Search - Atomic Submarine (Ws) on DVD

Damian M. (ratchet)
Reviewed on 3/11/2009...

A rather boring sci-fi underwater adventure involving submersible UFOs. Interesting idea, but the script was lacking and the effects could have been done better even for the time period.

Great 50's sci-fi B-movie!

horrorpunk | Las Vegas, NV United States | 08/20/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This movie probably gets overlooked because of the title, which seems incredibly dull and unimaginative for such a cool flick. I think it should have been called "The Superatomic Submarine vs. the Flying Saucer" because that is what the movie is really about and it sounds much more exciting. The movie has everything a fan of 50's sci-fi B-movies would want. The story is a unique twist on the flying saucer theme because this saucer can travel under water, and you get two classic sci-fi vehicles for the price of one because this flying saucer takes on a futuristic (remember this was the 1950's) submarine. The parts that take place inside the saucer are very creepy. During these scenes, a pitch black background and cool creepy music are used to maximum effect. There are few funny lines in the movie, especially the ones where the hero is talking to the alien who, by the way, will not disappoint those who love cheesy cool aliens in their sci-fi movies. I have three words for B-movie fans: SEE IT NOW!"

Perennial favorite looks stunning on DVD!

Surfink | Racine, WI | 09/04/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Atomic Submarine is another of those "quintessential" B-movies that should appeal to any student of 50s/60s B&W cheapies. The cast is a who's who of second-string stalwarts, including Tom Conway, Dick Foran, Arthur Franz, Bob Steele, Brett Halsey, and Sid Melton for good measure. The Rabin/Block effects are better than their usual, and while not always convincing are consistently imaginative. The script actually attempts to deal with Weighty Issues (pacifism), Alexander Laszlo turns in another "spooky" semi-electronic soundtrack, and the film actually pays off with a cool/icky monster and serviceable flying saucer. Atomic Submarine never achieves greatness, but it's never dull either (try watching the big-budget Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and tell me which is really more entertaining).
The DVD itself is a pleasant surprise to those used to catching this on the late late show. The print used by Image is simply stunning. Aside from some occasional very light speckling, the image looks great: crisp and detailed, with good tonal values (although some of the "underwater" effects shots are a little flat, and stock footage shows the expected wear and grain). My VHS copy (from late-night TV) looks pathetic next to the DVD. Audio is also crisp and clear. The only thing odd I noticed is that the DVD is missing one short (40 sec.) scene (included in my TV copy) wherein Arthur Franz leaves Joi Lansing's apartment and chats briefly with a fellow swabbie while arriving at the sub base (although the DVD does include the last 10 to 15 seconds of the scene in the apartment, missing from the TV print). Other than this minor omission the movie appears to be completely intact. Chapter stops and trailer are included, but that's it for extras. (I was really hoping for a Sid Melton commentary.) All in all, another as-good-as-its-probably-ever-gonna-get release from Image. Aficionados of le films bad, buy with confidence."

A CLASSIC from the days of Friday-night "Creature Features"

Mark Shanks | Portland, OR | 01/06/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Ah, me - who would have guessed this movie would one day emerge into the light of day after being (apparently) submerged for years in fan-video limbo? This tidbit used to be a staple of the "Late Late Show" circuit - after the parents had gone to bed, the less critically demanding kids would have *their* kind of flick to watch. Never mind the preposterous assumptions (like huge passenger-carrying atomic submarines cruising under the polar ice cap!). We all tuned in for the weird Theramin-like music and the gooey, drippy one-eyed, tentacled alien. In fact, he looks a LOT like the ones you see on the Halloween episodes of the Simpsons! Long available only through specialty video outlets (at "special" prices!), this is really an inexpensive trip down memory lane for those of us who first saw it through our fingers in front of our eyes by the flickering light of the boob tube after everyone else had retired. It boasts a "Who's Who" of bit-part and character actors of the genre, some actually effective footage *inside* the underwater UFO, and that totally classic alien. Go on - you KNOW you want to see it! Why ELSE did you look this one up?!?! ;-)"