Independence Day

3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (873 customer reviews)
Celebrate 75 Years of Independence with 20th Century Fox! On July 2nd, communications systems worldwide are sent into chaos by a strange atmospheric interference. First thought to be meteors, they are later revealed to be gigantic spacecraft, piloted by a mysterious alien species who have set out to launch an ... attack throughout the globe.
  • Starring: Bill Pullman, Will Smith
  • Directed by: Roland Emmerich
  • Runtime: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Release year: 1996
  • Studio: Fox
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Product Details
Synopsis: Celebrate 75 Years of Independence with 20th Century Fox! On July 2nd, communications systems worldwide are sent into chaos by a strange atmospheric interference. First thought to be meteors, they are later revealed to be gigantic spacecraft, piloted by a mysterious alien species who have set out to launch an attack throughout the globe.
Starring: Bill Pullman, Will Smith
Supporting actors: Jeff Goldblum
Directed by: Roland Emmerich
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Runtime: 2 hours 25 minutes
Captions and Subtitles: English Details
Release year: 1996
Studio: Fox
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for sci-fi destruction and violence
ASIN: B0012HF5NC (Rental) and B000I9UA30 (Purchase)
Rights & Requirements
Rental rights: 24 hour viewing period Details
Purchase rights: Stream instantly and download to 2 locations. Details
Format: Amazon Instant Video (streaming online video and digital download)

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Theatrical Release Information
  • US Theatrical Release Date: July 03, 1996
  • MPAA: Rated PG-13 for sci-fi destruction and violence
  • Production Company: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Centropolis Entertainment
  • USA Box Office: $ 306 Million
  • Worldwide Box Office: $ 811 Million
  • Filming Locations: Santa Clarita, California, USA | 2nd Street Tunnel between Hill and Figueroa, Los Angeles, California, USA | 4th Street Viaduct, Los Angeles, California, USA | 6033 W 74th St, Los Angeles, California, USA | Biltmore Hotel - 506 S. Grand Avenue, Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
63 of 70 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A movie that ENTERTAINS from start to finish! April 25, 2004
By A Customer
Format:DVD
I am not one who usually writes online reviews, but after reading several that have trashed this movie for being something more that what it is, I feel compelled to defend this entertaining and funny work.
I will be the first to admit that although there are several unrealistic, gaping plot holes and the dialogue is corny at times, anyone who looked for REALITY in this film is taking themselves too seriously. The very nature of the story's premise would suggest to anyone who has an IQ above that of an amoeba that this film is FICTION. I saw this film in 1996 in the theater, and have watched it several times at home on my 27 inch screen. Regardless of the setting, it is still fun to watch because (take note you 2004 social activists)...IT IS NOT MEANT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY! Yes, you too can enjoy the comedy, cheesy banter, and bombastic explosions this 2-hour film has to offer if you check your critical ego with the "power" button of your surround-sound home theater system. Anyone who would even TRY to somehow draw a parallel between this film (which, I repeat, was made in 1996!) and events happening in the world in 2004 need to relax. There was a reason why "Independence Day" broke box-office records when it came out, and it was because we were looking to be entertained for a few hours; we were NOT looking for a documentary on realistic intergalactic relations. So although I would normally rate this movie with 3 or 4 stars, I am going to give it 5 because for the first time I now realize how entertaining (and totally unrealistic) this movie really is. Wasn't that the purpose?
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200 of 243 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars Good transfer, but still disappointing March 23, 2009
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have to say that I'm a big fan of this film, and I already own the DVD. Most of those wanting to buy this film on Bluray are those who have already seen it and liked it, so I won't comment on the movie content itself, but rather the technical and supplemental aspects of this release.

I borrowed a friend's copy of the BD version of ID4 just a few weeks ago, as I was contemplating whether to add this to my small but growing blu-ray collection. The picture and audio are superb, and watching this on my new LCD at 1080p with the lossless DTS-MA audio track really transported me back to the July of '96, when I watched this on the big screen. This movie has certainly aged well these thirteen years, and the special effects are still terrific even today. While watching, I was pretty much set on adding this to my collection.

That is, until after I finished watching the movie and wanted to see the extras in HD.

The DVD version I have contains two discs and a lot of extras, including an alternate ending, making-of feature, trailers, and cast/crew interviews. Sadly, in this BD release there are none, not even in standard definition. The only "extra" is a commentary track, which, as an another reviewer already pointed out, is laughably outdated. At $25, I would expect more than just a movie and nothing else.

The Dark Knight BD had two discs plus a digital copy for the same price- that was justifiable, even in this economy. This... isn't.

FOX is notorious for double-dipping their DVD and Blu-ray releases. I would imagine that a two-disc or dual-layered "special edition" version will come out over the next year or so.

Needless to say, this BD release is quite a disappointment.
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58 of 68 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars An Outstanding DVD Package! July 3, 2000
Format:DVD
Studios are finally getting the whole DVD thing! This is a truly worth-your-money deal with lots of extras including two versions of the film; the first version is the original theatrical release and the second version is a directors cut featuring about 9 minutes of added footage not released in theatres. What's really great about this is they list what new scenes have been included and some of them are really funny and some of them make the story a lot more heartfelt. Also included is a second disc that includes a really cool mockumentary called "The ID4 Invasion" which is truly a priceless gem in this great collection. Also, there is commentary, lots of interviews with cast and crew, a special effects documentary on the making of the film and the original biplane ending which unfortunately looks really hokey and what I felt after watching it was-THANK GOD THEY DIDN'T GO WITH THAT ENDING-THAT ENDING WOULD'VE MADE THIS MOVIE A "REAL" DISASTER! For a product like this under $30 it is totally worth your money. For those who appreciated this movie as a special effects funfest, this DVD is not one to be passed up. For those of you boring types who felt this movie needed a "serious acting edge" buy Out of Africa and leave science fiction alone! Cheers!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars Fun Sci-Fi
Good combination of special effects and a strong cast backed up with an interesting story line. I chose the HD version since I now have an HD flatscreen and it's a nice enhancement... Read more
Published 9 hours ago by J. Fiet
5.0 out of 5 stars Love the collectors product.
I've always loved this movie and have had it since it was available. However, I was at my neices house and saw this edition and it had extra scenes in it that my didn't, so I... Read more
Published 2 days ago by Bryce L. Garner
5.0 out of 5 stars What FUN!
Saw it originally at home on DVD. LOVED IT! Ordered it on Blue Ray..I think its at the PO Office today hopefully. Great fun and I play it every July 4th. Read more
Published 3 days ago by MovieMan
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect combo
I love this type of Action-SciFi-comedy movie. Will Smith is always a great actor, this movie is no exception. Love it.
Published 15 days ago by Janean L. Stone
4.0 out of 5 stars Perfect escapism.
A technically spot-on story structure works perfectly to create an exiting, if implausible, crowd pleaser. Sports fans must love this movie.
Published 15 days ago by Griffith Lambert
5.0 out of 5 stars Good movie
Very good movie with good effects. it's an old plot, but wonderfully done with good acting. The movie is very entertaining.
Published 15 days ago by harley
5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!
I love this movie and can not wait to get it and watch it on bluray!! One of his best movies!!
Published 18 days ago by Timothy Schilling
5.0 out of 5 stars Freedom
It would be nice if the world could share in our lust for freedom and independence. Our family watches this movie every 4th of July.
Published 20 days ago by Linn
5.0 out of 5 stars 4th of allies
this movie, especially the extended version was even more fantastic than the original! everyone around the world bands together to save the world and celebrate an international... Read more
Published 21 days ago by Spencer-Lynn
5.0 out of 5 stars Blockbuster movie at a matinee price!
The product was exactly as described. Watched it the day I received it and it played flawlessly! Thanks a bunch!
Published 22 days ago by Charles D. Merrill
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special features: none. really? Be the first to reply
What is the point of having a 3hr sale when they sell out in 20minutes? Be the first to reply
where's the Spanish audio??? Be the first to reply
ID-4 Blu-ray release
fox blu rays are crap no effort goes into them id4 does not look anything special stick to the dvd version, close encounters looks excellent done very well, its a shame cos id4 is a great movie but save your money people
Mar 28, 2008 by johnny |  See all 4 posts
independence day blu-ray
New release date March 11 as per blu-ray.com
Dec 31, 2007 by FBIWatchdog911 |  See all 5 posts
Is this theatrical version or director's cut?
For $28, yeah, me too. I can buy new release movies on bly-ray for less than that.

Wish Fox wouldn't charge so much. Wish people would stop saying the price is because it's Blu-Ray. Fox would charge the same if it was on Blu-ray or HD-DVD ... blame the producer.
Mar 27, 2008 by Geomancer |  See all 2 posts
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