Starring
Arthur Hill, James Olson, David Wayne, Kate Reid, Paula Kelly, George
Mitchell, Ramon Bieri, Carl Reindel. Directed by Robert Wise.
(1971/131 min).
ON
BLU-RAY FROM ARROW VIDEO
Review
by Mr. Paws😸
In
this writer’s opinion, the golden age of cinematic science-fiction
was the decade between 2001: A Space Odyssey and Star Wars.
This was the genre at its darkest. Distressing dystopias,
cantankerous technology, apocalyptic annihilation...civilization was
collectively screwed. And more often than not, these dire
consequences were largely our fault.
Growing
up on these movies, I found them both terrifying and fascinating. But
I drew some comfort in the knowledge that it was merely
science-fiction. Surely, none of these horrors could ever come to
pass. Right? Right?
1971’s
The Andromeda Strain is not only the best science-fiction film
from this era, what makes it unnerving even today is that, despite
its extraterrestrial threat, everything seems totally plausible. A
satellite crashes in a small desert town, carrying a lethal
microscopic organism that swiftly kills everyone, save for an old man
and a baby who are seemingly immune to its effects. They are taken to
an underground facility, code-named Wildfire, where a small team of
scientific experts attempt to identify what they think might be some
kind of virus.
 |
| "It could use a few throw pillows." |
Much
of the film takes place in Wildfire, depicting the methodical,
painstaking process. The implications are dire. The germ – given
the name, Andromeda – is not-only instantly lethal, it’s growing
exponentially. What makes the scenario especially ominous is that the
crew assembled are the best in their fields, and even they are mostly
dumbfounded since Andromeda's existence is contrary to any known
organism. Even worse are the simple "shit-happens" moments, when everything is nearly undone by human error or faulty machinery. We've all been there and its scary to realize it can even happen when stakes are at their highest.
Based
on an early Michael Crichton novel, The Andromeda Strain is
masterpiece of controlled tension. Aided considerably by impressively
antiseptic production design – namely, the Wildfire facility –
director Robert Wise wisely eschews melodramatics, a traditional
music score and any real characterization in favor of the
authenticity of its concept. Everything we see and hear is
believable, including Andromeda itself. It’s a scary-ass bug to
begin with, but the more were learn about it, the more malevolent it
becomes.
 |
| The arcade's toughest claw machine. |
The
Andromeda Strain is also proof that G-rated movies could be
pretty hardcore back in the fun-loving 70s, exposing impressionable
youth to nudity, buzzard-chewed
bodies, lab animals’ agonizing death-throes and a corpse’s wrist
being surgically slit-open. So either the MPAA thinks today’s
children are a bunch of pampered pussies or the organization never
knew what the fuck they were doing in the first place. Probably a bit
of both.
Despite
its age, length and complete lack of traditional action, The
Andromeda Strain remains an exemplary example of golden-age
science-fiction. Perhaps the best example, since death-from-within is
still a real apocalyptic possibility, making its concept more contemporary
than wondering what Soylent Green is made of. It
has been released on Blu-ray before, but this version from Arrow Films gives it a considerable facelift with a nice 4K scan
restoration, remastered audio and a few nifty new extras to go along
with some substantial vintage features. An all-around great release
and highly recommended for anyone who loves smart, plausible
science-fiction.
EXTRA
KIBBLES
NEW:
“A NEW STRAIN OF SCIENCE FICTION” - Running 30 minutes, critic
Kim Newman discusses the film and its place in the history of the
virus-related science fiction.
NEW:
SUPPLEMENTARY BOOKLET – Includes an essay, “Secret Spine-Chiller:
The Other Side of Robert Wise,” by author Peter Tonguette; “A
Discussion Guide for Teachers and Students,” a promotional study
guide that was sent to high schools back in 1971; Cast & Crew
Credits; Restoration Credits.
NEW:
REVERSIBLE COVER ART – Includes all-new and vintage artwork. We
think the new cover is pretty damn cool.
NEW: CINESCRIPT
– The entire shooting script, which can also by accessed as a PDF.
NEW: IMAGE
GALLERY – With photos and promotional artwork.
"THE
ANDROMEDA STRAIN: MAKING THE FILM” - A 30 minute making-of
featurette from the 2001 DVD release. Features director Robert Wise,
screenwriter Nelson Gidding, author Michael Crichton and special
effects creator Douglas Trumbull.
"A
PORTRAIT OF MICHAEL CRICHTON” - Interview with the author from
2001.
AUDIO
COMMENTARY – By Bryan Reesman
TRAILER,
TV & RADIO SPOTS
KITTY CONSENSUS:
MEE-OW! LIKE TAUNTING A MOUSE TO DEATH
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