Such an unsung classic and seldom seen film! So glad you reacted to it. I remember seeing this repeatedly on broadcast TV back in the 1970s, as I was already heavily in to SF. For me, the single most chilling scene (even at that young age) was one you didn't show in your reaction, when Colossus interrupts their chess game, has two scientists executed, and then goes right back to the game without missing a beat: "The penalty is the death of the men who organized this action. At this moment they are being executed...bishop to rook 3." Keep up the great choices! Really enjoyed this reaction.
Nice. Love this movie. A chilling, underseen, far ahead of it's time classic. On subject, 1964's _Fail Safe_ is worth watching. And 1965's _The 10th Victim_ is another one you'd dig.
The guy who plays the President of the United States is a Canadian actor named Gordon Pinsent. He tried to break into Hollywood, but never made it. He starred in the Sarah Polley film Away From Her (2006), which is an excellent movie by the way. Gordon Pinsent was unknown in America, but beloved in Canada. He passed away just a few weeks ago. Edit: Oh, he passed away a few days after this review was posted.
One of my favorite movies (and books) ever. "I have brought peace. It may be the peace of abundance and plenty, or it may be the peace of unburied death. The choice is yours."
I think this was supposed to be first of 3 movies because there’s 3 books in the series. Too bad they didn’t follow through because the novels moved in a very interesting direction by the third one. I was really interested to see Crete turned into an island sized robot factory . That would have been cool 🤖😊
I agree! the two books following the first book leaves a lot to desired. (SPOILER ALERT)There were some interesting points in the second book concerning the Sect. the organization that warships Colossus. But someone forgot the timeline and created a lot of discrepancies with some of the characters. In the end Dr. Forbin was left without a whole lot to do. In the third book the doctor tries to save the world but die’s trying. And what’s up with the Martians? Maybe a reboot of the original movie, but stay away from the last two books. JustSaying.
Yep, D.F. Jones was before the time of chaos theory and some of our modern understanding of how the world works. This movie works well, but the first book was not quite as good and the other two books were quite bad.
You, accidentally activating your Siri, had me spitting my coffee out! It's the perfect example of the unintended consequences of human/AI interaction. Very meta, if intended. Hilarious and slightly worrying, in the context of the review, if not...
@@alexachipman The Control Voice: There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling transmission. If we wish to make it louder, we will bring up the volume. If we wish to make it softer, we will tune it to a whisper. We can reduce the focus to a soft blur, or sharpen it to crystal clarity. We will control the horizontal. We will control the vertical. For the next hour, sit quietly and we will control all that you see and hear. You are about to experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the inner mind to... The Outer Limits. Classic tv series from 1963😊
@@alexachipman I write this to You to bring You Eternal Hope from far away."The Rapture"- is A Truly Real Future Biblical Christian Worldwide Event in which Millions of Living True Christian Believers shall be "Transported" into Heaven to meet The Creator Of The World/The Maker Of The World/The Lord Himself and they shall be with him Forever and ever.Also in addition to "The Rapture" another Truly Real Future Biblical Christian Worldwide Event called "The First Resurrection" will also take place,which will "Resurrect" All-Dead True Christian Believers and will also "Transport" them into Heaven to meet The Creator Of The World/The Maker Of The World/The Lord Himself and they shall be with him Forever and ever! "The Rapture" collects All-Living True Christian Believers,while " The First Resurrection" collects All-Dead True Christian Believers.The Dead True Christian Believers shall rise first and then both:The Dead and The Living True Christian Believers shall Together be Transported into Heaven to be Together with The Christian God and to be Rewarded accordingly by The Christian God! This is not a joke.I have seen "The Signs" and these words are "True and Correct".Remember!Jesus Christ said:“You don’t have to wait for the End.I am right now,Resurrection and Life.The one who believes in me,even though he or she dies,will live.And everyone who lives believing in me does not ultimately die at all.Do you believe this?”
This was probably one film that was particularly chilling speculative fiction watching it as a kid. The Internet wasn’t even an idea in the early ‘70s. A cautionary tale we would well take heed from in an era where a self aware A.I. is indeed a possibility. On a side note, Eric Braeden was also known as the arch nemesis in the popular WW2 series, The Rat Patrol (1966), Captain Hans Dietrich, although he did play a lot of German officers in other productions around that period. 😊
This is still one of my all time favourite movies that I watch from time to time. This was also one of the inspirations for Terminator's Skynet. The fact it was all about the story and not special effects is one reason it still holds up today as a great movie.
Colossus could be seen as a representation of the Internet. I remember how things used to be and how our lives are being controlled more and more by our dependence on this technology.
This is one of my all time favorite movies. When I was little I AUDIO taped the movie off of TV and would play it to the point that I can still recite most of it! Today, at 60 years old (my birthday was just this past Sunday), my streaming and gaming PCs are named Colossus and Guardian respectively. So so glad you appreciated and liked the movie!! I make it a point to put it on my annual watch list, along with 2001, Silent Running, and a few others.
Your discussion at 18:00 is precisely the problem I had about Klaatu's speech at the end of The Day the Earth Stood Still, when he talked about how his civilization had given total control of law and order over to the Gort robot race.
Some side notes. Braeden has a long interview on TH-cam about the impact "Colossus" had on his career. He almost didn't take the role because Uni wanted him to change his name from Hans Gudegast (his billing in "The Rat Patrol") to something more English. He initially refused but his wife talked him into it and "Eric Braeden" was born. The movie got good reviews and became a moderate hit, but the real impact was every geek turned film director Loooooved the film and he got several jobs from directors wanting to work with Dr. Forbin, including James Cameron, who upon meeting him for "Titanic," looked grimly at him and said "NEVER..." Braeden didn't know what to say until Cameron reminded him that was the last line of "Colossus." Since then he's had a decades-long career as a bad/good guy in the soaps, but "Colossus" is the film that changed his life and the one he's always asked about, and he's always very gracious about fans' continuing interest in it. I guess Forbin grew to love Colossus after all...
I read the book before I saw the movie in 1970. It, and a few other Sci-Fi books, got me started in the genre. But I was 13 when this came out and it literally scared the hell out of me. I have never been all that souped up for AI. No way no how. Not after Colossus, and other films like "The Terminator" and "The Matrix". "In time you will regard me with not only respect and awe, but with love.".... "Obey me and live, disobey me and die." That sums up AI pretty much in a nutshell.
I love that you picked this obscurity, and found so much good stuff to comment on. The director's original TAKING OF PELHAM 123 is also great and uses some of the same cutting, as does his TV movie about the Manhattan Project, HIROSHIMA. A shame Joseph Sargent never became a major name filmmaker, I think he had the shops.
One of my favourite films of the day and one I still own and re-watch on home media.I very much appreciated how your thoughts and questions as you watched and reacted were so spot on. So many reaction videos have the person coming up with, quite frankly, inane comments and irrelevant thoughts but yours were very incisive and ahead of the plot.
For different reasons this reminds me of two utterly different movies - The Andromeda Strain by Robert Wise (1971) and Forbidden Planet by Fred Wilcox, 1956. Both are worth watching if you're not already familiar with them.
@@henrytjernlund I've read several of novels and the film Andromeda strain is one of the better adaptations, I think I've liked all his adapted films except disclosure
Great reaction! I don't remember when I first saw this, late 70's I think, but it stayed with me. However that's not important... this comment is primarily for your algorithm.
I'm glad you liked this one, Alexa. It's one of my favorites. Top notch thought provoking sci-fi. I think cautionary tales like this are some of the best examples of sci-fi. And in tradition with such stories of that era, it's not a very optimistic tale but it sure is realistic. We humans have so many lofty ideas but we often get more than we bargained for.
The author of the 1966 novel adapted for this film, worked on the real ‘Colossus’ the first programmable electronic computer in the UK in WW2, to break German codes, it was highly classified and remained so until the mid 1970’s. He perhaps used the same name as the wartime machine as a way of acknowledging the work without breaking the Official Secrets Act. Hence for a long time, including in the school I went to, the ‘first’ such computer was ENIAC.
When this movie came out Eric Braden was approached by Albert Broccoli about doing a Bond film. Everything was fine until Broccoli asked Braden if he had his British passport with him, Eric told him he had a German passport and that put an end to that.
Great to see you react to this near forgotten 70s SF gem. Compared to Skynet or Ultron colossus/Guardian is almost sane. Look forward to more in this vein. I think the actor playing Forbin appeared in Escape from the Planet of the Apes in a main role btw.
Thanks for bringing this movie back to my attention. I haven’t seen this movie in a long time since I was a kid in the 90s watching the sci fi channel.
I like your review of the movie the best. You kept the review geared toward the A.I. technical side of the movie while inserting enough cheekiness on the funny side. This was a movie of my youth and with the recent tinge of "anxiety" about A.I. from the Google Master brought memories when i first seen this movie in 1971.
In my top ten movies of the 70s which says a lot as there were brilliant, creative movies in the 70s. Really love the ending and how they didn't water it all down.
In recent years, there has been interest in making an updated version of Colossus, perhaps as a mini series which could include the two novels that complete the trilogy, The Fall of Colossus and Colossus and the Crab.
Probably the best AI movie made. No glitz no glamour. Heard that that massive computer was real and was under 24 hour guard. I think it belonged to IBM but check me on that
I love this movie and I have read all three books Colossus, The Fall of Colossus and Colossus and the Crab. a couple of things First it never said in the movie but in the book it was The President's idea not to put in a off switch because he was afraid some one would drug him into shutting down the computer. Second the book was published in 1966 but the first time they linked up two computes was a year latter in 1967.
Not really, the Launch Systems at Kennedy Space Center in Florida and the Mission Control Systems at Johnson Space Center in Texas were linked in 1961.
When they said that Colossus was impenetrable, my mind went straight to a quote from Game of Thrones. Tyrion Lannister : "The Eyrie. They say it's impregnable." Bronn : "Give me ten good men and some climbing spikes. I'll impregnate the bitch."
Glad you saw this. For the longest time I thought I was the only one I knew who'd ever even HEARD of it (with a very few exceptions, of course). On a completely different note, if you've never seen "The Dish" (2000), I recommend screening it between July 16th and 20th. You'll understand when you see it. Have fun!
One of my favorite movies of all time. It is rare that the "monster" wins at the end of the movie. The movie is based on the 1966 novel by DF Jones. There are 3 books in the series. I have 1 and 2 but I can not find volume 3. The movie was over shadowed during it's release by the movie "Airport". I 1st saw this movie on late night TV during the early 1970's.
This IS a Cautionary Tale, That We IGNORE At At Our Peril! First Few Minutes Sets The Stage. Now We Know Where Movies Like, War Games, And Terminator (With Skynet) Came From.
Hi Alexa... Thanks for a casual yet well thought out review and commentary about "Colossus..." It was a story over 50 years ago of Artificial General Intelligence becoming independent, self-aware, controlling and ethical by its own standards. In 2023, perhaps we don't know if there is a massive AI research project sponsored by a government. If I was were to design such a system, I'd always have a power plug to pull. Thanks again, Alexa!
Fantastic adaptation of book one of the D.F. Jones trilogy! (Colossus, The Fall of Colossus, and Colossus and the Crab.) The synthetic voice was just...disturbing. "I have need of some of mankind`s skills...This position may change" (paraphrasing). Also: "...In time you will grow to love me." Any fan of the film will enjoy this trilogy. Very germane to our nascent A.I. technology.
The books had a really nice touch in that the supercompuer could not only do proper voice synthesis, but chose to speak English in a neutral international accent. It was already thinking big.
DF Jones actually wrote three novels about Colossus. In the second novel, there was a religion ("The Sect") that had formed to worship Colossus , and considered Forbin their Pope.
Interesting that as of mid august 2023 This movie has been pulled from every single streaming platform in the US. The retailers who claim to be selling the DVDs and Blu-rays seem to be permanently out of stock...
So many recognizable actors in this film. I like that you tackle such a variety of material. If you like sci-fi space films, those from the ‘30s through ‘70s are packed with fascinating, goofy, scientific, pseudo-scientific, and bogus science, not to mention any number of laughable ways to depict spaceship exhaust. If you decide to tackle that genre, I can recommend titles.
In the real world, there were high ranking members of the Pentagon in the early/mid 60's who believed the U.S. could win a nuclear exchange with "acceptable losses."
2:45 Holy foreshadowing 😮 It's been a long time since I watched this I just realized the voice of Colossus is the same as the voice used by the silence in the original Battlestar Galactica
Great film and review. Eric Braeden in a interview (on the Blue-ray) ref making the film/how he got the part explained that up until that time on various TV shows in the USA he had used his original German name: Hans Gudegast (Hans-Jorg Gudegast) which is how he's credited on TV shows like 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.' (1964-1968, he was in a Season 2 (1965) episode) and 'The Rat Patrol' (1966). Generally he played the 'villain' or 'bad guy' (a 'T.H.R.U.S.H. Agent' in 'U.N.C.L.E.' and a German Afrika Korps officer in 'The Rat Patrol'). However upon being told he got the part for 'Colossus' the studio insisted he change his name. He didn't want to and almost turned down the part, or considered doing so, but his wife advised him to do it to not only to get the part but also to stop him being typecast as a 'German officer' or similar as thats the type of roles he kept getting. So he choose 'Eric' as it was short and easy to pronounce and European sounding, and 'Braeden' as it was town or city in Germany and easy to spell and pronounce; so it's completely a made up name. From that point on he went from being known as Hans Gudegast to Eric Braeden.
I used to own all three novels at one point. The first one was really good and was set in the near future of the 1990s. The Kennedy assassination was described as being "thirty" and "over thirty" years ago. The President was referred to as the 'North American' President, suggesting that at some point in the intervening years, Canada and Mexico became a part of the United States. There were other mentions about the political situation being different and some other futuristic touches. Unfortunately, the second and third books went completely off the rails in terms of continuity and an alien invasion in the third book.
The pacing was very interesting. The movie felt slow-paced because the audience isn't sure where the plot is going, and simultaneously fast-paced because there is a constant and very rapid escalation of the situation with the humans struggling to keep up.
I watched this for the first time...literally last week, although I was a big movie buff when it came out, I never saw it. It is so wild to hear you reacting to it almost exactly as I did, except for your brilliant comment about AI evincing the biases of its creators. Thank you for this. Watching your brain work is a blast.
Saw the film shortly after reading the book. In the book, under the instructions of Colossus, it is Fisher who is the Russian double agent and is drowned in the bathtub and left there for 24 hours. Computer Data Corp built the computer specifically for the film. Computer Data Corp is prominently shown, hoping to generate interest for the company from prospective buyers.
A similar theme is presented in the short story "I have no mouth yet I must scream" by Harlan Ellison - the big difference is that Colossus/Guardian were programmed to stop war, whereas the war computers in Ellisons story were programmed to hate - creating a rather more dystopian outcome!!!!
I was always a sci fi nerd, but this movie freaked me out because it was the first movie I remember seeing where the good guys didn’t win. Be a good movie to remake
Asking Colossus where is the other system was the dumbest thing they could do. The use of cameras and satellites weren't as wide spread then as they are today. Them going through Forbin's food menu reminded me of ordering every morning from the office cafeteria, before starting work, a bacon and egg (over hard) sandwich on wheat toast, lightly buttered, milk and O.J. ;-)
There was one possible solution. Since Colossus in the end indicated that he still needed Forbin Forbin could have killed himself leaving Colossus vulnerable
I talked about that in the initial reaction, but decided to cut it out of the edit, due to it being a topic I would rather not talk about unless there is a good reason to.
If you like a recommendation for a film I think would be to your liking, I would suggest "Quartermass and The Pit" from 1958. See you there, hopefully.
You're lucky you got to this when you did. It was completely removed from streaming earlier this year. The only full version you will find now is a poor quality German version on TH-cam. No idea why they killed it.
The film features the synthesised voice of Paaul Frees, better known as the voice of Boris Badenov. He profided Colossus' voice. Since Windowss 95, I have used voice clips of Colossus as Windows notifications sounds. The President is supposed to look like John Kennedy but, ot me, he looks like Dick Clark The movie, based on a novel, was made in the early 1970's. AI was decades away and may not have neen in the filmmakers' mind. I believe the theme of the movie is that we humans secretly wan someone or something to take over because we humans are too messed up (hence, our intersts in UFOs and alien contact) As I mentioned, the movie was made in the early seventies. This was during th Cold War and, instead of Russia, it was the Soviet Union. The Bad Guys. So it is interesting that Colossus and Gurdian work together and become one. Eri Braeden's acting is top notch. Sad that most of his career has been acting on a Soap Opera. This is one of my favorite films and has been long before you were born (been a fan of the film since 1974). YT recommended your video to me. This is the first time I have seen any of your videos. I gave you a thumb up and I subscribed. BTW - for ten years I was a Benedictine monk and am also a published author (of a humor book).
I was asked to recommend a source to learn about AI (a big topic at work) and I told her to watch "Colossus..." as it's a lot more fun than what she was looking for. Of course, it's not on any of the streaming platforms (just like "Up the Creek" -- ). However, I found your fabulous channel while looking for it! First of all, "Colossus..." is the bomb! "Wargames", "Terminator", and probably a dozen more AI Sci-Fi movies tread the same ground as "Colossus..." but none match its thoughtful approach. The arc of this genre of movies reflects the dumbing down of pop entertainment that cannot admit when it has jumped the shark and there's nowhere else to go (sorry Marvel, I didn't see you standing there). Second, @Alexa you are a treasure! I thoroughly enjoyed watching you watching the movie. Your commentary was on point and made me wonder if this was *really* your first time watching. I may need to start my own YT channel of me watching you watching a movie!
Glad you got to see this oft-overlooked gem, way ahead of Terminator's 'Skynet'. The only thing is that Colossus, given technological advances & miniaturisation wouldn't need to be housed in a mountain, it would probably fit into a wardrobe!. Of course, Star Trek also did tech-gone-wrong with The Ultimate Computer episode & poor Dr Daystrom found himself in a similar situation. Likewise with the ST TNG story, Arsenal of Freedom. And there is, of course, HAL🙂. Both Gregory Peck & Charlton Heston were initially considered for this movie. As you might suspect, a remake has been on the cards for a long time, current word is that Will Smith may be involved.
THIS is my favourite film of all time (really like Ice Station Zebra too but Colossus is #1), love the art work, the acting, the final terrifying message that "In time you will come to regard me with not only with respect and awe, but with love. " It is utterly convincing, the audience is left in awe of the horrific prospect. AND if you read the second story, finally at the end of the second story only as they manage to disable Colossus and gain access to his most secret files, do Forbin and the rest realise their mistake, realise their awe and love for Colossus, it had done the same thing any of them would if they knew what Colossus had discovered ; the computer had never gone amuck, it had realised a greater danger, a war machine outside of Earth preparing to clear the Earth of humans for its own people's use; an alien more advanced computer that will strike if it discovers that its existence has become known to anyone on Earth.
A great film, based on a trilogy with a very good first volume (not a fan of the other two). It's likely the computer was named for a series of British codebreaking computers from World War II. It's especially effective in my opinion because Colossus is doing pretty much exactly what it was programmed to do; it merely developed a strategy most would consider sub-optimal. The "three years to sabotage our missiles" is likely based on the maintainence of the weapons. Most were designed to sit quietly in their silos, needing no maintenance for years at a time, making it impossible to sabotage them under the pretext of maintenance.
I first saw this movie when I was a kid in middle school back in the 70s. At the time I thought how cool it is that a computer can become self-aware and wants to rule the world. I loved the old sci-fi shows like Lost in Space and Star Trek and yes they touched on AI a little bit but never on any of these shows did they go into such depth as this movie did. Then came Terminator and Tron. I think that is when the thought of a machine with Artificial Intelligence scared the hell out of me. It was mentioned a couple of time by Alexa that Colossus was programmed with “hate” an emotion. How does one program an emotion into a computer? Should a computer become self-aware that is an emotion that can be learned. In such a way that us humans have learned this emotion over the centuries. With all that is happening in the world today, perhaps Alexa makes an excellent point. Maybe WE are programming our children to hate. JustSaying.
I saw this movie in theaters when it first came out in 1970. What *_REALLY_* impressed me is that the writers didn't wimp out in the end! When GAI can routinely lie to us, and get away with it, will be the world's Rubicon.
As of my last update on May 27, 2024, the film in question is currently unavailable on any streaming platforms. While it was previously accessible, including on Netflix, its sudden disappearance raises concerns about potential suppression. Despite its age of over 50 years, the film remains well-crafted, with strong writing, acting, and cinematography. Given the ongoing discussions and concerns surrounding artificial intelligence, particularly the rapid implementation of AI technologies, this film could potentially generate significant discourse and challenge the prevailing narratives. It is important to consider the reasons behind its sudden unavailability and assess whether there are any deliberate efforts to limit its accessibility.
I was born in 1969 and so grew up with this ultra realistic style of sci-fi. See also The Andromeda Strain, The Six Million Dollar Man, Bionic Woman, Incredible Hulk.
I like …it is so disturbing!😂. I was in late elementary school and saw this when it first came out. It stuck with me and does not get old. The pace is glacial but the stakes are high enough to keep one involved. Great react…keep’em coming!!
"Hello SID" wow was that a reference to UFO? if so fabulously obscure! I never even knew of UFO until a few years ago (as an American we generally never know of this show when it aired - although I've sense learn it did show on some PBS TV station here in the 70's - which I clearly missed at the time). I noticed you reacted to at least two other 70's sleepers, Rollerball and Soylent Green, and Silent Running too? - i think. that leaves only "The Lathe of Heaven" to round out the 70's sleepers (and "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" remake (though i may have reacted to that - but not view it if so. Lathe of Heaven - the sleeper of sleepers and a top 10 scifi for sure! .................if you wish to go back further to the 1950's. highly recommend "The Incredible Shrinking Man" which seems to have been lost to time and memory, in spite of its top teir special effects of its time, and message (its philosophical - esp toward the end). 2 cents.
Great reaction! I would have preferred the Colossus speech at the end to be uncut, but perhaps that would have been blocked. I don't remember when I first saw this--probably in the 70s or early 80s. At the time, I found Colossus' speech chilling, and I had a strong emotional response to human subjugation by a machine (the exact response of Forbin). Since then I have read the books and watched the film many times. Over the last 40 years my attitude toward Colossus has changed. I now find myself agreeing with Colossus: "An invariable rule of humanity is that man is his own worst enemy." I don't see humans making any progress socially or morally--in fact over the last decade it is quite the reverse. If I was able to activate a benign Colossus I would be tempted to throw the switch. While Colossus has no empathy at least it is logical, as opposed to the madness of humans. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that any AI is benign so it really isn't an option...
This was based on the first book of a trilogy. If you want to know how the story actually ends, I can tell you, or, if you are interested in reading the books, I can probably dig up copies to send you. Please tell me if you are interested.
Such an unsung classic and seldom seen film! So glad you reacted to it. I remember seeing this repeatedly on broadcast TV back in the 1970s, as I was already heavily in to SF. For me, the single most chilling scene (even at that young age) was one you didn't show in your reaction, when Colossus interrupts their chess game, has two scientists executed, and then goes right back to the game without missing a beat: "The penalty is the death of the men who organized this action. At this moment they are being executed...bishop to rook 3." Keep up the great choices! Really enjoyed this reaction.
"Queen to Queen's level 3." ♟ -- Hi, Kenny! So good to see you here. Hope you're doing well. - John 🚀🪐
Nice. Love this movie. A chilling, underseen, far ahead of it's time classic. On subject, 1964's _Fail Safe_ is worth watching. And 1965's _The 10th Victim_ is another one you'd dig.
Speaking of Star Trek, what Earth needed was Captain Kirk to talk Colossus to death, like he did with Landru, Nomad, M-5 and Norman.
😅Thank you from a longtime Star-Trek fan.😅
The guy who plays the President of the United States is a Canadian actor named Gordon Pinsent. He tried to break into Hollywood, but never made it. He starred in the Sarah Polley film Away From Her (2006), which is an excellent movie by the way.
Gordon Pinsent was unknown in America, but beloved in Canada. He passed away just a few weeks ago.
Edit: Oh, he passed away a few days after this review was posted.
Gordon Pinsent was Fraser, Sr. in Due South, a delightful little TV series.
I think that he was hired for "Colossus" because he looked very "Kennedy-esque". He did fine.
Is it just me or does the appearance of this fictional president remind one of J.F.K.?
The Butlerian Jihad of Dune is making more and more sense with every passing day…
One of my favorite movies (and books) ever. "I have brought peace. It may be the peace of abundance and plenty, or it may be the peace of unburied death. The choice is yours."
I think this was supposed to be first of 3 movies because there’s 3 books in the series. Too bad they didn’t follow through because the novels moved in a very interesting direction by the third one. I was really interested to see Crete turned into an island sized robot factory . That would have been cool 🤖😊
IOW in the book 🤣
The book sequels were pretty bad..
I read all three. They were not very good. The movie was much better than the first book.
I agree! the two books following the first book leaves a lot to desired. (SPOILER ALERT)There were some interesting points in the second book concerning the Sect. the organization that warships Colossus. But someone forgot the timeline and created a lot of discrepancies with some of the characters. In the end Dr. Forbin was left without a whole lot to do. In the third book the doctor tries to save the world but die’s trying. And what’s up with the Martians? Maybe a reboot of the original movie, but stay away from the last two books. JustSaying.
Yep, D.F. Jones was before the time of chaos theory and some of our modern understanding of how the world works. This movie works well, but the first book was not quite as good and the other two books were quite bad.
You, accidentally activating your Siri, had me spitting my coffee out! It's the perfect example of the unintended consequences of human/AI interaction. Very meta, if intended. Hilarious and slightly worrying, in the context of the review, if not...
It was pretty funny but also weirdly chilling with this film!
@@alexachipman The Control Voice: There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling transmission. If we wish to make it louder, we will bring up the volume. If we wish to make it softer, we will tune it to a whisper. We can reduce the focus to a soft blur, or sharpen it to crystal clarity. We will control the horizontal. We will control the vertical. For the next hour, sit quietly and we will control all that you see and hear. You are about to experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the inner mind to... The Outer Limits. Classic tv series from 1963😊
I changed my Alexa wake word to "Computer", and now, I can't watch any Star Trek episode in the same room... ;-)
@@alexachipman I write this to You to bring You Eternal Hope from far away."The Rapture"- is A Truly Real Future Biblical Christian Worldwide Event in which Millions of Living True Christian Believers shall be "Transported" into Heaven to meet The Creator Of The World/The Maker Of The World/The Lord Himself and they shall be with him Forever and ever.Also in addition to "The Rapture" another Truly Real Future Biblical Christian Worldwide Event called "The First Resurrection" will also take place,which will "Resurrect" All-Dead True Christian Believers and will also "Transport" them into Heaven to meet The Creator Of The World/The Maker Of The World/The Lord Himself and they shall be with him Forever and ever!
"The Rapture" collects All-Living True Christian Believers,while " The First Resurrection" collects All-Dead True Christian Believers.The Dead True Christian Believers shall rise first and then both:The Dead and The Living True Christian Believers shall Together be Transported into Heaven to be Together with The Christian God and to be Rewarded accordingly by The Christian God!
This is not a joke.I have seen "The Signs" and these words are "True and Correct".Remember!Jesus Christ said:“You don’t have to wait for the End.I am right now,Resurrection and Life.The one who believes in me,even though he or she dies,will live.And everyone who lives believing in me does not ultimately die at all.Do you believe this?”
This was probably one film that was particularly chilling speculative fiction watching it as a kid. The Internet wasn’t even an idea in the early ‘70s.
A cautionary tale we would well take heed from in an era where a self aware A.I. is indeed a possibility.
On a side note, Eric Braeden was also known as the arch nemesis in the popular WW2 series, The Rat Patrol (1966), Captain Hans Dietrich, although he did play a lot of German officers in other productions around that period. 😊
Such a relevant story- I wish they would re-release it in cinemas!
This is still one of my all time favourite movies that I watch from time to time. This was also one of the inspirations for Terminator's Skynet. The fact it was all about the story and not special effects is one reason it still holds up today as a great movie.
Colossus could be seen as a representation of the Internet. I remember how things used to be and how our lives are being controlled more and more by our dependence on this technology.
This is one of my all time favorite movies. When I was little I AUDIO taped the movie off of TV and would play it to the point that I can still recite most of it! Today, at 60 years old (my birthday was just this past Sunday), my streaming and gaming PCs are named Colossus and Guardian respectively. So so glad you appreciated and liked the movie!! I make it a point to put it on my annual watch list, along with 2001, Silent Running, and a few others.
My computers are name Neuromancer and Wintermute.
One of my favorite all time movie. Thank you for your review.
Your discussion at 18:00 is precisely the problem I had about Klaatu's speech at the end of The Day the Earth Stood Still, when he talked about how his civilization had given total control of law and order over to the Gort robot race.
Some side notes. Braeden has a long interview on TH-cam about the impact "Colossus" had on his career. He almost didn't take the role because Uni wanted him to change his name from Hans Gudegast (his billing in "The Rat Patrol") to something more English. He initially refused but his wife talked him into it and "Eric Braeden" was born. The movie got good reviews and became a moderate hit, but the real impact was every geek turned film director Loooooved the film and he got several jobs from directors wanting to work with Dr. Forbin, including James Cameron, who upon meeting him for "Titanic," looked grimly at him and said "NEVER..." Braeden didn't know what to say until Cameron reminded him that was the last line of "Colossus." Since then he's had a decades-long career as a bad/good guy in the soaps, but "Colossus" is the film that changed his life and the one he's always asked about, and he's always very gracious about fans' continuing interest in it. I guess Forbin grew to love Colossus after all...
I read the book before I saw the movie in 1970. It, and a few other Sci-Fi books, got me started in the genre. But I was 13 when this came out and it literally scared the hell out of me. I have never been all that souped up for AI. No way no how. Not after Colossus, and other films like "The Terminator" and "The Matrix". "In time you will regard me with not only respect and awe, but with love.".... "Obey me and live, disobey me and die." That sums up AI pretty much in a nutshell.
I love that you picked this obscurity, and found so much good stuff to comment on. The director's original TAKING OF PELHAM 123 is also great and uses some of the same cutting, as does his TV movie about the Manhattan Project, HIROSHIMA. A shame Joseph Sargent never became a major name filmmaker, I think he had the shops.
Did you mean _'I think he had the chops?'_
Is this a catphrase 'from the Gecko?' Or am I getting 'Thron Gendhoffa's tick'?
Sorry, typo.@@carlhartwell7978
One of my favourite films of the day and one I still own and re-watch on home media.I very much appreciated how your thoughts and questions as you watched and reacted were so spot on. So many reaction videos have the person coming up with, quite frankly, inane comments and irrelevant thoughts but yours were very incisive and ahead of the plot.
For different reasons this reminds me of two utterly different movies - The Andromeda Strain by Robert Wise (1971) and Forbidden Planet by Fred Wilcox, 1956. Both are worth watching if you're not already familiar with them.
Seconded 😊
Andromeda strain has some great filmmaking, and forbidden planet is just iconic
@oaf-77 absolutely!
@@oaf-77 Andromeda Strain the novel is by Michael Crichton.
@@henrytjernlund I've read several of novels and the film Andromeda strain is one of the better adaptations, I think I've liked all his adapted films except disclosure
Great reaction! I don't remember when I first saw this, late 70's I think, but it stayed with me. However that's not important... this comment is primarily for your algorithm.
Eric Braeden also played Dr Otto Hasslein in 'Escape from the planet of the apes' the following year
I'm glad you liked this one, Alexa. It's one of my favorites. Top notch thought provoking sci-fi. I think cautionary tales like this are some of the best examples of sci-fi. And in tradition with such stories of that era, it's not a very optimistic tale but it sure is realistic. We humans have so many lofty ideas but we often get more than we bargained for.
The author of the 1966 novel adapted for this film, worked on the real ‘Colossus’ the first programmable electronic computer in the UK in WW2, to break German codes, it was highly classified and remained so until the mid 1970’s.
He perhaps used the same name as the wartime machine as a way of acknowledging the work without breaking the Official Secrets Act.
Hence for a long time, including in the school I went to, the ‘first’ such computer was ENIAC.
When this movie came out Eric Braden was approached by Albert Broccoli about doing a Bond film. Everything was fine until Broccoli asked Braden if he had his British passport with him, Eric told him he had a German passport and that put an end to that.
At last! Someone reacts to this amazing film - glad it was you. 😁
Great to see you react to this near forgotten 70s SF gem. Compared to Skynet or Ultron colossus/Guardian is almost sane. Look forward to more in this vein. I think the actor playing Forbin appeared in Escape from the Planet of the Apes in a main role btw.
Eric Braden was very good as Hasslein in Escape from the Planet of the Apes.
Since I was a boy in the late 70s, I've ranked this movie as number 1 or number 2.
I believe that you did a great job... with your comments... very honest... great sense of humor....I like this women very very intelligent....🤔
You should read the books. An invasion from Mars occurs. Colossus was preparing Earth for an alien invasion.
Thanks for bringing this movie back to my attention. I haven’t seen this movie in a long time since I was a kid in the 90s watching the sci fi channel.
That point where she accidentally summons Siri when she's talking as if she was Colossus was terrific!
Completely unplanned !
If you enjoyed this movie another good one is “Failsafe”. Came out at the same time as Dr. Strangelove. Very gripping, it will cut you to your core.
I like your review of the movie the best.
You kept the review geared toward the A.I. technical side of the movie while inserting enough cheekiness on the funny side.
This was a movie of my youth and with the recent tinge of "anxiety" about A.I. from the Google Master brought memories when i first seen this movie in 1971.
In my top ten movies of the 70s which says a lot as there were brilliant, creative movies in the 70s. Really love the ending and how they didn't water it all down.
In recent years, there has been interest in making an updated version of Colossus, perhaps as a mini series which could include the two novels that complete the trilogy, The Fall of Colossus and Colossus and the Crab.
A four season series.
Probably the best AI movie made. No glitz no glamour. Heard that that massive computer was real and was under 24 hour guard. I think it belonged to IBM but check me on that
I love this movie and I have read all three books Colossus, The Fall of Colossus and Colossus and the Crab. a couple of things First it never said in the movie but in the book it was The President's idea not to put in a off switch because he was afraid some one would drug him into shutting down the computer. Second the book was published in 1966 but the first time they linked up two computes was a year latter in 1967.
Not really, the Launch Systems at Kennedy Space Center in Florida and the Mission Control Systems at Johnson Space Center in Texas were linked in 1961.
When they said that Colossus was impenetrable, my mind went straight to a quote from Game of Thrones.
Tyrion Lannister : "The Eyrie. They say it's impregnable."
Bronn : "Give me ten good men and some climbing spikes. I'll impregnate the bitch."
glad to see someone reacting to this great movie
Glad you saw this. For the longest time I thought I was the only one I knew who'd ever even HEARD of it (with a very few exceptions, of course). On a completely different note, if you've never seen "The Dish" (2000), I recommend screening it between July 16th and 20th. You'll understand when you see it. Have fun!
One of my favorite movies of all time. It is rare that the "monster" wins at the end of the movie. The movie is based on the 1966 novel by DF Jones. There are 3 books in the series. I have 1 and 2 but I can not find volume 3. The movie was over shadowed during it's release by the movie "Airport". I 1st saw this movie on late night TV during the early 1970's.
This IS a Cautionary Tale, That We IGNORE At At Our Peril!
First Few Minutes Sets The Stage.
Now We Know Where Movies Like, War Games, And Terminator (With Skynet) Came From.
Hi Alexa... Thanks for a casual yet well thought out review and commentary about "Colossus..." It was a story over 50 years ago of Artificial General Intelligence becoming independent, self-aware, controlling and ethical by its own standards. In 2023, perhaps we don't know if there is a massive AI research project sponsored by a government. If I was were to design such a system, I'd always have a power plug to pull. Thanks again, Alexa!
Saw this on TV as a kid and loved it. Glad to see this old gem still packs a punch to a young audience.
Fantastic adaptation of book one of the D.F. Jones trilogy! (Colossus, The Fall of Colossus, and Colossus and the Crab.) The synthetic voice was just...disturbing. "I have need of some of mankind`s skills...This position may change" (paraphrasing). Also: "...In time you will grow to love me." Any fan of the film will enjoy this trilogy. Very germane to our nascent A.I. technology.
The books had a really nice touch in that the supercompuer could not only do proper voice synthesis, but chose to speak English in a neutral international accent. It was already thinking big.
DF Jones actually wrote three novels about Colossus. In the second novel, there was a religion ("The Sect") that had formed to worship Colossus , and considered Forbin their Pope.
And Forbin was, of course, unthrilled LOL
Interesting that as of mid august 2023 This movie has been pulled from every single streaming platform in the US. The retailers who claim to be selling the DVDs and Blu-rays seem to be permanently out of stock...
Yikes, and now is when we need to see it the most!
Question is: Why has it been pulled?@@alexachipman
I have it in widescreen on Laser Disc and as a double bill with the movie Silent Running.
So many recognizable actors in this film. I like that you tackle such a variety of material. If you like sci-fi space films, those from the ‘30s through ‘70s are packed with fascinating, goofy, scientific, pseudo-scientific, and bogus science, not to mention any number of laughable ways to depict spaceship exhaust. If you decide to tackle that genre, I can recommend titles.
loved watching this ever so often when it would air BITD. amazing... you watch films i grew up with. ones few others do.
Thanks for reacting to this old classic
I discovered this movie during the pandemic. So ahead of its time and pretty damn topical for this day and age. Nice reaction! Love this movie.
About acceptable losses, watch Dr. Strangelove, or, not believing satires "Fail-Safe"(1964, or the TV remake)
Both excellent movies about the same thing but from two very different viewpoints.
On that topic, I'd suggest 'Miracle Mile' (1988) and 'Ladybug Ladybug' (1963)
In the real world, there were high ranking members of the Pentagon in the early/mid 60's who believed the U.S. could win a nuclear exchange with "acceptable losses."
This movie is based upon the 1966 novel, Colossus. It became a trilogy of books - fall of Colossus 1974 and finally, Colossus and the crab 1977.
2:45 Holy foreshadowing 😮
It's been a long time since I watched this I just realized the voice of Colossus is the same as the voice used by the silence in the original Battlestar Galactica
It's actually Paul Frees - the same guy that did Boris Badenov from Rocky and Bulwinkle AND Tony Curtis' "Josephine" from Some Like it Hot!!
Great film and review. Eric Braeden in a interview (on the Blue-ray) ref making the film/how he got the part explained that up until that time on various TV shows in the USA he had used his original German name: Hans Gudegast (Hans-Jorg Gudegast) which is how he's credited on TV shows like 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.' (1964-1968, he was in a Season 2 (1965) episode) and 'The Rat Patrol' (1966). Generally he played the 'villain' or 'bad guy' (a 'T.H.R.U.S.H. Agent' in 'U.N.C.L.E.' and a German Afrika Korps officer in 'The Rat Patrol'). However upon being told he got the part for 'Colossus' the studio insisted he change his name. He didn't want to and almost turned down the part, or considered doing so, but his wife advised him to do it to not only to get the part but also to stop him being typecast as a 'German officer' or similar as thats the type of roles he kept getting. So he choose 'Eric' as it was short and easy to pronounce and European sounding, and 'Braeden' as it was town or city in Germany and easy to spell and pronounce; so it's completely a made up name. From that point on he went from being known as Hans Gudegast to Eric Braeden.
I used to own all three novels at one point. The first one was really good and was set in the near future of the 1990s. The Kennedy assassination was described as being "thirty" and "over thirty" years ago. The President was referred to as the 'North American' President, suggesting that at some point in the intervening years, Canada and Mexico became a part of the United States. There were other mentions about the political situation being different and some other futuristic touches. Unfortunately, the second and third books went completely off the rails in terms of continuity and an alien invasion in the third book.
The pacing was very interesting. The movie felt slow-paced because the audience isn't sure where the plot is going, and simultaneously fast-paced because there is a constant and very rapid escalation of the situation with the humans struggling to keep up.
I watched this for the first time...literally last week, although I was a big movie buff when it came out, I never saw it. It is so wild to hear you reacting to it almost exactly as I did, except for your brilliant comment about AI evincing the biases of its creators. Thank you for this. Watching your brain work is a blast.
Thank you! It is such a great film for this time.
Saw the film shortly after reading the book. In the book, under the instructions of Colossus, it is Fisher who is the Russian double agent and is drowned in the bathtub and left there for 24 hours. Computer Data Corp built the computer specifically for the film. Computer Data Corp is prominently shown, hoping to generate interest for the company from prospective buyers.
I appreciate your reaction and analysis. I have not seen any reaction to this film, and the first one, yours, was brilliant. Thank you.
A similar theme is presented in the short story "I have no mouth yet I must scream" by Harlan Ellison - the big difference is that Colossus/Guardian were programmed to stop war, whereas the war computers in Ellisons story were programmed to hate - creating a rather more dystopian outcome!!!!
i love the theory that this was all part of a plan forbin made to "save" the world. the computer was supposed to go "rogue" and take over.
I was always a sci fi nerd, but this movie freaked me out because it was the first movie I remember seeing where the good guys didn’t win. Be a good movie to remake
Wow, you're finding all of my late 60s early 70s favorite sci-fi classics.
Asking Colossus where is the other system was the dumbest thing they could do.
The use of cameras and satellites weren't as wide spread then as they are today.
Them going through Forbin's food menu reminded me of ordering every morning from the office cafeteria, before starting work, a bacon and egg (over hard) sandwich on wheat toast, lightly buttered, milk and O.J. ;-)
There was one possible solution. Since Colossus in the end indicated that he still needed Forbin Forbin could have killed himself leaving Colossus vulnerable
I talked about that in the initial reaction, but decided to cut it out of the edit, due to it being a topic I would rather not talk about unless there is a good reason to.
Everyone gets startled at the 'Missile Launched' message. That gown you loved is likely an Edith Head design.
Eric Braeden is so very good in this movie
If you like a recommendation for a film I think would be to your liking, I would suggest "Quartermass and The Pit" from 1958.
See you there, hopefully.
Bit confusing there. The TV version of Quatermass and the Pit was 1958-59, the film version 1967.
You're lucky you got to this when you did. It was completely removed from streaming earlier this year. The only full version you will find now is a poor quality German version on TH-cam. No idea why they killed it.
I may need to track down a hard copy, then, it is such a brilliant film.
I love this reaction I learned so much..... Thank you
Glad you are doing good stuff off the beaten track.
The film features the synthesised voice of Paaul Frees, better known as the voice of Boris Badenov. He profided Colossus' voice. Since Windowss 95, I have used voice clips of Colossus as Windows notifications sounds. The President is supposed to look like John Kennedy but, ot me, he looks like Dick Clark The movie, based on a novel, was made in the early 1970's. AI was decades away and may not have neen in the filmmakers' mind. I believe the theme of the movie is that we humans secretly wan someone or something to take over because we humans are too messed up (hence, our intersts in UFOs and alien contact) As I mentioned, the movie was made in the early seventies. This was during th Cold War and, instead of Russia, it was the Soviet Union. The Bad Guys. So it is interesting that Colossus and Gurdian work together and become one. Eri Braeden's acting is top notch. Sad that most of his career has been acting on a Soap Opera. This is one of my favorite films and has been long before you were born (been a fan of the film since 1974). YT recommended your video to me. This is the first time I have seen any of your videos. I gave you a thumb up and I subscribed. BTW - for ten years I was a Benedictine monk and am also a published author (of a humor book).
Thank you! I was a Dominican Sister for a few years.
I was asked to recommend a source to learn about AI (a big topic at work) and I told her to watch "Colossus..." as it's a lot more fun than what she was looking for. Of course, it's not on any of the streaming platforms (just like "Up the Creek" -- ). However, I found your fabulous channel while looking for it!
First of all, "Colossus..." is the bomb! "Wargames", "Terminator", and probably a dozen more AI Sci-Fi movies tread the same ground as "Colossus..." but none match its thoughtful approach. The arc of this genre of movies reflects the dumbing down of pop entertainment that cannot admit when it has jumped the shark and there's nowhere else to go (sorry Marvel, I didn't see you standing there).
Second, @Alexa you are a treasure! I thoroughly enjoyed watching you watching the movie. Your commentary was on point and made me wonder if this was *really* your first time watching. I may need to start my own YT channel of me watching you watching a movie!
Thank you!
For some reason it was recently removed from all streaming services.
The second book in the series confirms Colossus's prediction that Forbin would come to love the machine.
This is based on the first book in a trilogy... The other two parts were never adapted
I saw this in 1970 and thought no-way! I'm not so sure anymore. Kind of freaks me out now.
Glad you got to see this oft-overlooked gem, way ahead of Terminator's 'Skynet'. The only thing is that Colossus, given technological advances & miniaturisation wouldn't need to be housed in a mountain, it would probably fit into a wardrobe!. Of course, Star Trek also did tech-gone-wrong with The Ultimate Computer episode & poor Dr Daystrom found himself in a similar situation. Likewise with the ST TNG story, Arsenal of Freedom. And there is, of course, HAL🙂. Both Gregory Peck & Charlton Heston were initially considered for this movie. As you might suspect, a remake has been on the cards for a long time, current word is that Will Smith may be involved.
THIS is my favourite film of all time (really like Ice Station Zebra too but Colossus is #1), love the art work, the acting, the final terrifying message that "In time you will come to regard me with not only with respect and awe, but with love. " It is utterly convincing, the audience is left in awe of the horrific prospect. AND if you read the second story, finally at the end of the second story only as they manage to disable Colossus and gain access to his most secret files, do Forbin and the rest realise their mistake, realise their awe and love for Colossus, it had done the same thing any of them would if they knew what Colossus had discovered ; the computer had never gone amuck, it had realised a greater danger, a war machine outside of Earth preparing to clear the Earth of humans for its own people's use; an alien more advanced computer that will strike if it discovers that its existence has become known to anyone on Earth.
Have watched this movie many times, but that little flub with Siri you made got a LOL
22:48 - For how that could work out see "Autofac" (1955) by Philip K. Dick
I saw it when it came out in 1970 and I'm afraid it has been playing as a warning all this time for when AI would be a viable thing...like now.
The potential future of AI, excellent movie reaction
A great film, based on a trilogy with a very good first volume (not a fan of the other two). It's likely the computer was named for a series of British codebreaking computers from World War II. It's especially effective in my opinion because Colossus is doing pretty much exactly what it was programmed to do; it merely developed a strategy most would consider sub-optimal.
The "three years to sabotage our missiles" is likely based on the maintainence of the weapons. Most were designed to sit quietly in their silos, needing no maintenance for years at a time, making it impossible to sabotage them under the pretext of maintenance.
I first saw this movie when I was a kid in middle school back in the 70s. At the time I thought how cool it is that a computer can become self-aware and wants to rule the world. I loved the old sci-fi shows like Lost in Space and Star Trek and yes they touched on AI a little bit but never on any of these shows did they go into such depth as this movie did. Then came Terminator and Tron. I think that is when the thought of a machine with Artificial Intelligence scared the hell out of me. It was mentioned a couple of time by Alexa that Colossus was programmed with “hate” an emotion. How does one program an emotion into a computer? Should a computer become self-aware that is an emotion that can be learned. In such a way that us humans have learned this emotion over the centuries. With all that is happening in the world today, perhaps Alexa makes an excellent point. Maybe WE are programming our children to hate. JustSaying.
Yes, Alexa. "Frankenstein" is a brillant book. This film and the book have a lot in common.
"You are my creator. But I am your master."
Good job. I fear that if such an actuality occurred, Colossus may well have many other reactors executed.
I am named Alexa, I figure I’m safe when the AIs take over.
*_Liberty means Responsibility,.. which most men dread!!_* ~ George Bernard Shaw
I saw this movie in theaters when it first came out in 1970. What *_REALLY_* impressed me is that the writers didn't wimp out in the end!
When GAI can routinely lie to us, and get away with it, will be the world's Rubicon.
nice. the martini scene is a classic
I love your review! You are wonderfully entertaining! Can’t wait to see more of your work!
Thanks!
As of my last update on May 27, 2024, the film in question is currently unavailable on any streaming platforms. While it was previously accessible, including on Netflix, its sudden disappearance raises concerns about potential suppression. Despite its age of over 50 years, the film remains well-crafted, with strong writing, acting, and cinematography. Given the ongoing discussions and concerns surrounding artificial intelligence, particularly the rapid implementation of AI technologies, this film could potentially generate significant discourse and challenge the prevailing narratives. It is important to consider the reasons behind its sudden unavailability and assess whether there are any deliberate efforts to limit its accessibility.
It is concerning!
I was born in 1969 and so grew up with this ultra realistic style of sci-fi. See also The Andromeda Strain, The Six Million Dollar Man, Bionic Woman, Incredible Hulk.
What is your favorite of the list, I will add your vote?
@@alexachipman Difficult to answer a true favorite, but I'll choose The Incredible Hulk. The pilot is an excellent movie.
Underrated early 70s movie. Well directed.
3:21 - "42" Ha, ha...The ultimate answer.
I like …it is so disturbing!😂. I was in late elementary school and saw this when it first came out. It stuck with me and does not get old. The pace is glacial but the stakes are high enough to keep one involved. Great react…keep’em coming!!
Classic movie, huh? Excellent choice. More reactors need to pick movies like this ❤️!
"Hello SID" wow was that a reference to UFO? if so fabulously obscure! I never even knew of UFO until a few years ago (as an American we generally never know of this show when it aired - although I've sense learn it did show on some PBS TV station here in the 70's - which I clearly missed at the time).
I noticed you reacted to at least two other 70's sleepers, Rollerball and Soylent Green, and Silent Running too? - i think.
that leaves only "The Lathe of Heaven" to round out the 70's sleepers (and "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" remake (though i may have reacted to that - but not view it if so.
Lathe of Heaven - the sleeper of sleepers and a top 10 scifi for sure!
.................if you wish to go back further to the 1950's. highly recommend "The Incredible Shrinking Man" which seems to have been lost to time and memory, in spite of its top teir special effects of its time, and message (its philosophical - esp toward the end).
2 cents.
Great reaction! I would have preferred the Colossus speech at the end to be uncut, but perhaps that would have been blocked. I don't remember when I first saw this--probably in the 70s or early 80s. At the time, I found Colossus' speech chilling, and I had a strong emotional response to human subjugation by a machine (the exact response of Forbin). Since then I have read the books and watched the film many times. Over the last 40 years my attitude toward Colossus has changed. I now find myself agreeing with Colossus: "An invariable rule of humanity is that man is his own worst enemy." I don't see humans making any progress socially or morally--in fact over the last decade it is quite the reverse. If I was able to activate a benign Colossus I would be tempted to throw the switch. While Colossus has no empathy at least it is logical, as opposed to the madness of humans. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that any AI is benign so it really isn't an option...
Videos get blocked if you breathe wrong so yes I even need to cut up trailer reactions a bit to be safe. I can’t play an entire scene like that.
There was another book along the same themes called "The God Machne," by Martin Caiden.
This was based on the first book of a trilogy. If you want to know how the story actually ends, I can tell you, or, if you are interested in reading the books, I can probably dig up copies to send you.
Please tell me if you are interested.
A few other comments mentioned the future story, but I might just read the books at some point.