We recently took some time to re-watch a sci-fi classic that inspired many young boys and girls to become programmers (and artists!) — Tron. Join us as we discuss the movie and related themes plus take a call and discuss Chuck’s new Transformer toy. Highlights: we hear about how Sean is soon to become the Rev. Sean (though not the *good* Rev. Sean because he’s too cheap), consider building a real light cycle, reminisce about early computers, note how a programmer’s personality really does show up in his or her code, get a kick out of the Dumont turret (or “Lay-Z-Bot” as Sean calls it), remember how back in the day we all thought if computers just got powerful enough they really would start to seem human, wonder why everyone in the ’80s work Buckaroo Bonzai glasses, love the fact that Flynn saves his butt with his knowledge (the mark of any true geek movie), and mourn the now-lost Arcade Hero.
I LOVE the DTA podcasts. Its just AWESOME to sit in on conversations about all the old movies i cant get my friends to watch. I worked at blockbuster video for 3 years and watched EVERY movie in there. Found some great gems and some stinkers, but the 80’s sci-fi stuck with me.
Keep up the great work guys, and i can’t wait for WarGames and perhaps another (kinda) Matrix.
Hey guys- so glad you’re doing this! I love to re-examine past scifi, regardless of age! I also listen to the Kick-Ass Mystic Ninjas, part of Farpoint Media gang. You, the Ninjas, Slicers, etc., are all part of my favorite gang of ‘casts! I am so glad I found you.
Have you thought up an alternate name yet?
Mucho monkey love!
me! b!
I must confess Tron is the one sci-fi movie I just could never connect to. Same with ‘the Black Hole’. Maybe there it was that robot that looked like a trash bin that turned me off.
For some reason, to me at least, Disney and Sci Fi don’t mix. Although I think Professor Ludwig Van Drake and some of his inventions had their moments.