Tron was born in the first era of video games; everyone who knows or has played a Collecovision, Intellivision or Atari system should see this movie. If you haven't, you may not be prepared for what you're about to see.
Easily one of Disney's finest movies to date, Tron injects a certain level of believability to the cold hard innards of a computer. At a time when every second person wasn't running their own website (no offense boldopinionites) the inside of the box that allowed us to gobble up power balls and chase ghosts around a maze was a mystery to everyone.

Tron begins outside an arcade and we float inside to a video game. The camera crashes through the video screen and into the game we go. The world inside is utterly magnificent. Based on geometric shapes, zeros and ones and flowing with energy. We meet a few programs that much to our surprise appear sentient, with users as their creators or Gods. We are introduced to Flynn (Jeff Bridges) as a programmer diligently attempting to file an all-important file. We learn that Flynn created five video games stolen by the evil Dillinger (David Warner) and he was subsequently fired so Dillinger can reap the benefits. Dillinger is the classic evil corporate magnate towering over the world as the head of Encom.

Fynn goes the distance to prove Dillinger a thief. Meeting up with his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend (Alan and Lora) who help him break into the Encom system.

As in the real world these hero's and villains are duplicated in the computer world. Tron is the security program written by Alan who is his duplicate inside the computer as Dillinger also has an evil twin (Sark) so does Flynn (Clu).

Encom has the technology to digitize anything and input it into the computer. As Flynn is trying to sneak in he happens to be digitized by the ultimate evil, Master Control Program (who is, as any great villain worth his salt attempting to take over the world). Once inside he teams up with Tron to make their way to the Master Control Program to shut him down for good.

As the world inside is explored the greatness of this movie takes over. The world is stunning and interesting. This movie is a cross between animation and live action. Filmed almost all in front of blue screens the actors are real and everything around them is animated. Probably 80-90% of the movie is spent inside the computer and even today this technique stands its grounds against other movies. Tron was very unique for its time and has not duplicated since. The world is utterly believable; never do you think you are watching actors with special effects around them. The computer world is uncomplicated and geometric which helps it become completely real, and the characters are not interacting with special effects they inhabit them.

Certainly not a character study or emotionally driving feature, Tron is a wonderful ride in a world much unlike ours. Fun, filled with action (very similar to the video games at the time) and adventure Tron succeeds to dazzle and entertain.

Looking back, the wonder and awe that was generated in me can only be compared with a few cinematic experiences (Star Wars, E.T., Indiana Jones). A world where anything was possible and fantastic events occurred in the darkness of the theatre.

If you are a fan, buy this DVD a two disc set chock full of Tron goodness. With commentary, deleted scenes, documentaries (the most notable being one that is an hour and a half long) and much more. Well worth the money spent for a movie that does encourage multiple viewings.

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