Invaders From Mars (1953)

Starring: Helena Carter, Arthur Franz, Jimmy Hunt
Director: William Cameron Menzies

Rating: NR

Studio: Image Entertainment

Review Posted: 1.15.03

Spoilers: None

By John Teves

The original 20th century landmark science fiction thriller that played on the paranoia and communist threat invading Atomic Age America in thei1950s.

A young boy is awakened during a storm to witness a flying saucer land in the field behind his home. No one will believe his story as, one by one, the townspeople are captured and put under the control of sinister forces from the planet Mars. Brilliantly created by visionary set designer and director William Cameron Menzies (designer of Gone with the Wind and H.G. Wells' Things to Come) with a haunting musical score by Raoul Kraushaar. Surreal imagery brought to terrifying life in a Cinecolor world just beyond our nightmares.

INVADERS FROM MARS appears in an aspect ratio of 1.33:1 on this single-sided, double-layered DVD. Although the movie looked first-rate for its old age, it displayed substantial amounts of scratches through out its presentation. Sharpness was concise and accurate. Softness occurred during many scenes. I noticed no problems with jagged edges.

The print itself seemed generally clean, though a few problems crop up. Light grain, speckles and dirt appeared occasionally. I also noticed a few streaks as well. Colors were vivid and dazzling. Black levels appeared decent, with deep tones; shadow detail caused some problems at times but not enough to merit a major concern. Taken as a whole, Image-Entertainment gives us a noticeable presentation of the film that will make all fans of the genre leaping for joy.

INVADERS FROM MARS provides a decent Dolby Surround mix. This is a mono mix so the sound clearly emanates from the side and rear speakers, but it's so yielding that it essentially doesn't exist. I never heard a single instance of audio that seemed to come from anywhere other than the center. Dialogue was clear and natural, with a few instances of edginess. Effects were a bit monotonous. The score sounded fairly crisp and distinct, with somewhat of a spongy quality.

For a film that is coming up on it’s 50th Anniversary it doesn't exceed the restrictions of its era; however, it seems more than acceptable for its age and it’s video transfer is to some extent tolerable.

• U.S. and Alternate British Versions of the Film

• Theatrical Trailer

• Still Gallery

• Illustrated Color Booklet

In it’s own right INVADERS FROM MARS is cinematic masterpiece of the 50s paranoia genre, combined with idiosyncratic science fiction images; it is in the style of the material that makes this science fiction classic an eye-catching work of art.

INVADERS FROM MARS  is considered by many to be one of the best science fiction movies ever to illuminate the silver screen - I wouldn’t go that far - nevertheless,  the DVD offers fairly admirable picture for its age and a decent audio mix with an insignificant roster of extras.

INVADERS FROM MARS doesn’t outclass as a DVD but it seems enjoyable for the films maturity. The film works well enough for me to recommend it to collectors of true SCI/FI classics.

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