Them/Beast from 20 000 Fathoms

This is a DVD-10... a double sided DVD.

Each side contains the previously available version of each of these classics. They are exactly the same, bit-for-bit.

The DVD is housed in a plastic amaray keepcase, unlike the original versions which came in cardboard snapper cases.

These are two of the best films from their time and genre. "Them" is the first of the giant bug movies of the fifties. The script is thoughtful and well written. The movie was also well cast. James Arness (Matt Dillion of Gunsmoke fame) and James Whitmore play the FBI agent and police officer on the trail of a strange killer. Good action and special effects, for its time, make this a claasy choice.

"The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms" is also the first and best of the frozen dinosaur released in the modern day films. Based on a story by Ray Bradbury and with special effects by Ray Harryhausen, how can you go wrong. I remeber watching this as a kid and being scared as all get out.

Both of these films are worth watching and having.

Aficionados of 1950's Sci Fi movies will want to rush out and grab this great double feature consisting of "The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms" and "Them". Both films stand alone as memorable examples of some of the better movies to come from this era. Kudos to Warner Brothers for putting them on the same "double bill"!

Similar in plot line to a degree, both films deal with horrific situations that occur after nuclear testing. (a familar plot line from films of this era.) In "Beast...", it's a pre-historic Rhedosaurus that's awakened in the Arctic from an atomic blast and migrates south to a climactic finish in New York City. In "Them", ants who have been continually exposed to radiation from atomic testing in the New Mexico desert grow to enormous proportions and eventually terrorize Los Angeles.

Both films have memorable special effects in their own right. "Beast..." because of the special effects genius of Ray Harryhausen. This film is Harryhausen's first solo effort and he definitely excels. The "lighthouse" scene is visually stunning for special effects of this era. "Them", on the other hand, is memorable primarily because of its cheesy giant "puppet" ants with their haunting sounds. It's difficult not to retain the sound the ants make in this movie long after you've seen it. Still, you have to give film director, Gordon Douglas, credit for incorporating live action scenes with the ants in this film.

Both movies have solid casts for films of this era. "Beast..." is led by cinematic veterans Paul Christian, familar face Paula Raymond, Kenneth Tobey (from "The Thing") and, in one of his first roles, Lee Van Cleef (from Spaghetti Western fame). "Them" does have a stronger cast which includes strong performances from rock-jawed James Whitmore, James Arness, Edmund Gwenn ("Santa" from "Miracle on 34th St."), and the lovely Joan Weldon. Look closely for quick appearances by Leonard Nimoy and Fess Parker.

All in all, this double feature is simply a great value for collectors and/or lovers of Sci Fi films from this era. In addition to the films, there are a few extras that include a memorable interview with Harryhausen and his great friend, Ray Bradbury and behind-the-scenes looks at the special effects of both films. They are welcome added bonuses and not just filler. The viewer simply can't go wrong with this purchase!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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