Them! (Snapcase Packaging)
|
Our Price: $23.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $9.64 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Canada
Movie Reviews of Them! (Snapcase Packaging)
Movie Review: The Best Killer Bug Movie...Period...
Summary: 5 Stars
Ah, this is an absolute classic sci-fi/horror flick that popularized many films that followed similar paths after its subsequent release. THEM has classic written all over its giant bugs menace the world premise. Indeed, for a film of its time, nothing was more realistic or scarier than THEM.
The premise is that due to nuclear weapons, a massive army of humongous ants has been birthed, and now the world is in danger of annihilation from these giant mutant ants. The army is scrambling to find ways to scrap these big bugs, but who ever said killing something much larger than you was easy? Set out in the Arizona desert, the movie is realistic thanks to it's not-so-crazy special effects and its surreal setting. The bugs begin to massacre the army trying to erase them, one individual at a time; they're also trying to kill off more of the local population and work their way to the nation's population, and eventually, world domination. The ultimate showdown has the army trying to trap the ants back in their own turf, and the climax and results are explosive. Definitely not a cheap ending, it closes the movie on a thrilling note.
So if you're a big fan of the sci-fi movies and horror films of the 50s and 60s, this film is just right up your alley. THEM is a classic scare, and it will have you thinking about what's to come for the future...do giant bugs really exist in our future? Ha! Think again. For every kid out there who has tormented the insect population with a magnifying glass, this is your come-uppance, and you'd be advised not to watch this film.
Movie Review: BEST OF THE BIG BAD B-MOVIE BUGS
Summary: 5 Stars
It was almost inevitable that following the detonation of the atomic bomb, a new sub-genre of B movies was created: the giant, nuclear-radiated-mutant-insect-antagonist. Typical plots had the once lowly, insignificant creatures suddenly growing to enormous size where they not only loom over humans but prey on and symbolically punish them for what they have unleashed. In other scenarios, the tiny creatures amass in a humongous swarm, and -- behaving as if with a single mind -- do battle with all life in its monstrous path.Perhaps the best of the big bug lot is THEM (Warner Bros). Originally released in 1954 during the Eisenhower era, recent, not so subtle political and anti nuclear subtexts have been read into the giant ant attack plot that may not have been intended. What starts in New Mexico with a child wandering in shock ends in a desperate man versus mad giant ant battle to the death in the 700 miles of storm drains under Los Angeles. A great cast includes James Whitmore, Edmund Gwenn and a truly heroic James Arness. No tongue in cheek wink-wink at the audience here. Everything is played for real.
The screenplay by Ted Sherman is a model of energy, urgency and wit. And breathtaking is the only way to describe the surprising visual quality of the DVD transfer that does justice to the atmospheric artistry of the B/W cinematography that does not shy away from wonderful, moody almost noirish night shots. The mono sound is OK and the limited extras include a short behind the scenes montage on the mechanics of the awesome ant puppets.
Movie Review: Just about perfect of its kind
Summary: 5 Stars
Here's a wonderful example of crisp, solid movie-making from the 1950s that still holds up well today. Yes, the special effects are a bit dated -- but that happens to all special effects in time. What matters is how the story is told. And in this case, it's told powerfully & enjoyably, owing a good deal to noir sensibility. In fact, it initially unfolds like a mystery; and even when the science-fiction element becomes clear, it's still handled in a realistic fashion. As for those special effects ants, the film is wise in depicting them sparingly, often obscured by sandstorms, shadows, etc. Combined with an eerie & effective sound effect, they can still evoke chills.
One of the striking things about this film is its humanity -- the characters have their own little quirks, humor emerges at the most unexpected times, and the viewer really feels the fear & concern that our protagonists feel. For example, the terror & dread displayed by the mother awaiting word of her two missing sons comes across intensely. She's played as a real person affected by events, not just a cardboard cutout. The female scientist is both warm & competent, a strong figure rather than a helpless damsel in distress. The two heroic leads display fear & even terror in certain crucial scenes. And a startling twist towards the end demonstrates that being a lead character is not always enough to ensure survival.
Really, you can't do better for old-fashioned, constantly rewatchable entertainment than this black & white gem -- highly recommended!
Movie Review: The Best of Classic Sci-Fi!
Summary: 5 Stars
This film is, in my opinion, the best of the classic 50's sci-fi films. The other "big bug" films that came out during the same few years all pale in comparison with this one.I think this film has the best acting of any of the genre, and with James Whitmore (the Miracle Grow guy) and Edmund Gwenn (Miracle on 34th Street) in the cast, this shouldn't be surprising. If you look fast, you'll notice a young vulcan (Leonard Nimoy) running some equipment for the military. Also given a cameo is Fess Parker (Old Yeller and Back to the Future).
The DVD features are about as good as you can expect for a film of this era. Most of the additional features are things like the TV trailers, which is pretty common. One thing I like about this particular DVD is the behind the scenes featurette. This is a very informative "documentary" that gives the viewer new insight into the making of the film, and the ants.
Now for the bad news. The only drawback of this DVD edition, is that it is presented in full screen, not the original widescreen as produced in the 50's. I always hate full screen versions, because I want to see the film as the producer and director originally released it. This was my major complaint when I purchased "Creature from the Black Lagoon". Maybe they'll release these in widescreen someday, and I'll upgrade. Until then, I guess I'll have to get over it.
Movie Review: Cool Big Ant Movie
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a classic for all ages. Yes it is old, yes it is in black and white, but yes it holds up fairly well.
People start coming up missing and the police are there to investigate. Shortly after they find bodies and bags of sugar along with an occasional vibrating shrill sound that everyone swears is just the wind. Soon scientists are brought in to examine tracks they find in the sand and they soon deduct it is ant tracks of a very large scale. The reason... nuclear fallout of course.(the reason for ever mutation) Soon a group is formed to invade the nest and exterminate the giant ants.(You will see a trend with my reviews I give the cliff notes synopsis. Why tell you the whole story, then you won't have to watch the movie)
Other then the same ol' reasoning behind the mutation this film is very well done. In fact it was the largest grossing movie the year it came out. My twelve year old son loved it so it tells you even with all the video games, MP3, DVDs, CGI and the like this film can still captivate your attention.
Out of all the movies that fall into this genre I have to rank this movie #1. My suggestion though is to get the two movie set of THEM/THE BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS, it is 3 bucks cheaper and great picture quality. Highly recommended for anyone that wants to watch the best of this genre of film.