Customer Ratings & Reviews

The War of the Worlds This movie was inspired by H.G. Wells’ novel but was far from a transfer from one medium to another. The novel took place at the end of the nineteenth century in England while the movie at the middle of the twentieth in California. The invading machines were huge three-legged instruments in the novel while the movie’s monsters were mechanical wonders with bodies of manta rays and cobra-like necks and heads. The manta rays/cobra hybrids were levitated by magnetic flux instead of by legs as in the novel. The characters of the two mediums were entirely different. And, while the movie had a religious bent, the author of the novel was an atheist. Still, the two versions are both about an invasion by Martians. I acknowledge that I am a fan of the movie having owned copies in both Betamax and DVD. This is my favorite of George Pal’s special-effects movie of the ‘50s and ‘60s when he was a master of the of the genre. This Blu-ray, however, looks much better as it has been restored to its original Technicolor version which was seen in the movie theaters in 1953. (A supplement describing the restoration is included on the disk and explains the Technicolor process among other things.) The Blu-ray version also sounds better (if one has the sound system) because the original sound has been converted to a 5.1 surround soundtrack. The disk also contains an audio interview with Pal in 1970 and the famous Orson Wells radio version of 1938. I would warn younger readers that the movie was made in an era when telling the story was primary and the special effects secondary. Also, the special effects may seem somewhat crude: this movie was made 40 years before CGI (and 40 years before Jurassic Park.) Still, I would recommend the Blu-ray disk.

I have been waiting for the Blu-ray version for many years and Criterion has exceeded my wildest expectations! Not only is the film near perfection, but a 5.1 surround audio track can be selected when you play the film. It also includes the original Orson Welles 1938 radio broadcast that panicked America. The film is one of the finest Science Fiction films ever made in the 20th century.

As one of the best Sci-Fi films ever made, Criterion has outdone themselves with a perfect restoration for video & newly created 5.1 mix by Ben Burtt who worked on Star Wars. There is a load of great special features including commentary, documentaries on restoration and even the complete Orson Welles radio broadcast that sounds great! A must for any movie collector's collection.

I love this movie! The original perfect And I love the bonus features on this BD collectors set as well As the history and the written essay about what the picture meant back then and what it continues to bring to audiences today. I especially enjoy the history of this film and how they made it! Truly a feast to enjoy visually and an educational experience For anyone wanting to get into film!

It's a very good update to my collection. Would recommend it highly.

War of the Worlds 1953 finally available on blu-ray. Picture quality is restored very nicely. Can't see the wires supporting the machines like in the old dvd. Great job Criterion! Audio can be mono or switched to dts 5.1 surround.

Excellent quality & nostalgia from my childhood. Watched it on blu ray last night with the new 5.1 audio mix in the surrounds. Woke up to our seven year old camping out on Mom & Dad’s bedroom floor due to nightmares. Mission accomplished!

This movie was created from a new 4K scan and it really shows. The PQ is very clear and colors are vibrant. The new addition of 5.1 track (AQ) was created by Criterion and it really delivers. I am very happy with this purchase.

CLASSIC SCI-FI from CRITERION! The best picture and sound you'll ever find for this stone cold classic film, along with every scrap of bonus material they could dig up. Essential for any sci-fi fan's collection.

This is the best way to see the War of the Worlds movie. It has been completely remastered by Criterion. And this is also the only way to purchase this movie since the DVD version is out of print. If you like old school sci-fi you will like this movie.

The greatest Martian invasion ever! I've been waiting for this classic to be release in bluray for a very long time. I was not disappointed. It has never looked better. And you have it in 5.1 digital surround. It feels like the Martians are invading your home. BUY!

The 4K is great with very strong color. This is still the best War of the Worlds presentation. It makes you use your imagination. It has that 1950's envirement.

One of my favorite movies gets the deluxe Criterion treatment. It’s like watching it for the first time again with this new transfer. Outstanding job, Criterion!

Love the upgrade for this classic film in 4k restoration. Lot's of bonus features on disc including audio commentary make this a nice addition to any collection.

They took the time to clean the original negative to make it on Blu-ray Nothing beats a great classic film also the details in the movie you can see are great

Finally another release that was over due to be on Blu-ray. Glad that it’s added to my collection. First time watch in Blu-ray and wow! I’m speechless.

One of the greatest science fiction films ever made. Criterion has knocked it out of the park on this one. The picture and colors are amazing and the bonus features do not disappoint.

Finally a version the movie deserves. New audio, better picture. Waited years for this one. A must have.

I have watched this movie for 50 years and this new version has scenes I have never seen. The colors and the clarity of 4k is like seeing it for the first time.

At long last the classic has been redone in Blue Ray. Fantastic version. Great sound and superb quality image.