8mm Forum: WAR OF THE WORLDS 17MINS.1X400FT.

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Posted by Andrew Wilson (Member # 538) on November 06, 2006, 09:32 AM:

Here is in my view,thee sci-fi movie of the early 1950's.
it stars Gene Barry and Ann Robinson.This two reeler opens with titles,but sadly not the originals.A large metoer crashes to earth,as a crowd stand outside a cinema.
The local police chief and a astro phycies expert watch in amazement a large machine rises from the crater.
The army are called in and everything is set for confrotation.
The local minster trys to make contact with the vistors,they are not amused and blast him with their fiery ray.
The army open fire;but the invaders totally wipe them out.
Later at the farmhouse Barry and Roberston become traped,as more space ships land.In the dark,our heroe's try to dig their way out
when...It's the oldest trick in the book,but it never fails.
You to will catch a breath....
The war machine contiue their advance on L.A.
As law and order breaks down,people fighting,trying to get out of the city,Barry is driving along in a truck.
The mob pull him out,and steal his truck.The machines come ever nearer..
Our hero then runs thru the streets of L.A;searching for Robertson.
He finds her in a chuch,and as they embrace,everything goes quiet
outside.The people go outside to see what has happen;the machines
crash and fall silent.
A door opens,and a arm and hand is seen,it changes colour,as Barry comments-We were all praying for a mircale.
The invaders were killed by the common cold.
I repeat,this is in my view the best of 1950's sci-fi.
This two reeler is a fine souvenir.very highly recommend.Andy.
PRINT B
SOUND A.

[ November 06, 2006, 12:10 PM: Message edited by: Andrew Wilson ]

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on November 06, 2006, 10:01 AM:

Okay, I know what you meant to say, but I can't get out of my head the image of a "mentor" (instead of what you meant,
"meteor") or teacher, plummeting to earth ....

"Do it right! AIGH!! SMACK!!

Oh God, that's funny. Ah, life is pleasant in my little world!

I agree though, this was the Sci-fi film of the 50's, and wouldn't be equaled, (in special effects) until "2001: A Space
Odessy".

Posted by Andrew Wilson (Member # 538) on November 06, 2006, 12:07 PM:

Thanks Osi for the correct spelling.Cheers.Andy.

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on November 06, 2006, 04:49 PM:

Hi Andy,
I am a big fan of this film, far better in my opinion than the recent overblown Spielberg version. There's something really special about those George Pal effects, those gliding swan-shaped spacecraft, and the impulse sound of the heat ray, that makes this film a real classic.

Posted by Andrew Wilson (Member # 538) on November 06, 2006, 06:25 PM:

Hello Paul.you know the sound of those machines in that film still
gives me goosebumps.I also feel that Spielberg lost the plot of the
classic original.Andy.

Posted by Peter Richards (Member # 738) on December 13, 2006, 06:40 PM:

One of my Fav Sci-Fi movies,thankyou Andrew this will be on my wish list along with a huge never ending line.

Totally agree with you Paul,the sound of those machines was so haunting.

Posted by Robert Aragon (Member # 181) on December 13, 2006, 07:08 PM:

this is a Marvelous film indeed. I have been able to re-record my 3 x 400 foot version into GLORIOUS STEREO off the digital laserdisc. I always wondered if the ORIGINAL film release,back in the 50's was released in stereo. I was fortunate enough to ask Ann Robinson when i met her. YES, IT WAS...so, After that, I HAD TO RE_RECORD THE DIGEST. ANYWAY, ONE GREAT FILM!!!!!

Posted by Andrew Wilson (Member # 538) on December 14, 2006, 02:08 AM:

The new uk dvd release has now had its stereo tracks restored.horray.The sound of those machines...amazing what you can do with a amp/guitar.It still gives me goosebumps.Andy.

Posted by Kurt Gardner (Member # 440) on December 14, 2006, 04:40 PM:

I wonder if you're reviewing the Marketing Films version of this condensation. I have it; it's on normal-thickness stock and has to be low-fade because the color density is just sensational; really saturated and looks like three-strip Technicolor (as it was shot).

Regarding the film itself, the only error I think the filmmakers made was showing a whole alien mid-film; just a chilling glimpse and the arm coming out of the ship at the end would have been more terrifying.

Posted by Mike Peckham (Member # 16) on May 20, 2007, 02:11 PM:

Picked a copy of this up at the BFCC on Saturday, I was lucky to find that it is in great condition and the colours have held out really well. [Smile]

What a great film - I too find the pulse of those alien ray guns very scary and chilling...

Thanks for the review Andy, it's good to know others are still enjoying this great classic!

Mike

ps: It comes in a great Marketing box with lovely artwork [Roll Eyes]

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