Plot: What’s it about?
There has always been a fascination with the prospect of time travel, but no one has been able to break the barrier and learn how…until now. George (Rod Taylor) has broken that barrier and now he thinks he can venture into other time periods, which could mean a lot of good and bad potential is present. He has always been a scientist and somewhat of an inventor, but this is by far his greatest creation to date, one he wants to explore the uses for himself. After some time behind the controls of his new time machine, George finds himself in a future where mankind has been almost wiped out. The survivors have drifted into two groups, which couldn’t be much more different if they tried to be. The folks that live on the surface are refined and normal for the most part, while those underground are savage and cannibalistic. But when those savages make off with the time machine, George must venture into the depths of their realm, in order to return to his own time. Will George succeed and overcome the savages, be stuck in this time forever, or even worse, die in the trek to recover the machine?
I love the films of George Pal, so I am very pleased that Warner Bros. has issued The Time Machine, complete with remastered audio & video and some extras. This film is a load of fun to watch and even after forty years, the special effects and magic still manage to surface. Of course, the special effects here don’t measure up to modern ones, but given the age and low budget nature of this picture, they are terrific. You might not think they look realistic or whatever, but I am never drawn out of the movie by them, which is what counts. Add in the concept of time travel and wham, you’re hooked up with a superb and fun movie, loaded with all the elements we want from a fantasy motion picture. There’s plenty of action, great special effects, monsters, time travel, a solid storyline, and a beautiful woman, what more can you ask for? I give this film a very high recommendation and even by today’s standards, The Time Machine is a top notch film that the whole family can enjoy. I think a rental will be in order for first time viewers, but fans will want to snatch this disc right off the shelf.
At the helm of this picture was George Pal, who is well known and loved for his contributions to the film business. Pal’s films contain some breakthrough special effects, but the effects seem to be only a fraction of the magic that comes from his movies. Pal is known for them, but I think of his films more as fun and magical than simply having above average special effects. I know a lot of folks love his work with Puppetoons, but I have always been in love with his real feature film work. I like this picture a lot for the effects, fun, adventure, wide scope, and of course, the fantastic storyline. The tale has been remade several times since, but none have managed to capture the same magical texture as this one. I also recommend Seven Faces Of Dr. Lao and Atlantis The Lost Continent, as well as all of Pal’s other cinematic efforts. The cast of The Time Machine includes Alan Young (the voice of Scrooge McDuck in Ducktales), Sebastian Cabot (Ivanhoe, Dual Alibi), Tom Helmore (Vertigo, The Tender Trap), Yvette Mimieux (The Black Hole, Skyjacked), and Rod Taylor (Every Girl’s Dream, The Birds).
Video: How does it look?
The Time Machine is presented in a 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. I knew Warner Bros. would issue a good looking edition of this film, but I was blown away by the visual impact of this release. I saw no evidence of compression flaws, while source print is clean and much sharper than previous editions of this movie. The film’s bold colors come off very well here, the hues are vivid and never bleed or smear at all. I also noticed no problems with the flesh tones, which appear warm and natural as well. Also in fine form is the contrast, which displays solid detail and well balanced black levels. This was made in 1960, but this transfer makes it seem like a new release and fans will be very pleased.
Audio: How does it sound?
This disc sports a new Dolby Digital 5.1 mix, which brings the film’s audio to life and really enhances the experience. The surrounds see some use, but the front channels handle most of the audio and that ensures the mix seems natural. I was worried this track would try to get blood from a stone, but it never pushes the surrounds too much. The overall audio is terrific and though not too powerful, it is very effective and that’s what counts. The music sounds great, sound effects are rich & distinct, and the dialogue comes across in crisp and clean form. This disc also includes a mono track in French, as well as subtitles in English & French.
Supplements: What are the extras?
I am a little miffed here, as the case lists an isolated musical score, but the disc doesn’t have that feature. I know mistakes happen, but I hope Warner Bros. watches things a little more closely in the future. I was pleased with the documentary found on this disc though, which runs about fifty minutes and is loaded with information on the production. The piece is filled with interviews, the idea of time travel, as well as peeks into the special effects processes the film uses. A nice addition to be sure, one that fans of the movie will cherish. The disc also houses the film’s theatrical trailer and some talent files.
