Plot: What’s it about?
Is there other life in outer space? No, I’m not reviewing an episode of Star Trek, I’m reviewing Tim Burton’s Mars Attacks! After aliens intercept a television broadcast, mankind is spun into wonderment as to the aliens’ intentions. Some want to profit, some want to learn, and other want to nuke the bastards! So after much pomp and circumstance, the aliens arrive in their shiny silver ship to meet their hosts. A special recording unit has been created to translate speech between the aliens and the humans, and after a bit of chit chat, the aliens proclaim they have in fact came to Earth in peace. A hippie nearby is so excited, he releases a white dove, a beautiful symbol of peace, but the aliens charbroil the bird with a laser blast, then turn the weapons to the human crowd. After slaughtering a patch of people, they reenter their ship, and leave again. Then in a later signal sent to Earth, they say it was a mistake, and they want another chance, they want to address Congress. But are these aliens worth trusting…or will they just fry up some officials real crispy like?
Based on the Topps trading card series, Mars Attacks! is a highly entertaining movie. Besides the tremendous computer effects involved, Mars Attacks! also sports a large and star studded ensemble cast. Some featured talent includes Jack Nicholson (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest), Pierce Brosnan (Mrs. Doubtfire, Goldeneye), Michael J. Fox (Back to the Future 1-3), Danny DeVito (Twins), Sarah Jessica Parker (Girls Just Wanna Have Fun), and many many more. Glenn Close is very good as the president’s wife, as is Jim Brown as a casino employee. Also making appearances are Tom Jones, Annette Benning, Martin Short, Rod Steiger (Modern Vampires), and a pre-Episode One Natalie Portman. Needless to say, a blockbuster cast. But it wouldn’t be Mars Attacks! without some aliens, and these aliens are way cool. Rendered beautifully with CGI, the aliens fit the classic mold of what aliens “should” look like, but still have a touch of originality. The special effects are very well done, blending the “campy” look with polished computer graphics.
While not X-Files material, this film offers a unique look at the possibility of alien life, while not taking the idea too seriously. I like alien movies, but most of them are either cheesy or too serious, most bordering on horror. But Mars Attacks! is a humorous take on the subject, making us laugh, even while the aliens blast humans with their neato ray guns! It’s really amazing the way this picture blends humor and tragedy, but whatever the mixture is, it works fine for me. The story is more than solid, with some unlikely, but highly amusing twists and turns along the way. If you’re a sci/fi fan, this movie makes a great relief from those overly serious flicks out there. I love the Alien series, but I need a little comic relief time and again, which Mars Attacks! is perfect for. A superb cast, great special effects, and a great score, this movie is a winner, and sure to make all the members of your family laugh.
Video: How does it look?
This was one of the first “new-to-the-format” titles when DVD came around in the late 90’s but that’s been…some time ago. It was time for a new 4K offering and Warner has given this a new 4K scan with the addition of Dolby Vision as well as HDR 10. What that means to us, as I’m sure we’re all aware, is that this is one good-looking transfer. Burton’s campy look to this film has it bursting with color and the impressive ensemble cast has several different wardrobes that all look great on your screen. Detail has been improved over the 2010 Blu-ray and while contrast remains strong, I really found myself coming back to how colorful this film is. Ironic from someone like Burton who’s made a name for himself producing somewhat darker films. Suffice it to say that this one was worth the wait – it looks stunning.
Audio: How does it sound?
Now, it might not put your speakers into overdrive, but the effects during the attacks are very cool, and make good use of the entire audio system. The new/upgraded Dolby Atmos mix makes the most of thea additional channels and this is nice to have when half of Congress is getting blown up by Martian laser beams (if only, right?). Of course, the music is great, with Danny Elfman as Burton’s long time composer. There’s really not a down side to this one as it sounds fantastic.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Looking Back on Mars Attacks! – We get some stories about working with Tim Burton on one of the 1990s’ wackiest alien-invasion films.
- Ack! Ack! Aesthetic – Filmmakers explore the distinctive style of Mars Attacks! and reveal how then-cutting-edge CGI shaped its iconic look.
The Bottom Line
In 1996 we had several options if we wanted to watch alien invasion films. For the more dramatic there was Independence Day and later on in the year we had this. Take your pick as they’re both great in their own right. Warner’s new 4K offering looks amazing and the new Atmos mix is the icing on the cake. It’s a bit light on supplements, but the ones included are both new to this disc – this is a win all around.
