ahead of its time - Checkout the end credits.The closeup of electonics doesnt include a single microchip and the computers are all flashing lights- brilliant. The acting is good as well