TRAUMA MAGAZINE

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Movies reviews:

IT: The Terror From Beyond Space (Edward L. Cahn, 1958)

Ok. Here's the situation: you have just departed from a strange and distant place. Everything is going fine-not a care in the world. Suddenly, everything changes when you notice that you have an extra, uninvited stowaway in your midst. This new passenger is strange, hostile, doesn't speak English, and appears to be dangerous. While this sounds more like my days gone by of picking up strange elements as a taxi cab driver, this is not the case.

What I have just described is the opening premise for Edward L. Cahn's Sci-fi classic, IT: The Terror From Beyond Space. Here, a seemingly unstoppable alien monster murders members of a rescue team aboard a spaceship. I have the honor of owning this DVD. Would you like for me to tell you about it? Hmm? Oh, come on!!

Good. I thought you would see it my way.

This DVD, starring Ann Doran from Kitten with a Whip (1964), complete in retina-searing black and white, is a must-see for anyone that calls themselves a fan of modern science fiction flicks. For anyone that revels in the Aliens saga, this is a masterful progenitor (in other words, this film is like the "grandpa" of the Aliens movies [or maybe great uncle, I'm not sure]).

In addition to this, the cover art dramatically and colorfully captures the tone of the film: us against the monster (wasn't this America's same attitude towards everyone of during the 1950s?). This same tone is carried on through the DVD's menu, which serves as an eye candy appetizer for the real meat of the movie.

Visually speaking, the DVD pulls from a great print, as the images are stark, crisp, and have impeccable contrast. Because of this clarity, be sure to keep your eye out for little treasures in the DVD, such a spotting the zipper on the monster's suit. Trust me-you won't be sorry.

While the sound quality is worth mention on this DVD with Dolby Noise Reduction, the real attraction of this disc is the inclusion of the original theatrical trailer. This snippet provides the viewer with an excellent preview of the coming attraction and adds to the value of the DVD. Other extras include closed captioning and subtitles in French and Spanish.

Here's the real skinny on this puppy: if you are fan (or profess to be) of Sci-fi, check out this DVD. Given the quality of the print and the inclusion of the trailer, anyone that is in the know will want to view this disc. Where else can one get to see a classic science fiction piece from the 1950s with such digital clarity? Build a time machine and go back in time, you say? Great idea . . . I'll get right on that one. I swear, some people! Watch the DVD.

Michael A. Sheyahshe-Lell