Of the few remakes of classic movies that almost equal their source material, Philip Kaufman's 1978 retelling of Invasion of the Body Snatchers receives a better-than-average DVD release from MGM. The film print doesn't look like it has been restored for this release (and it needs to be), but it's great to have this terrifying movie back in widescreen, and the disc's extras are much better than average. The tense, hyper-paranoid sci-fi thriller is smartly directed by Kaufman and beautifully shot by master cinematographer Michael Chapman (Raging Bull, The Fugitive). The DVD presents the film in a widescreen transfer and it also comes with in a pan-and-scan version on the flip side. There's nothing wrong with the transfer, but the source print hasn't been restored and it shows plenty of wear and tear. That said, Michael Chapman's excellent lighting and camera work still comes through beautifully, and Denny Zeitlin's truly unsettling score really gets under your skin on the Dolby audio track. The disc features an excellent commentary track by Kaufman, who really takes you through the making of the movie scene by scene. The commentary will be appreciated more by filmmakers and students than by sci-fi fans, as Kaufman concentrates on how he and Chapman shot the movie rather than going into the complexities of the movie's subtexts. The disc also includes a short documentary called "Pod Culture," which shows you the similarities and differences in each movie version. As an added bonus, the DVD comes with a booklet that is surprisingly interesting and well worth reading (most booklets in DVD's are complete jokes hastily done by copywriters rather than people interested in the movie in question). While this disc isn't perfect, many fans will be glad to own it, and it proves that Invasion of the Body Snatchers remains one of the best horror and sci-fi movies of the 1970s. This DVD only enhances the film's stature.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Banking on the release of the 2005 remake comes The Amityville Horror DVD Collection from MGM Home Entertainment. The first three movies are included, plus a bonus disc that features an inside look at the new film, along with two History Channel documentaries on the actual Amityville case. Of the film discs, only the first one comes complete with bells and whistles. With a new high-definition anamorphic 1.85:1 widescreen transfer and 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound, the first movie looks vibrant and sharp, full of atmospheric sound design made to make the hairs on the back of your neck spring to life. Extras include an exclusive audio commentary by Dr. Hanz Holzer, the author of the original Murder in Amityville book on which the movie was based. The good doctor does a nice job of laying out his side of the story, while also taking the occasional jab at Hollywood. The disc also contains the well-made "For God's Sake, Get Out!" documentary, which includes new interviews with both James Brolin and Margot Kidder. The two let loose stories of their clashes on the set and obvious moments of over-acting on both of their parts, bringing a candidness to the piece that is quite refreshing compared to many studio-created fluff pieces often found on DVDs. Seven fantastic radio spots are included on the disc as well, plus the original theatrical trailer. Amityville II and 3-D have been given the 1.85:1 anamorphic treatment, with added full-screen options on the flip side of each dual-sided disc. Sound options include a 5.1 Dolby Digital track for the third entry, while the second one got shafted with a measly mono signal. Trailers have been included for each film, but don't look for much else on either DVD. MGM definitely put some work into the set, and it shows. This is a perfect box set for anyone who's looking to bone up on his or her Amityville knowledge before the Ryan Reynolds remake comes out.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.