The Lathe of Heaven

Rating:
Summary: Great movie and great DVD.
Review: I remember this movie from when I was younger and really enjoyed watching it again. A younger Bruce Davison shows how great a actor he was, and STILL is, and as a sci-fi fan I really liked the turtle-like aliens. The extra in which Bill Moyers interviews with Ursula K. Le Guin is a perfect companion to the well crafted movie.
This movie shows what you can do with very little money and a GREAT story.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic accomplishment on a PBS budget!
Review: When PBS made this film, they selected possibly one of the most difficult LeGuin novels to adapt. Space aliens, U.F.O.'s, mind journeys, apocalyptic journeys, and turtles. However, the production is top notch, though they lack of budget is noticable in scenes. The story comes across from the book very neatly, and is a fascinating watch. Mainly, because you're rivetted by the story, and not by the FX (or lack thereof). This film was made again in 2002, a very stilted rendition that had big name actors, more budget, and less interest.
The story: Ben Orr's dreams things that mystically translate into reality. His psychiatrist attempts to direct Orr's dreams, but fails over and over on continually grander scales (likely through Orr's subconscious protests to being used in this manner). There is more, but it wouldn't be right to ruin the fun for people who are unfamiliar with the story.
This movie could be considered an American foreign film. Right in their with overseas cinematic greats such as SOLARIS and ALPHAVILLE, it is a film for those who like to ponder thoughts deeper than achieved in high-budget blockbuster drivel (THE MATRIX excluded). You won't see fantastic special effects, though you will see adequate effects and fantastic storytelling. The DVD includes a great interview with the underappreciated author Ursula K. LeGuin, though not many other features; scene selection and interactive menu. So it doesn't have tons of features-so what? This DVD is well worth it simply to own this movie, if you want to see great DVD features, buy MONSTERS, INC. If you want a great, thoughtful sci-fi film, this movie is for you.