Starring: James Olson, Arthur Hill, David Wayne, Kate Reid, Paula Kelly Directed By: Robert Wise Average Rating: Audience Rating: G (General Audience) Binding: VHS Tape Format: Color, HiFi Sound, NTSC Label: Universal Studios Number of Items: 1 Release Date: August 06, 1996 Running Time: 131 minutes Theatrical Release Date: March 12, 1971
Amazon.com: The best-selling novel by Michael Crichton was faithfully adapted for this taut 1971 thriller, about a team of scientists racing against time to destroy a deadly alien virus that threatens to wipe out life on Earth. As usual with any Crichton-based movie, the emphasis is on an exciting clash between nature and science, beginning when virologists discover the outer-space virus in a tiny town full of corpses. Projecting total contamination, the scientists isolate the deadly strain in a massive, high-tech underground lab facility, which is rigged for nuclear destruction if the virus is not successfully controlled. The movie spends a great deal of time covering the scientific procedures of the high-pressure investigation, and the rising tensions between scientists who have been forced to work in claustrophobic conditions. It's all very fascinating if you're interested in scientific method and technological advances, although the film is obviously dated in many of its details. It's more effective as a thriller in which tension is derived not only from the deadly threat of the virus, but from the escalating fear and anxiety among the small group of people who've been assigned to save the human race. The basic premise is still captivating; it's easy to see how this became the foundation of Crichton's science-thriller empire. --Jeff Shannon
SCIENCE FICTION CLASSIC THIS IS A GREAT ADAPTATION OF THE MICHAEL CRIGHTON CLASSIC SCIENCE FICTION NOVEL...THE MOVIE IS CERTAINLY DATED BECAUSE OF THE OLD TIMEY SPECIAL EFFECTS, BUT IT FAITHFULLY FOLLOWS THE BOOK...I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE I BOUGHT THE MINI-SERIES AND WANTED TO VIEW BOTH TO COMPARE HOW THEY HAVE HELD UP TO CHANGES IN TECHNOLOGY...SO...IF YOU'RE A FAN OF SCIENCE-FICTION GET BOTH AND COMPARE/CONTRAST THE OLD WITH THE NEW...I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT ANYONE WHO BUYS THIS MOVIE READ THE BOOK AND SEE FOR YOURSELF
Good - but dated This is a good story, but it is an old film and lacking in special effects. Also, I didn't feel there was much sense of drama or suspense. Almost the entire film takes place an a hidden lab. There is one semi-dramatic scene toward the end involving a fail-safe procedure. But you kind of get the sense that everything is NOT going to do to hell, so.... Basically, don't expect anything like Jurrasic Park.
The interview with Michael Chriton, which reveals his personal background as it relates to his writing career, is a positive addition.
Sci Fi at its Best Made in the 70's, this movie still has the suspense and good acting as it did when it was first released. Moreover, the film does a masterful job of staying close to the book. Indeed, having read the book, I feel I can make this statement with a clear conscience. Whether the newer made for TV version of the Michael Crichton book is better, I will leave for the younger reader to decide
Good Movie Loved this movie. It kept me interested from start to finish. It's far better than the TV rendition.
unpressed After watching the one on TV i was disappointed in this one.Not enough gore for me and the girls were much better looking on the one on TV.I guess this is what happens when you get old.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tailipoe
Trevor
