Silent Running

Douglas Trumbull, the Oscar-winning special effects wizard behind 2001: A Space Odyssey and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, made his directorial debut with this 1972 cult classic. Bruce Dern, at his bug-eyed best, makes the most of a rare starring role as Freeman, a botanist on the U.S.S. Valley Forge, the last best hope for the polluted Earth's remaining forests, which have been preserved under geodesic domes and launched into space. When orders come to destroy his precious cargo, Freeman (get it?) rebels. This environmental parable was co-written by Deric Washburn, Michael Cimino (future The Deer Hunter and Heaven's Gate director) and Steven Bochco (creator of Hill Street Blues, L.A. Law, and NYPD Blue), and is enhanced by a winning score from Peter Schickele (a.k.a. P.D.Q. Bach). Issued in a bare bones version in 2000, this re-release contains several extras, including a commentary track with Trumbull and Dern, a separate interview with Dern, a "making of," and an overview of Trumbull's brilliant career. Featuring a solid anamorphic widescreen transfer and serviceable Dolby Digital 2.0 sound, this sci-fi cult favorite is recommended. (K. Lee Benson)