Search - Battle of the Worlds on DVD

MPAA Rating: NR Content Advisory: Suitable for Children Movie Release: 1961 DVD Release: 07/30/2002 Format: DVD SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 24 mins Studio: Alpha Video Total Copies: 1 Genres: Science Fiction, Thriller, Sci-Fi Disaster Film See Also: Battle of the Worlds

A sci-fi thriller about scientists trying to stop a collision of an alien planet with the earth. ~ All Movie Guide

Battle of the Worlds was one of those strange European sci-fi productions that made their way into the United States principally by way of television during the mid-1960's. It's mostly notable for being one of the later films to star Claude Rains, and for having been directed by Italy's Anthony Dawson aka Antonio Margheriti. The DVD is transferred off of what looks like a 16mm television print that is faded and slightly dark, but otherwise is comparable to broadcasts of the movie that this reviewer remembers from the 1960's and 1970's, and the audio track is mastered at a very healthy level. The brightness, density, and color levels vary markedly from scene-to-scene and even shot-to-shot, fleshtones going from normal to washed out, though the final reel is in very good condition. The five chapters don't really do much to break down the movie, but between the fun to be found here -- from Rains' performance and the interesting special effects, as well as the oddly atmospheric music and settings -- one will hardly notice that weakness, especially at the low price of this release. ~ Bruce Eder, All Movie Guide