From the Vault: Tron (1982)

Made back in 1982, Tron was a landmark movie in computer graphics.  While absolutely nothing special by today's standards, movies like this were never seen before.  Back in the '80s, computers were nothing like we understand them today, the internet was in it's infancy, and even things like cellular telephones haven't become more than a novelty the size of a brick with only one function: making telephone calls. 

Because the technology was still new and wonderous, it got computer geeks everywhere daydreaming: what if there was a digital world?  And what would it be like if we were able to digitize ourselves and go into the computer world?  That's the basis for this movie.  Anthropomorphic lifeforms called "programs" are the living embodyment of computer programs we create to do tasks.  For example: if you had a program to help with doing taxes, it would be represented by a guy in a business suit.  Or if you had an anti-virus program it would be a soldier with a high powered rifle.  Maybe a firewall program that really looked like a wall of fire.  The possibilities for creativity were endless. 

So, what would happen if you had a rouge program?  That's where we see our villian.  A program called "Master Control" along with a greedy businessman (Dillinger played by David Warner) try to gain control over the internet and taking over both worlds. 

Standing in the way of world domination was Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) and Alan Bradley (Bruce Boxleitner).  Alan creates a program called Tron which is supposed to counteract Master Control.  While trying to upload Tron, Flynn is digitized and put onto the grid by Master Control.  While on the grid, he is the subject of a lot of awe and wonder.  Think about it: people (users) in a world of computer programs would see users as God.  How would you feel if you got a chance to meet a God?  And then came to understand that God figure as simple and fallible as yourself.  How would you feel?  How would you accept this? 

The story of Tron is far more than just a fun little romp through the computer.  It plays with perception and visuals in a way not easily duplicated.  It made people think about very heavy philosophical ideals from an interesting perspective.  It challenged our way of thinking about science, technology, and daily life when nobody knew how much computers would impact the next thirty years. 

The visuals of Tron really don't hold up to modern standards but I would still call it a sci-fi classic and well worth seeing.