subscribesubscriber servicescontact usabout ussite mapBuy a Classified
Mon, Nov 23 2009 

Published: December 13, 2008 11:41 am    print this story  

The Day the Earth Stood Still – 2 disc Special Edition

Compare the old and the new

I believe it’s pretty obvious Fox put together the 2-Disc Special Edition of the classic 1951 science-fiction film to help promote its 2008 version of the same name, that hit theaters on Friday Dec. 11. In my opinion, it’s always a good time to revisit this classic, and some of the new bonus material is both entertaining and informative. I think everyone should own this classic.

And, it’s not just the Couch Potato that calls this film classic. Robert Wise's compelling science fiction classic, The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) was listed this year as the fifth best film in the genre by the American Film Institute

This is a thought-provoking story told in vintage form by masters of the craft. A must-have for the true fan of classic films, and a must-see for those who have yet to experience Gort and Klaatu. However, those looking for an action-packed science-fiction film should look elsewhere.

Its preachy message is a little hoaky by today’s standards, and its special effects aren’t very special by this century’s CGI, but even discounting the age of the release, it still tells an interesting story.

Cast: Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Hugh Marlowe, Sam Jaffe, Bill Gray, Frances Bavier, Lock Martin, Frank Conroy, Carleton Young, Fay Roope, Edith Evanson, Robert Osterloh, Tyler McVey and James Seay

The Day the Earth Stood Still – 2 disc Special Edition

Rating: (****1/2 out of *****)

Synopsis: After being tracked around the world, a flying saucer lands in Washington D.C. on a beautiful summer day. After being surround by the military, Klaatu (Michael Rennie) and Gort (Lock Martin) emerge from the ship, announce that they have come in peace, and though bearing a gift, Klaatu is shot by an over-zealous young soldier. After escaping from his hospital, Klaatu befriends Bobby (Billy Gray) who gives Klaatu a tour around Washington and some insight into the culture. As he is tracked by the military, Klaatu will eventually be assisted by Bobby’s mom Helen (Patricia Neal) and Professor Barnhardt (Sam Jaffe). This film has a subtle elegance to it as it dabbles more in film noir than the typical monster-invasion films. From the lighting and set design to the dialogue-driven story combined with the classic theremin-filled soundtrack, this film was well ahead of its time in both special-effects technology as well as storytelling.

DVD Special Features

Disc 1

• Commentary by Director Robert Wise and Nicolas Meyer

• Commentary by Film & Music Historians John Morgan, Steven Smith, William Stromberg & Nick Redman

• Isolated Score Track 5.1

• The Making of " The Day The Earth Stood Still" (23:51)

• The Mysterious, Melodious Theremin (5:39)

• The Day the Earth Stood Still Main Title Live Performance by Peter Pringle (2:15)

• Farewell to the Master: a reading by Jameson K. Price

• Fox Movietonews from 1951 (6:21)

• 3 Trailers (teaser, theatrical, 2008 re-release)

Disc 2

• Decoding "Klaatu, Barada, Nikto"; Science Fiction as Metaphor (16:13)

• A Brief History of Flying Saucers (33:59)

• Edmund North: The Man Who Made The Earth Stand Still (15:42)

• The Astounding Harry Bates

• Farewell to the Master: An Audio Presentation of the Original Short Story (11:01)

• Race to Oblivion : A Documentary Short Written and produced by Edmund North (26:41)

• 7 Galleries

print this story  

Photos


Trying to talk -- Klaatu (Michael Rennie) advises a presidential aide that he will only deliver his message to a gathering of all leaders and not through any one or group of leaders. (© Photo courtesy Universal Pictures)/ (Click for larger image)



autoconx
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Premier Guide
Premium Jobs

NORTH TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER
Full Time Position Available
Floor Tech - PM Shift

Contact: Teresa Westover, Director of Human Resource
...>MORE

IMMEDIATE OPENING
ESTIMATOR/INSIDE SALES
The candidate must be experienced in oil field related
vessels fabrication (separators
...>MORE

RN (FULL TIME)
ANOINTED CAREGIVERS COMMUNITY CARE
IS OPENING AN OFFICE IN GAINESVILLE, TX.
Wanted Immediately!!!
RN (Ful
...>MORE

RENAISSANCE CARE CENTER
is now accepting applications for:
Certified Nursing Assistants - 2-10, 10-6 Shifts and
Double Weekends.
...>MORE

FIELD MECHANICS POSITIONS
Pumpco Services has career opportunities for
Field Mechanics.
Must have experience on frac equipment and must
...>MORE

LET’S TALK ABOUT
Passion+Quality+Future
Mercy Memorial is currently seeking applicants for the following positions:
RNs with 1
...>MORE

RN's and LVN's
Bowie Memorial Hospital accepting applications for
RN's and LVN's.
If you are looking to work with a facility
...>MORE

See all ads

Premium Deal of the Day

2004 HONDA CRF-250
$2750 OBO. Runs great. Barely ridden. (940)372-1863....>MORE

6415 JOHN DEERE
C/A, 1,500 Hrs. J.D. power train warranty until 2011. Located: Mike Graves Feed & Seed, Era, Texas. Asking $36,500 or be...>MORE

See all ads


 

Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.CNHI Classified Advertising NetworkCNHI News Service
Associated Press content © 2009. All rights reserved. AP content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Our site is powered by Zope and our Internet Yellow Pages site is powered by PremierGuide.
Some parts of our site may require you to download the Flash Player Plugin.
View our Privacy Policy
Advertiser index