Rating: 
Summary: A well loved classic
Review: Tremendous special effects, and a great plot, combine to form a movie that is very watchable even today. Some of the acting is a bit old-fashioned, but the style is amazing.This DVD transfer is about average, clear and bright but taken from a rather faded print. I saw a lower-definition broadcast of it which did have better colours. However, it's a miracle these old movies are now frozen in time, no more deterioration (is this true?)
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful Screenplay
Review: It's been said that half the science fiction written since the 1950s was based on "Forbidden Planet" and 3/4 of Star Trek. Watch this film and you'll have to agree.
Rating:
Summary: The best of 50's sci-fi
Review: As in "better than any other." No paper-mache monsters here--this film combines an intelligent story with lavish production and special effects. The story hinges on a pair of intertwined mysteries: the overnight destruction of an incredibly advanced alien civilization, and the horrific killings of an earlier group of colonists on the same planet. The answers, when they come, are logical and satisfying, and a second viewing will show that fair clues were offered all along. The film offers much for the eye as well (be sure to get the widescreen version): wide-open landscapes with green twilit skies, a sleek flying saucer of a starship, alien forests of otherwordly trees, Dr. Morbius's elegant villa (where I want to live when I grow up), Ann Francis's short skirts, and a huge, enigmatic, alien machine. Don't come expecting an adrenaline rush, fist fights, dismemberments, or explosions; this film proceeds deliberately, inviting the viewer to think, from beginning to end. The performances are low-key, but appropriately so considering the nature of the characters. The electronic score is also decades ahead of its time.
Rating:
Summary: Influential Film Is Surprisingly Static
Review: FORBIDDEN PLANET is certainly one of the most influential films of the 20th Century, containing an unusual story line, some remarkable concept art designs, a superior musical score, and a special effects robot that set the standard for science-fiction films for some thirty years and still continues to influence film makers today. Unfortunately, the film is also a very static one, ultimately less interesting for any sense of excitement than for purely visual appeal. In general, the story--which is famous for being very loosely based on Shakespeare's THE TEMPEST--concerns a deep space mission helmed by Leslie Nielson sent to relieve colonists of a distant planet. Upon arriving, they find only two survivors: an inhospitable Walter Pidgeon and his beautiful daughter Anne Francis. Pidgeon warns the relief mission against landing on the planet, lest the mysterious and evil force that destroyed the original colonists be once more unleashed, but land they do... and soon they too fall victim to an unseen but fearsome killer. There are many marvelous things about the film. The robot--suggested by Shakespeare's character Ariel--is truly the single most enjoyable element of the film, with much of the film's best lines and a memorable personality to boot. Anne Francis--again suggested by Shakespeare's Miranda--gives quite a remarkable performance as a beautiful young woman raised without knowledge of mankind. The art designs, whether of the lost alien civilization, the home in which Pideon and Francis live, or Francis' costumes, are stunning. Even so... Perhaps it is more a matter of passing time than anything else. Both Nielson and Pidgeon's performances seem unnecessarily restrained and the cinematography is extremely static. The film as a whole seems to lack excitement and, although intriguing, the story itself is handled in a very conventional way. Fans of classic science fiction cannot afford to be without FORBIDDEN PLANET, and most viewers will enjoy seeing it at least once, but for all its influence and visual beauty many may find that one viewing is enough. Word of Warning: make absolutely certain that you are purchasing the widescreen version of the film, for the pan-and-scan seriously undercuts the film's visual appeal.
Rating:
Summary: No B Movie Here
Review: What a wonderful film. Great FX and an all star cast. Whats this? Is it the Enterprise transporter of Star Trek fame? Nope they are stasis chambers used for protection while entering the atmosphere of the Forbidden Planet. I see lots of things that would be familiar to star trek fans as well as a robot,a beautiful young girl and a force much different than anything used in sci-fi movies up to that point. Lots of far out sound FX and a feast for the eyes of a sci-fi fan. The DVD is of the highest quality and plays very well. One of the best!
Rating:
Summary: On the Path of the Golem
Review: If you are interested in golems see my review of the CD of the soundtrack of this movie, made in accordance with Norbert Wiener's patent.
Rating:
Summary: One of the top three sci-fi films ever.
Review: There are three sci-fi film essentials: Fritz Lang's "Metropolis," "The Day the Earth Stood Still," and "Forbidden Planet." There three films defined science fiction, as we know it today. "Forbidden Planet," for example, is the father of the Star Trek franchise, and the sets provided the basis for "Lost in Space." And look at all of Robby the Robots grandchildren! This film is a science fiction rewrite of "The Tempest," which helps explain its sticking power. It has the rescue vessel, the mad scientist, and the alien mysteries, all of which capture your interest and never let you go. IT has elements of a murder mystery, with hilarious subplots about a naïve young girl and hungry boys lucked up in psace for a year. IS it 1950's cheese? Yes, but it is fun to watch. The killer is an invisible villain. Aside from being cheaper, this builds the suspense to an incredible level. Come on-you see "Alien" and you see a lanky guy in a rubber suit. But an invisible villain lets your imagination run wild, which can be wilder than anything Hollywood can ever make. The situation of a scientific-research vessel that discovers now life and new civilization provides the pattern for Star Trek: the main characters being the Captain, the ship's doctor and the engineer interacting. Leslie Neilson has the same soul as William Shatner. For good or bad, there is no Star Trek equivalent of Robby the Robot, unless you count Mr. Spock. But I digress. Another observation is Altair's insidious wardrobe changing, which preempts Queen Amildala by five decades. Walter Pidgeon gives a masterful performance, and steals the show. So many mad scientists are flat and soulless-they are even passionless went it comes to their passions in science. But Pidgeon breathes life in what could have been a cheesy 1950's science fiction throwaway. The costuming and sets are superb. True this is 1950, so some of the sets look like they were done with Crayolas, but can any "cockpit hold the vasty fields of France?" The doorways in the film give you the weird impression of alien civilization. The lab and Krell building blow your mind with all of the gizmos. Nothing specific, but the overall atmosphere suggests things alien. I wonder if they actually had an image of the Krell, or if they just made it up as they went along the image you see haloed in laser-fire may be a Krell, or may be the Krell equivalent of a Frankenstein's monster. The plaster cast of the monster's foot suggests that the monster is an imaginary composite, but we will never know. By the way, the idea that a civilization would not have pictures is not weird ay all-Islamic art does not allow for graven images to be made, so they focus on Arabic calligraphy. . The soundtrack is theremin based-the eerie "oooh"-making machine from the Beach Boy's song "Good Vibrations." It adds to the weirdness of the movie, and is comparable to the soundtrack in the 1981 remake of "Flash Gordon." Most experimental soundtracks flop, but this comes off perfectly, since it is suggested that the music we a re listening to is actually Krell music. The DVD is an annoying two-sided disc with letterbox and "pan and scan" on each side. People-Wide screen, wide screen, wide screen! Two parting thoughts: First, at the heart of this movie is a psycho-thriller that brings your mind to the edge as you are forced to look at yourself. We have the technology and the power to be gods, but can we stand it if in our hearts, we are devils? Look at this war we are fighting. Second, if this film seems familiar, it is because everyone has ripped it off. You do not counterfeit a worthless coin.
Rating:
Summary: The Best of Sci-Fi
Review: Forbidden Planet is a truly great sci-fi film which, despite the limitations of special effects technology in its time, remains fresh and convincing to this day. The story is perhaps the greatest in the history of sci-fi cinema, with a very intriguing twist ending. Brace yourself for that monster from the id!
Rating:
Summary: One Of The Great Science Fiction Films Of All Time
Review: Amazon.com's reviewer's excellent review of "Forbidden Planet" covers all the bases about this superlative science fiction film; my own review can't be nearly as thoughtful. Surely "Forbidden Planet" inspired the great space operas which followed in the 1960's and beyond, from "Star Trek" to "2001: A Space Odyssey", and indeed, "Star Wars". Leslie Nielsen's Commander J. J. Adams is clearly the archetype for Captain James T. Kirk of the Starship Enterprise in "Star Trek". His relationship with the ship's doctor, Lieutenant "Doc" Ostrow (Warren Stevens - who later appeared on a classic "Star Trek" episode.) clearly presages Kirk's relationship with Dr. McCoy. This science fiction adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" may not have the same literary quality as its predecessor, but it is nonetheless a spellbinding tale about a mad scientist whose uncontrolled emotions wreaks havoc on his adopted planet and Commander Adams' starship. Walter Pidgeon is spectacular as Dr. Mobius, the film's version of Prospero; both Nielsen and Warren are fine as the ship's captain and doctor, respectively. The soundtrack with its theremin score is widely regarded as a classic of science fiction music. Without question, this film is an absolute must for fans of science fiction cinema.
Rating: 
Summary: One for the heart
Review: I don' t want to spoil anybody's fun here (enjoy it, folks!), this is just for those who only saw it many years ago (like I did) and are still unsure about purchasing. "Forbidden Planet" has three things going for it: The terrific electronic soundtrack, the sets and Robby the robot - who gives the only memorable performance. The acting is wooden otherwise (though I liked Anne Francis a lot in "Bad Day At Black Rock"), the direction uninspired (by the man who gave you "Lassie Come Home"). Obviously prepoduction costs got so out of hand that the studio saved money on actors and director. (Try to imagine Robert Wise as director ... or better don't.) The story: a scientist's subconscious gives birth to a monster that roams the planet, while (or because) his innocent daughter falls in love with a space commander and encounters the marvels and perils of puberty. Don't let any Krell hear that this is to be considered an intelligent plot - this is pure fairy tale, with all its innocent wonders, but also all its naivity and restrictions. The erotic implications - and we're talking about the main subject here - are so much suppressed (because of aiming at a younger audience) in favor of technical Schnickschnack and pseudo-scientific explanations that "Forbidden Planet" doesn't reach the erotic dreamlike qualities of "King Kong" or "Creature From The Black Lagoon". Critical for a film whose complete first hour consists of exposition. Fair enough to say that "Forbidden Planet" inspired numerous space operas and SF TV series, it even contains a shot that bears remarkable similarity to "2001: A Space Odyssee". (Compare the interior shot of the Krell's subway glider with the scenes in the space pod in the last act of "2001".) Robby the robot reappeared in "The Invisible Boy" and (slightly altered) in the Czech "Ikaria XB1", a serious, "adult" space adventure released with 20 minutes missing as "Voyage To The End Of The Universe" in the US. Picture and sound quality of the DVD transfer deserve an A, despite some spots during the reel changes of the celluloid original. You also get a widescreen and a fullscreen version on one disc, although probably hardly anybody cares for the latter. No extras except for the movie trailer, but thankfully no 10 minute long trailer show of contemporary releases before the start of the main movie, either (hear that, MGM Midnite Movies?). This is the right stuff if you liked "When Worlds Collide", "This Island Earth" or George Pal's movies. If you tend more towards "The Incredible Shrinking Man", "Invasion Of The Body Snatchers" or the "Quatermass" series, think twice.
| 
