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Future SHock - Blu-ray Review

4 beersIt is the most controversial comic book of my generation.  It is also the most influential.  There are few things more punk rock than the comic book 2000 AD.

Debuting in the late 1970s, this weekly British comic book series and its characters broke all the rules.  Today, its characters and its artists are known far and wide and have influenced countless other comics, artists, filmmakers, musicians, and actors. 

But the story behind the comic book’s struggle and rise – directly from the artist’s themselves – has never been told.  Future Shock! The Story of 2000 AD changes all that.  Directed by Paul Goodwin, this documentary is a must-see for ANY fan of Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman, Grant Morrison, Brian Bolland and Mike McMahon. 

First published by IPC Magazines in 1977, 2000 AD was always cutting edge.  Its ink drawings depicted visually strange figures and its stories reflected a dark world where mankind was anything but.  Normalcy was a burden and satire – with regular Thatcher takedowns – was the rule of thumb. 

There was nothing else like it on the market.  And the artists responsible for the worlds being created would later be the impacting forces behind some of DC’s greatest comic book stories, including Batman’s Arkham Asylum and The Dark Knight Returns.  Even Hollywood dabbled with its visuals, secretly (at times, not so secretively) sneaking in its visual flair into some of its costumed heroics.  RoboCop owes much of its look to the world of 2000 AD.

It was filled Dan Dare serials; wild takes on violent sports of the future, incredibly realized aliens, and, eventually, a look at a blood-soaked future where one man was the law.  From Judge Dredd to ABC Warriors and beyond, 2000 AD quickly became award winning and, when the artists were left alone to do their thing, the stories became quite influential – ultimately reaching America, Hollywood, and beyond.

But the anthology was no stranger to in-house disputes, sexism, and empty-headed thrills and spills.  That’s where this documentary shines a light.  Stories for boys written by boys create a bit of a problematic boob-obsessed cosmos.  It wasn’t until women got involved – years later – that that aspect changed.  Even some of the non-ownership check deposits are discussed.  What would you do if sent a check that basically said that, by signing and depositing this check, you give away all rights to your creations?

Most of the still living artists involved with the ongoing comic book are interviewed.  From Pat Mills and John Wagner to Carlos Ezquerra and the new reign of editors, artists and storytellers, the stories behind some of its greatest and wackiest creations are discussed.  It is an energetic production and features an in-your-face style to its rollout that is fitting; lots of swagger to be seen here.

Even Stallone’s goofy take on the role of Judge Dredd and Karl Urban’s salvation in the same role (many years later) is discussed.  Hardwired, too.  While many of the artists moved on to DC and Vertigo, they will always have a presence at 2000 AD and, as a result, many are returning.

Future Shock! The Story of 2000 AD is as brutal as its metal-minded soundtrack.  It will have you thrashing about your living room in no time.

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Future SHock - Blu-ray Review

MPAA Rating: Not rated.
Runtime:
98 mins
Director
: Paul Goodwin
Cast:
Dan Abnett, Geoff Barrow, Emma Beeby
Genre
: Documentary
Tagline:
The Story of 2000AD.
Memorable Movie Quote: "We were this gang of reprobates, dropped right down in the middle of this totally conservative comic group
Theatrical Distributor:

Official Site: http://futureshock2000ad.com/
Release Date:
September 21, 2014
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
May 30, 2017
Synopsis: Documentary covering the highs and lows of 2000AD's history, from its inception after the demise of Action to the present day.

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[tab title="Blu-ray Review"]

Future SHock - Blu-ray Review

Blu-ray

Blu-ray Details:

Home Video Distributor: Severin Films
Available on Blu-ray
- May 30, 2017
Screen Formats: 1.78:1
Subtitles
: English
Audio:
English: LPCM 2.0
Discs: Blu-ray Disc; Single disc
Region Encoding: Region A

Severin Films presents this groundbreaking documentary on blu-ray thanks to a 1080p presentation that supports a 1.78:1 aspect ratio.  The colors are bold and the ink drawings splattered throughout look fresh, detailed, and crisp.  This is a film full of talking heads.  Skin tones are honest.  Pores are detailed.  Backgrounds expressive.  The soundtrack is presented in a LPCM 2.0 audio track.

Supplements:

Commentary:

  • None

Special Features:

Included with this purchase are over 6 hours of bonus interviews, extended segments, and deleted scenes.  There’s even a blooper reel and a look at the speed metal soundtrack.

EXTENDED SEQUENCES

  • 2000AD vs the USA
  • Dredd 2012 – True In Spirit
  • Judge Dredd Extended sequence
  • Cheap Entertainment – The appeal of comics

BEHIND THE STRIPS

  • Bad Company – Peter Milligan
  • Future Shocks
  • Rogue Trooper – Dave Gibbons & Cam Kennedy
  • Slaine – Pat Mills
  • Strontium Dog – Carlos Ezquerra

PRODUCTION EXTRAS

  • Art Blast – Jock & Henry Flint
  • Blooper Reel
  • Pat Mills Visits Kings Reach Tower
  • Soundtrack – Behind the Scenes
  • Festival Teaser Trailer 
  • UK Release Trailer

EXTENDED INTERVIEWS

  • Grant Morrison
  • Karen Berger
  • Pat Mills
  • Neil Gaiman
  • Dave Gibbons

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Future SHock - Blu-ray Review

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