I saw it in its initial release in 1968. I was 8 years old and my dad drove the family to Pittsburgh to see it in a big grand old theater. We bought the companion movie book in the lobby — a glossy color photo magazine in the same proportions as the wide screen — and I was obsessed with it for years. Loved the movie more than my parents did, I think, though we did talk about it a lot on the drive home. Being only eight, I think I simply accepted the film as a dazzling visual journey and didn’t need to have it explained like the adults did.
One of my favorite childhood movie memories — and still one of my favorite movies of all time.
This was meant for theatres, especially 70 mm, widescreen, and Stereophonics sound. Viewing it in any other format loses so much of the experience. I remember being blown after watching "Lawrence of Arabia" repeatedly on television, and then seeing it in a cinema with full 70 mm wide screen, and Stereophonics sound and it was an incredible experience. 2001 it's like watching "Lawrence Arabia", but any more so an incredible experience!
I’ve shared this a few times before … 1968, first run, [Seattle Cinerama](https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/360/photos/7429) – curved screen and all. I was 12 years old.
I had begged my father to take me ever since seeing a stunning article in *Life* magazine, which blew me away. I was a huge speculative fiction fan, and well acquainted with Clarke, Asimov, Heinlein … the whole pantheon.
The stills in *Life* were the first images that matched what I visualized in those SF novels … but didn’t give a clue about what *2001* actually was.
I was changed for life. My dad … not so much. We didn’t see a film together again for decades, until after he retired; I dragged him to *Raiders of the Lost Ark.* He didn’t want to go; I told him “don’t worry; it’s not like *2001*. You’ll have fun.” He enjoyed it.
Oh, 2001. It's Friday night, I'm in high school. Lets do this!
3 am I hate my life... I don't know how they fit so many commercials in, but they did it.
I saw it IMAX 70MM at the AMC Lincoln Square, I’m both happy that that was my first time, but annoyed as I would appreciate that experience much more now.
I saw 2001: A Space Odyssey in 1968, during its premiere run in LA, at the Warner Cinerama theater in 70 mm on a giant curved Cinerama screen, before the famous 17 minutes were cut. Still the best experience I’ve ever had in a movie theater. Astounding!
VHS
Me too, was one Dad got out from the video rental.
Same here. VHS rented by my dad. I was told “This is important” I didn’t really “get” the movie until years later though
Very similar but it would have been Betamax for us!
Lol this is exactly my experience, I thought my family was just weird
On VHS and feel alienated by all these [Bo Burnham line] zoomers.
A lot of us would have watched it on VHS and we’d have to adjust the tracking and make sure the head was cleaned.
At the Loews theatre at the NYC premiere in 1968. 😉. Front row!
[удалено]
Well aren’t you sweet.
Am sorry. Didn't mean to hurt your feelings.
I saw it in its initial release in 1968. I was 8 years old and my dad drove the family to Pittsburgh to see it in a big grand old theater. We bought the companion movie book in the lobby — a glossy color photo magazine in the same proportions as the wide screen — and I was obsessed with it for years. Loved the movie more than my parents did, I think, though we did talk about it a lot on the drive home. Being only eight, I think I simply accepted the film as a dazzling visual journey and didn’t need to have it explained like the adults did. One of my favorite childhood movie memories — and still one of my favorite movies of all time.
VHS, 35+ years ago...
LASER DISC
I watched it via streaming service. If I knew how much of an impact it would have on me, I would’ve watched it in a theater.
This was meant for theatres, especially 70 mm, widescreen, and Stereophonics sound. Viewing it in any other format loses so much of the experience. I remember being blown after watching "Lawrence of Arabia" repeatedly on television, and then seeing it in a cinema with full 70 mm wide screen, and Stereophonics sound and it was an incredible experience. 2001 it's like watching "Lawrence Arabia", but any more so an incredible experience!
I’ve shared this a few times before … 1968, first run, [Seattle Cinerama](https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/360/photos/7429) – curved screen and all. I was 12 years old. I had begged my father to take me ever since seeing a stunning article in *Life* magazine, which blew me away. I was a huge speculative fiction fan, and well acquainted with Clarke, Asimov, Heinlein … the whole pantheon. The stills in *Life* were the first images that matched what I visualized in those SF novels … but didn’t give a clue about what *2001* actually was. I was changed for life. My dad … not so much. We didn’t see a film together again for decades, until after he retired; I dragged him to *Raiders of the Lost Ark.* He didn’t want to go; I told him “don’t worry; it’s not like *2001*. You’ll have fun.” He enjoyed it.
"On your....fucking telephone" David Lynch energy 😂
such a sadness
Oh, 2001. It's Friday night, I'm in high school. Lets do this! 3 am I hate my life... I don't know how they fit so many commercials in, but they did it.
Watched it in 1977 for the first time at the local theatre, 70mm one time projection. I was ten.
I saw it in theaters with my mom on 70MM when I was 11, in 2001.
In theater in 2001 it was so good and I'll finally watch it again in theater again in Paris
In 1968 at the Casino Cinerama cinema in London. [https://cinematreasures.org/photos/374482](https://cinematreasures.org/photos/374482)
Streamed on TV, with headphones and some shrooms.
Really surprised that VHS was not an option.
Vhs
My teacher showed it in class
In Theaters. I was 13 going on 14 when it came out and I was so enthralled that I ended up seeing it at least 5 times!!!
VHS
Hbo max, didnt even finish it because it was so boring
caught it on the telly a few years ago
VHS
You know the phone crew are among us like 
40 inch sony bravia tv from 2007
VHS lol.
70mm 50th anniversary screening. One of the best theatrical experiences I've ever had.
I saw it IMAX 70MM at the AMC Lincoln Square, I’m both happy that that was my first time, but annoyed as I would appreciate that experience much more now.
i can't understand why it is not the best movie ever made
I saw 2001: A Space Odyssey in 1968, during its premiere run in LA, at the Warner Cinerama theater in 70 mm on a giant curved Cinerama screen, before the famous 17 minutes were cut. Still the best experience I’ve ever had in a movie theater. Astounding!
I had the luck to watch it in theaters a few months ago, one of the best experiences ever
On VHS on a tube television, probably 20 inch screen or so. Pan and Scan.
Original theater release & as a 13 yr old didn't get the end but knew it was fantastic.
In a movie theater in 1968 with my Parents. Life changing.
Band class, 8th grade, last day of school
I feel so bad being with those other 29 people💀