Invaders from Mars: Blu-Ray Review
Arriving this week on Blu-ray is the 1996 sci-fi flick “Invaders from Mars”, directed by Tobe Hooper (“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”). This is actually a remake of the 1953 William Cameron Menzies directed film. Unlike Hooper’s other works like “Lifeforce”, “The Mangler”, “Spontaneous Combustion” , this was his attempt at creating a film for kids (although, Cannon Pictures was expecting something in the realm of horror). When “Invaders from Mars” was released it was a critical an financial flop , however it does have its’ share of fans.
“Invaders from Mars” is one of those films that I remembered enjoying as a kid but my feelings towards it now aren’t quite the same. The biggest issue here is the acting. Hunter Thompson who played young David Gardner is awful, and the more intelligent his lines were, the worse his performance got. Just watch the one scene in the army base when he tries to explain a few scientific facts. The usually solid Louise Fletcher who plays Gardner’s teacher gives probably the worst performance of her career. At the time, she was actually nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actress.
Although “Invaders from Mars” didn’t hold up for me, I am sure there are plenty others who still love the film and lucky for them, “Scream Factory” has released it on Blu-ray with some great bonus features. If you are a fan, you may want to pick this title up.
Bonus Features
• Audio Commentary with Director Tobe Hooper
• The Martians Are Coming! – The Making of “Invaders From Mars”, an all-new retrospective featuring interviews with Director Tobe Hooper, Actor Hunter Carson, Special Creature Effects Artists Alec Gillis and Gino Crognale, and Composer Christopher Young
• Theatrical Trailer
• TV Spot
• Original Storyboards
• Original Production Illustration Gallery from Artist William Stout with Commentary by Stout
• Still Gallery
By: Marc Ferman