Product Details

• Actors: Steve McQueen, Aneta Corsaut, Earl Rowe, Olin Howland, Stephen Chase
• Directors: Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr., Russell S. Doughten Jr.
• Writers: Irvine H. Millgate, Kay Linaker, Theodore Simonson
• Producers: Russell S. Doughten Jr., Jack H. Harris
• Format: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, Widescreen, NTSC
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono)
• Subtitles: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: Unrated
• Studio: Criterion
• DVD Release Date: November 14, 2000
• Run Time: 82 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (179 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00004W3HE
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,172 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• Learn more about "The Blob (The Criterion Collection)" on IMDb

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

What would the average sensible American do if he encountered a pulsing ball of protoplasm from outer space? That's right: he'd poke it with a stick. Thus begins the endearingly earnest and silly tale of The Blob. Young Steve McQueen takes on his first leading role as, um, Steve, a spunky teenager with plenty of heart. Steve sees the blob kill the local doc, but darn it, none of the town's adults will believe him! Yup, it's up to the teens to save the day! Steve and his trusty girlfriend Jane break their curfews(!) and head off into the night to find the Blob and warn the town. The Blob is a completely enjoyable watch from start to finish, offering the triple pleasures of 1950s morals, gee-whiz acting, and a whole lotta extras running around and screaming. The special effects, though primitive, certainly get the job done, and it is still a treat to watch the Blob ooze its way to its next meal. You may notice that the theme song is surprisingly bouncy for a horror flick ("Beware of the Blob! It creeps, and leaps, and glides and slides across the floor"). It was written by Hal David and a fresh young composer by the name of Burt Bacharach. --Ali Davis

Product Description

"Beware of the Blob!" One of the great cult classics, The Blob melds '50s schlock sci-fi and teen delinquency pics even as it transcends these genres with strong performances and ingenious special effects. Made outside of Hollywood by a maverick film distributor, a crew experienced in religious and educational shorts, and a collection of theatrical talent from Philadelphia and New York, The Blob helped launch the careers of superstud Steve McQueen and composer Burt Bacharach.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

97 of 102 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars STUCK TO THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SHOE November 27, 2000

By Thomas E. O'Sullivan VINE™ VOICE

Format:DVD

When I saw that the CRITERION COLLECTION was bringing THE BLOB to DVD - I have to admit I was shocked. This effective and classy little 1950's monster flick was getting the kind of star treatment that most films released on DVD are begging for. And for good reason... THE BLOB is an excellent movie. It hits all the marks, it stands it grounds, it never bores you and it provides you with a original (and even credible) monster that to this day is still more sinister than most that cross the screen (and yet remains the most fun - really, if gum chewed back, it would look like the BLOB). CRITERION again shines here... period style box art (including in the lower left corner a warning that the producers of THE BLOB can not be held libal for heart attacks or faninting from watching the film), a fact based booklet featuring the orginal poster art from the release for it's cover, plus a half sheet poster of the box art that is high quality and all glossy... a beautiful touch. The disc features an excellent transfer of the film. The colors are crisp and the sound is still effective and well balanced. Two audio commentaries are included with the disc, and each are insightful and entertaining. Both remain pretty much screen specific, but do branch out from time to time to explain a host of inside details (like why McQueen wished had had taken a percentage of THE BLOB, and how the leading lady wasn't cast until the very last second... which was the very first day of shooting). Trailer is included, as well as what is really a excellent addition... a photo collection of behind the scene stills, effects (even what the real BLOB looked like off camera and just how big it really was...... little hint: not very), and rare BLOB props and BLOB memorabilia - overall CRITERION has given us yet another must have for DVD owners. If you're a fan of the period and the genre, then THE BLOB is a must, I can not recommend it enough... it's pure fun. And if you know someone this holiday season that is getting a DVD and into 50's shockers... start them off right and pick up the BLOB. Read more ›

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A technical perspective.... December 13, 2000

By A Customer

Format:DVD

THIS IS THE WAY DVD IS MEANT TO BE! When I purchased this DVD, I was originally taken aback by the high price. I knew nothing of "The Criterion Collection" until this disc. What they have done is nothing short of a miracle...restore THE BLOB to its original cinematic glory. The digital remastering is the most pristine I have seen for any movie, THE BLOB or no. The mono soundtrack is so clean, I could have sworn it was dimensional. The extras are a real treat. This is a fully-loaded DVD and one worth every penny. Fans of THE BLOB will rejoice with this DVD. All others will probably shrug their shoulders. This is eye-popping fantastic, from a technical standpoint. Buy with confidence!

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars It crawls.... It creeps.... It eats you alive! May 12, 2003

By cookieman108

Format:DVD

I hadn't see this movie in quite awhile, so when I saw it out with the 'Criterion Collection' treatment, I picked it up pretty quickly. The transfer is really good, and the colors come through brilliantly. Just seeing the blob oozing around, all bloated on the blood of it's victims is quite creepy. I do wish I could have seen this at the drive in, as that seems to be it's perfered format of venue, but this is the next best thing. I loved the part where the old man finds the small meteor and starts poking it with a stick. You just know something bad is going to happen. And then when he starts playing around with the blob on that stick, the ooze sliding down, getting closer to his hand....and the theme song...I had almost forgotten about that. It's so unlike a horror movie theme, but very catchy. Reminds me of that song 'Purple People Eater'. Anyway, the movie is a great piece of 50's sci-fi with great effects that's a lot of fun. Also included with this editon is a poster, and a few extras on the disc, but a lot less than I would have thought. I was expecting a little more, but what are you going to do? It seems odd that the Criterion Collection edition of Carnival of Souls should have as many extras it did and there not be more for The Blob. Anyway, if you like classic sci-fi, this one is a no brainer.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Great Movie, Poor Quality DVD August 4, 2005

By K. Brubaker

Format:DVD

This DVD has a great price, but the quality doesn't compare with the brilliant Criterion release. The picture is soft and the color murky in this print. After having watched this edition numerous times, I was amazed when I watched the Criterion release and saw all sorts of details that simply aren't visible here. This version also is missing a few bits of the film, though not enough to really alter the story.

For those just interested in checking out The Blob, this low priced DVD may be fine. If you love the film, by all means spend the extra money and pick up the beautiful Criterion Collection print.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "THE BLOB" IS ABOUT PEOPLE BEING KIND TO THEIR NEIGHBORS!! November 9, 2005

By Heather L. Parisi

Format:DVD

Here it is, the main event -- "THE BLOB" starring Steve McQueen!
I saw this film when it first came out in 1958 and I have lost track of how many times I have seen it since, but it has been at least 200 times.

WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?:

A gelatinous mass of growing, flesh-eating goo is released on the Earth by a meteorite that has crashed near a small town in Pennsylvania. Steve Andrews [Steve McQueen] and his girlfriend, Helen [Aneta Corsaut] witness the event from their convertible and then come across an old man in the road who has something resembling a glove of jello on his hand. Steve takes him to Dr. Hallen and from there the blob begins ingesting humans and growing as the night progresses.

Steve and Helen go to the police to report the incident and the apparent murder of Dr. Hallen, but the police don't believe the wild story. At this point, it was nice to see some diversity on the police force. The hard-nosed Sergeant was ready to throw the kids in jail, whereas the Chief was much more of a listener.

Not getting any satisfaction from the police, Steve and Helen go out and try to warn the whole town about the danger they are in with the help of other teens but no one is listening ... UNTIL!

Yes, until ... and that's when things really start cooking. We have "The Blob" finally revealing itself at its public debut in its famous "movie theater patrons get eaten" scene. From this point on, everybody believes the kids' story, but it's a little late to do anything about it, or at least it seems so. The climax is right around the corner and I am always sorry it doesn't go on when it's all finally over. This, I'm sure, is why they have made two sequels/remakes of "The Blob"....

THE LOW DOWN ON THIS DVD:

I have heard a lot about the Criterion edition of this film. I have seen that edition and it is a great transfer, but this edition is not bad. Until recently, it was often available for $1-4, versus $30-35 for the Criterion edition. This particular edition runs 82 minutes which means it does include several extended scenes compared to the TV and VHS editions. These extended scenes are as follows:

1]- When the old man [played by Olin Howland] is with Dr. Hallen [Stephen Chase] in the examining room, the scene where he is giving him an injection is extended to reveal an enlarged blob that is up to the old man's elbow. This is about an extra 12 seconds, but it is an addition that shows "The Blob" in an intermediary stage not usually seen.

2]- There are a couple of add-ons at the police station, like when Helen's father [School Principal Martin] arrives and declares, "This is the last time you're going out with my daughter," and Steve's dad replies, "Let's just all stay calm Mr. Martin." It all adds up to about 24 seconds more than the video.

3]- During the scene when Dave the Police Chief [Earl Rowe] is lamenting with Deputy Richie [George Karas], he goes on beyond the point of discussing Sergeant Jim Bert's animosity toward 17-year-old kids because of his wife being killed by a drunk teen in a car wreck and expands the subject by about 20 seconds.

4]- When the blob has encompassed the diner, there are several additional sequences. There is one when Dave sends the sergeant to get more fire extinguishers and there are a couple of add-ons in the last three minutes, altogether totalling 14 seconds.

In all, almost a minute and a half is added to the standard video releases. The Criterion edition DVD does have these additions as well.

"THE BLOB" IS ABOUT PEOPLE BEING KIND TO THEIR NEIGHBORS:

This is a 50's creature-feature classic, and it does credit to its genre. Steve McQueen is a delight and the cast is believable. But that is not what sets this film above the rest. Throughout the film, there is a sense that people care about each other in this town. Steve and Helen start the movie by stopping to help the old man and take him to the doctor. The doctor who is already out the door and on his way to a medical convention stops and returns to his office to treat the injured old man. The police chief doesn't see any point in giving the kids a hard time and releases them to their parents. The kids want to warn their neighbors so that others do not meet the same fate as Dr. Hallen and the old man. Hard-nosed Sergeant Birtie puts his hand on Chief Dave's shoulder to comfort him despite their clashing over how to handle the incident when it looks as though Steve and Helen may perish in the diner at the end. A pervasive sense of community spirit and a common bond was apparent between all the members of this community at one time or another during what had to be the town's most stressful night which is quite rare in this or any other genre. Read more ›