Outland
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Outland is a 1981 science fiction movie starring Sean Connery. Very heavily based in the plot of the western film High Noon, Outland shares with Alien a very matter of fact approach to the future. No Gold Lamae Jumpsuits here, instead there are dirty overalls and space suits that haven't just been delivered from the factory.
The film is great to see on the big screen, and can be picked up cheap as chips on on Blue-Ray with a great director's commentary after years of infamy with a DVD release which ranked as abysmal.
While there's not a lot of inovation plot wise, it's a well mounted production. Connery is in his element as the washed up federal marshal given a dead end job because the powers that be expect him to hide in the bottom of a bottle and leave them to do what they like. The interaction between Connery and the tough as nails station doctor (Frances Sternhagen) is full of life, while the interactions between Connery and his screen wife are too schmulzy and unbelieveable.
Outland also scores on the last century Sci-fi film charts as its novelization was written by Alan Dean Foster, the soundtrack was by Jerry Goldsmith, costume designs by John Molloand it was directed by Peter Hyams, all firm favourites round our home.
Good news, Outland was released on blue-ray July 10, 2012 with audio comentary and a better transfer than previous releases.
For more information check out
- model making for the film.
- The Outland Press Kit plus...
Soundtrack
This was first released in 1981 as an LP, and has seen various re-releases over the years.
Tracks:
- The Mine
- Early Arrival
- The Message
- The Airlock
- Hot Water
- The Hunted
- Spiders
- The Rec Room
- The Hostage
- Final Message
Novelization
Written by Alan Dean Foster
The film was adapted in comic form by Jim Steranko first appearing serialized over 6 issues of Heavy Metal:
#51 (June, 1981) - Introduction; about the story
#52 (July, 1981)
#53 (August, 1981)
#54 (September, 1981)
#55 (October, 1981)
#58 (January, 1982)
Collections were published in France and Spain:
and a parody comic adaption of the film appeared in Mad Magazine:
Press Coverage
The film was covered by the film and Sci-Fi press at the time of it's release and over the later years:
Home Media
Over the years the film has appeared in a range of formats for home viewing:
VHS
Betamax
Video Disc
Laserdisc
DVD
blu-ray
...and is available to stream on a variety of services.