It Came from Outer Space [DVD] [Standard]

One of the better of the 1950's 3-D movies now available in a restored 3-D version that works extremely well on new 3-D TV's We watched it on a 65" LG 3D 4K TV and it looked fantastic. One of the more interesting scripts of the period, as, in this case, the aliens are not here to conquer us, but have simply landed a damaged ship which they want to repair so they can leave Earth as soon as possible. My only complaint is that the original 1:33 ratio was cropped to 16:9. Seems to work well in this current full screen format, with some minor stereo window violations at the edges. In spite of great digital restoration there are still some small anomalies from the original photography, but very minor in a film that was well composed for 3-D. Today's films could learn from studying this. And somehow the combination of black-and-white and 3-D also works quite effectively.

Can't go wrong with this BD. One of the best from 2016 and very affordable price.

3D is awesome! Great movie from the 50's. A must for collectors!

What a great movie, and we finally have it on Blu-ray the way it was presented theatrically, in 3D and three-channel stereophonic sound. Fans of classic science fiction movies and classic 3D flicks have waited years to see It Came From Outer Space in its intended format. Thanks to the 3D Film Archive, that is now possible. The new Blu-ray from Universal features a stunning restoration of the 1953 feature about an alien spacecraft that crash-lands near a small Arizona community. The alien occupants begin to kidnap some of the townsfolk and assume their identities. The beings tell the local astronomer they are doing so in order to make repairs to their craft, but the town sheriff is suspicious and wants to fight the creatures. Over the years, the 3D Film Archive - which originally undertook this project for UK Blu-ray distributor Panamint - has restored several 3D classics such as Dragonfly Squadron, The Bubble, The Mask and Gog. Like those restorations, the archive's work on It Came From Outer Space does not disappoint. In 2D, many scenes in the movie come off as mundane. Now in 3D, a backyard telescope pokes out of the screen and almost knocks you in the face. A ladder on a utility truck is so vivid you feel like you can attempt to climb up it. The cyclopean eyeball of one of the horrendous aliens almost touches your nose. Boulders from an avalanche look like they'll land on your lap. In short, the 3D effects are fantastic, flawless. This is how the movie was meant to be viewed, and watching it in 3D after years of viewing it flat makes you realize you've been missing a lot. Then there's the sound. That three-track stereo sound. That sound that was featured in the movie when it was first released and never heard again - until this Blu-ray release. Wow! Incredible. Again, if not for the 3D Film Archive, this is a facet of the movie that likely would have been lost in oblivion. It's a game-changer, folks. Explosions carry a lot more weight. The creepy score is distributed throughout three speakers, helping you to hear aspects of its haunting melody you've never noticed before. In short, the already amazing three-dimensional images onscreen are even further enhanced by the powerful, dynamic three-track stereo track. Universal's disc is rounded out with a lively commentary track from film historian Tom Weaver, a very entertaining documentary about the movie called The Universe According to Universal, and 2D and 3D trailers of the movie. The movie also features optional subtitles. For those without 3D setups, a 2D version of the film is also included. You can't go wrong with this release. Presently, it's a BestBuy exclusive available for as low as $7.99. This might be the Blu-ray deal of the past 10 years. Really. If you love classic movies, or if you love classic science fiction or if you love classic 3D films, or all of the above, It Came From Outer Space is a can't-miss purchase.

It Came From Outer Space was released during sci-fi's golden era and represents one of the more artful expressions of the genre for its time. While there were certainly movies a-plenty with similar titles and themes, It Came From Outer Space was ultimately one of the titles that made a lasting impression on film audiences because it was more than a mere pulp piece. As for the Blu-ray itself, the transfer is excellent and leaves nothing to be desired. This particular edition does have a 3D option but I do not have the capabilities to experience said effect so I can only comment on the regular version of the film.