LOGAN'S RUN (1976)
Welcome to the 23rd century.
A perfect world of total pleasure... with just one catch.
Imagine a future world where everyone is young and beautiful, -
- and can have anything they could ever want -
- except the freedom to leave... -
- and everyone faces mandatory death at the age of 30!
Michael York stars as Logan, a member of an elite police force called Sandmen who hunt down and kill "runners," -
- those trying to escape the fate that awaits on their 30th birthday.
When Logan meets Jessica (Jenny Agutter), a member of a clandestine resistance group that assists runners, -
- he decides to escape with her to sanctuary.
But a fellow Sandman frantically pursues them...
Critic's Corner: A stunning seventies' sci-fi classic!
Beyond the lavish special effects (for which "Logan's Run" deservedly won an Oscar), few science fiction films actually present a truly memorable story, much less one that makes you think about it long after the credits roll and/or presents new ideas. "Logan's Run" is one of those few. Before "Stars Wars" enraptured audiences with its stunning special effects and created a precedent for a string of similarly effects-laden knock-offs and genre wanna-be's (mirroring what "The War of the Worlds" had done for audiences in the 50's), true science fiction films such as "Logan's Run" were giving us stories simply complimented by special effects, not putting all the focus on them like today's CGI crapfests. "Logan's Run" presents us with a vivid, somewhat horrifying vision of a possible future. It doesn't take place "a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away." It happens on earth in a believable time frame. It doesn't ask us to greatly suspend disbelief by accepting alien races and magic powers. Instead, it presents us with a chilling fast forward of our own technology, attitudes, and policies. Concerning the latter, the film includes an almost creepy euthanasia undertone to it.
The actors give great performances and the women are stunning. Beautiful cinematography and settings greatly compliment the film's mood and timeframe, from the sterile domed city to the decimated Washington D.C., which still provides one of (if not) the best visuals of a post-apocalyptic world that I've ever seen. It ranks right up there with "The Planet of the Apes'" Statue of Liberty. Though minor, another thing I, in particular, enjoy about LR are the weapons. Unlike every other weapon in and out of science fiction history, LR's "blasters" do not actually shoot anything. There is simply an explosion at their designated target. It is a fine example of real, working props. Another interesting note: the film departs quite a bit from the original novel, which is something that often annoys those who read the book upon which a movie was based. But, in this case, most people agree that the film is much better than its original source material, and I agree with them wholeheartedly. Seeing the onscreen magic unfold is truly captivating, and while I can't see myself ever re-reading the book, I have and will continue to re-watch this film over and over again.
For me, in terms of science fiction, "Logan's Run" takes its place among such decade-defining films as "The War of the Worlds" (50's) and "The Planet of the Apes" (60's) and among such thought-provoking science fiction as "Silent Running", "Soylent Green" and "Westworld." Ask yourself this: what or where is "sanctuary?" Well, for me it's watching films like "Logan's Run". ~ Morlock's Movies
Used RARE & EXTREMELY HARD TO FIND UNRATWIDESCREEN (and FULL SCREEN) DVD comes in snap case with its original cover art. Plays perfectly.
Photos above are used for illustrative purposes only to showcase some of the wonderful cast who appears in this cult classic sci-fi suspense thriller exploitation flick.