‘2001,’ ‘Dr. Strangelove’ Among Kubrick’s Best on Video

Though director Stanley Kubrick died Sunday at the age of 70, his legacy and influence will live for generations. Thankfully, the majority of his unique films are currently available on video.

“Killer’s Kiss” (Facets, $20): Kubrick’s second feature, released in 1955, is a muddled, but atmospheric low-budget thriller about a dancer and a boxer.

“The Killing” (MGM, $20): Kubrick’s existential 1956 thriller about an elaborate racetrack robbery put the young director on the map as a major talent. Sterling Hayden and Elisha Cook Jr. star in this stark adaptation of Lionel White’s “Clean Break.”

“Paths of Glory” (MGM, $20): One of the greatest antiwar movies ever made. Kirk Douglas and Adolphe Menjou star in this harrowing, visually arresting 1957 classic set during World War I about an officer defending three young men being tried for cowardice. Unforgettable.

“Spartacus” (Universal, $20): Kubrick and Douglas teamed up three years later for this impressive, intelligent epic about a heroic slave who led a revolt against Roman rule. Kubrick replaced Anthony Mann as director.

“Lolita” (MGM, $20): Despite censorship restraints, Kubrick’s 1962 adaptation of Vladimir Nabokov’s controversial novel is definitely worth a look.

“Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb” (Columbia, $20): Kubrick directed and co-wrote this demonic, dark 1964 comedy starring Sterling Hayden as a crazed, Commie-hating, impotent Air Force general who launches a nuclear strike against the Russians. Peter Sellers steals the movie (and received an Oscar nomination) for his roles as the president, a British captain and the mad creator of the atomic bomb. George C. Scott, Slim Pickens star in this multi-Oscar nominee.

“2001: A Space Odyssey” (MGM, $20): Kubrick won his one and only Oscar--for special effects--for his landmark 1968 sci-fi epic based on Arthur C. Clarke’s novel “The Sentinel.” Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood and Hal 9000 the computer star in this often confusing but visionary work that set the standard for future sci-fi films.

“A Clockwork Orange” (Warner, $20): Only the second X-rated movie to be nominated for a best film Oscar. Kubrick directed this dazzling, terrifying and viciously satiric 1971 adaptation of Anthony Burgess’ novel about a violence-laden future filled with gangs, decaying cities and bizarre technology.

“Barry Lyndon” (Warner, $30): Breathtaking beautiful 1975 adaptation of William Thackery’s picaresque novel about the rise and fall of an Irish rogue (Ryan O’Neal).

“The Shining” (Warner, $20): Kubrick’s 1980 adaptation of Stephen King’s best-selling horror story has grown in stature over the years. Best known for Jack Nicholson’s “Here’s Johnny” scene.

“Full Metal Jacket” (Warner, $20): Thirty years after “Paths of Glory,” Kubrick explored the impact of the Vietnam War in this 1987 adaptation of Gustav Hasford’s novel.