The Martian Chronicles
|
List Price: Our Price: $7.23 You Save: $7.75 (52%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $5.52 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of The Martian Chronicles
Movie Review: A Social Commentary
Summary: 4 Stars
The reviewers whose posts I have read on this site apparently can't help themselves but to crack wise about the timeline the and special effects in this film. What is missed is that those things are totally beside the point, which is this: The Martian Chronicles is a literary metaphor for American exceptionalism expressed as a cold war period piece. The Martian Chronicles is actually a compendium of articles published as stand-alone short stories in the late 1940's. They are tied together by interstitial pieces added later to draw the individual 'chronicles' into a coherent story. Each story represents a criticism of American values as they existed during the cold war. It is a social commentary. If you are looking for ray guns and space battles, go watch some T.V. If you read the Martian Chronicles and recognized it for what it is, i.e. a social critique with some kitsch thrown in for fun, then you will enjoy this movie. The leisure suits and cheesy effects are part of message! It's a comment on our technological conceit and fashionable politics. Trust me, if you pick this up and watch it with the right attitude, you will really enjoy it.Movie Review: Surprisingly good...
Summary: 4 Stars
...except for some ropy acting from the smaller parts (the leads are fine) and some dubious special effects. The spaceships and sandships are so obviously toy models you are sniggering when you shouldn't be. The pace is slow by today's standards, which I liked, although admittedly it almost feels as if it's on freeze-frame by the end. Loved the 80s style film music, which is used well and sparingly at that. Best of all are the imaginatively designed sets and the dreamy atmosphere, which are terrific, as are the golden eyed Martians.
There are 3 episodes, the first being the best, simply because this is where the story is at its most interesting and intriguing. Episodes 2 and 3 are more uneven, but mostly enjoyable.
I am sure fans of the original Star Trek series from the sixties will appreciate this, as will those who liked it on its first T.V airing back in 1980. Its aged remarkably well and I enjoyed it immensely on my second viewing, 24 years after my first
.
Movie Review: Mmmm Rocky!
Summary: 4 Stars
Well, to say I love this piece of work is to understate the matter. If it were to be remade, the only things needing retouching might be the space-ship sequences, and the glowing globey Martians.The Sand Ships could be reworked, but we do not rework Metropolis (and walk the streets alive) so I just wear it. The Digital Transfer was wonderful, and gave the work a facelift, that brought it back to life. The soundtrack is a bit dated, but that is part of its charm. More features would have helped (maybe an interview with the director, or Mr. Bradbury), but we are all so spoilt for extra features these days. If you love Sci Fi, this is a must for the collection. The Martians stand up even now as characters. This edition has allowed me to retire my old VHS copies (They really needed it), and i shall continue to love this classic of the canon of mid-20th century sci fi.Movie Review: Bradbury didn't like it - but I do.
Summary: 4 Stars
When I was at the San Diego Comic Con during the summer of 2006, I attended a panel where Ray Bradbury was speaking. He touched on a lot of topics, and I recall him murmuring some disapproval at the 1970's Martian Chronicles series starring Rock Hudson. Notwithstanding the author's views - I actually really liked this mini-series. Maybe it was the direction, the subject matter or the location for the filming, but this show managed to hit a very odd note of alienation and desolation that built upon the events depicted in Bradbury's celebrated novel. There are moments in this admittedly "TV movie of the Week" quality production that are very eerie, evocative and memorable. On the whole, when I saw this years ago it left me feeling frustrated and a little depressed for the sad state that human, and Martian, affairs had come to. In other words, I loved it.Movie Review: Worth watching
Summary: 4 Stars
Let me start by saying that The Martian Chronicles is probably my favorite Sci-Fi book, and likely in my top 3 overall. So, any movie made in 1979 attempting to capture this brilliance would have a tough road ahead of them in my mind.
This movie stays fairly true to the ideas of the book, although there are some parts that were omitted to keep the story up-to-date; Such as the section that took place in the deep south with the mass exodus of the Black-Americans to Mars. And, the special effects were very cheesy, such as the sand ship scene where there were plastic figurines being used in small plastic boats.
Overall, I enjoyed watching someones attempt to bring Ray Bradbury's masterpiece to life in the TV screen.