H.G. Wells’ Things to Come (1936) Criterion Collection Blu-ray Review
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ส.ค. 2024
- #thingstocome #criterioncollection #bluray
I review the incredibly important THINGS TO COME, which remains one of the greatest science fiction films ever made. Criterion’s release is from the most recent reconstruction master from ITV. This is the best way to see the film which has been subject to countless horrible versions and shorter edits for its entire history.
Criterion loaded this release with incredible mist watch supplements and it is one of their finest Blu-ray releases ever. The film is notoriously precut due to H.G. Wells being given full control but it is a film everyone should see at least once simply for its influence, its incredible visuals and for being the one large scale sci-fi film after Metropolis.
00:00 Film Discussion
20:31 Picture Quality
26:30 Audio Quality
28:01 Packaging and Artwork
29:26 Supplemental Features
36:38 Summary - ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน
It's definitely not for everyone, it's slow and more of a rambling "visionary" piece than an actual story, but I do like the design of the picture. I agree about the first section having the most real drama. I remember the second section feeling like it dragged on in parts. I guess I need to rewatch it someday.
I'll probably revisit it again at some point also...in the future...;)
It is a very hard sell and a bit of a definite slog storywise. After thinking about it for a long while I'd say: had Wells acknowledged that it was necessary to have a film narrative the best course of action would've been to expand the middle section as the bulk of the film and make the conflict between Massey and Richardson's characters the main plot. The opening section would remain as the film's setup and then after the finale of the 1967 Everytown we could have a sort of postscript final section with a more accelerated final act in the last future which could've been more fleshed out to make the issues obvious and understandable.
@@DamnFoolIdealisticCrusader This is a great reply/concept for a better story and edit of the film. I really enjoyed your video. Thank you.
The tunnel ( 1935 ) was also ahead of it's time, only saw that movie recently.
This was was great Spencer. I had wondered what the Criterion release was like. I have the Netwerk release and now will eventually get the Criterion. I love this film. Thanks.
Thank you! They each have the same master but the Criterion extras are really worthwhile so it's definitely a case where if you're a fan it's good to have both versions for their exclusive extras.
The Ralph Richardson character “The Chief” might have been inspiration for The Blue Meanies in “Yellow Submarine.”
I like the film. Another H.G. Wells film (that I find to be a lot better) is: “The Man Who Could Work Miracles” In desperate need of a Blu-Ray restoration. PS: as always, a fantastic review - Thanks
Man Who Could Work Miracles is a bit of a corker - thanks to a splendid performance from Roland Young!
Thank You.
Oh and btw, your comment about the Ralph Richardson section being like a 1930s Mad Max makes me desperately want a 1930s Mad Max now lol.
As soon as I said it I had the exact same thought: why isn't that a thing somehow?
First time I saw it as a kid, I hated it, Saw it in my teen years, on TV again, not a fan. I was a strong SF fan growing up, in books and movies, I got the chance in my early twenties to see it in a theater. It was a revelation , The story moved over the decades. Loved the drama, that is how it was envisioned back then, and if you could just absorb the sights and sounds presented. you would be entranced. I was very moved by it. By saying it should be viewed on a large screen or it looses its scope. and the scope is what holds it together. The ending was the most stirring in Sci Fi filmdom. "For Man, no rest and no ending.." seconded only by the Incredible Shrinking Man. final speech. Things to Come was beautifully acted in a theatrical style, Wings over the World was awesome.
The experience factor is definitely one that makes the film work. Seeing the horrid cut down versions on TV or crappy public domain video versions did not convey at all what the film was.
It's almost yet another sort of shared connection with 2001 in that sense.
Weirdly enough, I liked this movie a lot more on a second viewing, I guess because I knew what to expect. This allowed me to better appreciate the beautiful set design and sheer ambition of the entire production. Also, I agree the super-advanced society at the end is pretty creepy and dystopian, though from what I recall, they at least permit freedom of speech.
Agreed that it's very much better on repeat viewings and especially not in the cutdown horrid looking editions of the past. The first time I saw it the quality was horrendous and it was a significantly shorter version. Kid me was very confused and left sitting there scratching my head.
In making screencaps it took me ages because I sat there marveling at every single camera setup. In some areas it looks like Menzies was even touching on deep focus photography or at least trying to with lenses and film stock of the time.
I'm told actors George Sanders and Terry-Thomas appear in the film in small non-speaking roles as a pilot and a 21 century citizen. I've yet to identity them. Perhaps they are in the missing footage.
I hadn’t heard that, but it wouldn’t surprise me. I’m sure a lot of future stars appeared somewhere in this film. It would likely be in some of the cut footage.
No spoilers in your video, I hope?
The preachiness takes a distant backseat to the stunning visuals of this amazing film.
It is acquired taste for sure. It does look a bit ragged in places, but who knows if a complete print will be found under a rapidly filling ashtray in a seedy bar in Europe. 😂
It certainly would be something to see, but from the surviving stills and indications the original cut was even more of a drag to get through. Though I do regret it not having the other actors reappear as their descendants in the final act which was originally in the premiere version.
Looks interesting! What do you think about First Men In The Moon from 1964? A decent Welles adaptation? I recently picked up the Widescreen LD (in mint condition) but haven't watched it yet. Such a cool jacket😍
What type source(s) were used that retained the hairs as "burned in"?
This commentator is very repetitive and goes on and on about Wells philosophising and becomes much more tedious than anything in this splendid film.