Forbidden Planet (US)

In 1956 the Cold War was fully under way and the fear of another world war was particularly high in the American people`s mind. The threat, of nuclear destruction, or from Outer Space built the backbone for a great many science fiction films of the day. From "Them!" to "Tarantula", from "War Of The Worlds" to "The Day The Earth Stood Still" the theme of the helplessness of mankind in the face of certain - often - self-created dangers could be found in every utopian film of the time. "Forbidden Planet" also nurtured this notion, but it took an unusually intelligent approach to the theme, using Shakespeare`s "The Tempest" as the template for its plot. Exchanging the sailing ship from Shakespeare`s tale with a spaceship and substituting a remote island with a remote planet, all of a sudden Shakespeare`s theme took on a very different tone. The tone rang as true with audiences in the 50s, as it does today.

In the year 2257, an interplanetary cruiser is on its way to Altair IV. Their mission is to rescue survivors from an expedition that crashed earlier on the planet`s surface. When the ship lands on Altair IV they find a strange barren landscape, with a green sky. The enigmatic Dr. Mobius (Walter Pidgeon) turns out to be the sole survivor of the previous expedition and he has built his own little oasis on the planet without any wish to return to Earth. Commander Adams (Leslie Nielsen) who is in charge of the rescue mission listens to the story Mobius has to tell about the years after the crash, how an unknown beast has devoured all the survivors but him and his late wife. Over time he has been able to build his personal paradise and to raise his only daughter Altaira (Anne Francis).

Adams decides to contact Earth for further instructions, but when he and his crew begin setting up a radio post on the planet`s surface, a ferocious, unseen monster attacks them. Trying to find out why Mobius is immune to the creature`s attacks, they find out that he has discovered an earlier civilization on the planet. A civilization with technology so powerful that it could give mankind an unconceivable advance, but destroy it just as easily.

One of the most remarkable things about "Forbidden Planet" is how timeless the film turns out to be. Its dramatic aspects work as well as ever and the humanistic tone of the story is just as ageless. While the fears may be different today from those of the people in 1950`s, today`s generation has its own demons and monsters and the film captures that essence.

The visual presentation of the film is 50`s science fiction par excellence. The film duplicates the feel of popular comic book and pulp fiction covers of the time, such as "Amazing" or "Astounding Science Fiction". From the opening shots of the film the viewers is pulled into a world of wonder that is mysterious, colourful and fascinating.

Due to its success and its masterful execution, "Forbidden Planet" soon became one of the most important science fiction films of its time and is still regarded as such. Its influence can be felt in many areas to this day. It built the foundation to Gene Roddenberry`s "Star Trek" phenomenon - upon viewing "Forbidden Planet" you will be reminded a number of times of the original "Star Trek" television series. But also Robby, the iconic robot and much of the film`s terminology has been used and reused on various occasions.

"Forbidden Planet" was the perfect science fiction film with its vast planet locations, the exotic oasis within, the slick flying saucer, the huge machinery and mind-altering devices, the robot and countless others. It is hardly surprising that even today, the film has a huge cult following and still is the material that nurtures one`s imagination. Warner Home Video has re-releasing it on DVD here in the same way MGM Home Entertainment did previously. On one side of the DVD you will find a 16x9 enhanced widescreen presentation of the film in 2.35:1 aspect ratio, while the other side of the disc holds a pan and scan transfer.
Under no circumstances should the Pan & Scan side of the disk ever be played - in fact do yourself a favour and forget that there even is a full-screen version on the disc, the cropped image does not give you a remote hint at the expansive vistas of the film`s beautiful photography.
The widescreen transfer from its original CinemaScope ratio allows you to see the carefully composed images in their entirety. The transfer on this DVD is good-looking and highly detailed, although the source print exhibits some signs of age. Scratches and dust, as well as some grain is visible, but given the film`s considerable age this is certainly excusable and never becomes obtrusive. The transfer has a good colour reproduction, bringing out the best of the lush production design and colourful set decoration but does suffer from the occasional red shift.
"Forbidden Planet" comes with a 2.0 channel Dolby Digital audio track in English, as well as mono tracks in French and Spanish. The stereo track creates a centred image and stereo panning is hardly noticeable. No distortion is audible however and the noise floor of the audio is generally low. Dialogues are always understandable and well integrated in the overall mix. The movie also features a remarkable music track that has become synonymous with the science fiction genre of the time. Using earliest analogue synthesizer technology, the music consists mostly of sine-wave clusters that are harmonized and modulated, creating an odd, otherworldly atmosphere for the film. The music score is as effective as it is haunting, especially as the film`s tension builds towards the end. This is a science fiction classic nicely brought to life on a modern medium. The DVD helps maintain the high level of detail in the film and captures the essence of the beautiful Eastman Color presentation.

Unfortunately other than a trailer there are no extras on this release, but nonetheless this DVD is a must for all science fiction fans and the lovers of good acting everywhere.