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Journey to the Center of the Earth | Year: 1959 Directed: - Henry Levin Actors/Actresses: - Pat Boone - James Mason - Arlene Dahl - Thayer David - Alan Napier Good movie, bad DVD Those who know and love this movie, beware: The film was remastered from black-and-white stock and then colorized. Looks like all cheap, colorized movies. Read the notes carefully. Not that you should have to. The so-called "restoration comparison" is dishonest. It shows old stock against remastered (true color) version from the '90's. NOT from this release. Finally, the soundtrack is not in synch with the actors' lips. Looks like it was dubbed, which it wasn't. Bottom line: Major disappointment. Dolby Surround-Sound Magic A 19th century French businessman, Jules Verne decided rather late in life to give up the stock market and write children's fantasy novels. I'm so glad he did. The movie version of his "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea", in 1954, set off an explosion of major Jules Verne film adaptions(over 12 movies in 10 years). One of the finest was "Journey to the Center of the Earth". As the story opens, an Edinburgh professor receives a gift; a meteorite fragment from his student. Intuition fires Prof. Lindenbrook's imagination: Could an historic scientific message be hidden inside? After testing, the rock explodes. Lindenbrook assembles an expedition to follow an explorer's trail down into an extinct Icelandic volcano. Enemies surround him. Mysterious creatures are everywhere. For Prof. Lindenbrook and his party, a fantastic adventure is about to begin. "Journey to the Center of the Earth" stars Pat Boone, Arlene Dahl, Thayer David, Alan Napier, and the magnificent James Mason. But the real "star" is composer Bernard Herrmann, who's thundering, booming film score is nothing short of classic(and actually, only one of many). Director Henry Levin fashioned a lively, colorful saga in 1959's "Journey to the Center of the Earth". Extensive shooting in Hollywood, Scotland, and Carlsbad Caverns produced sweeping set-pieces of subterranean caverns, a giant mushroom forest, and even the lost temples of Atlantis. Special effects include miniature constructions, matte painting, and more. Sadly, the film's main draw-back is a horde of painted lizard "dinosaurs" thrown at the camera in the exciting finale. This brand new widescreen anamorphic (2.35:1) DVD is an excellent transfer. Fox found the original 1959 camera negative worn and faded. A search for viable film elements led to a black-and-white silver print; from this came a 35mm interpositive. Finally came digital restoration and video enhancement. DVD extras include 40 chapter stops, 8 trailers, and a conclusive restoration documentary. Famous and wealthy in his time, Jules Verne predicted the future use of submarines, space-travel, and crustaceous exploration. Over 80 motion picture and TV productions around the world have heralded his work. The first science-fiction movie was made in 1902 by George Melies. And yes, you're right. It was written by Jules Verne. Saknussem Trail This is the best exploration adventure movie I have ever seen. It is so well grounded in science it makes you think you could find this cave yourself and follow their path. The acting is top notch with James Mason, Pat Boone, Arlene Dahl,Thayer David, and Peter Ronson. Bernard Herrman's score is magnificent adding elements of mystery, danger, and exhilaration. The dinosaurs with recent skeleton discoveries are well done especially considering it was made over forty years ago. You will be drawn in as Profesor Lindenbrook (James Mason) finds a clue in a lava rock that leads them to Iceland and an ancient trail to the center of the Earth. Incredible sets along with the outstanding cast, music, and direction make this a must see. I have contacted Touchstone about bringing this out on DVD and I hope you will as well. This is a classic adventure that needs to be on DVD. If you do a search on this title under DVD you will see a different version made in 1999 with Treat Williams and Bryan Brown. Don't waste your time with it unless you are really hurting for some mediocre SciFi. I have seen it a couple times and I always think the same thing. Top Adventure Gets Grade A DVD Treatment The movie is beautifully restored for DVD. The film is crisp and clear the sound is great. The movie looks like it was just filmed yesterday. The story itself is an excelent adventure yarn. At every moment something new happens. There is a fantasitc music score by Bernard Hermann and enough drama, innuendo, and humor to keep even adults very interested and entertained. Yes there are some very hokey and even campy moments but I found these to only add to the entertainment. Everyone gives a very very good perfomance including even Pat Boone and of course the always excelent James Mason. Although not all the sets and special effect hold up by todays standards they are all fun. That said many of sets and special effects are still stunning. For anyone who grew up loving this film - it is well worth seeing again and even owning. Even more highly recommended for families with kids. Journey stands along side of other adventure films of its time including Swiss Family Robinson and 20,000 Leages Under the Sea. By the way the price for owning a DVD of this quality - under twelve dollars - for this movie - makes it a steal!! A note - A number of reveiwers feel the giant lizard monsters are not credible and hurt the film. Personaly I loved these monsters. First of all they are real! Not a guy in a lizard suit and not animation - I feel the effect to be very good - especially for the time.I was amazed as to how well these scenes are matted in and how big and dangerous these guys look. The giant reptile acting? - how did they get these heavy looking kick-but lizards to attack and run around? Plus the monsters get a special scarey Bernard Herrmann music too - via some sort sort of wierd horn. The Ocean at the center of the world protected by monsters on it's sandy beaches? I loved it - Sounds crazy but I feel it works with and has atmoshere to burn. Buy Journey To The Center Of The Earth at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on Journey To The Center Of The Earth Search with the Priority Search Engine on Journey To The Center Of The Earth This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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