The Day the Earth Stood Still is one of my favorite films and, while I’m not overly thrilled that there is a remake coming out, they do say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. That and a two-disc special edition DVD set. 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment already released this film on DVD back in 2003, so enough time has passed to make this worth picking up. You can also do what I’m planning on doing and re-gift the original edition to someone you know will enjoy the film, but doesn’t necessarily care about the extras. And in order to help you feel ok about dipping into the pool twice,let’s take a look at this new set.

The Film
What can really be said about this film that hasn’t been talked about ad infinitum already? Released in 1951 it’s many pop culture gifts include giving us Gort, “Klaatu barada nikto!” and the introduction of the theremin as a staple of science-fiction film and television scores. Presented here, the film looks the best it’s looked since probably its initial release. I’m not really sure if a new transfer has been used or if the manufacturing technology has just improved over the years, but it does look better than the first release on my HD TV. Details are sharp with no noticeable artifacting. The only blemishes are in the way some scenes were originally captured on film.

The Extras
Repeated in this release are the 70-minute documentary making-of feature and the set of 1951 newsreels. I loved both of these on the previous set so, since I plan to give that first one away, I’m glad they’re included here. Brand new to this set are a whole bevy of featurettes that cover every aspect of this film in detail. They are too numerous to get into (check the specs below), but the highlights are an isolated film score track, a new group commentary and The Mysterious, Melodious Theremin. The latter makes me want to own a theremin, seriously. All in all, the extras really are added value and make it worth buying this film again.

As not only one of the greatest science-fiction films ever, but also on the American Film Institute’s list of 100 greatest films, and backed by an impressive array of extras, this set deserves a spot in your DVD collection. Pick it up now at your favorite DVD retailer (and be sure to support your local shop).

Product Details

Disc One

• Commentary by Director Robert Wise and Nicholas Meyer (Director, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan)
• All-New Commentary by Film & Music Historians John Morgan, Steven Smith, William Stromberg and Nick Redman
• Isolated Score Track
• All-New Featurettes: The Mysterious, Melodious Theremin; Main Title Live Performance by Peter Pringle & The Making of The Day the Earth Stood Still
• Farewell to the Master: A Reading by Jamieson K. Price of the Original Harry Bates Short Story
• Fox Movietonews (1951)
• Trailers

Disc Two

• All-New Featurettes: Decoding “Klaatu Barada Nikto”: Science Fiction as Metaphor; A Brief History of Flying Saucers; The Astounding Harry Bates & Edmund North: The Man Who Made the Earth Stand Still
• Race to Oblivion Documentary Short
• Interactive Pressbook and Still Galleries