The message presented is simple, Nukes are bad, lose them or lose your lives were watching you.
In this movie, the humans are not just a threat, they are the bad guys.
In contrast Klaatu is both the compassionate understanding visitor and eventually a preacher of peace.
At no time does his character come across as unreasonable, or impolite.
The other outstanding feature of the movie is the very high quality of special effects.
Today they could be done on a computer, but when it was created they were groundbreaking.
They used new and inventive techniques that set the benchmark for movies to come.
In fact, one of the features in the extras section covers it in some depth.
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TransferThe black and white transfer of the original movie is excellent and almost entirely flawless.
It loses nothing for being in black and white.
Even if they could convert this to colour, I would prefer it in black and white.
Its obviously been cleaned up as well, because it is crisp and clear with no discernable hiss.
It proves that even old movies can have interesting and up to date features.
In one way it acts like an encyclopaedia to the history of the movie.
ConclusionThe story contained within this 1951 version of the movie means more now than it ever did.
Its warning was stark and still holds true today.
Film:
Rating:
3 out of 5
