“Disney’s The Black Hole” is a science fiction film released by Walt Disney Pictures in 1979. Directed by Gary Nelson, the movie tells the story of a group of space explorers who encounter a mysterious black hole and the sinister forces that lurk within it.The film stars Maximilian Schell, Anthony Perkins, Robert Forster, Joseph Bottoms, Yvette Mimieux, and Ernest Borgnine, among others. The characters are on a deep-space exploration mission when they come across a long-lost spaceship, the Cygnus, which is floating perilously close to a black hole.As they investigate the Cygnus and its captain, Dr. Hans Reinhardt, the crew discovers that the captain has gone rogue and plans to enter the black hole with his ship, believing it will lead to a new dimension of existence. Along the way, the crew faces numerous dangers and obstacles, including Reinhardt’s robot henchman, Maximilian, who is revealed to be a dangerous and deadly creation.Despite its mixed critical reception upon release, “The Black Hole” has gained a cult following over the years, with fans praising its impressive visual effects and dark tone. The film’s themes of mortality, humanity’s place in the universe, and the dangers of unchecked ambition are also seen as noteworthy aspects of the story.
Fun Facts
- “The Black Hole” is notable for being one of Disney’s first forays into the science fiction genre and was considered a departure from the studio’s usual family-friendly fare.
- The film features a unique and visually striking design for its robot characters, including V.I.N.CENT (Vital Information Necessary CENTralized) and B.O.B. (BiO-sanitation Batallion). V.I.N.CENT’s design, in particular, was inspired by a combination of geometric shapes and made him a memorable character in the film.
- “The Black Hole” marked a significant achievement in visual effects for its time. It was one of the first films to use computer-generated imagery (CGI) for some of its sequences, including the representation of the titular black hole itself. The film’s visual effects were nominated for Academy Awards, demonstrating Disney’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of filmmaking technology.
Additional Details
Cast
- Maximilian Schell: Dr. Hans Reinhardt
- Anthony Perkins: Dr. Alex Durant
- Robert Forster: Captain Dan Holland
- Joseph Bottoms: Lieutenant Charlie Pizer
- Yvette Mimieux: Dr. Kate McCrae
- Ernest Borgnine: Harry Booth
- Tom McLoughlin: Captain S.T.A.R.
- Roddy McDowall: Voice of V.I.N.CENT
- Slim Pickens: Voice of Old B.O.B.
Crew
- Director: Gary Nelson
- Producer: Ron Miller
- Music: John Barry
Movie Trailer:
Related News:
- Disney Studio Risks $175 Million on ‘Black Hole’, March 4, 1979
Related Products:
The Black Hole Space Alert Board Game – 1979
Disney’s answer to Star Wars, The Black Hole, got a line of toys and products in 1979 including this Space Alert board game from Whitman.
