The Time Machine

Rating:
Summary: Great Classic Sci-Fi
Review: When the 2002 remake came out, I read all the reviews for it - and was shocked to see so many critics make fun of this movie. This gets shown on TV all the time - not bad for a 40+ year old movie. That's because it's a great story. I imagine people seeing this movie in 1960 must have been blown away by the special effects. Sure, they pale in comparison to what is done today, but that's not a fair way to judge them. It's worth many viewings...

Rating:
Summary: A Journey Through Time
Review: In 1960, filmmaker George Pal brought to fruition a visionary concept for a film based on a novel by H.G. Wells, about an inventor who builds a machine that enables him to travel through time, specifically into the future, where he learns a timeless, universal truth about the machinations of society and some of the basic tenets of human nature. "The Time Machine," which Pal produced and directed, stars Rod Taylor as George, the inventor/time traveler/hero, who, born into a time and world that doesn't suit him, decides to do something about it.

...

Going into this project, George Pal had a definite vision of what he wanted to accomplish with this film, from the way the time machine itself looked, to the way he wanted to present the future of mankind and the world. And working from the intelligent, imaginative screenplay by David Duncan, he succeeded by delivering a film that has since become a classic of the Science Fiction genre. The nature of the story demands that the viewer suspend disbelief, of course, but Pal develops his story in such a plausible, straightforward manner that it is easy to do just that. He puts George on the journey of a lifetime, and he takes his audience along for the ride. He does an exquisite job of establishing the Victorian era in which the story begins, as well as the world of the Eloi and the Morlocks. The F/X he employs to convey the sense of George's movement through time-- like the swift arcing of the Sun and Moon, and the quick, subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) changes George observes-- are entirely effective. Pal obviously had a devotion to detail that pays off handsomely here. A dedicated filmmaker, he refused to settle for less than what he knew was right for his picture, and it shows. The result is a film that is entertaining, timeless and memorable.

As George, Rod Taylor is perfectly cast and gives a solid performance in which he embodies the boldness, the imagination and tenacity of his character. Most importantly, he makes George believable and his motivations credible, which enables the viewer to be swept along with the story. Taylor has a commanding presence that serves his character well, and he is, in fact, the veritable personification of the explorer/adventurer, a man willing to take a chance or face unbelievable odds to accomplish his goal. Taylor is a fine actor who has made a number of movies, but of them all, this is the role for which he will probably be best remembered.

Also perfect in her role is Yvette Mimieux, as one of the Eloi, Weena. A talented actress-- now something of a '60s icon, in fact-- her fair beauty, along with the innocent demeanor and vulnerability she manages to convey, makes her character entirely convincing. And the way she plays it makes George's actions more likely, as well. Granted, her character is well written to begin with, but Mimieux's the one who sells it in the translation from page to screen.

The supporting cast includes Doris Lloyd (Mrs. Watchett), Bob Barran (Eloi Man), James Skelly (Second Eloi Man) and Paul Frees (Voice of the Talking Rings). A transporting flight of fantasy, expertly crafted and imaginatively presented, "The Time Machine" is captivating entertainment that will make you believe that time travel is possible. it paints a bleak picture of the future, to be sure, but it gives you and leaves you with that which has kept Man putting one foot in front of the other since Time began: Hope. That's the legacy of H.G. Wells and the promise of George Pal. And it's the magic of the movies.

Rating:
Summary: Sci-Fi used to mean more than just special effects...
Review: Never having read H.G. Wells' book, I figured I could at least watch this before seeing the new one. I'm glad I did. If you're a fan of the original _Planet of the Apes_ or _The Twilight Zone_, you will probably enjoy this. The special effects for 1960 are pretty remarkable, and the story is told in a low-key, thoughtful kind of way. I have a feeling they probably ruined it in the new one...

Rating:
Summary: The One, Only, and Future 'Time Machine'
Review: I've become a bit of a skeptic, and even more of a cynic over the years whenever I hear of a major production company doing a remake of an original movie. I've come to realize that 'remakes' rarely live up to the original, except perhaps in special effects (which they often surpass). But special effects does not a classic make, unless that's all you look for in a movie. I have no doubt that the 2002 release of 'The Time Machine' will trounce the original in this department, but everything else being equal, I doubt it will become a classic, as this movie has.

Having said that I must say the original 'Time Machine' is perhaps one of my favorite Sci-Fi movies of all time. What makes this movie special is the great attention to plot and characterization, as well as keeping scrupulously to the H.G. Wells novel, both in content and in characterization. By contrast I've heard that the remake was quite revisionary.

Rod Taylor does a splendid job in portraying the inventor with a consciense, the man who must wrestle with questions that have no easy answers. The viewer can sympathize with his predicament of using his invention for the betterment - or detriment - of mankind, no easy task since he is surrounded by friends who can only think in terms of the material.

At the core of this movie is his friendship with David, played splendidly by Alan Young (Mr. Ed). One of the most noticeable things about this film is the commaraderie between these two men, as well as their differences: George, the idealist, and David, the pragmatic. Yet in SPITE of the differences, their friendship endures. This is especially seen in 'Time Machine: The Journey Back' a sequel (or followup) to the original movie and which is featured on the DVD.

The music score by Russell Garcia is another factor that makes this movie so special. It fits perfectly into each scene so seamlessly that you can't imagine another music score for this film.

In closing, the remake my be more exciting to watch, but I doubt if it will be as thought-provoking as the original, which in my opinion is the one, only, and future 'Time Machine'.

Rating:
Summary: Old is new again
Review: This is a wonderful movie and a wonderful film to video transfer.
The Time Machine(1960) has always been one of my all time favorite movies. I had a chance to see this in a theater in the late sixties and was completely enchanted with the story and awe inspiring visuals. The DVD version of this film carries over the memories of that time with great color, clarity and appropriate aspect ratio, and offers up a few surprises with it's special features section. If you are looking for a definitive copy of this film on home video look no further.

Rating:
Summary: You can't beat a great classic
Review: I saw this movie when i was a kid and have seen it thoughtout the years. It's always been one of my favorites. I'm a music score person and the score in this film is great. It speaks with power, warmth and romance. And now that it's in 5 channel stereo you are in for a treat. The cast is the best and all come from a great backgroud of actors. The special effects and set design speaks for itself. In the new version 2002 of The Time Machine the studio had to rely on special effects and sex to sell this to the audience. What i have seen of the film i give it a big thumbs DOWN! Again,,,,,you can not beat the classics. It's total grace, style, music, and acting at its best.

Rating:
Summary: Truly A "Timeless" Classic
Review: What a great film!With beautiful imagery & a re-engineered soundtrack to match,this is truly a collectible classic.The bonus material as to the making of the movie & the tracking down & restoration of the original time machine prop were worth the price of the DVD alone.

Rating:
Summary: Another George Pal classic
Review: Was George Pal a genius or what? This classic will the ONLY version of HG Wells book for me. I don't understand why they're remaking it for a 2002 release. Why not just improve the 1960's version with THX or something? The color on the DVD version is breathtaking...and the Morlocks look fiercer than ever.

Rating:
Summary: The Memory was better than the film
Review: When I was 12 and this film came out, I was enthralled with it. Recently I had the opportunity to revisit it, and was really let down, with the schmaltzy dialogue, cheapo sets and makeup and cheesy special effects. I dare say that any 12 year old today would think the same thing, as they're conditioned to today's more sophisticated sci fi movies. I have high hopes that Dreamworks will do it right with their new verison of the film.

Rating:
Summary: The Most Intriguing Sci-Fi Film Ever
Review: With the idea of Hollywood making a remake to this instant classic, starring someone who is not Rod Taylor makes me shudder in contempt.

See this. Buy this. You'll be taken on a journey of intrigue like you've never seen. Reject the laws of physics and just enjoy this campy '60s film. You won't be disappointed.

Scenes of Rod Taylor using the machine to go forward in time is some of most must-see, and edge-of-your-seat moments in any '60s film.