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VHS : The Day The Earth Stood Still [1951]
starring: Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Hugh Marlowe, Sam Jaffe, Billy Gray
directed by: Robert Wise
directed by: Robert Wise
![: The Day The Earth Stood Still [1951]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/416J1X311AL.jpg)
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Audience Rating: Universal, suitable for all Binding: VHS Tape EAN: 5013738101159 Format: Black & White, HiFi Sound, PAL Label: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Number Of Discs: 1 Number Of Items: 1 Publisher: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Release Date: February 17, 1997 Running Time: 88 minutes Sales Rank: 4156 Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Theatrical Release Date: September 28, 1951 |
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Editorial Review:
Amazon.co.uk Review:
The very epitome of a cult SF classic, The Day the Earth Stood Still is more often referenced than seen, which is a pity since it remains even now one of the most thought-provoking examples of the genre. The title is a misnomer, a mere tease to entice 1950s audiences into the cinema in the expectation of seeing another sensationalist B-movie about murderous aliens (i.e. Communists). In fact, Robert Wise's film of Edmund North's screenplay is a thoughtful Cold War allegory about a Christ-like visitor (Michael Rennie) who comes to Earth preaching a message of salvation for mankind, only to be spurned, killed then finally resurrected (significantly, Rennie's character Klaatu adopts the pseudonym 'Mr Carpenter' while on the run from the authorities).
Aside from its philosophical message, the film also boasts memorable imagery--notably the giant robot Gort--a much-quoted catchphrase in 'Klaatu barada nikto', and one of composer Bernard Herrmann's most admired scores, featuring the theremin and other electronic instruments that must have sounded very otherworldly back in 1951. The result is a bona fide landmark in cinema SF with a central message about 'weapons of mass destruction' that's still uncannily relevant today.
On the DVD: The Day the Earth Stood Still has been splendidly restored for its DVD incarnation from the original 35 mm print, and the results are demonstrated in the 'Restoration Comparison' feature. Also included is a fascinating 1951 newsreel showing Klaatu receiving a certificate of merit amid stories of Communist threats, the Korean war and beauty pageants ('Pomp and pulchritude on parade in Atlantic City'). Best of all is an absorbing commentary track with director Robert Wise in conversation with Nicholas Meyer (both men have Star Trek movies on their CV). --Mark Walker
Average Rating: 
Rating:
- A Great FilmThis is a great film, and I use the term cautiously. Streets ahead of any other 50s Sci-Fi movie, it boasts effectively creepy music from Bernard Herrmann; excellent performances from Michael Rennie who is reserved but who also has reserves of enotion which come out in his final scene as he returns to the spaceship, from Patricia Neal who is miles better than the run-of-the mill dumbish heroines who grace the other sci-fi movies of this type. She's intelligent, loyal and motivated by more than her ... Read More
Rating:
- Fantastic - in all three senses of the word.Five and a half stars for this. TDTESS is a great film; entertaining, well acted - Michael Rennie is stone cold superb, he totally makes the part and the Mom, the kid and the Prof are all good; good direction - it keeps you hooked from the start; music by Hermann; the pace is spot on and the story and premise convincing. This is one of the best films ever with a message more pertinent than ever. Buy it for someone and then borrow it - you'll want your own copy. Apparently there's a remake in the ... Read More
Rating:
- "There must be security for all or no one is secure."Robert Wise's "The Day the Earth Stood Still" is a prime example of how well science-fiction films excel in examining universal issues. The proliferation of nuclear weapons following the end of World War II spawned this cinematic treatise on the new dangers the world had to face in the atomic age.
A flying saucer touches down in Washington D.C. and is immediately surrounded by armed troops. A hatch on the saucer opens and a figure named Klaatu (Michael Rennie) emerges. After he is shot by ... Read More
Rating:
- Sci-fi masterpiece with a messageIn a time when most science fiction movies were Earth versus mean aliens, Earth being invaded by mean aliens, or Earthlings encountering mean aliens during space exploration (all of which were just us civilized people against the ignorant barbarians, with lots of campy effects and shooting), this film was different. It started from a different premise and carried strong social messages. It was a message of peace in an era of hostility and paranoia.
Dignified, peaceful humanoid alien Michael ... Read More
Rating:
- �There are signs of normalcy�We are visited by a flying saucer that lands near the U.S. capital. As a precaution the saucer is surrounded by the military with tanks, carbines, and side arms. The ship opens up and a being, Klaatu (Michael Rennie), steps out. He makes a menacing move with a foreign object. A quick thinking well trained military man shoots first.
Why are we being visited? A mysterious man named Mr. Carpenter may hold the answer. However the only people that will listen to the message are the world's scientists. ... Read More
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