War of the Worlds DVD Review

"WAR OF THE WORLDS" reviews

DVD

WAR OF THE WORLDS

Author

anonymous

Date reviewed

2005-11-11 16:33:25

Provider

DVD Review

In Spielberg's version of the HG Wells classic alien invasion story Tom Cruise plays Ray Ferrier, a divorced dockworker and flawed dad. Following a seriously strange storm, bolts of lightning hit an intersection near his home, short-circuiting the electrics. Moments later a giant three-legged machine emerges from beneath the street and the first strike in a devastating alien attack on Earth begins.

Anyone fearful War Of The Worlds would be another Independence Day-style disaster/war movie should be reassured Spielberg hasn't misplaced his heart. So rather than panoramic shots of New York or Washington burning to the ground, and crackling news reports from fleeing journalists, the story is told from a suburban point-of-view. The great director appears unnecessarily seduced by new technology, but to Cruise's credit, all the special effects don't detract too much from the star and even his most ardent haters will have to hold their hands up and admit the guy puts in a great performance as the frightened father hitting responsibility squarely in the face.

As you'd expect, there are plenty of extras here including: Intro by Steven Spielberg; Portrait of HG Wells by his grandson and great-grandson; A look back at the original George Pal classic featuring all-new interviews with original cast members Gene Barry and Ann Robinson; The Family Unit Of War Of The Worlds; Discussions with Steven Spielberg and his collaborators on the designs of the Tripods and the aliens of War of the Worlds and more, so much more.