A true sci-fi classic, the intelligent and thought-provoking "The Day the Earth Stood Still" is now restored on a beautiful new DVD release.

TECHNICAL FEATURES

Picture Thanks to a quality restoration job and the creation of a new print, this DVD transfer boasts excellent black and white contrast levels.

Sound Bernard Herrmann's fantastic music score is given a tremendous boost thanks to a new 2.0 surround mix.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Audio Commentary Director and legendary Hollywood editor Robert Wise is interviewed by Nicholas Meyer. This format gives the commentary structure and pace.

Wise was attracted to the film due to its message about the threat of an atomic war. He also believes in UFOs and liked the idea of us being visited by an intelligent being from another planet.

Despite having made the film decades ago, Wise is able to remember a lot. He recalls it was his idea to get Herrmann to compose the music, and can point out little things like the use of stock footage.

Wise edited films for the likes of Orson Welles, so his comments on modern editing are of interest. He feels that he's too long in the tooth to start using the modern AVID technology, and would miss the physical feel of the film between his hands when you literally cut film.

Additional Extra Features Also on the disc is a 1951 Movietone newsreel featuring an award won by "The Day the Earth Stood Still", the original trailer, and a restoration comparison so you can appreciate the work put into restoring the film.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Region: 2
Chapters: 15
Ratio: 1.85:1 (anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0
Audio Tracks: Multiple languages
Subtitles: English and multiple languages
Captions: English and Dutch
Menus: Static and silent
Special Features Subtitles: None of the special features come with subtitles apart from the commentary.

This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-S57 DVD player.