A good take on science fiction, this movie updates the science of H.G. Wells and generates a lot of suspense at the same time. I especially like the inclusion of the world view, the view of individual characters, and the semi-documentary style all...
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A good take on science fiction, this movie updates the science of H.G. Wells and generates a lot of suspense at the same time. I especially like the inclusion of the world view, the view of individual characters, and the semi-documentary style all woven together. The design of the Martian spacecraft are very effective, diabolical floating wings with "heads" articulated on flexible stalks.

The George Pal special effects are typical - some good and some bad. Some miniatures work, others lack convincing detail. He seems especially fond of soundstages and matte paintings with somber grey clouds, contrasted with bright lighting effects. It doesn't always look realistic.

Still, the best "monster" movies are often those with beings who don't seem to care to even communicate, and this movie brings that theme home.

I usually watch this film once a year and have tried to collect all the other films based upon H G Wells' novel. No other remake has come close to matching this one. There is only one other medium that has surpassed this and that was Orson...
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I usually watch this film once a year and have tried to collect all the other films based upon H G Wells' novel. No other remake has come close to matching this one. There is only one other medium that has surpassed this and that was Orson Wells' Mercury Theater Halloween production! This film and the Tom Cruse remake is a great study in the culture--that's about the only thing I can say about the remake!