Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Dolby Surround-Sound Magic
A 19th century French businessman, Jules Verne decided rather late in life to give up the stock market and write children's fantasy novels. I'm so glad he did. The movie version of his "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea", in 1954, set off an explosion of major Jules Verne film adaptions(over 12 movies in 10 years). One of the finest was "Journey to the Center of the Earth". As the story opens, an Edinburgh professor receives a gift; a meteorite fragment from his student. Intuition fires Prof. Lindenbrook's imagination: Could an historic scientific message be hidden inside? After testing, the rock explodes. Lindenbrook assembles an expedition to follow an explorer's trail down into an extinct Icelandic volcano. Enemies surround him. Mysterious creatures are everywhere. For Prof. Lindenbrook and his party, a fantastic adventure is about to begin. "Journey to the Center of the Earth" stars Pat Boone, Arlene Dahl, Thayer David, Alan Napier, and the magnificent James Mason. But the real "star" is composer Bernard Herrmann, who's thundering, booming film score is nothing short of classic(and actually, only one of many). Director Henry Levin fashioned a lively, colorful saga in 1959's "Journey to the Center of the Earth". Extensive shooting in Hollywood, Scotland, and Carlsbad Caverns produced sweeping set-pieces of subterranean caverns, a giant mushroom forest, and even the lost temples of Atlantis. Special effects include miniature constructions, matte painting, and more. Sadly, the film's main draw-back is a horde of painted lizard "dinosaurs" thrown at the camera in the exciting finale. This brand new widescreen anamorphic (2.35:1) DVD is an excellent transfer. Fox found the original 1959 camera negative worn and faded. A search for viable film elements led to a black-and-white silver print; from this came a 35mm interpositive. Finally came digital restoration and video enhancement. DVD extras include 40 chapter stops, 8 trailers, and a conclusive restoration documentary. Famous and wealthy in his time, Jules Verne predicted the future use of submarines, space-travel, and crustaceous exploration. Over 80 motion picture and TV productions around the world have heralded his work. The first science-fiction movie was made in 1902 by George Melies. And yes, you're right. It was written by Jules Verne.
Rating:  - Colourful Adventure Film
"Journey To The Center Of The Earth" was a big hit when released in theatres in 1959, and it's easy to see why. This is a good, old-fashioned adventure story from that great pioneer of sci-fi/fantasy story-telling--Jules Verne.First of all, the movie looks gorgeous, and much work was put into restoring its glory for DVD. One of the extras demonstrates the difference between old video versions and the DVD in terms of picture quality--the contrast is stunning. The sound is also excellent for a film of this age and, with Bernard Herrmann's memorable score, this is important. The sets and matte paintings are top-notch, as we follow our heroes ( and a villain ) through a maze of caverns, deeper into the earth. Many obstacles are waiting for them, and there is a sense of excitement throughout. Special effects are fine for the time--years before computers and digital tricks took over--and the dimetrodon attack is justifiably famous. In terms of performances, the late James Mason towers over this movie--his enthusiastic, take-charge performance really gives this film the lift it needs. Pat Boone ? I'm sorry--good looking guy, popular singer at the time--but as an actor, he is as dynamic as a bowl of vanilla pudding. Giving him top billing over James Mason is ridiculous. Leading lady, Arlene Dahl, is fine--the way she comes out of these underground escapades looking gorgeous, is quite a feat ! The plot deviates substantially from Verne's original novel, and of course there are many liberties taken with true science ! However,the idea here is to "go with the flow", and have a good time. Some younger viewers might think that this movie takes too long before the action starts, but hopefully they will find it worth the wait ! Again this was one of the last major films from a decade where sci-fi/fantasy films blossomed. If you like the genre, this lovely DVD definitely belongs in your collection.
Rating:  - Journey to a Classic
This is the best exploration adventure movie I have ever seen. It is so well grounded in science it makes you think you could find this cave yourself and follow their path. The acting is top notch with James Mason, Pat Boone, Arlene Dahl,Thayer David, and Peter Ronson. Bernard Herrman's score is magnificent adding elements of mystery, danger, and exhilaration. The dinosaurs with recent skeleton discoveries are well done especially considering it was made over forty years ago. You will be drawn in as Profesor Lindenbrook (James Mason) finds a clue in a lava rock that leads them to Iceland and an ancient trail to the center of the Earth. Incredible sets along with the outstanding cast, music, and direction make this a must see. I have contacted Touchstone about bringing this out on DVD and I they were very responsive. I happy to say they are bringing it out on DVD March 4th. If you do a search on this title under DVD you will see a different version made in 1999 with Treat Williams and Bryan Brown. Don't waste your time with it unless you are really hurting for some mediocre SciFi. I have seen it a couple times and I always think the same thing, I need a nap.
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