This Island Earth

One of the best of the 50's. Introduction to the "Interociter" (sp?), Remote control, Space Flight, Flying Saucers, Aliens and of course, Dangerous Mutants. Part of the Atomic Craze in the 50's. I like 'em all so I may be biased. This is one you can watch over again. Right up there with Earth vs. The Flying Saucers and Forbidden Planet.

It's great that this sci-fi classic is finally available on DVD. Quality is far superior to the old vhs version. I read the book when I was in high school (1950's). It's dated but it still takes you away!

One of the most thoughtful and well-written gems of classic 50's sci-fi, THIS ISLAND EARTH has seen its reputation dimmed a little over the years in comparison to some of its cousins, such as WAR OF THE WORLDS, THE THING, or THEM!. Granted, those are classics in their own right, but so is THIS ISLAND EARTH. I think the reason this film is often a bit downplayed in modern circles is the slow pace at which everything moves, especially in the opening half-hour when our characters and the unique situation they find themsleves in is being gradually developed. There is some validity in this, as things do take a while to build up, but the compensation is believable, relatively three-dimensional characters and a fairly tenable rationale for the fantastic plot. Acting and direction are very good, with excellent performances by Rex Reason, Faith Domerque, and Jeff Morrow. Reason combines scientific expertise with a degree of sci-fi heroism quite effectively, while Domergue is not only exquisitely beautiful but brainy and brave, as well. Morrow's character is perhaps the backbone of the story, however, an alien called Exeter who evolves along with the plot. Special effects are of course not up to our contemporary standards, but after all the movie was made five decades ago. For their time, the FX were cutting edge, and even today they are still good enough to entertain. No, there is no bargain-basement CGI, but isn't that sometimes a good thing? THIS ISLAND EARTH deserves its generally accepted classic status, pacing and all. It is a very literate and surprisingly cerebral little mastperpiece of sci-fi history, one which modern fans would do well to take the time to enjoy.

The cinematography of this film is what makes it a film that stands alone in this genre. The vibrant colors and special effects demand attention. Although This Island Earth lacks the poignant message of films like "The Day the Earth Stood Still," it still manages to convey humanity in a hopeful light in the face of challenge. Most of the alien hierarchy look like Bill Murray with obscenely large foreheads. There are comical errors when the film cuts from grand eloquent sets, to stock footage of a car crash. This film synergistic compiles all the esoteric components of 50's sci-fi. It has amazing effects for the time, a plausible, but familiar, plot which is complimented by the cast. It has amazingly surreal monsters that are greeted by a woman's scream and lamenting alien would be conquered.
Great film for film lovers.

I'm thinking that Joe Wilson, Dr Meachams's sidekick, might have been the victim of an atomic wedgie or two while in school. Also noticed that Brack's dialogue coach was not listed in the credits...Too bad, he did one hellava job, eh?