Visual effects mastermind Douglas Trumbull (Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Blade Runner) has compiled over nine years of research with co-director David Larson to bring you Beyond the Infinite: The Making of a Masterpiece. The unprecedented documentary will explore the making of Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey straight from the man behind the visual effects.

While the main focus of this documentary is the fascinating creation of one of cinema's most enigmatic and beautiful films, Trumbull's storytelling strategy will garner the most attention. By utilizing green screen technology, Trumbull will walk through old set photos and behind-the-scenes video as if actually there. If that sounds impossible, you can see snippets of the revolutionary tactic in the trailer below.

The famous sets from 2001: A Space Odyssey deserve this kind of groundbreaking look. In 1968, the film was not only mesmerizing as a story, but ultimately paved the way for future innovation in visual and practical effects. It's hard to envision the imagination we see today without road-paving films like 2001: A Space Odyssey. For example, Christopher Nolan has frequently referred to 2001 as the main influence for his rotating hallway in Inception.

The official synopsis for Trumbull and Larson's documentary explains their purpose for exposing Kubrick's vision.

"A documentary that really tells the story of the making of 2001, not just the technical story but the human story, the personal story, the experiences of people who interacted with Kubrick that is really true to the style and look of 2001: A Space Odyssey."

Douglas Trumbull HAL 9000 2001 Space Odyssey Documentary

A Stanley Kubrick Collection Blu-ray is on the way, but the level of detail in Beyond the Infinite suggests a theatrical release - frankly, it deserves one. Warner Bros. is working hard on both ends to present the most in-depth presentation of 2001: A Space Odyssey ever compiled.

Watch the trailer below to see Trumbull's revolutionary style of exploring 2001. I'm sure this won't be the last time we see the green screen tactic used to explore classic films. Trumbull's personal touch on the original film will give us a true inside look at one of the most mysterious films of all time.

I'll be one of the first in line to see this documentary. Hopefully it will shed light on Trumbull's purpose behind certain designs and visual effects. The slightest insight will yield a better perspective on the film.

Source: Bleeding Cool via (io9)