Invasion of the Body Snatchers (DVD, 1998, Contemporary Classics)

"Who said they'd come in metal ships," one of the great lines in science fiction history. I saw the original, made in the mid-50s, when about 10 years old, and I'm still not sure I'm over it. I couldn't sleep for two days. This remake is in color, with better special effects, but I don't think it is quite as realistic as the original.

What makes a movie of this genre great? For me, it is realism. Could it happen? Aliens have not, and will not, be visiting earth because the distances are too great - that is, aliens that have to tolerate a million years of travel to cover 100 or 1,000 light years. On the other hand, inert plant spores can drift for a 100 million, or many billions of years, until they land on a planet with life that they can invade, that is, become.

What makes the invasion insideous is that once consumed by the aliens, the humans look exactly the same, have the same memories, go to the same jobs, and so on, except they lack all emotion. No one can figure out what is going on until it is too late, until they themselves have been invaded and become one of the invaders. When a few people do grasp the nature of the invasion, and its seriousness - if it succeeds, humans will cease to exist - their story is so crazy others won't believe them. However, even if others investigate, when they call back the next day, the person who complained reports everything is fine, because they're no longer human themselves.

All it takes is going to sleep after a pod which relicates your body has grown.

Character development is good. We care about the last remaining humans in San Francisco and root fully for their suvival, as well as that of all humankind, because these spores are insatiable. They want everyone.

I won't be a spoiler, but it's a very good movie.

I do not recommend the recent remake, "Invasion," I believe is the title, with Nicole Kidman. Both the 50s and this, the 70s version are, IMO, far superior.

I would not watch this alone, or when if likely to become paranoid.

This is one of those great Sci-Fi/Horror flicks from the 1970's that oft gets overlooked.
The film begins as we see an across the universe existence on another world that is barren and populated by spore like creatures. They ascend to outer space and make their way to Earth. This is where the fun begins.
Soon, people of lovely San Francisco are awaiting their fates with the lovely gift of a pod-like plant. Elizabeth's boyfriend is the first in her life to awaken to a brave new world. She believes he has changed in some way and cannot seem to put her finger on the reason why.
What happens next is for you the viewer to find out. No spoilers here.

The DVD itself comes in two formats, wide-screen and pan and scan. The pictures is decent. There are some grain problems on the edges of the film itself, but overall not that bad. I've seen much better and far worse. The DVD also contains the original theatrical trailer and feature length commentary about the director.

2010/09/25
The original "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" starring Kevin McCarthy (1956) is a classic! And this version is a very worthy successor to a classic movie - it's a classic in itself.

I haven't read "The Body Snatchers" by Jack Finney which these movies are based on, but the 1978 version follows the 1956 version closely without duplicating it exactly and with it's own unique and intriguing plot twists and turns.

I don't want to give things away, but I will say this much (in celebration of Kevin McCarthy who died this year) the cameo appearance of Kevin McCarthy reprising his role from the original movie was magnificent! That is actually why I purchased this DVD and I am very glad that I did.

Seeing Leonard Nimoy displaying emotion is "fascinating" and seeing Jeff Goldbloom looking like a teenager is a hoot too! :)

There are a couple of remakes after this one (1993 "The Body Snatchers" and 2007 "The Invasion") which I have not seen yet.

If you want a great story and a great movie, I don't think you'll be disappointed with this movie. It is not necessary to have seen the 1956 version first to appreciate this one either.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a re-make of a classic cult film, that is actually better than the original! Rarely will you find a re-make out-doing it's predesessor, but this film pulls it off with no problem. Great Sci-Fi flick, highly reccomended to all. Rated "Two Thumbs Up!" FIVE STARS!*****

I usually like original films and dislike "Remakes"; but this 1978 Invasion of the Body Snatchers is an exception to the rule. I thought the film was great, the effects pretty cool and Donald Sutherland always a winner. Leonard Nimoy also added flavor.