World War One

As director Steven Spielberg's 2005 version of War Of The Worlds makes its debut on DVD (review coming soon), I decided to share my thoughts on the original film from 52 years ago, and its recently released special collector's edition DVD .

The first time I saw film producer George Pal's 1953 version of author H.G.Wells War Of The Worlds, I was in film school, studying the movies of the decade. While the acting in the film is certainly overwrought by today's standards, that it made it seem like a parody in some circles, even back then. Its visual style though remains stunning and relevant today, still influencing generations of filmmakers, including the man responsible for the 2005 remake.

As a tribute to Orson Welles legendary Halloween radio broadcast of 1938, the film opens as a mock newsreel narrated by Paul Frees. Director Byron Haskin then switches to a documentary style format. Actor Cedric Hardwicke takes over the narration, explaining the Martians' reasoning in choosing Earth as their invasion target though a series of animated matte paintings, before getting into the actual story. We follow the action as the first Martian cylinder lands - not in England as told in the novel, or New Jersey as depicted in the radio drama, but in California. Astronuclear physics professor Dr. Clayton Forrester (Gene Barry) is asked to examine the the cylinder meteor. Even as Forrester really concerns himself only with his square dancing partner, beautiful librarian Sylvia Van Buren (Ann Robinson), the cylinder unloads an elegant looking Martian war machine, which immediately begins incinerating locals with its high-powered heat ray. Soon after, we learn from military commander Major General Mann (Les Tremayne), the machines have landed all over the planet, and are destroying everything in their path.

As the director, Haskin had two things going for him, helping the film ensure classic status. Bold (for its time) imagery, enhanced by the Technicolor process, and brilliant sound mix. Even if you've never seen the film, once you hear the thrum of the martian weaponry, you'll recognize it. As I said, the film has had a lasting impact. From Independence Day, to Mars Attacks by director Tim Burton, and even the indie The Blair Witch Project, with its faux documentary style, all were inspired by this film. The film's pro-christian only message comes off as a bit contrived by today's standards, there's still lots to enjoy on a basic level, fluff and all.

With all the hoopla surrounding the remake, Paramount finally re-released the film on DVD, as a special edition. First up is a commentary by stars Gene Barry and Ann Robinson (who both have cameos in 2005 version). I was delighted with this track--it's full of anecdotes and other behind-the-scenes details that give you a sense of filming must have like. A second commentary features director Joe Dante, film historian Bob Burns, and author of the great book Keep Watching The Skies!, which examines sci-fi films of the 50's, Bill Warren. This is a more technical track, for film "geeks" like me, who get the lowdown on how the effects and miniatures were created. "The Sky Is Falling" is a newly produced 30 minute documentary featuring interviews with cast and crew members, as well as people familiar with the production. It provides for a fine look at the making of the film and its lasting impact. Next up, is a featurette on H.G. Wells that examines his life and work. As a fan of the the author, I enjoyed this extra feature a lot. The crown jewel of the bonus material though, is the aforementioned, Mercury Theater radio play of the story by Orson Welles. This is the original broadcast from Halloween of 1938 that sent many folks into a panic, as they believed that Earth was being invaded by martians. The radio drama is a real treat! The play is presented while still images featuring Welles at the microphone are on screen. The video and audio transfer has also been improved over the original DVD. The vintage theatrical trailer tops things off.

The DVD is a must have for fans of the film.