The new DVD edition of This Island Earth is a trip down nostalgia lane to the days of 1955’ science fiction- where the aliens all flew around in flat plate looking flying saucers, and looked like someone dressed up in a really big rubber suit. The plot is easily forgettable, but it is also a lot of fun if you are a fan of the genre or time period.
The new Universal Studios DVD is at least the second version of the film to arrive on the format (the first was released in 1998), but lacks any special features to make it worth a double dip if you already have it. The DVD does include the film’s theatrical trailer. It is presented in 1.33:1 Full Frame and features Dolby Digital 2.0 mono sound.
The film was directed by Joseph Newman and was based on the Raymond F. Jones' story “The Alien Machine.” The screenplay was written by Franklin Coen and Edward G. O'Callaghan. It stars Jeff Morrow, Faith Domergue, Rex Reason, Lance Fuller, Russell Johnson (the professor from Gilligan’s Island!), Douglas Spencer, Robert Nichols, and Karl Ludwig Lindt.
This Island Earth’s plot is fairly familiar to early science fiction films, and features scientist Dr. Cal Meacham (Reason) being kidnapped by a race of aliens (the Metalunians) that are led by Exeter (Morrow). The alien’s home world is under attack. They need some of Earth’s scientist to discover a way to produce a fast supply the uranium that is needed repair their defense shield before their enemies destroy their world.
Morrow (whose alien look features a raised forehead, dark bronze skin, and snow-white hair) believes that his race and the humans can work together to achieve this goal or if his home world is forced to relocate to Earth. His character is torn between his peaceful beliefs and his need to protect his home.
The big bug-eyed alien just wants a hug!
The film starts a little slow as Meacham, Dr. Ruth Adams (Domergue) and Steve Carlson (Johnson) all try to discover just why they have been taken to a mysterious island (they are still on Earth at this point), and what Exeter’s real motives are for gathering such an assembly of the world’s leading scientist. They also have to avoid the prying eyes of Exeter and his staff – which are constantly spying on them with “futuristic” devices. When the three decide to make a break for freedom, Carlson is killed by an energy bolt while Adams and Meacham are zapped up into a flying saucer for a trip to Exeter’s home.
From this point, the movie becomes a fast pace “sci-fi” space battle to get back to Earth. Meacham and Adams are taken to the Metalunians’ world; find out they are going to be brainwashed into helping the race invade Earth (since their planet is pretty much shot at this point); and then have to battle some big brained, bug-eyed monster aliens that the Metalunians use as “security.” All of this takes place in the span of about an hour and 26 minutes.
While This Island Earth is not the best sci-fi film to come out of the 1950’s, it does feature some great special effects and make-up for the time period. By today’s standards it is almost laughable, but there were probably some shocked viewers when the Metalunians’ security force arrived on screen for the first time. The film also featured some slick set designs that took full advantage of the movie’s Technicolor presentation. The actors all do a good job in the film, and never come across as too hokey – even when delivering some very dated dialogue.
I wish we could have had a few special features on the DVD because the movie does warrant a little more attention. A look at the special effects and alien designs would have been a nice treat – especially for fans of science fiction and horror films of the period.
The film is a good look at 1950’s Hollywood science fiction
If you are a fan of the time period or want to enjoy a fun look at the early days of science fiction Hollywood films, I would recommend taking a chance on This Island Earth. Since there are no special features, the DVD is not worth the double dip if you already own the 1998 version. I enjoyed the film, and think it still manages to be entertaining – even if it is a bit dated.
This Island Earth is now available at Amazon . This version of the film is not yet available in the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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