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Day The Earth Stood Still (1951) Play Exclusive [DVD] by pg

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Format: DVD

2,154 customer reviews

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Playback Region 2 :This will not play on most DVD players sold in the U.S., U.S. Territories, Canada, and Bermuda. See other DVD options under “Other Formats & Versions”. Learn more about DVD region specifications here

Day The Earth Stood Still (1951) Play Exclusive [DVD] by pg

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Editorial Reviews

The very epitome of a cult SF classic, The Day the Earth Stood Still is more often referenced than seen, which is a pity since it remains even now one of the most thought-provoking examples of the genre. The title is a misnomer, a mere tease to entice 1950s audiences into the cinema in the expectation of seeing another sensationalist B-movie about murderous aliens (i.e. Communists). In fact, Robert Wise's film of Edmund North's screenplay is a thoughtful Cold War allegory about a Christ-like visitor (Michael Rennie) who comes to Earth preaching a message of salvation for mankind, only to be spurned, killed then finally resurrected (significantly, Rennie's character Klaatu adopts the pseudonym Mr Carpenter while on the run from the authorities). Aside from its philosophical message, the film also boasts memorable imagery--notably the giant robot Gort--a much-quoted catchphrase in Klaatu barada nikto, and one of composer Bernard Herrmann's most admired scores, featuring the theremin and other electronic instruments that must have sounded very otherworldly back in 1951. The result is a bona fide landmark in cinema SF with a central message about weapons of mass destruction that's still uncannily relevant today. On the DVD: The Day the Earth Stood Still has been splendidly restored for its DVD incarnation from the original 35 mm print, and the results are demonstrated in the Restoration Comparison feature. Also included is a fascinating 1951 newsreel showing Klaatu receiving a certificate of merit amid stories of Communist threats, the Korean war and beauty pageants (Pomp and pulchritude on parade in Atlantic City). Best of all is an absorbing commentary track with director Robert Wise in conversation with Nicholas Meyer (both men have Star Trek movies on their CV). --Mark Walker

Product details

Directors: pg
Format: Restored, DVD
Region: Region 2 (Read more about DVD formats.)
Rated:
PG
Parental Guidance Suggested
Average Customer Review: 2,154 customer reviews
ASIN: B01GWDOWVG

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Customer reviews

2,154

4.8 out of 5 stars

5 star		83%
4 star		12%
3 star		3%
2 star		1%
1 star		1%

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Plato Verado Nick to !

ByDan Wright Near Biglerville, Pa. Who'd Guess?on July 13, 2015

Format: Amazon VideoVerified Purchase

This is one of "them" movies that will never grow old, at least not to me. How anyone, except, a person with an exceptional mind, way back then (1945-1949), come up with the IDEA of "Artificial Intelligence" is so awesome ! And with a Prime Directive as "Destroy" "The Aggressor With Extreme Prejudice" IS ALMOST TOO COOL FOR WORD ! Check it out !

0Comment 6 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Pretty decent film making.

ByRaisuli the Magnificenton April 5, 2017

Format: Blu-rayVerified Purchase

This classic scifi film will not play on my computer for some reason. I'm assuming there's some anti-piracy software running, which is odd since where I do have two external bluray drives, I don't actually have any copying software, and both bluray drives are read-only. Oh well.

The movie is about as I remember it from way back when. One of the guys on the "making of" documentary included on the disk states that the film has a documentary feel to it. Eh, maybe. I got more of a sense that it had more of a film noire vibe going visually with all the harsh shadows and high contrast shots.

The acting is on par for an early 1950s offering--a kind of natural yet comported behavioral norm when people were a little more polite. The message, however, now that I'm a middle aged dude, doesn't strike me as being very sound; i.e. "We'll kill you if you stir any trouble" kind of thing. Well, okay, that's kind of what all international policies are guided by these days, but Klaatu's race promises annihilation, and not just simple conquest. I mean, wow. Is that really how a superior species or race greets newcomers on the interstellar scene?

It is a 1950s film, and so it has a somewhat hokey feel to it with the theramin music going on combined with the stereotypical flying saucer and giant killer robot. It's a window into science fiction film making from another period. It has some good messages, but it also has some messages that maybe you should think about for a bit before agreeing or disagreeing.

Either way it's slower paced and enjoyable. No massive battles, no intricate action scenes with lots of derring-do, none of the usual stuff that unfortunately pollutes a lot of scifi made for today's pre-to-post teen audiences. Take it for what it's worth, relax and enjoy on your day off from work.

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First and best

ByWoodsy Nileson July 14, 2017

Format: Blu-rayVerified Purchase

This is one of the first of the 1950s flying saucer movies and arguably the best. The many extra features on the Blu-ray disc alone justify the purchase. According to the "making of" feature, the producers ultimately decided against casting Spencer Tracy and Claude Rains as Klaatu, preferring to use an unknown Michael Rennie which time has proven to be the right choice.

The smooth simplicity of the saucer rendered it timeless even as much more recent, highly detailed movie spacecrafts appear much more dated. Combine a compelling script, flawless direction, excellent acting and effective special effects and you have the perfect template for the 1950s sci-fi movie genre.

I showed it to my young nephew and he loved it, especially the part where Gort's ocular death ray predated the metal robot in "Thor" by over 60 years. This film also helped him to develop a more mature attention span that doesn't require constant explosions and special effects to hold his interest. He got into the acting and the building tension, and really related to the Billy Gray character.

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One of the best sci-fi movies of all time

ByMatthew Irvinon May 6, 2016

Format: Amazon VideoVerified Purchase

For me, this movie is the standard by which all other Sci-Fi films of the era should be judged and, frankly, very few come even close to meeting the quality of "The Day The Earth Stood Still." The theme is idealistic; the writing is compelling; the production values equal the best of the early 1950s; and the cast is magnificent, especially Michael Rennie and Patricia Neal. Even the special effects are quite good for the times (and should not at all be judged by today's standards, though aren't terrible if they are). I have never seen the remake; not sure I want to. I'm sure the CGI is fantastic, but I cannot imagine any other way the original could be topped.

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Don't Panick!

ByCheri Armstrongon September 20, 2015

Format: DVDVerified Purchase

I have grown to love the Day The Earth Stood Still with Keanu Reeves but this version with Michael Rennie is still the best in this little old lady's opinion. This movie was shown (and reshown) on television when kids were instructed to "drop, duck and cover" under their desks during school drills at a time when the threat of nuclear holocaust was greatest. The only purpose of said drills I can figure was to keep the kids from panicking in the event the situation had become an actual emergency. Who knows? Maybe the message movies like this brought influenced world leaders to refrain from pushing that red button!