Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Amazon.co.uk Review
Invasion of the Body Snatchers is considered one of the best science fiction films of the 1950s and 1960s. The classic paranoid thriller was widely interpreted as a criticism of the McCarthy era, which was characterised by anti-Communist witch-hunts and fear of the dreaded blacklist. Some hailed it as an attack on the oppressive power of government as Big Brother. However viewers interpret it, this original 1956 version of Invaders of the Body Snatchers (based on Jack Finney’s serialised novel The Body Snatchers) remains a milestone movie in its genre, directed by Don Siegel with an inventive intensity that continues to pack an entertaining wallop.
Dr. Miles Bennell (Kevin McCarthy) is unconcerned when the townsfolk accuse their loved ones of acting like emotionless impostors. But soon the evidence is overwhelming–Santa Mira has been invaded by alien “pods”, which are capable of replicating humans and taking possession of their identities. It’s up to McCarthy to spread the word of warning, battling the alien invasion at the risk of his own life. Look closely and you’ll find future director Sam Peckinpah (an uncredited cowriter of this film) making a cameo appearance as a meter reader! –Jeff Shannon
No reflection on Amazon, but, I received my eagerly-awaited DVD of this film this morning. What a let-down! I get better film-quality recording movies “off-air” via the USB TV Stick – which I got from Amazon – on my computer.
It’s no secret that this film is the one by which most other science-fiction films are judged, and, quite frankly, Universal hasn’t delivered, and, let their loyal customers down.
Where is the Feature Length commentary? Where is the Theatrical Trailer? Where are all the other Featurettes and Extras that other film companies see fit to release with their Anniversary Editions? Last, but by no means least, where is the classic artwork available on the Region 1 release?
I have recent DVD’s of “The Thing from another Planet”, “Earth vs. the Flying Saucers”, “Invaders from Mars”, “The Day the Earth Stood Still”, and, “It Came from Outer Space”, and, watch them via Cyberlink’s PowerDVD on my Pentium 4 pc. Without exception, their quality of transfer, and/or, “bundled extras”, are far superior to this release.
If I didn’t know any better, I would swear that Universal transferred an NTSC copy to PAL for this release, rather than transferring an original film copy to PAL.
It’s a testament to the original production that it still shines through this travesty.
Rating: 2 / 5
First the good news. This film IS a classic of its kind and indispensible for fans of the genre. It is fascinating to watch it and compare it with the Donald Sutherland remake and see how the latter incorporates scenes from the first.
The bad news is that I agree with the previous reviewer. The picture is not exactly sharp and the sound quality equally poor in parts. The only extra is more of a curio; the colourised version.
I’m glad I have it, but a little disappointed to have no commentary or feature putting it into context.
Rating: 4 / 5
One of the Best- Ever Si Fi/ Horror Movies. A Classic, much imitated by later film-makers. It stands the test if time, even though I know some people won’t give old black and white movies a look, I cadjolled my 25 year son into watching it , and he thought it was way better and more scary than most modern day Slasher – Pics.
The sininster atmosphere conveyed, the casting, the special effects, , and actors still hold the power to chill the bones today,
Rating: 5 / 5
Based on a Collier’s Magazine serial by Jack Finney, “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” is an intelligent, superb example of its era and genre, with excellent direction and cast. Director Don Siegel said that this was probably his best film, though he deplored that the film studio (United Artists) made him add a prologue and epilogue, and tell the story with narration as a flashback. Though this format would weaken the chilling effect of the story somewhat, it is nevertheless riveting and quite frightening. When Doctor Miles Bennell returns from a business trip, he finds his small town changed, with people saying that their loved ones are “no longer the same.” Miles also finds that his sweetheart of many years ago, Becky Driscoll, has come home after a 5 year absence, and a divorce, and they make a marvelous duo, quoting Shakespeare to each other, and with some dialogue that in the mid 1950s would have been quite racy.
Kevin McCarthy is marvelous as Miles, who runs a race against time and sleep to fight the pod people, and Dana Wynter is beautiful as Becky. There are others in the above average cast that will be familiar to old time TV viewers, like Carolyn Jones (Morticia of “The Adams Family”), Virginia Christine (Mrs. Olsen of the Folger’s Coffee commercials), and Richard Deacon (Mel Cooley of “The Dick Van Dyke Show”). Among the credits, the great Carmen Dragon did the soundtrack, Ellsworth Fredericks the cinematography, and Daniel Mainwaring the bright and clever script.
The premise as I see it (and I think every viewer will bring his own interpretation to this film depending on his viewpoint) is still valid, as conformity is still king, and pod people are ever present. The 1978 remake is one of the few that lives up to the original, and is also highly recommended. Total running time is 80 minutes.
Rating: 5 / 5
Definitely one of the most exciting sci-fi movies ever made!
This is one of those movies that can be watched over and over again and still be enthralling – no re-make could ever match this original, starring Kevin McCarthy and Dana Wynter.
Huge seed pods arrive from outer space that ‘hatch’ and take on the form of ‘imageless’ human bodies. As soon as the nearest person falls asleep, ‘it’ becomes that person – exactly the same in every way, but without emotion. A Doctor and his girl put up a tremendous fight against this phenomenon, and this film is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end!
Great stuff!
Rating: 5 / 5