Since this movie was first shown in 1977, I have enjoyed it. Then when the Special Edition was released with new footage, I enjoyed it even more. Technology has now given us the opportunity to have the movie in wide screen format with 5.1 digital sound. But ... there are a few things missing ......

The movie presents a story of aliens visiting the Earth, and how various people are given a psychic message to try and reach the ship as it comes to Earth. Eventually the government gets involved, the aliens do visit Earth, returning several abducted people and various airplanes, ships, etc. In the end, the aliens select one man who leaves with them.

The lead characters are Richard Dreyfuss who plays Richard Neary, his wife played by Terri Garr, Francios Truffaut playing the part of someone involved with the government, and Melinda Dillon playing the mother of an alien abducted child. All the lead characters play believable roles and do an outstanding job. For the year it was filmed the special effects are really something. Given the fact that computers were nothing like they are today, it is hard to imagine how they managed to do some of what they did with this film!

The DVD edition comes in a two disc set. Disc 1 is the movie in wide screen, complete with audio selections for Dolby Digital Sound (Pro Logic), Dolby Digital 5.1 surround, DTS, French and Spanish. The movie has a play time of 137 minutes and contains some footage not shown before, some footage from the original movie that was omitted from the Special Edition, and some of the Special Edition. Disc 2 contains a documentary by Steven Spielberg, 11 deleted scenes, and a featurette called "Watching the Skies". There is no full screen version, but you can use your DVD's zoom feature to fill more of the screen if you so desire.

Technically, the sound is great, and on a parr with movies of that time. I didn't notice any hiss and was able to notice the differences in the various channels. Color wise, I thought it was slightly washed out. I even checked the TV to make sure I had it set properly. The colors are just not as pronounced as other movies. I also noticed a slight flickering in some of the sky scenes, something I would think digital reprocessing would remove. I know these are minor issues considering the age of the original film, but I still noticed them.

Movie wise, there seemed to be some missing scenes not even shown in the deleted scenes section. I've read on Internet where people have asked about a scarecrow in the part where the little boy gets abducted and the mother runs out to chase after him. I have actually talked to people who remember watching a version with the scarecrow, but it is not to be found on the DVD. There was also part of a scene where the government talks with Richard Dreyfuss as they prepare him to become part of the team that will be leaving when the ship departs. On the DVD, part of this scene seems to have been cut and is not in the deleted scenes either. Just bear in mind there are several versions of this movie around and the DVD does not contain all of the footage.

In all, this movie is a winner and you will want to watch it more than once. You won't have to sit and over think anything as you watch - you can just take it all in as it unfolds on the screen in front of you.


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older