FORBIDDEN PLANET [1956 / 2013] [Limited Edition SteelBook] [Blu-ray] [UK Release] Fabulous and Mysterious Adventures Await You – Beyond the Stars – in the year 2200!
‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ is the granddaddy of tomorrow, a pioneering work whose ideas and style would be reverse engineered into many cinematic space voyages to come. Leslie Nielsen portrays Commander John J. Adams who brings his space cruiser crew to the green-skied Altair-4, home to Dr. Edward Morbius [Walter Pidgeon], his daughter Altaira "Alta" Morbius [Anne Francis], and the dutiful robot named Robby, the Robot that speaks 187 other languages, along with other varies languages and sub-tongues . . . and to a mysterious terror. An underground lair provides astonishing evidence of a populace a million years more advanced than Earthlings. There are many wonders on Altair-4, but none is greater or more deadly than the human mind. Featuring sets of extraordinary scale and the first all-electronic musical soundscape in film history. ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ is in movie orbit all its own. Narrated by Les Tremayne (uncredited).
FILM FACT No.1: Awards and Nominations: 1957 Academy Awards®: Nominated: Best Effects and Special Effects for A. Arnold Gillespie, Irving G. Ries and Wesley C. Miller. 2013 National Film Preservation Board, USA: Win: National Film Registry for the film ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET.’
FILM FACT No.2: At a cost of roughly $125,000, Robby the Robot was very expensive for a single film prop at this time. The animated sequences of ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET,’ especially the attack of the "ID Monster," were created by the veteran studio animator Joshua Lawrence Meador, who was loaned out to M-G-M by Walt Disney Pictures. The film was entered into the Library of Congress' National Film Registry in 2013, being deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” Tony Magistrale describes it as one of the best examples of early techno-horror.
Cast: Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis, Leslie Nielsen, Warren Stevens, Jack Kelly, Richard Anderson, Earl Holliman, George Wallace, Robert Dix, Jimmy Thompson, James Drury, Harry Harvey, Jr., Roger McGee, Peter Miller, Morgan Jones, Richard Grant, Robby, the Robot, James Best (uncredited), William Boyett (uncredited), Frankie Darro (Robby, the Robot (uncredited), Marvin Miller (voice of Robby, the Robot) (uncredited) and Les Tremayne (Narrators voice) (uncredited)
Director: Fred McLeod Wilcox
Producer: Nicholas Nayfack
Screenplay: Cyril Hume (screenplay), Allen Adler (based on a story), Irving Block (based on a story) and William Shakespeare (play) (uncredited)
Electronic Tonalities: Bebe Barron and Louis Barron
Cinematography: George Joseph Folsey, A.S.C. (Director of Photography)
Image Resolution: 1080p (Eastman Color)
Aspect Ratio: 2.55:1 (CinemaScope)
Audio: English: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
French: 1.0 Dolby Digital Mono Audio
German: 1.0 Dolby Digital Mono Audio
Spanish [Castilian]: 1.0 Dolby Digital Mono Audio
Spanish: 1.0 Dolby Digital Mono Audio
Português [Brazil]: 1.0 Dolby Digital Mono Audio
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English SDH, French, German SDH, Spanish [Castilian], Spanish, Português and Norwegian
Running Time: 98 minutes
Region: All Regions
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer / Warner Home Video
Andrew's Blu-ray Review: ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ [1956] is one of those rare science fiction films that are admired even by filmgoers who don't usually enjoy that sort of Sci-Fi genre. Though originally intended for younger audiences, Forbidden Planet draws on real sci-fi ideas and boasts a ground-breaking electronic music score that gives it unexpected substance. In fact, the basic storyline is based on Shakespeare's "The Tempest" but it's a free adaptation and if you recognise the source fine, but it's not essential to your enjoyment of the film.
The basic premise of ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ would serve as the blueprint for a slew of sci-fi films and TV shows in its wake such as the television series, Star Trek. The film opens with the approach of Cruiser C-57D toward Altira IV, a planet with a strange history. It seems an exploration ship vanished there twenty years earlier. The cruiser's crew Commander John J. Adams [Leslie Nielsen] discovers that only two people are the only survivors left from the previous expedition: the scientist Dr. Edward Morbius [Walter Pidgeon] and his beautiful daughter Altaira "Alta" Morbius [Anne Francis]. These two have built a home above the remains of an ancient civilization and one of the benefits of which are their servant Robby the Robot [Frankie Darro]. However, Dr. Edward Morbius surprisingly refuses to return to Earth, a decision that becomes all the more mysterious when an invisible force attacks the ship.
‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ was initially conceived as a much different and decidedly cheaper film. The producer/writer/special effects team of Allen Adler and Irving Block ran a popular optical effects company, working on numerous schlock films but also classics like ‘The Night of the Hunter’ [1955]. They came up with the idea for something called “Fatal Planet” as a potential project for one of the B-movie studios. Instead they pitched it to the high-rollers at M-G-M, a process that required the duo to act out the story, including an impersonation of the invisible monster, for the benefit of the investors. To everybody's surprise, the M-G-M studio decided to make this their first science fiction film with a budget at $1 million, later expanding it to almost double that amount.
For the script they enlisted novelist Cyril Hume, a descendant of philosopher David Hume whose main claim to film was writing screenplays for the popular Tarzan series, he also worked on the first version of ‘Ransom’ [1956] and Nicholas Ray's classic melodrama, ‘Bigger Than Life’ [1956]. Luckily, David Hume's script for ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ brings unusual depth to what might have been yet another tacky science fiction film. It also has its down side: M-G-M insisted David Hume added several "humorous" scenes revolving around the ship's cook, Cookie [Earl Holliman]. Interestingly enough, a scene where Cookie’s constant comments about the scarcity of women on the planet are answered by Robby, the Robot bringing him a female chimp that was never filmed.
‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ was made inside M-G-M studios (except for a handful of shots) and used a 10,000 foot circular painting as a backdrop. One oddity about ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ is that the film we see today is more or less an unfinished rough cut. What happened is that experimental composers Louis and Bebe Barron had been asked to supply the music for the film. They'd previously only scored a few avant-garde shorts. It would turn out to be a landmark score, utilising only generated sounds, and no conventional instruments like violins or pianos, and paved the way for both new forms of film scoring and for a more open approach to music. But the studio was a bit uneasy about the eerie score so they arranged a sneak preview to see how audiences would react. The response was so positive that M-G-M decided to release the film as it was, not even letting the editor tighten up the pacing or rework some rough patches.
Robby, the Robot was such a hit that he was used again the following year for ‘The Invisible Boy’ [1957] but then vanished from the screen until a cameo in the 1984 film ‘Gremlins,’ where he reuses some dialogue from ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET.’ The 6 foot and 11 inches creation required a person inside to man the controls as well as some outside electronic manipulation, none of which kept Robby, the Robot from occasionally toppling over and one popular rumour reported that Robby, the Robot was a drunk. Robby, the Robot's voice was supplied by Marvin Miller who did vocal chores on projects ranging from ‘MASH’ to ‘Electra Woman’ and ‘Dyna Girl’ though he also did acting in front of the camera, and he was the guy giving out checks on the TV show “The Millionaire.” Marvin Miller even won two Grammies for audio versions of Dr. Seuss stories.
The mysterious marauding monster named the “ID Monster” was the creation of one of Walt Disney animators named Bob Trochim and was unusual in that no animation cells were used and the drawings were photographed on high-contrast motion picture film in reverse so that the black lines against white paper would come out as white lines against a black background, which was superimposed over the live action of the film, and one of the few times they have ever worked on an outside film. But it's the unique look of the surreal landscapes of Altira IV to the detailed spaceship to the design of the strange underground civilization that earned the film an Academy Award® nomination for Best Special Effects.
If you are a hard-core ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ fan like me, here are some more fun trivia facts. For example, actor Harry Harvey Jr., who plays Randall in the film, has also appeared in exploitation film classics and ended his career with an uncredited role as a slave in ‘Spartacus’ [1960]. James Drury and future star of the TV series, “The Virginian” [1962] and James Best ‘Shock Corridor’ [1963] also turn up in supporting roles. Also, you might notice a sudden jump in a scene toward the end of the film that looks like something was cut, but it was by TCM, as the filmmakers wanted to speed things up and just clipped out a few seconds thinking nobody would ever care or notice.
To sum up about this brilliant classic sci-fi film, jaded viewers with distaste for classic sci-fi cinema will find plenty to sneer at what is a widely influential sci-fi film, but it's their loss.
‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ is a great crowd-pleaser that’s quite a bit more intelligent than it lets on at first glance, and even though this is a film shoed in cinemas in its fiftieth anniversary several years ago, the scale of its ambition and unparalleled craftsmanship never cease to fascinate me and all fans of this creative sci-fi film. ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ remains one of the most startlingly imaginative and visually entrancing science fiction films ever produced. This is a seminal work of sci-fi cinema, and it’s greatly appreciated to see that Warner Bros. has lavished the film with the treatment on Blu-ray that it so richly deserves very high praise indeed!
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Blu-ray Image Quality – Warner Home Video does right by ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ gracing the film with a strong, sometimes breath-taking, and has a filmic beautiful 1080p image that they say was Technicolor, but was actually Eastman Color and a very impressive awesome 2.55:1 (CinemaScope) aspect ratio that really enhances what you view. From even the opening title sequence, the film's signature yellow and rounded credits that viewers will be very impressed with the quality of the image. The text is crisp, sharp, and wonderfully coloured, setting a fantastic tone and raising expectations that are at least met and sometimes surpassed throughout the remainder of the film. Although some white speckles and a few stray vertical lines appear intermittently throughout the film, and Warner Home Video Blu-ray delivers the goods, and retains a nicely-preserved layer of grain that lends to the picture a handsome film-like texture. Fine detailing is marvellous, whether both the metallic body and the intricate little nuances that make up Robby, the Robot, the rocky terrains of Altair, the crew's uniforms, or even the nicely-detailed matte paintings that look great and never stand out as too terribly obvious. Colours are stable and honest, with no hue appearing under saturated or over-boosted. The clarity of the 1080p transfer even reveals a few obvious wire effects throughout the film. Of all the films in Warner Home Video's catalogue, ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ is one that demands the finest visual presentation possible, and the studio has certainly done right by this important sci-fi film classic. This definitely gets a five star rating from me.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track sounds surprisingly defect free in contrast to the image. Bebe Barron and Louis Barron’s electronic tonalities are totally outstanding. They’re the most prevalent element within the surrounds, sounding eerie and otherworldly, seemingly throughout the film. Otherwise, there’s mild to faint ambiance, particularly creating echo in some of the Krells’ cavernous rooms. The dynamics are not consistent, as Walter Pidgeon’s voice frequently sounds flat. Most of the dialogue is clear as it plays out with the front and centre speakers, except one scene when Dr. Edward Morbius is playing the Krell music, which momentarily plays louder than his dialogue, though I wasn’t clear if it was intentional. Surrounds are hardly, if ever used, but the front half of the soundstage easily delivers every aspect of the picture's unique special effects and score, and the laser blasts. The audio track also features superior spacing as compared to the included mono soundtracks; music enjoys greater clarity as it flows about the front, and while discrete directional effects are limited, the centre channel provides enough oomph to handle most all of the action you get to view. Last but not least, dialogue is consistently sharp, focused, and easily discernible as it emanates from the centre speaker. ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ sounds as it should, very satisfyingly clean and crisp but not destroyed by some phony remix. Fans of this classic sci-fi film should be more than satisfied with the results. This again definitely gets a five star rating from me.
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Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Special Feature: TCM Original Documentary: Come Watch the Skies!: Science Fiction, the 1950s and Us [2005] [1080p] [1.37:1] [53:31] They Warn us that it is TOP SECURITY!; IT’S COMING!; TERROR! HORROR! EXCITEMENT! MYSTERY!; IT’S COMING RIGHT AT YOU!; The Screen Has NEVER Conceived A Creature Like This!; NOW For The BIGGEST SHOCK OF A LIFETIME . . .! WATCH THE SKIES! Narrated by Mark Hamill, and this just under an hour long documentary from Turner Classic Movies features some people like Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, James Cameron and Ridley Scott excitedly discussing their favourite '50s sci-fi film and how these films were such a reflection of their times. ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ is not surprisingly lavished with quite a bit of attention, and among the other films they touch on are ‘Destination Moon,’ ‘The Incredible Shrinking Man,’ ‘THEM!,’ ‘Rocketship X-M,’ ‘The Monolith Monsters,’ ‘Invaders from Mars,’ ‘The Day the Earth Stood Still,’ ‘The Space Children' and ‘War of the Worlds.’ Contributors include: Mark Hamill [Narrator], Steven Spielberg [Director], George Lucas [Director], Ridley Scott [Director], James Cameron [Director], Edmund Gwenn [Dr. Harold Medford] (archive footage), Lou Costello [Orville] (archive footage), Walter Pidgeon [Dr. Edward Morbius] (archive footage), Anne Francis [Altaira "Alta" Morbius] (archive footage), James Arness [Robert Graham in ‘THEM’] (archive footage), Michael Rennie [Klaatu] (archive footage), Warner Anderson [Dr. Charles Cargraves] (archive footage) (uncredited), Morris Ankrum [Dr. Ralph Fleming] (archive footage) (uncredited), Raymond Bailey [Dr. Wahrman] (archive footage) (uncredited), Gene Barry [Dr. Clayton Forrester] (archive footage) (uncredited), Noah Beery Jr. [Major William Corrigan] (archive footage) (uncredited), Lloyd Bridges [Colonel Floyd Graham] (archive footage) (uncredited), Edward Colmans [Spanish Priest] (archive footage) (uncredited), Frank Conroy [Mr. Harley] (archive footage) (uncredited), Robert Cornthwaite [Dr. Carrington] (archive footage) (uncredited), Sandy Descher [Eadie Johnson in ‘Space Children’] (archive footage) (uncredited), Kirk Douglas [Jonathan Shields] (archive footage) (uncredited), Leif Erickson [George MacLean] (archive footage) (uncredited), Arthur Franz [Dr. Jim Baker] (archive footage) (uncredited), Bert Freed [A.C. Barrows] (archive footage) (uncredited), Ned Glass [Wardrobe Man] (archive footage) (uncredited), Billy Gray [Bobby Benson] (archive footage) (uncredited), Jimmy Hunt [David MacLean] (archive footage) (uncredited), Virginia Huston [Carol Stafford] (archive footage) (uncredited), Sam Jaffe [Professor Jacob Barnhardt] (archive footage) (uncredited), Jack Kelly [Lt. Jerry Farman] (archive footage) (uncredited), Harry Lauter [Platoon Leader] (archive footage) (uncredited), Lock Martin [Gort] (archive footage) (uncredited), Osa Massen [Dr. Lisa Van Horn] (archive footage) (uncredited), Cameron Mitchell [Steve Abbott] (archive footage) (uncredited), Leslie Nielsen [Commander John J. Adams] (archive footage) (uncredited), Ann Robinson [Sylvia Van Buren] (archive footage) (uncredited), William Schallert [Ambulance Attendant] (archive footage) (uncredited), Douglas Spencer [Scotty] (archive footage) (uncredited), Warren Stevens [Lt. “Doc” Ostrow] (archive footage) (uncredited), Randy Stuart [Louise Carey] (archive footage) (uncredited), Barry Sullivan [Fred Amiel] (archive footage) (uncredited), Kenneth Tobey [Capt. Patrick Hendry] (archive footage) (uncredited), Joan Weldon [Dr. Patricia Medford] (archive footage) (uncredited), James Whitmore [Sgt. Ben Peterson] (archive footage) (uncredited), Grant Williams [Scott Carey] (archive footage) (uncredited). Director: Richard Schickel. Producers: Douglas Freeman, Melissa Roller, Richard Schickel and Tom Brown. Screenplay: Richard Schickel. Composer: Casey Cohen. Cinematography: Daryl Studebaker, George Lang and Harris Done.
Special Feature: Amazing! Exploring the Far Reaches of ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ [2006] [1080p] [2.55:1 / 1.78:1] [26:35] This exceptionally well-researched retrospective documentary, presents interviews with much of the surviving cast and crew of the film ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET,’ including stars Anne Francis and Leslie Nielsen, as well as a number of sci-fi historians and some of the seminal film's more famous fans. This aptly-titled documentary offers a very comprehensive look at the production of the film, including glimpses of conceptual art, test footage, early monster designs, and unobscured shots of the cell-free Walt Disney animation. Contributors include: Dennis Muren [Visual Effects Artist], Joe Dante [Director], Leslie Nielsen [Commander John J. Adams], Alan Dean Foster [Science-Fiction Novelist], John Dykstra [Visual Effects Artist], John Carpenter [Director], William Malone Dirextor], Bob Burns [Science Fiction Historian], John Landis [Director], Rudy Behlmer [Film Historian], Geoff D. Elliott [Theater Director], Anne Francis [Altaira "Alta" Morbius], Earl Holliman [Cookie], Bill Warren [Author of Keep Watching The Skies], Robert Kinoshita [Co-designer of Robby, the Robot], Richard Anderson [Chief Engineer Quinn], Warren Stevens [Lt. "Doc" Ostrow], Bebe Barron [Composer of ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’], and Ben Burtt [Sound Designer].
Special Feature: Robby the Robot: Engineering a Sci-Fi Icon [2006] [1080p] [2.55:1 / 1.78:1] [13:45] Here we have several of the same interviewees pop up for a second time around for this special documentary, one of several extras anchored around Robby, the Robot. The documentary notes Robby, the Robot's washing machine-inspired design, the role M-G-M's leather department and former Lockheed machinists played in Robby, the Robot’s creation, a run through of how Robby, the Robot functions by the current owner and the ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ super fan William Malone, as well as the robot's enduring popularity. Contributors include: Joe Dante [Director], Alan Dean Foster [Science Fiction Novelist], Ben Burtt [Sound Engineer], Earl Holliman [Cookie], Rudy Behlmer [Film Historian], Steven Kotler [Author / Science Writer], William Malone [Director], Robert Kinoshita [Co-designer of Robby, the Robot], John Dykstra [Visual Effects Artist], Fred Barton [“Robby, the Robot” Replica Builder], Frankie Darro [Robby, the Robot], Anne Francis [Altaira "Alta" Morbius], John Carpenter [Director] and Professor Maja Mataric [Co-Director of USC Robotics Lab].
Theatrical Trailer [1956] [1080p] [2.55:1] [3:41] This is the Original Theatrical Trailer for the film ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET.’ The trailer informs us – TODAY, man prepares to take his first step outward into space – Tomorrow he will explore the stars. M-G-M’s great technical staff brings you a magnificent picture of that distant tomorrow! Far and away, the most provocative and unusual adventure film you’ve ever seen! Two year in the making in CinemaScope!
Theatrical Trailer [1957] [1080i] [1.37:1] [2:31] This is the Original Theatrical Trailer for the film ‘THE INVISIBLE BOY.’ The trailer informs us – The Science Monster That Would Destroy The World! In A Fantastic War Touched Off By ‘THE INVISIBLE BOY’ Before Your Startled Eyes, Guided Missiles In Action, In The War Of Machines, Against The Men Who Made Them, and Robby, the Robot, in The Sensation of the ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET.’
Special Feature: ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ Deleted Scenes [2006] [480i] [1.37:1] [13:14] The deleted scenes footage we get to view, originates from a ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ “work print” that was used as a reference tool for the film’s composers, editors and effects artists during post-production. Some of these moments were deleted from the film entirely, while other footage presents scenes in their rough stage before the addition of special effects and sound. The first scene we get to view is from the opening of the film ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ and it contains an alternate narration from the final voiceover in the finished film. Then we get to view three scenes that are set aboard the C-57D Spacecruiser as it approaches the planet Altair IV and they contain dialogue that was deleted from the finished film. The next scene we get to view, depicts the C-57D Spacecruiser landing on the planet Altair IV without the addition of the were created by the veteran Disney studio animator Joshua Lawrence Meador’s “pressure beam” special effects. In another scene from the “work print,” Robby, the Robot greets Commander John J. Adams and the C-57D Spacecruiser crew. Note the Robby, the Robot’s temporary audio voice had yet to be dubbed with the actor Marvin Miller’s memorable voice work. In another deleted scene, Robby, the Robot transports the crewmen to the futuristic home of Dr. Edward Morbius. The scene was most likely cut because its overall quality is inconsistent with the rest of the picture. Note that Doc Ostrow is translating Robby, the Robot’s dialogue to Commander John J. Adams; this is because in the original script, Robby, the Robot was to respond using different languages. The shot of Robby, the Robot’s atomic car speeding across the landscape was created with a miniature that was not used in the finished film. The next deleted scene we view is of Dr. Edward Morbius demonstrating his disposable unit prior to the addition of the animated “disintegration beam” special effect. Another deleted scene we get to view contains deleted dialogue in which Doc Ostrow references the myth of the Unicorn to Altaira "Alta" Morbius’s unique relationship with her animal friends. Another deleted scene we get to view is where Commander John J. Adams and Doc Ostrow further discussion about Altaira "Alta" Morbius and possible her friendship with her unique relationship with her animal friends. Another deleted footage we get to view, is where Commander John J. Adams prepares an envelope of Chief Quinn personal effects after the engineer’s death at the claws of the invisible “ID Monster.” With another deleted scene, we get to view a version of the “ID Monster” and its assault on the C-57D Spacecruiser camp that features the beast’s original voice, which is like a lion’s roar and a special sound effect was later created to enhance the creature’s haunting scream. The moment of the closing minutes of the film that contains the deleted dialogue of Commander John J. Adams comforts Altaira "Alta" Morbius during their flight from the doomed planet Altar IV. This same scene in the released film has a noticeable “jump cut” where the omitted portion once was. This cut and several other edits found in the film, has prompted years of discussion over whether the film’s editorial process was ever completely finished. It’s widely held that initial test audiences were so enthusiastic about the film that M-G-M released ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ without further revision. Be warned, the quality of the prints you view are really atrocious.
Special Feature: ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ Lost Footage [2006] [480i] [1.37:1] [9:22] What you get to view, is rare test footage from the film ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET.’ It has spent the last 50 years locked away in various film vaults. In the words of Dr. Edward Morbius, “prepare your minds” for this lost footage of this science fiction classic! Another scene you get to view are details of the deceleration tube “light beam” aboard the C-57D Spacecruiser and this image is often pointed out as one of the many elements of the ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ that directly influenced the original “Star Trek television series. Another rare test footage sequences we get to view that was eventually unused footage for the finished film was of the beautiful planet Altair IV and star fields that they originally wanted to use in the film. Another lost footage we get to view is the several sequences that show the C-57D Spacecruiser flying over the beautiful planet Altair IV and for these shots a 20 inch model of the C-57D Spacecruiser was used. Also there were two models built of the C-57D Spacecruiser for close-up shots, especially a 44 inch and an 88 inch model was used. We also get to see an alternative scene of the C-57D Spacecruiser attempting touch down on the surface Altair IV. We also get to view shots showcasing the exquisite matte paintings that were crafted by the M-G-M’s art department to bring a sense of wonder to the Krell world. The shot with Dr. Edward Morbius, Altaira "Alta" Morbius and Doc Ostro entering the frame, is a take that does not appear in the finished film. Another alternate lost footage we get to view is of the “ID Monster” leaving its massive footprints in the planet’s surface and the “sinking” effect was achieved by shooting on an elevated stage with technicians pulling the footprint mould from underneath. Note that the timing of tis shot appears to be off, as the final footprint drops before the camera pans to meet the action. Another lost footage we get to view, shows the crew manning their cannons and rifles during their clash with the “ID Monster” and the animated laser fire and creature effects were added later on. Another lost footage we get to view, sees the Lt. Farman character in the clutches of the “ID Monster” and at this point in the production, the creature is truly visible and again the animation was later added to explain the stuntman’s unique ability to defy gravity. Finally, once again the first sets of lost footage scenes we view are absolutely atrocious, but from the views of the planet Altair IV and star fields, the quality is vastly improved.
Special Feature: THE INVISIBLE BOY [1957] The Black-and-White “sequel” to the film ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ as a Double Bill!
Cast: Richard Eyer, Philip Abbott, Diane Brewster, Harold J. Stone, Robert H. Harris, Dennis McCarthy, Alexander Lockwood, John O'Malley, Robby, the Robot, Gage Clarke, Than Wyenn, Jefferson Searles, Alfred Linder (Martin / Computer), Ralph Votrian, Michael Miller, Rayford Barnes (uncredited), Helen Kleeb (uncredited), Marvin Miller (Robby, the Robot voice) (uncredited), Alvy Moore (pranks scene) (uncredited) and Gary Vinson (uncredited)
Director: Herman Hoffman
Producer: Nicholas Nayfack
Screenplay: Cyril Hume (screenplay) and Edmund Cooper (story)
Composer: Les Baxter
Cinematography: Harold E. Wellman, A.S.C. (Director of Photography)
Image Resolution: 1080p (Black-and-White)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio: English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English SDH
Running Time: 89 minutes
Region: All Regions
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Metro-Goldwyn Mayer
Synopsis: Timmie Merrinoe thinks his newfound robot pal Robby, the Robot is too overprotective, so Timmie Merrinoe uses his scientist father's supercomputer to strip out a couple of Asimov's Laws, unwittingly setting into motion a nefarious plot that threatens the survival of the human race. Oh! Almost forgot: Timmie Merrinoe can turn invisible. ‘THE INVISIBLE BOY’ is whimsical and altogether childlike early on, but it takes a darker, more sinister turn as the film progresses, and feeling like more an “armageddon!" The anamorphic widescreen, black-and-white presentation is surprisingly in excellent condition, especially considering that the film is only being tacked on as an extra. This endearingly kitsch family film ‘THE INVISIBLE BOY’ gave M-G-M a chance to squeeze a little more money out of their hefty investment in the film ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET.’
Special Feature: Excerpts from M-G-M Parade Episode 27 [1956] [480i] [1.37:1] [2:17] Here the actor Walter Pidgeon promotes the film ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ from the television series M-G-M Parade. Fun for fans of this classic Hollywood M-G-M Parade series and too bad they didn't include entire episode.
Special Feature: Excerpts from M-G-M Parade Episode 28 [1956] [480i] [1.37:1] [3:59] Here once again we find the actor Walter Pidgeon promoting the film ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ from the television series M-G-M Parade, but this time Walter Pidgeon introduces us to Robby, the Robot and shows what the robot can do. Despite being short, it is still fun for fans of this classic Hollywood M-G-M Parade series and again too bad they didn't include entire episode.
Special Feature: THE THIN MAN: Robot Client [TV Episode] [1958] [1080p] [1.37:1] [26:00] Robby, the Robot is accused of Murder!
Synopsis: With ‘THE THIN MAN: Robot Client, in which Nick Charles and Nora Charles investigate a scientist's murder and suspect his robotic invention Robby, the Robot may be the culprit and stands accused of gasp! Murder!
Cast: Peter Lawford, Phyllis Kirk, Asta [Wire Hair Fox Terrier], Barry Atwater, Robert Cornthwaite, Lillian Bronson, George Cisar, Stephen Coit, Robby, the Robot, Benjie Bancroft (uncredited), Raoul Freeman (uncredited), Joel Friend (uncredited), Kay Garrett (uncredited), Bill Hickman (uncredited), Michael Jeffers (uncredited) and Jeffrey Sayre (uncredited)
Director: Oscar Rudolph
Producers: David Heilweil and Samuel Marx
Screenplay: Devery Freeman (written) and Dashiell Hammett (characters) (uncredited)
Cinematography: William W. Spencer (Director of Photography)
Image Resolution: 1080p (Black-and-White)
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1
Audio: English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English SDH
Running Time: 25 minutes
Region: All Regions
Number of discs: 1
Studio: M-G-M Television
BONUS: Warner Home Video brings ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ to high-definition on this Blu-ray disc housed inside a beautiful designed Limited Edition Embossed SteelBook inside and out. All the extras are the same as the ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ 50th Anniversary inferior DVD that came out in 2006.
Finally, Totally Amazing! Even with more than a half-century having passed since ‘FORBIDDEN PLANET’ first soared into theatres, it remains one of the most dazzlingly imaginative and visually entrancing sci-fi films ever produced. Its ambitious scale and pervasive sense of wonder have rarely been rivalled in the many decades since. Boasting a breathtakingly gorgeous high definition presentation and a slew of worthwhile extras, `Forbidden Planet' is an essential purchase for anyone with even the slightest interest in science fiction. Overall, if you are at all into this genre of 1950's sci-fi classics this ranks up with some of the best like ‘This Island Earth,’ ‘The Day the Earth Stood Still’ and ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers.’ A definite must-own Limited Edition SteelBook Blu-ray that has a great honour to now go into my ever expanding Blu-ray SteelBook Collection. Very Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
