Starring: Joan Fontaine, Barbara Eden, Peter Lore, and Frankie Avalon
Directed by: Irwin Allen
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: October 8, 2013
Run Time: 106 minutes
Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars
When it comes to science-fiction films from the 50/60’s, I have a certain weak spot. “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea” (1961) is a production from Irwin Allen, who wrote and directed the film. It packs a super great cast including Joan Fontaine, Barbara Eden, Peter Lore, and Frankie Avalon. Frankie also sings the theme song as well aptly titled “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea”. The film used miniature models for the submarine shots as well as 10 and 18 foot subs for other shots. The film is fun and although doesn’t hold up as much as I am sure it did, it is still given a glorious Blu-ray presentation and is worth checking out.
Office Premise: A routine scientific expedition to the North Pole turns into a race to save all mankind when a radiation belt in space causes a fiery inferno on Earth. Admiral Nelson (Walter Pidgeon) and the crew of the atomic submarine Seaview battle saboteurs, giant sea-creatures and attacks by enemy submarines as they race to prevent global catastrophe. Renowned disaster film producer, Irwin Allen, produces and directs an all-star cast including Joan Fontaine, Barbara Eden, Peter Lore, and Frankie Avalon. The stunning visual effects and breathtaking underwater photography make this one of the most respected sci-fi adventure classics of all time.
Fox delivered an impressive Blu-ray presented for a film over 50 years old, you could have fooled me. The colors are crisp and the 1080p presentation makes this film look brand new. The audio track included is a DTS-HD Master Audio 4.0 track, which is a little unusual but nonetheless sounds amazing. In terms of special features, “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea” delivers. There is a interesting commentary track by Author Tim Colliver. There is a documentary called “Science Fiction: Fantasy to Reality”. There is an awesome interview with with Barbara Eden. I love the film’s score, so I am pleased to announce an Isolated Score Track. Lastly there is the Original Theatrical Trailer.