This was my first DVD that looks worse than the videotape!

The film is a '50s Technicolor sci-fi favorite. It more than satisfies my pop art test of providing some new and novel thrill in every scene.

However, the DVD has all the light specs and intermittent "worms" that the tape has. Furthermore, the DVD has a washed-out look in numerous scenes. Very disappointing.

The producer is Image. From what I've heard, the DVD revolution has hurt them. As an LD producer, they were doing the work that the studios didn't want to bother with for the relatively tiny LD market. But now the studios are keeping control of their best-selling titles because DVD promises to be so much more lucrative. As a result, Image has been left with the leftovers and thus can't afford to give them the treatment they deserve.

I do not have the DVD, but I do have the LD. It is a very good transfer. Part of the problem with the Technicolor print is the "liberal" use of green filters (made it look phony). It is a hokey but fun movie.

I've never seen the videotape of this, so I can't really comment on that...

But I've done a direct comparison between the DVD and LD and the difference is stunning. The DVD is much sharper with fewer scratches and much more vibrant colors. I was a little surprised to see JohnL complaining about it -- I think this DVD looks great.

(Unfortunately, they didn't include the trailer and still frame extras from the LD, though...)

Wasn't that the movie they used for the Mystery Science Theatre 3000 movie? If so, then I love that movie!

The best part is when they get in the clear tubes to be pressurized or some such. Smoke pours in.. It certainly does remind one of a giant bong...


------------------
My DVD List