Plot: What’s it about?
In 1936, a massive global conflict erupts and it lasts for decades upon decades, leaving countless millions dead in the wake. After thirty years of battles and most of the population wiped out, the world looks nothing like a civilized domain. No more shops, factories, or schools exist, as humans have reverted to more primitive means to survive. As if the widespread death from the war wasn’t enough, a horrendous plague soon strikes what few survivors still walk the lands, leaving even fewer of them behind. So with minimal humans still alive and those few in danger of passing on, a strange spaceship lands and out comes the pilot, who talks about rebuilding the world. It seems he is part of a special unit that surveys the planets and finds those in need, then helps to bring things back to a more modern, civilized form. After some hard work and many years, the civilization is back in fine form and the humans now live in complex, underground cities. On the eve of their first mission to the moon, a rebellion against progress gains steam and soon enough, things turn violent once again…
I do like older science-fiction flicks, so I was pleased when Image announced the release of Things To Come. Made in 1936, this film is a real epic of the time and boasts some stupendous set pieces and production design. I admit the costumes seem a little cliche now, but at the time, I assume they were impressive and you can tell some time was taken with them. I was blown away by the visuals of Things To Come back when I first saw the film and here, I was once again taken in by the superb production design present. The sets and special effects are stunning given the film’s age and I think all fans of sci/fi should watch this classic genre piece. The message can be on the heavy handed side and the acting is wooden, but this is still a wonderful example of classic science-fiction and even after all these years, manages to impress the viewers. I give this film a high recommendation to fan of sci/fi, but even casual cinema lovers should give this a spin, if just to take in the lush production design.
This film was based on the novel The Shape of Things To Come, which was written by H.G. Wells. Fans of that book will be pleased to learn that Wells also penned the screenplay used, which ensured the movie would be on the same path as his own visions. One of the greatest science-fiction writers of all time, Wells painted a bold future with his words and in the end, a lot of his visions turned out close to the mark. I imagine this might have been a little different without Wells behind the screenplay, so I am very glad he was involved in that aspect, as he was the best man for the position. Other Wells based films include The Time Machine, The War of The Worlds, The Invisible Man, The Island of Dr. Moreau, and Empire of the Ants. The cast of Things To Come includes Raymond Massey (Arsenic and Old Lace, East of Eden), Margaretta Scott (The Constant Nymph, Idol of Paris), Edward Chapman (X The Unknown, Gone to Earth), Cedric Hardwicke (The Ten Commandments, Salome), and Ralph Richardson (Doctor Zhivago, Rollerball).
Video: How does it look?
Things To Come is presented in a full frame transfer, which is the film’s intended aspect ratio. This film was made in 1936 and shows signs of age, but this treatment is a good one, I think. The print used has frequent debris, damage, and grain, but never to the extent that the film is marred, although it can be distracting at times. Some scenes look better than others, but in the end, I think this is a more than decent looking presentation. The contrast seems solid also, with well balanced black levels and a good level of detail at all times. No one will mistake this for a brand new flick, but I feel this transfer is good and allows the black & white visuals to come through in fine form.
Audio: How does it sound?
Not a lot to talk about here, as the included mono track works well, but never offers much more than the basics. But in all fairness, I don’t think the material would benefit much from a new mix, aside from a richer musical score perhaps. I heard a few small instances of distortion, but not much and I think the track is clean, with minimal age related problems. The music and sound effects are as good as you could ask for, while the dialogue is clear and distinct at all times. In other words, don’t use this disc to showcase your new speakers, but as far as this material goes, I think the track is adequate.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes the film’s theatrical trailer.
