This is another great entry to the Paramount Presents line. For those that already have the Criterion edition, this may be a hard sell, but for anyone else who is a fan of the genre this should be an easy decision. This one is out now!
“Two of the most iconic science fiction epics come to Paramount Presents in this out-of-this-world limited edition double feature from producer George Pal. Making its 4k UHD debut, THE WAR OF THE WORLDS is an Oscar-winning adaptation of the chilling H.G. Wells novel. Then, get ready for impending disaster when a runaway star signals the destruction of Earth in WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE, included on Blu-ray remastered from the original film elements. Both are essential Technicolor masterpieces from the Golden Age of Hollywood, delivering eye-popping visual effects.”
During a time when there were no theatrical films to release on Blu-ray/4k, Paramount began its Paramount Presents line, one of the best things to come out of the pandemic in terms of physical media, as the catalogue contained many films that had not yet seen a HD treatment since Blu-rays inception. Each treated with a new transfer, custom slip-covers that open to reveal the theatrical posters, and usually at least one new extra, albeit short at times, just to sweeten the deal. The Paramount Presents line stuck to Blu-ray exclusively, oddly enough releasing Days of Thunder Blu-ray as part of their Presents line, but the 4k a normal release. However, in May of this year they transitioned to 4k with their release of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, and now again with the double feature of War of the Worlds (1953) in UHD, and When Worlds Collide on Blu-ray.
While these films have the genre in common, the other thing they have in common is Producer George Pal, a familiar name for fans of science fiction in the 1950s-1960s. He went on to direct another H.G. Wells property, The Time Machine, after the Wells estate was so impressed with The War of the Worlds and gave him his choice of property to adapt next. These two films in this set are perhaps his most well-known, both demonstrating some of the best the genre had to offer at the time. While it wasn’t groundbreaking in todays standards, they set a precedent for filmmakers to strive for and surpass, as the genre began to gain momentum.
The War of the Worlds is dated, let’s be honest. In the opening sequence they say that Jupiter has a rocky surface with volcanos. Spielberg updated these facts, and the fact that these weren’t invaders from Mars, however I think the concept of intelligent life coming from something beyond the reaches of known space or even our solar system was so foreign that it was impossible to fathom, and Mars was often the point of origin for all things bad when it came to aliens. The point of the genre back then was to wow with special effects and concepts that were out of this world, and little attention was paid to characters and story. You find little character development here, but what is interesting, is comparing the 1953 and 2005 version and how human reaction to invasion is portrayed. This version has a surprisingly calm and collective response, except for one sequence in particular, while the 2005 has abrupt chaos and confusion pretty much from the get-go. It’s almost endearing how well the filmmakers think the human race would ultimately handle the destruction of the planet, but this is a theme that is constant in both George Pal films in this set.
When Worlds Collide was a film I hadn’t seen before, one with a very interesting concept, especially for the time: A rogue star is predicted to pass through our solar system, with a planet orbiting that star, that will pass so close to Earth it will utterly destroy it. The scientist’s goal is to build an ark-like space shuttle that will transport a select few to the orbiting planet in a short window before the Earth’s destruction. As with the other film, it seems the majority of the world solemnly accepts their fate, and they don’t delve too much into pandemonium that would naturally ensue given that information. Regardless, it’s an entertaining film and seems like a classic for the genre at during this time period.
Video
The War of the Worlds is presented in 2160p 4k Ultra High Definition 1.37:1 featuring Dolby Vision. This transfer takes full advantage of Dolby Visions brilliant and vivid brights, especially during all the Martian attack sequences. Colors are rich and life-like, with deep darks that bring the colors out that much more. It has a very clear and detailed picture, and overall looks exceptional in 4k.
When Worlds Collide is presented in 1080p High Definition 1.37:1. The transfer has a lot of high detail, vivid colors, with grain kept consistent throughout. There are some really fantastic sequences that makes it hard to believe the film is as old as it is.
Audio
For The War of the Worlds, the audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. This is a great sounding track. There was one point in the opening where the meteor was unscrewing it’s hatch that I swore something real was behind me. While this clearly wasn’t the original audio, the remix does a fine job at keeping dialogue clear and concise, with a lot of action and score coming through the surrounds. For those who own the Criterion release of this film, this version does not contain the original mono track.
When Worlds Collide features a DTS-HD Master Audio track. This 2.0 mono track sounds decent, giving some powerful performances in some of the Earth-shattering destruction sequences.
Special Features
The set includes a digital copy of both films, and comes in the familiar Paramount Presents style slip-cover that opens to reveal poster art. This set is #35 in the series as indicated on the spine.
The War of the Worlds
- Commentary by Actors Ann Robinson and Gene Barry
- Commentary by Film Director Joe Dante, Film Historian Bob Burns, and Bill Warren, Author of “Keep Watching the Skies”!
- The Sky is Falling: Making The War of the Worlds
- G. Wells: The Father of Science Fiction
- The Mercury Theatre on the Air Presents The War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast
- Original Theatrical Trailer
When Worlds Collide
- Theatrical Trailer
The War of the Worlds / When Worlds Collide double feature from Paramount Presents is a great addition to its line. It may be a tough sell for those already owning the Criterion release of the first film, but the added draw that it’s in 4k and includes the second film would tempt anyone. This one is out now, and well worth a purchase if you’re a fan of the genre.
