IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE
Bradbury Bodysnatchers
released 17 october 1953 | PG | blu-ray 3d
Director Jack arnold Cast richard carlson, barbara rush
blu-ray debut This one’s all about the firsts. It was the first sci-fi film directed by Jack Arnold (Tarantula etc), the first to utilise a desert location, and one of the first major studio 3D productions.
It doesn’t stop there, with regards to this disc: the film’s on Blu-ray here for the first time – and, excitingly, in 3D too. While there’s also a 2D option, this Ray Bradbury tale of an astronomer finding aliens will likely be best enjoyed as it was at ’50s drive-ins (“Fantastic Sights Leap At You!”).
Sixty-three years later, It’s story, with its body-borrowing aliens, is not that surprising. That’s forgiveable of course, because this is where so much started, but the film spins what now seems a standard yarn. It’s full of good things, though, from its eerie score to its subjective alien viewpoint shots, and the way that tension is gradually built.
Extras All the extras are carried from the previous DVD release: an entertaining half-hour documentary on Universal’s sci-fi movies; a vigorous fact-a-second commentary by film historian Tim Weaver; trailers. Russell Lewin
Both Bradbury and Arnold wanted a monster-free movie, but Universal insisted on seeing the “Xenomorphs”’ true form.