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The Philadelphia Experiment [1984]
![The Philadelphia Experiment [1984]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/618ODMqxwTL._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £5.99
Our Price: £3.72 (subject to change)
Great Science Conspiracy Legend Gets the "B-Movie" Treatment
Review date: 2008-06-27 Rating: 4 out of 10
As an author of a number of books about dimension-hopping - one of which actually deals with the USS Eldridge and the 'Phillidelphia Experiment' - I was anxious to check out this movie on DVD. While the premise of the film (which is based on a well-known conspiracy theory that Albert Einstein had been funded by the US Navy to develop a 'cloaking device' for ships to make them invisible to radar that then went horribly wrong)has huge potential for a really great movie, the film itself was spoiled by cheap special effects and a rather corny script.
The film starts well, with our two heroes embarking as seamen on the USS Eldridge to take part in the experiment. Generators hum, lights flash, tension builds . . . and then some very cheap special effects kick in and the plot - like the USS Eldridge - vanishes in a puff of smoke.
Our two heroes find themselves in the 1980s, in the middle of a top secret experiment of their future, the world is falling apart, there is local love interest etc. etc. etc. and the result is a rather disappointing film.
Full marks for the cast for making the best silk purse they can out of this sow's ear, but a bigger budget and a tighter script would have worked wonders.
Perhaps, as another reviewer has suggested, someone will take this story and throw some real finance behind it so that it can be properly told.
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Reviews
Classic 80s film
Review date: 2008-06-19 Rating: 6 out of 10
My parents introduced me to this film. It to me is a classic 80s film and the potential for a great remake is huge.
I really enjoyed this film.
Fascinating Story - Disappointing Movie
Review date: 2007-10-19 Rating: 2 out of 10
With the current trend of re-hashing and re-making older movies it's a shame that someone doesn't do the same with this as it's potential is huge.
I have been fascinated with this (allegedly true) story since I first heard about it several years ago.
It involves a military experiment at a Philadelphia naval shipyard where the USS Eldridge was supposed to have literally vanished during experiments with radar invisibility. The crew reportedly suffered mental illness following the experiment and some were even said to have either vanished completely or been fused to bulkheads. The events were then supposedly followed by a massive miltary cover-up.
Whether or not the story is true - it's a good one - and worthy of a decent movie. I have been looking out for this to be released on Region 2 DVD for years and was so disappointed, although if I'm honest I didn't expect much else.
Sadly it falls prone to the 80s practice of telling a tale with the inevitable addition of an inter-twining love story. It is also really dated in the way that a lot of 80s films are and clearly filmed on a low budget. What a shame - it's such a good subject matter.
Look up the story on the internet - it's everywhere and is completely captivating. Just don't bother with the movie!
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Michael Pare
Nancy Allen
Creators:
Michael Pare (Primary Contributor)
Nancy Allen (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Starz Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Starz Home Entertainment
EAN: 5060020700781
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2007-03-26
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 102 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1984