The Incredible Shrinking Man [Criterion Collection] [Blu-ray] [1957]

As one has come to expect from Criterion Collection, this is a beautifully restored blu-ray edition of one of the great Sci-Fi films of the 1950's in glorious black and white (1.85:1 aspect ratio). SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES • New 4K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack (note: not a 4K UHD pressing) • New audio commentary featuring genre film historian Tom Weaver and horror music expert David Schecter • New program on the film’s special effects by FX experts Craig Barron and Ben Burtt • New conversation between filmmaker Joe Dante and comedian and writer Dana Gould • Auteur on the Campus: Jack Arnold at Universal (Director’s Cut - 50:14) (2021) • Interview from 2016 with Richard Christian Matheson, novelist and screenwriter Richard Matheson’s son • Interview from 1983 with director Jack Arnold • 8 mm home-cinema version from 1969 • The Lost Music of "The Incredible Shrinking Man" • Trailer and teaser narrated by filmmaker Orson Welles PLUS: An essay by critic Geoffrey O’Brien in brochure form.

Richard Matheson will always get my eyeballs, whether in prose or for films. The man is a legend for a reason. I had never seen Jack Arnold’s THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN from 1957, so when Criterion announced they’d be releasing it on blu ray I immediately got excited. A collaboration between the author of I AM LEGEND and the director of THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON? Count me in! After an aborted attempt to watch it with my son who found it to be too intense, I finally screened it in its entirety last night. Dashing Grant Williams plays our lead, Scott Carey. While on a boating excursion with his wife Louise (Randy Stuart), he is exposed to a mysterious cloud. The experience doesn’t make much of an impression, until months later when Scott notices that he’s weirdly began to shrink. After the phenomenon is confirmed by his doctor, he eventually becomes the subject of public fascination as he continues to shrink. The condition devastates his relationship with Louise, who is supportive but exhausted. Soon, Scott finds himself living in a dollhouse, which proves to be of little shelter when the family cat comes calling. With no end in sight to his condition, the mundane becomes dangerous and just surviving becomes massively difficult. Matheson adapted his own novel for the screenplay. However, an uncredited Richard Alan Simmons was brought on to restructure the script in a linear fashion, as Matheson’s piece retained the structure of his novel, which utilized intercut flashbacks. In any case, the narrative is compelling as all get out. The mounting tension of Scott’s condition is married to the anxious themes exploring his diminished masculinity. It’s certainly a comment on the post WWII era in America, but it also feels very naturalistic. Scott is very believable as a ‘50s everyman. According to several of the special features I watched on Criterion’s disc, it also has a somewhat autobiographical angle as well. Beyond all that, though, it’s just an excellently executed sci fi fantasy story with just a hint of body horror. Special effects are certainly a huge part of the film’s success. Arnold and company used a variety of techniques to keep the audience on its toes. There are composite shots, rear screen projections, oversized sets, and forced perspective shots. Additionally, the wardrobe is instrumental in making us believe Scott’s condition, as he keeps retreating into baggier and more makeshift outfits. Al Joseph’s clever and confident editing assists with all these illusions, while not drawing attention to itself. Of course, some of this stuff is showing its age, but I don’t see how anyone could call that a flaw. I actually think much of it is still amazing and I found myself marveling at many of the effects sequences. There’s a dedication to craft present that effortlessly immerses you in this increasingly uncanny world. All of the scenes in the basement surrounding the battle with the spider are pure cinematic joy. DP Ellis W Carter captures all of this and the story’s quieter moments with equal aplomb. Williams is captivating. He exudes traditional square jawed heroism at the beginning, but his masterful performance subverts our expectations with expanding angst and uncertainty. His voiceover throughout the film conveys an almost Noir-ish fatalistic quality. Furthermore, he almost singlehandedly carries the back half of the film without any dialog, which in itself is also an example of how the movie conjures tangible feelings of isolation. All of the other performers do fine work, but this is unquestionably Williams’ film and he nails it. The score is mostly made up of library pieces, but the overall effect is pleasing in a shimmery ‘50s sci fi manner. The psychological aspect of the thrills is complimented by both adventurous and melancholy beats. In general, Arnold crafts a gripping atmosphere that ensures we take the visuals seriously while not eschewing the fun. The film’s famous final moments land an existential blow that lingered in my thoughts. Jack Arnold’s THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN is a fantastic slice of ‘50s genre storytelling. Though stylistically unassuming, the combination of premise, writing, performances, production design, and mood make for an unforgettable flick. That all of this is accomplished in just 81 minutes is impressive. This film is massively entertaining while still making room for some introspection. Highly recommended for fans of THE LAST MAN ON EARTH, HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS, and old episodes of THE TWILIGHT ZONE.

first let me say that this movie scared the living crap out of me as a kid! i grew up in new england, spent alot of time on boats, and constantly dealt with tiny mist storms. the special effects are excellent considering when it was made,too! the whole storyline is very thought provoking as an adult, it says a lot about how people treat each other based on something as silly as size. being very short, and a cook, i dealt with alot of that in my career. anyway, watch this movie!

Love this movie brings back movie night memories! Get to enjoy as much as I want now!

I hadnt seen this movie in decades. The wife actually liked it

Who didn't see THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN? Thank you, Criterion, for offering it up again in Blu ray and reminding those of us who saw it, and those who are seeing it for the first time, that it remains fun science fiction, and boy, have special effects come a long way. Great fun. Buy it and watch it in classic black and white...LOL!

A great package for a classic B sci-fi film. Excellent supplements.

What a great movie that still holds up today as a classic.