The Day the Earth Stood Still [VHS]
starring: Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Hugh Marlowe, Sam Jaffe, Billy Gray
directed by: Robert Wise
directed by: Robert Wise
![The Day the Earth Stood Still [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51QGHTN64FL._SL160_.jpg)
Price: $13.00
Prices subject to change.Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Amazon.com essential video:
A hallmark of the science fiction genre as well as a wry commentary on the political climate of the 1950s, The Day the Earth Stood Still is a sci-fi movie less concerned with special effects than with a social parable. A spacecraft lands in Washington, D.C., carrying a humanoid messenger from another world (Michael Rennie) imparting a warning to the people of Earth to cease their violent behavior. But panic ensues as the messenger lands and is shot by a nervous soldier. His large robot companion destroys the Capitol as the messenger escapes the confines of the hospital. He moves in with a family as a boarder and blends into society to observe the full range of the human experience. Director Robert Wise (West Side Story) not only provides one of the most recognizable icons of the science fiction world in his depiction of the massive robot loyal to his master, but he avoids the obvious camp elements of the story to create a quiet and observant story highlighting both the good and the bad in human nature. --Robert Lane
A hallmark of the science fiction genre as well as a wry commentary on the political climate of the 1950s, The Day the Earth Stood Still is a sci-fi movie less concerned with special effects than with a social parable. A spacecraft lands in Washington, D.C., carrying a humanoid messenger from another world (Michael Rennie) imparting a warning to the people of Earth to cease their violent behavior. But panic ensues as the messenger lands and is shot by a nervous soldier. His large robot companion destroys the Capitol as the messenger escapes the confines of the hospital. He moves in with a family as a boarder and blends into society to observe the full range of the human experience. Director Robert Wise (West Side Story) not only provides one of the most recognizable icons of the science fiction world in his depiction of the massive robot loyal to his master, but he avoids the obvious camp elements of the story to create a quiet and observant story highlighting both the good and the bad in human nature. --Robert Lane
Related Items:
Browse for similar items by category:
- VHS » VHS » Genres » Horror » General
- VHS » VHS » Genres » Kids & Family » 10-12 Years
- VHS » VHS » Genres » Science Fiction & Fantasy » Alien Invasion
- VHS » VHS » Genres » Science Fiction & Fantasy » Classic Sci-Fi
- VHS » VHS » Genres » Science Fiction & Fantasy » General AAS
- VHS » VHS » Special Features » Today's Deals in Video » Science Fiction & Fantasy » Aliens
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: 
- Mildly Entertaining
The alien John Carpenter does not sound like an alien, but
he sounds like an anglo-saxon person (an ASP).He also
happens to be white, which is convenient, because in 1951
if he was black, "they" might have hanged him, accusing him of
being black and intelligent (a threat, a "terrorist"), as well as
a diamond-thief.(Not being able to counter-feit US dollars,
Carpenter uses diamonds as money.)There is no African
American man in this movie.
Read More
Rating: 
- Science Fiction Classics
The Day the Earth Stood Still is an old (1950's) sci fi movie, but is still just as enjoyable today, regardless of the clothing, etc. from the '50's.Our son is 17 and watched it for the first time with my husband and me and he enjoyed it very much.Don't discount the old black and white movies - many times they're better than the color ones because they were MADE to be filmed in black and white and the contrasts help set the mood where as color can sometimes detract.The copy we received was in ... Read More
Rating: - Oldie but Goodie
You really have to think back.For this time and year, this has to be up there with "The Best Sci-Fi's".The younger generation needs to consider this.It was scarry back then without the gore.
Rating: - The Earth Stood Still
One of the best sci-fi's for all times.
To bad the newest version was such a flop.
Casting Keina Reeves as Klato was a hugh Hollywood
mistake. They should have used an unknown actor.
Rating: 
- Ground breaking and politically relevant-then and now!
This Blu-Ray was watched on a 42" Panasonic Plasma and BD35 Player.
I am 33 years old and have a general idea of the political climate, during the time this film was released. I've also grown up in a film climate that is pre-occupied with special effects, generated by computers, and a break-neck pace. But this film's slower pace and emphasis on the dialogue worked for me.
The most striking aspect of this film, was that it is still relevant in its message and themes, for today. ... Read More
- Mildly EntertainingThe alien John Carpenter does not sound like an alien, but
he sounds like an anglo-saxon person (an ASP).He also
happens to be white, which is convenient, because in 1951
if he was black, "they" might have hanged him, accusing him of
being black and intelligent (a threat, a "terrorist"), as well as
a diamond-thief.(Not being able to counter-feit US dollars,
Carpenter uses diamonds as money.)There is no African
American man in this movie.
Read More
- Science Fiction ClassicsThe Day the Earth Stood Still is an old (1950's) sci fi movie, but is still just as enjoyable today, regardless of the clothing, etc. from the '50's.Our son is 17 and watched it for the first time with my husband and me and he enjoyed it very much.Don't discount the old black and white movies - many times they're better than the color ones because they were MADE to be filmed in black and white and the contrasts help set the mood where as color can sometimes detract.The copy we received was in ... Read More
- Oldie but GoodieYou really have to think back.For this time and year, this has to be up there with "The Best Sci-Fi's".The younger generation needs to consider this.It was scarry back then without the gore.
- The Earth Stood StillOne of the best sci-fi's for all times.
To bad the newest version was such a flop.
Casting Keina Reeves as Klato was a hugh Hollywood
mistake. They should have used an unknown actor.
- Ground breaking and politically relevant-then and now!This Blu-Ray was watched on a 42" Panasonic Plasma and BD35 Player.
I am 33 years old and have a general idea of the political climate, during the time this film was released. I've also grown up in a film climate that is pre-occupied with special effects, generated by computers, and a break-neck pace. But this film's slower pace and emphasis on the dialogue worked for me.
The most striking aspect of this film, was that it is still relevant in its message and themes, for today. ... Read More
