Plot: What’s it about?
The threat of an attack has loomed between the two nations for some time, but even so, it came as a shock when Russia launched an assault on American shores. Just moments before the first wave arrived, Mr. Ohman (Dan O’Herlihy) had been engaged in a discussion with some bar patrons on how communism should be stopped. Then just moments later, a Red Alert was sounded and the men found themselves rushing to various points, to do their part to hold down the fort and maintain a sense of law & order. The men in the bar came from all kinds of backgrounds, from a farmer to a newscaster to a congressman, but once the first signs of the Russian invasion were evident, they all become soldiers. The Russian assault is a powerful one too, with paratroopers dropping in all over the place and more importantly, A-bombs have been used to knock out some runways and cripple transportation. As cities are bombarded, buildings fall into rubble, and countless lives are snuffed out in an instant, the men have to wonder if they can withstand, as well as question if they’ve been dedicated enough to prepare for this attack…
Perhaps the best atomic themed communist scare picture of all time, Invasion U.S.A. has landed on DVD at last, thanks to Synapse Films. Of course, we watch these movies with a different perspective in modern times, as we’re well aware of the propaganda they served as, but even so, I do love a good atomic scare picture. And this is a gem without question, with the stereotypical characters, large amounts of stock footage, and common sense breakdowns, all elements needed to put together a good atomic age thriller. But in truth, the stock footage is used very well, thanks to some nice plot twists that justify the clips, such as news that Russian soldiers had donned American uniforms. The assorted special effects don’t impress much, but the models and such do offer additional laughs, which is always good. I find the dialogue in Invasion U.S.A. to be memorable also, but not so much because it is good, but rather because it is so humorous, some of these quotes are sure to be repeated after you watch, without a doubt. I recommend this film to anyone with even a casual interest in atomic themed cinema and since Synapse has issued this terrific Atomic Special Edition, a purchase is more than justified.
Video: How does it look?
Invasion U.S.A. is presented in a windowboxed transfer, to ensure that more of the image is exposed in the process. I had some doubts about how this film would look, but Synapse has done some excellent work here and given us a terrific looking treatment. The print used has some flaws, but most are minor and never get in the way, but the real story is how crisp & sharp the image is, well beyond all of my expectations. I found detail to be high and the image is never soft, which is quite impressive, given the material involved. The black levels are refined and provide excellent contrast balance, so the visuals always come through in superb form here. The various stock footage scenes aren’t quite as good, but they blend in well enough, I think. I commend Synapse for their work on this title, as it seems they managed to find some top notch source material, then provide it a wonderful transfer to DVD.
Audio: How does it sound?
Although not as impressive as the visual treatment, the included mono audio option was more than solid, I thought. The amount of hiss, crackles, and harshness was low and even though I expected the material to have serious age related problems, the materials sounded stable and clear throughout. The music sounds good, the atomic sound effects come through in fine form, and dialogue is always clean and easy to understand. Not much else we can ask for here, a solid and always acceptable audio presentation.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Instead of an audio commentary track, we’re given two audio presentations from the Civil Defense Department archives. These humorous pieces are titled The Complacent Americans & If the Bomb Falls, guides of sorts as to how normal citizens can deal with the atomic threat and survive should the bomb be loosed. I think fans of nuclear scare materials will love these recordings, so I am pleased Synapse has included them on this release. The infamous Red Nightmare short film is also found here, in which Jack Webb takes on a tour of what the communists have in store for Americans, with campish, hilarious results. This disc also includes new interviews with three of the film’s stars, a selection of the top 100 atomic films ever made (with a synopsis & still photo for each), and the film’s theatrical trailer.
