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Invasion Of The Body Snatchers [1956]


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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

Something's wrong in the town of Santa Mira, California. At first, Dr. Miles Bennell (Kevin McCarthy) is unconcerned when the townsfolk accuse their loved ones of acting like emotionless imposters. But soon the evidence is overwhelming--Santa Mira has been invaded by alien "pods" that are capable of replicating humans and taking possession of their identities. It's up to McCarthy to spread the word of warning, battling the alien invasion at the risk of his own life. Considered one of the best science fiction films of the 1950s and '60s, this classic paranoid thriller was widely interpreted as a criticism of the McCarthy era (that's Senator Joseph, not actor Kevin), which was characterised by anticommunist witch-hunts and fear of the dreaded blacklist. Some hailed it as an attack on the oppressive power of government as Big Brother. However viewers interpret it, this original 1956 version of Invaders of the Body Snatchers (based on Jack Finney's serialised novel The Body Snatchers) remains a milestone movie in its genre, directed by Don Siegel with an inventive intensity that continues to pack an entertaining wallop. Look closely and you'll find future director Sam Peckinpah (an uncredited cowriter of this film) making a cameo appearance as a meter reader!--Jeff Shannon


Rv1
Review date: 2008-10-03 Rating: 6 out of 10

A film which creates tension at times, though does uphold its continuity throughout. Lack of CGI obviously accepted, this plot nevertheless is full of holes. The motivation behind the otherworldly beings wanting to inhabit earth is never established, the consequence of which is a lack of consistent atmosphere. Without wanting to give anything more than the basic plot establishment away to those who have not sen this film, it would suffice to say that the method of transfrmation leaves a great deal too much to the imagination, and does not provide a basic framework upon which to hang any imagined theories about how the transplantation of an alien mind into a human body would take place.

However, acting is generally of a good standard, and at times this film is genuinely scary. I went into my bedroom afterwardss thinking that, as I turned on the light I would see an expressionless replica of myself staring me in the face.

The premise certainly works, however I feel that this film would appeal to American audiences far more than to British, as the American's preference for a visual representation of man (America) triumphing over aliens is satisfied somewhat by the ending. Also, American audiences would be less concerned about the mysterious lack of motivation on the part of the aliens for wanting to overtake earth, because of course, why wouldn't they want to overtake earth? British audiences I fear, may be more cynical.

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Reviews


A great and exciting sci-fi movie.
Review date: 2008-08-27 Rating: 10 out of 10


Definitely one of the most exciting sci-fi movies ever made!

This is one of those movies that can be watched over and over again and still be enthralling - no re-make could ever match this original, starring Kevin McCarthy and Dana Wynter.

Huge seed pods arrive from outer space that 'hatch' and take on the form of 'imageless' human bodies. As soon as the nearest person falls asleep, 'it' becomes that person - exactly the same in every way, but without emotion. A Doctor and his girl put up a tremendous fight against this phenomenon, and this film is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end!

Great stuff!

Invasion Of The Body Snatchers 1956
Review date: 2008-06-05 Rating: 10 out of 10

One of the Best- Ever Si Fi/ Horror Movies. A Classic, much imitated by later film-makers. It stands the test if time, even though I know some people won't give old black and white movies a look, I cadjolled my 25 year son into watching it , and he thought it was way better and more scary than most modern day Slasher - Pics.
The sininster atmosphere conveyed, the casting, the special effects, , and actors still hold the power to chill the bones today,

Stick a fork in it and see if it is done.
Review date: 2007-12-25 Rating: 10 out of 10

What if one day you noticed your best friend or closest relative wasn't? What if paranoia struck a town and everyone started thinking that way?

What if the were not paranoid?

This is exactly what happened in 1956 in the town of Santa Mira, California. Based on "The Body Snatchers" by Jack Finney.

Every thing you look for in a 50's Sci-Fi from the well known actors (including Kevin McCarthy, and Dana Wtnter) to the scenes where you know what is going g to happen and want to tell them to look out. But do they listen?
The worst part of watching this movie is the anticipation.

This is classic 50's sci-fi at its best. And it is still very scary in the 50's way today.

You will not sleep through this one.


Five stars for content. Two stars for the transfer
Review date: 2007-10-04 Rating: 8 out of 10

First the good news. This film IS a classic of its kind and indispensible for fans of the genre. It is fascinating to watch it and compare it with the Donald Sutherland remake and see how the latter incorporates scenes from the first.

The bad news is that I agree with the previous reviewer. The picture is not exactly sharp and the sound quality equally poor in parts. The only extra is more of a curio; the colourised version.

I'm glad I have it, but a little disappointed to have no commentary or feature putting it into context.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
King Donovan
Jean Willes
Kevin McCarthy
Dana Wynter

Creators:
Kevin McCarthy (Primary Contributor)
Jean Willes (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Universal Pictures UK
Manufacturer: Universal Pictures UK
EAN: 5050582434613
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Black & White, PAL,
Release date: 2007-10-01
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 85 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1956
Language: English (Original Language)

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