I couldn't resist buying this double-feature. It contains two classic science fiction movies -- Them! and The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms.


Brief Plot Summary


THEM!
Atomic testing in the desert has mutated ants to an astonishing size. Scientists and the government race to track the ants before they eradicate the human race. These enormous ants are vicious and determined to survive.

THE BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS
An atomic experiment awakes a prehistoric monster. The beast can survive on land or in the water. The Beast travels from the Arctic to New York, and it must be stopped!


My Experiences

I enjoy both these movies. They are great as a double-feature. The special effects in both movies are well-done considering these films are from the 1950's. The monsters are excellent. The giant ants always give me the creeps, and in The Beast, the monster effects are created by legend Harryhausen. Both black-and-white movies have great resolution, too.

THEM!

This is a favorite movie. The tension starts from the very beginning and carries straight through the film. The "stars" of the film are the giagantic ants, which are enlarged to a 12-foot size by atomic experiments in the desert. The are incredibly well-crafted and give me the chills every time I watch this movie.

One thing I always remember about this movie is the sound the ants make. In the spring, I drive along some dark roads edged with ponds. The insect and frog noises are just like the ant sounds in the movie. Eerie! It's enough to make one's hair stand up on end!

The cast in this movie is excellent. They are all top-notch and portray a compelling mix of intelligence, determination, terror, fortitude, courage and self-sacrifice. The movie opens with James Whitmore as police Sergeant Ben Peterson searching for a missing child in the desert. I throughly enjoy Whitmore in this part. He lends believablity in his doubt that giant ants could possibly exist. The FBI is represented by James Arness who plays agent Robert Graham. Arness is handsome, dashing and quickly develops an interest in Doctor Patricia Medford, who is played by Joan Weldon. She is excellent in this role, revealing the qualities of a dedicated scientist and manages to balance intelligence with being feminine.

Edmund Gwen plays Patricia's father, another Doctor Medford. He adds wit and humor to the movie, though it is all in keeping with his character and never over done. It's fun to watch him in action. Davy Crockett fans might recognize Fess Parker in the movie as the "crazy" pilot who is being held in a mental hospital because he reported seeing giant ants flying toward his aircraft. Walt Disney chose Parker to play Davy Crockett after seeing him in this film.


THE BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS

While I enjoy this film, I think THEM is the stronger of the two features. Anyone familiar with Harryhausen's unique special effects will appreciate the monster in this movie. It is incredibly well done for the time and outshines all the actors.

The one cast member I immediately recognized in this film was Cecil Kellaway. He has appeared in "The Mummy's Hand", "The Invisible Man Returns", and "Portrait of Jennie". He plays the part of Professor Elson in this movie, and does a great job as the Doubting Thomas who needs convincing that the monster exists. Meanwhile, Paula Raymond's character is supposed to be a strong character, yet she acts as if not sure how to be a powerful woman. It could be a sign of the times, but her role could have been much better developed.

A problem area in this movie is the contrived romance between the two lead characters, Paul Hubschmid and Paula Raymond. As fellow scientists, the two lead characters could carry the movie easily without the romantic sub-plot. There is no chemistry between them, and half the time they look like they don't know how to act as if they are falling in love.

Overall, the acting is nothing special. The dialouge is bland, and character chemistry is questionable. However, Harryhausen's dinosaur is wonderful. Though I'm sure there will be comparisons between it and Godzilla. Both are somewhat similar in appearance, though their personalities are completely different.

The movie is slow to start. There are several flashbacks that slow down the action. One great monster scene involves a lighthouse and the raging sea. When the monster reaches the shores of New York is when the action really takes off. There is a scene in an amusement park that is the climax of the movie. It's incredibly well done.


THEM! -- Special Features

Who's Who!
A page of cast credits.

Bugged At the Movies!
This offers some great sill photos from the movie "Them!". Information about other movies with threatening insects is presented in text format. Some of the movies mentioned include Tarantula, The Deadly Mantis, The Black Scorpion, The Fly, Mothra and some newer movies such as The Swarm.

Behind the Scenes!
This featurette includes 3 minutes of outtakes from the movie. There are some scenes where the ants are being filmed. I had hoped for more detail and behind-the-scenes info.

Photo Gallery!
There are 25 black-and-white still photographs. They include behind-the-scenes shots, acting stills from the movie as well as some movie posters.

Captured on Film!
A movie trailer from "Them!".


THE BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS -- Special Features

The Rhedosaurus and the Roller Coaster: Making the Beast
Narrated by Ray Harryhausen. This is excellent, but short at 7 minutes

Harryhausen & Bradbury: An Unfathomable Friendship
A 2003 informal conversation with Ray Bradbury and Ray Harryhausen. 18 minutes

There are also four movie trailers: "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms", "The Black Scorpion", "The Valley of Gwang", "Clash of the Titans".


Purchasing & Movie Specifications

This movie is available from Amazon.com for $10.99. It regularly retails for $14.98.

The plastic keepcase contains one DVD. Each side contains one movie. The DVD is only marked with the titles of the movies written around the hole in the center of the disc.

THEM! is 92 minutes long, while THE BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS is 79 minutes. The aspect ratio is 1.33:1.


Summary

If you enjoy these films as much as I do, it's a great way to own both of them. Plus, they come with extra features (always nice!). And if you like classic black-and-white science fiction and haven't seen either of these films, this dual-pack makes them affordable. This double-feature is a terrific value.

I hope you found this review useful.

Enjoy the day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com

Copyright 2008 Dawn L. Stewart


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD