The Day the Earth Stood Still

Rating:
Summary: A Classic
Review: While its anti-war sentiments border on preachy, The Day the Earth Stood Still is, nonetheless, an excellent film and one of the first science fiction films designed for the thinking person.

Michael Rennie is well-cast in the role of Klaato, an alien who carries with him both a message of hope and a warning to the people of the Earth. The military, as usual, is portrayed in a somewhat unfavorable light (trigger-happy). Patricia Neal plays the mother of a boy that Klaato befriends.

I think one of the reasons this movie works so well is the stark black and white photography employed by Robert Wise (who went on to direct Andromeda Strain, among other films). The special effects are very good for the period, although Gort looks, and at times, moves, like an early version of the Michelin Man, or even Barney. The soundtrack is effectively eerie--and most certainly identified with the genre.

Overall, the movie is deservedly a classic. Although it has its faults, it most assuredly is a standard bearer amongst science fiction fans.

Rating:
Summary: 20th Century Fox brings this remastered Scifi Classic to DVD
Review: It is 1950 and Hollywood takes an original idea combines it with the genius' of Studio CEO Darryl F. Zanuck, Producer - Julian Blaustein, Director - Robert Wise, ScreenPlay - Edmund H. North, the eerie futuristc Music, a spaceman, a giant robot & the words "KLAATU BARADA NIKTO" and 50+ years later we have the timeless scifi classic, "THE DAY THE WORLD STOOD STILL". Now digitally remastered and on this outstanding DVD.

This outstanding movie is presented with better clarity and sound than the original 1951 film release. This incredible movie now can be enjoyed over & over again without ever losing picture quality.

This 2 sided DVD Full Frame Format (4:3 tv / 1.33:1 aspect ratio - before WideScreen) Black/White as the movie and audio commentary with Robert Wise & Nicolas Meyer on SIDE A and a 70 minute "Making the Earth Stood Still" documentary, Movietone newsreel 1951, Restoration comparison footage, 5 still galleries, shooting script & trailer.

Summary: This movie has an outstanding cast with newcomer Michael Rennie as Klaatu the peaceful (human)alien who visits paranoid earth circa 1951. First stop Washington D.C. Greeted with violence and skepticism, escapes and goes into hiding. He befriends a mother (Patricia Neal) & her son (Billy Gray - also her real son) at a boarding house as he covertly studies the humans behaviors disguised as a businessman. He trys to get the world leaders to reach a world wide peace but they resist his ideas. They are given a sign of his powers by stopping all machinery worldwide, thus "THE DAY THE WORLD STOOD STILL". The ending is perfect and the audiences loved this film.

Even today the special effects stand the test of time and the story is so profound and sheer genius. Hollywood delivered a classic scifi film for all time. "The Day the Earth Stood Still" is a Hallmark film. This is scifi at its best & now this DVD can be added to your home movie library. Enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: terrific dvd -- and great for Bernard Herrmann fans too!
Review: This is the dvd treatment deserved by this sci-fi classic! The film still holds up, the print looks great, the sound track is crisp and the extras are spectacular. If you remember this film from days gone by, or if you are curious to see this classic, you can't go wrong here.

Michael Rennie, in his film debut, is perfect as Klaatu, the visitor from another planet who arrives to warn humans against their violent ways. Patricia Neal and Billy Gray as her son befriend Klaatu without knowing who he is, and scientist Sam Jaffe, looking every bit like Einstein, converses with the stranger before the final showdown outside the spaceship.

In addition to this great film, you'll see and hear some wonderful dvd extras on this double-sided disk, including: a commentary track with Nicholas Meyer (Time After Time, The Day After) interviewing director Robert Wise (Sound of Music, editor on Citizen Kane) as they watch the film; a 1951 newsreel which includes a science fiction convention award for the film; trailers for Journey to the Center of the Earth and One Million Years B.C.; hundreds of stills; complete blueprints for the spaceship; a complete shooting script; American and British press books (marketing items); a restoration comparison including scenes from the 1995 film transfer, the 1993 laser disc master and the 2002 film restoration; a featurette about film collectibles; and a terrific making-of featurette, with interesting and fun comments from stars Patricia Neal and Billy Gray (later in Father Knows Best), director Wise and producer Julian Blaustein (80 min).

For admirers of Bernard Herrmann, the features include lots of anecdotes and information about this great composer, who went for lots of atmosphere in a score using two theremins, brass, harps, electric bass and guitar, a vibraphone and backward tracks. Herrmann composed some of Hollywood's most iconic scores (Vertigo, Psycho, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Fahrenheit 451), and it's fun to learn more about him.

I loved this film when I was a kid, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it again and learning so much about it. While all the extras were great, I especially enjoyed the commentary track. Wise addresses the Christ-story parallels in the film, the movie's anti-nuke theme, and gives us lots of fun info. For instance, we learn that Darryl Zanuck wanted Spencer Tracy to play Klaatu(!); that Gort was played by the doorman at Grauman's Chinese Theatre (the tallest man they could find), and was actually rather frail, so he could only stay in the Gort suit for 20 minutes at a time; and that there were actually two Gort outfits -- one with a zipper on the front and one with a zipper on the back, depending on where the camera was situated.

Great fun!

Rating:
Summary: The antithesis of B-cinema subversion...
Review: Unlike many xenophobic American sci-fi movies of the era, this film refuses to cast the Other as a straight villain or menace and dares to present us his own point of view. At the same time, though, humanizing the hero considerably lessens the film's impact: local people are often portrayed critically, but since the stranger is a sort of 'superman' himself, that criticism loses most of its force. Thus, while 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' might initially seem like the exact opposite of xenophobic sci-fi pictures, its shortcomings are in fact very similar. In many ways, the film emphasizes the limitations of A-cinema in regard to 1950s American sci-fi: the topic is approached nationally (the entire U.S. seems to be involved), messages are explicitely stated, showing is generally more important than evocating; whereas true B-films can be more intimate, nuanced and subversive. As a case in point, a film like E. Ulmer's 'The Man From Planet X', made the same year on a much smaller budget, arguably has more to say on the subject - its treatment of the man/Other relationship is less explicit but more subtle and troubling, and that film is also more mysterious and beautiful from an aesthetic standpoint, Ulmer's deliberately 'unreal' images being more expressive than Wise's nice but conventional compositions. 'The Day...' should still be seen for some of its better scenes and its earnest criticism of xenophobia.

Rating:
Summary: "It's that SPACEMAN, that's what it is"
Review: The Day the Earth Stood Still is one of the greatest movies of the Communist scare era. It is tense, gripping and exciting in the opening confrontation and is a study of emotional reaction to the unknown. All of the characters are typical post
World War 2 Americans, simplistic in lifestyle and philosophy and are brought to life with an amazing list of stock character actors in all of the minor roles. Patricia Neal as a co-star is excellent,and though somewhat older,her beauty is still present, only surpassed perhaps when she co-starred in "The Fountainhead" with Gary Cooper. From "Aunt Bee" as a boarder in the house who would soon appear on "Andy Griffith" as the maid,to Sam Jaffe as an "Einstein" type professor, this movie captures all of the flavor of the time period and remains somewhat tense and scary to this day due to the unforgettable musical score of Bernard Hermann and the presence of a gigantic robot known as "Gort". The music, produced by a type of "harp" is perhaps the strangest ever to associate with a film save for "Forbidden Planet". If the film has any weakness, it is that the portrayal of "common folk" can be equated as "dumb", especially when Klaatu is interviewed by an unsuspecting news reporter hawking the crowd for "fear" comments.(Another film that displayed common folk as having low IQ's was "War of the Worlds" with Gene Barry) Still, the film is a science fiction icon, a classic in every sense of the word, and this DVD is a superior product. The quote for the title of this review is from the movie. When the film shows the world is stopped and travels from country to country, in England,a british working class man makes that classic comment! The film also embraces a view of an all knowing creator, something lacking in today's films. The film may be too intense for young children, as the presence of Gort and the dark imagery of black and white filming combined with chilling music can cause nightmares, so use parental discretion.

Rating:
Summary: A CLASSIC THOUGHT PROVOKING FILM
Review: "The Day The Earth Stood Still" combines the best elements of science fiction. Great special effects, (especially for its day) a moral lesson and empathy for the characters. A Robot and his master land on earth with a clear messege of "leave in peace or else" and a little demonstration of the power they could unleash against us if we dont comply. The entire planet is nutralized. Not one electrical or energy power source is working. A major blackout all over the earth ! Can you imagine what would become of us if this happened today? Very scary, but a brilliant story idea. And Every actor was perfectly cast for the part. The soft spoken yet powerful Michael Rennie, the sympathetic Patricia Neal. Even the alien designs were perfect. The robot and saucer shaped spaceship were designed with such symplicity that it seems they became the standard by which future films were compared. And what could be more relevant today, than the messege of this movie. "Live in peace or else?" We should all stand still and ponder that one.
This movie is a must for anyones classic sci fi collection !
"Clatu; barrata-nikto" !!

Rating:
Summary: The Day the Earth Welcomed a Sci-Fi Classic
Review: ----->

I'm not sure of the exact day but the month and year was September 1951 when this somewhat serious sci-fi classic was released into theatres. As a brief synopsis, this ninety-minute, black-and-white movie begins with a spaceship landing in Washington, DC, capturing the world's attention. The human-like extraterrestrial named "Klaatu" (pronounced "Claa-two") onboard is detained by the military authorities and refuses to reveal the purpose of his mission to any single government. His very tall and very powerful mute robot named "Gort" guards the spaceship while Klaatu is detained. Eventually, Klaatu escapes the authorities and he (who takes the name "Carpenter") walks among Earthlings, befriending a young mother "Helen Benson" and her twelve-year old son "Bobby." He even makes contact with an eminent professor of science named "Jacob Barnhartd" (pronounced "Barn-hard") and demonstrates (in a "dramatic but not destructive" way) to this scientist and the world the immense power he has at his command. The authorities get very nervous because of this and a "spaceman-hunt" ensues which eventually turns violent. By the end of the movie, Klaatu gives the human race a warning and an ultimatum.

This synopsis does not convey the numerous strengths of this movie, some of which are as follows:

(1) Acting. This is what makes the movie. Michael Rennie as Klaatu is perfect as the peaceful and intelligent extraterrestrial and Lock Martin as Gort helps add mysteriousness to the movie as Klaatu's robotic sidekick. Patricia Neal as Helen Benson plays a believable and strong heroine who along with her inquisitive son Bobby (Billy Gray) befriend Klaatu who poses as Mr. Carpenter. As well, Sam Jaffe as Professor Barnhartd gives a brilliant portrayal of the Einstein-like scientist who also befriends Klaatu and acts as a voice of reason for the human race.

(2) Cinematography. It adds to each scene of the movie. This movie is like a "time capsule" giving the viewer a glimpse of 1950's America.

(3) Musical score. Also adds to each scene of the movie. In fact, the music was so good, that it eventually became the standard music of future sci-fi films.

Here are some things to look for when watching this movie:

(1) Klaatu's first and last words. Klaatu's first words at the beginning of the movie are, "We have come to visit you in peace and with good will." By the end of the movie, Klaatu gives an interesting speech, the last lines of which are the following: "Your choice is simple: join us and live in peace or pursue your present course and face obliteration...The decision rests with you."

(2) Klaatu's "resurrection." Near the end of the movie Klaatu, as Carpenter, dies and is brought back to life by Gort.

(3) Memorable lines especially those giving social commentary. This movie is filled with unforgettable lines. For example, Klaatu as Mr. Carpenter tells Bobby that he comes from a place where there are no wars. The twelve-year old says, "Gee, that's a good idea." Professor Barnhartd says, "Faith doesn't make good science -- curiosity does." And the famous words uttered by Helen Benson to Gort have become well-known to sci-fi buffs: "Klaatu barada nikto" (pronounced "Claa-two, ba-ra-da, nick-two"). Be sure to listen for some humorous lines. For example, "They're not people. They're Democrats."

When watching this movie, remember that you're watching a movie made in the 1950s that was shot on a budget. As a result, special effects are minimal (but still good) and the story depends more on character development and imagination. Also, you might ask yourself some questions. For example, why are only two soldiers guarding a spaceship that has a tall robot standing in front of it? You'll also find that everybody in this movie is extremely well-mannered. For example, all of the adults most of the time call themselves "Mr." or "Mrs."

The DVD extras are magnificent. They enhance the enjoyment of the movie.

Finally, one problem for some people is that the movie on the DVD was not in widescreen format. For me, this was not a problem.

In conclusion, be sure not to miss this well-acted sci-fi classic that has such a powerful message that it won the Golden Globe for Best Film Promoting International Understanding!!

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Rating:
Summary: "Stood" Still Stands Tall
Review: 1951's The Day The Earth Stood Still is a classic in every sense of the word and then some. When a spaceship lands in Washinton D.C. its alien passenger (Michael Rennie) refuses to reveal his purpose for landing on Earth. As the world leaders and their armies debate what to do next, ordinary citizens let fear and paranoia take hold. The key to the alien being's mission to earth rests with a mother Helen (Patrcia Neal) and her son Bobby (Billy Gray). Soon the boy and his mother have the fate of the planet Earth in their hands.

Directed by Robert Wise, the movie, fully restored for the DVD release, has drama, good special effects (for its time) and plenty of social commentary (that's still relevant in today's world). The film is pure magic. Even though, the last time I saw it was some 12 years ago in film school, I think its still one of the best films that I ever "had" to watch.

I have to commend FOX, for the way the film is given the deluxe treatment on DVD. The extras are just superb. The commentary with Wise and (fellow "TREK film") director Nicholas Meyer is a real treat. It's very well done and informative. There's also a "meaty" 70 minute retrospective documentary, archival newsreel footage, a restoration comparison, no less than 5 photo galleries, the shooting script, and the vintage theatrical trailer. To have this many extras on a DVD of an older film is a rare thing. Those fans of the film will be delighted with this disc. And to anyone not familiar with the movie--now's the time. Highly Recommended

Rating:
Summary: The Day the Earth Stood Still
Review: A timeless film. It's story is a valid lesson forever. Tastefully done, it has no embarassing moments due to it being dated, save when Klaatu says "dingus". Unless you're like the interviewer at the landing site, and I'm afraid far too many of us are, this movie is quite adult in nature and down-right scary in its message. Performances are uniformly fine with Rennie a stanout as Klaatu. Another brillant score from Bernard Herrmann.
Many of the lines of dialogue still give me chills, even after having heard some 30 times. The back of the cab scene is as great and as devastating as Brando and Steiger. That may be apples and oranges but I think of the movies as the same era and same importance. Wise's direction is seamless. The pace is exhilarating and as Wise did in "The Set-Up", he gives you the opportunity to see yourself in many different lights, from the most cynical of the most virtuous, through a wide array of characters. I think the best technical aspect to the film is the sound, much in the way that it help make Forbidden Planet so unforgettable. I've always loved the sound of Gort's laser. It sounds as if they took the sound of a bullet ricochet and slowed it down. I've watched it 30 times or more and I'll probably watch it another 30 times or more. It's that good.

Rating:
Summary: The Day the Earth Welcomed a Sci-Fi Classic
Review: ----->

I'm not sure of the exact day but the month and year was September 1951 when this somewhat serious sci-fi classic was released into theatres. As a brief synopsis, this ninety-minute, black-and-white movie begins with a spaceship landing in Washington, DC, capturing the world's attention. The human-like extraterrestrial named "Klaatu" (pronounced "Claa-two") onboard is detained by the military authorities and refuses to reveal the purpose of his mission to any single government. His very tall and very powerful mute robot named "Gort" guards the spaceship while Klaatu is detained. Eventually, Klaatu escapes the authorities and he (who takes the name "Carpenter") walks among Earthlings, befriending a young mother "Helen Benson" and her twelve-year old son "Bobby." He even makes contact with an eminent professor of science named "Jacob Barnhartd" (pronounced "Barn-hard") and demonstrates (in a "dramatic but not destructive" way) to this scientist and the world the immense power he has at his command. The authorities get very nervous because of this and a "spaceman-hunt" ensues which eventually turns violent. By the end of the movie, Klaatu gives the human race a warning and an ultimatum.

This synopsis does not convey the numerous strengths of this movie, some of which are as follows:

(1) Acting. This is what makes the movie. Michael Rennie as Klaatu is perfect as the peaceful and intelligent extraterrestrial and Lock Martin as Gort helps add mysteriousness to the movie as Klaatu's robotic sidekick. Patricia Neal as Helen Benson plays a believable and strong heroine who along with her inquisitive son Bobby (Billy Gray) befriend Klaatu who poses as Mr. Carpenter. As well, Sam Jaffe as Professor Barnhartd gives a brilliant portrayal of the Einstein-like scientist who also befriends Klaatu and acts as a voice of reason for the human race.

(2) Cinematography. It adds to each scene of the movie. This movie is like a "time capsule" giving the viewer a glimpse of 1950's America.

(3) Musical score. Also adds to each scene of the movie. In fact, the music was so good, that it eventually became the standard music of future sci-fi films.

Here are some things to look for when watching this movie:

(1) Klaatu's first and last words. Klaatu's first words at the beginning of the movie are, "We have come to visit you in peace and with good will." By the end of the movie, Klaatu gives an interesting speech, the last lines of which are the following: "Your choice is simple: join us and live in peace or pursue your present course and face obliteration...The decision rests with you."

(2) Klaatu's "resurrection." Near the end of the movie Klaatu, as Carpenter, dies and is brought back to life by Gort.

(3) Memorable lines especially those giving social commentary. This movie is filled with unforgettable lines. For example, Klaatu as Mr. Carpenter tells Bobby that he comes from a place where there are no wars. The twelve-year old says, "Gee, that's a good idea." Professor Barnhartd says, "Faith doesn't make good science -- curiosity does." And the famous words uttered by Helen Benson to Gort have become well-known to sci-fi buffs: "Klaatu barada nikto" (pronounced "Claa-two, ba-ra-da, nick-two"). Be sure to listen for some humorous lines. For example, "They're not people. They're Democrats."

When watching this movie, remember that you're watching a movie made in the 1950s that was shot on a budget. As a result, special effects are minimal (but still good) and the story depends more on character development and imagination. Also, you might ask yourself some questions. For example, why are only two soldiers guarding a spaceship that has a tall robot standing in front of it? You'll also find that everybody in this movie is extremely well-mannered. For example, all of the adults most of the time call themselves "Mr." or "Mrs."

The DVD extras are magnificent. They enhance the enjoyment of the movie.

Finally, one problem for some people is that the movie on the DVD was not in widescreen format. For me, this was not a problem.

In conclusion, be sure not to miss this well-acted sci-fi classic that has such a powerful message that it won the Golden Globe for Best Film Promoting International Understanding!!

<----->