Official Synopsis:
“Under cover of darkness, while an unsuspecting city sleeps, an alien life form begins to sow the seeds of unspeakable terror. Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Leonard Nimoy, Veronica Cartwright and Jeff Goldblum star in this shocking, “first-rate suspense thriller” (Newsday).
One by one, the residents of San Francisco are becoming drone-like shadows of their former selves. As the phenomenon spreads, two Department of Health workers, Matthew (Sutherland) and Elizabeth (Adams), uncover the horrifying truth: Mysterious pods are cloning humans — and destroying the originals! The unworldly invasion grows stronger with each passing minute, hurling Matthew and Elizabeth into a desperate race to save not only their own lives, but the future of the entire human race.”
Invasion of the Body Snatchers, a remake of the classic Science Fiction film of the same name, is still as much a frightening tale today as it was almost sixty years ago when the original was released. The updated version is just as chilling, perhaps even more so, as the feeling of paranoia takes hold when you realize that no one may be who they seem. It is this paranoid feeling that is captured so perfectly by the work of director Philip Kaufman, an incredible score by Denny Zeitlin, and cinematography by Michael Chapman, who has a very impressive list of films under his belt as well. These all combine wonderfully to capture a feeling of horror so subtle that it increasingly grows as the film progresses, making the viewer more tense and nervous as we approach the amazing conclusion.
All this is compounded by the Special Effects that definitely make this a memorable film. As space plants that dissolve human beings go, these are done pretty well. It is the process of cloning the bodies that is so terrifyingly well done. Seeing these full-size fetus looking creatures that squirm around on the ground like newborns is a scene that will leave you with nightmares. None of this pales in comparison to a particular scene with a man-faced dog that comes barreling down the street giving quite a shock to both the main characters as well as the audience.
Equally as impressive is the cast. Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Leonard Nimoy, Veronica Cartwright and Jeff Goldblum. Although from varying backgrounds and careers that went in drastically different directions, these actors each bring their own nuances to their role. The friction between Jeff Goldblum and Leonard Nimoy is also something of a guilty pleasure, to see these two greats banter back and forth. The caliber of acting definitely raises the bar on this little science fiction remake that ensures the story of Invasion of the Body Snatchers will live on for a new generation.
The only thing lacking in this story is a bit of backstory on these creatures that have come from another world. What little we are given definitely leaves us wanting to know more. Perhaps that is more effective, and as a horror fan I can appreciate that, but the science fiction fan in me wants to know more. Regardless, the information we are given is an effective tool for maintaining a creepy atmosphere that extends throughout the film.
Video
The video is presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1 with a new 2k scan from the interpositive. The new transfer is very impressive, with good balance of colors with very little defects noticed. In the darker scenes the grain is more noticeable, and unfortunately the majority of the film seems to take place at night. This doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of the film in any way, and it has been given a good treatment by Scream Factory.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS Master Audio Stereo. As I mentioned, the film has an incredible score by Denny Zeitlin, who was so overwhelmed by the production of this film that he never scored another, despite repeated offers. This strange score fits the tone of the film perfectly, and it it comes through nicely on the stereo track. Levels all around are good, with a strong center channel that pumps out the majority of the dialogue.
Special Features
As always, Scream Factory doesn’t disappoint when it comes to some great extras on their Collector’s Editions. On this set you’re going to see:
NEW 2K Scan Of The Interpositive
NEW Star-Crossed In The Invasion – An Interview With Actress Brooke Adams
NEW Leading The Invasion – An Interview With Actor Art Hindle
NEW Re-Creating The Invasion – An Interview With Writer W.D. Richter
NEW Scoring The Invasion – An Interview With Composer Denny Zeitlin
NEW Audio Commentary With Author/Film Historian Steve Haberman
Audio Commentary By Director Philip Kaufman
Re-Visitors From Outer Space, Or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Pod – Including Interviews With Director Philip Kaufman, Screenwriter W.D. Richter, Director Of Photography Michael Chapman And Actors Donald Sutherland And Veronica Cartwright
Practical Magic: The Special Effects Pod
The Man Behind The Scream: The Sound Effects Pod – An Interview With Ben Burtt And Sound Editor Bonnie Koehler
The Invasion Will Be Televised: The Cinematography Pod
An episode of SCIENCE FICTION THEATRE, “Time Is Just A Place,” Based On Jack Finney’s Short Story, Directed By Jack Arnold
Theatrical Trailer
TV Spots
Radio Spots
Photo Gallery
Invasion of the Body Snatchers brings this fantastic tale to a new generation, and if subsequent reincarnations are any indication, this is a timeless story that will be sure to entertain for years to come. Scream Factory gives this film a great treatment which is well deserved. It hits all the right notes to make a genuinely creepy and memorable science fiction film.
