CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

WanMan · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 10270

I first saw this movie when I was 16. I was still impressionable and anything that had to do with science fiction was always on my radar. Mind you I was a regular reader of Starlog magazine, and from previous issues loved most of the miniature modeling that was done for this genre.

The BD for Outland is a nice transfer. Like Altered States, I had the chance to see it many times on television, including recently in purported HD, but again nothing beats the black level (for how my far my theater can deliver) on the big ass screen.

As far as story goes, it is basic: sheriff and bad cowboys. And after haven just seen this movie only minutes ago I had one big question: shotguns work in no atmosphere? Really? I have long had to step away from the analytical side of myself and quit complaining about sounds in the vacuum of space, but they must be making some terrific technological progress in terms of shotguns and their ammunition. Was this just product placement or what? Mr. Green

BTW, while I can get away with Altered States using old lab equipment, I found the aspect of el cheapo boob tubes as the standard industrial displays to be rather comical. I am surprised no one pulled Outland out for a remake like so many other 80's movies.

Again, I got this BD for just under $15. Had I never seen it before I probably wouldn't have bitten, but knowing the movie, especially as a teen, I figured it was safer than a blind-buy. Again, the dark scenes on the big screen in a light controlled environment are what I like and this one does disappoint.

mc86 · Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 8:27 pm Post subject:

The primer would certainly explode in space and, in a very confined area, gunpowder could combust as most of the oxygen is liberated from the potassium nitrate...the rate might be much slower, so not sure about how the shell would go. I have personal experience breaking a glass bell jar with a highly energetic reaction that was started at 10^-4 torr, but quickly came up to sufficient pressure that the force hurled a piece of ceramic and broke the jar...I was really surprised!

cheers,
Matt

ecrabb · Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 9:06 pm Post subject:

I think a shotgun should work just fine in a vacuum. Like Matt said, perhaps not quite as efficient (powerful), but I see no reason it would work exactly as intended. In fact, without air slowing down the slug or shot, the effective range and grouping should be much better. Wink

As for sound in space, don't think the movies would be kind of boring if they were all silent, Wan?

SC

WanMan · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 10270

I particularly enjoyed 2001 A Space Odyssey. Razz

But keep in mind the aspects of temp (110K mean) on the mechanicals, its lubricants, etc., and ammo. I do not know of anyone that has tested these under these kinds of conditions--would be hella cool to test.

But, let's forget about the Ridley Scott science and let me poke at the story ...

Why not take the general manager by force (arrest him!) and then booby-trap him as hostage until other federal marshals arrive? And why no sending info to the corporate office to shed light on the situation--GMs of other franchises obviously had concerns here.

And what, he couldn't rig the airlocks to not open--preventing the shuttle passengers from entering? ;P