Product Description

Prepare to blast off from planet Earth in one of the most popular classic sci-fi films of all time! When atomic scientist Dr. Meacham (Rex Reason) is chosen to take part in a top-secret research experiment in a remote lab he quickly discovers that he is really involved in an evil scheme by alien Metalunans to take over Earth. After he and the gorgeous Dr. Adams (Faith Domergue) make their escape shortly before the lab explodes they are whisked away in a flying saucer to Metaluna where they are blamed for the destruction. Will interstellar negotiation save the day or will the scientists be forced to take part in a treacherous battle to the death? Featuring incredible special effects that were 2 1/2 years in the making this is one adventure that you have to see to believe!System Requirements:Running Time: 86 MinutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: SCI-FI/FANTASY Rating: NR UPC: 025192013621 Manufacturer No: 20136

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1095 in DVD
• Brand: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAIN.
• Released on: 2006-08-22
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Full Screen, Subtitled, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, French, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .20 pounds
• Running time: 86 minutes

Amazon.com
A mysterious, pilotless plane carries scientist Rex Reason to a colony of America's best and brightest minds. They've been kidnapped by a dying alien race, the Metalunians, to repair their defense shield before their enemies destroy their world completely, toiling under their spying eyes and futuristic security cameras (two-way TVs that dominate every room). Jeff Morrow, under a raised forehead, bronze tan, and snow-white hair, philosophizes as Exeter, the thoughtful Metalunian torn between his duty and his morals as he forces the plucky humans to labor in his race's defense. The moody mystery of the first half turns to pure pulp adventure when the humans are transported across the galaxy to the battle-scarred world of Metaluna, under the threatening watch of a monstrous bug-eyed monster with a giant brain for a head and massive claws for hands. There's a genuine sense of wonder to Joseph Newman's intergalactic adventure, one of the most ambitious science fiction films of the 1950s. The story is simple space opera, but the futuristic designs of glass and metal, the marvelous alien makeup, and grandstanding special effects invest the film with a Technicolor splendor. Faith Domergue co-stars as a nuclear physicist and Gilligan's Island's Russell Johnson makes his first professorial appearance as a scientist. Science fiction auteur Jack Arnold was an unbilled codirector. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews

Classic Sci
One of the best of the 50's. Introduction to the "Interociter" (sp?), Remote control, Space Flight, Flying Saucers, Aliens and of course, Dangerous Mutants. Part of the Atomic Craze in the 50's. I like 'em all so I may be biased. This is one you can watch over again. Right up there with Earth vs. The Flying Saucers and Forbidden Planet.

Finally on DVD
It's great that this sci-fi classic is finally available on DVD. Quality is far superior to the old vhs version. I read the book when I was in high school (1950's). It's dated but it still takes you away!

THE METALUNANS ARE WATCHING
One of the most thoughtful and well-written gems of classic 50's sci-fi, THIS ISLAND EARTH has seen its reputation dimmed a little over the years in comparison to some of its cousins, such as WAR OF THE WORLDS, THE THING, or THEM!. Granted, those are classics in their own right, but so is THIS ISLAND EARTH. I think the reason this film is often a bit downplayed in modern circles is the slow pace at which everything moves, especially in the opening half-hour when our characters and the unique situation they find themsleves in is being gradually developed. There is some validity in this, as things do take a while to build up, but the compensation is believable, relatively three-dimensional characters and a fairly tenable rationale for the fantastic plot. Acting and direction are very good, with excellent performances by Rex Reason, Faith Domerque, and Jeff Morrow. Reason combines scientific expertise with a degree of sci-fi heroism quite effectively, while Domergue is not only exquisitely beautiful but brainy and brave, as well. Morrow's character is perhaps the backbone of the story, however, an alien called Exeter who evolves along with the plot. Special effects are of course not up to our contemporary standards, but after all the movie was made five decades ago. For their time, the FX were cutting edge, and even today they are still good enough to entertain. No, there is no bargain-basement CGI, but isn't that sometimes a good thing? THIS ISLAND EARTH deserves its generally accepted classic status, pacing and all. It is a very literate and surprisingly cerebral little mastperpiece of sci-fi history, one which modern fans would do well to take the time to enjoy.