Imprint Films Review- The War of the Worlds on 4K (1953) Byron Haskin/Gene Barry

[@griffredux9966]

Nice review, man! I agree with you that it isn't my favorite sci-fi film but it is a classic. I have the Criterion blu so I'll have to think about upgrading...

[@TheDiscConnected]

If you enjoy the film and want the best, this or the Paramount are a pretty big step up

[@ronp5293]

Be aware that the 'blue mars' in the opening shot isn't fixed. You might want to consider the Criterion blu ray which has rendered Mars properly or the Universal release of the same transfer which costs a lot less and includes a blu ray of 'when worlds collide.'

[@PaulLBerriman]

Nice review! So glad Imprint did this local release including the 4K, and I really liked the inclusion of the booklet.

[@TheDiscConnected]

Same! I always want a booklet.

[@jeffk6393]

Well done. 👏

[@TheDiscConnected]

Thanks Jeff!

[@jeffreyhilliker9592]

I’m glad I picked it up. It’s a nice package and looks fantastic

[@TheDiscConnected]

Truly does

[@rubenvilla1675]

Never seen the original only the Tom Cruise version which was pretty good lol,thanks for the review.

[@TheDiscConnected]

Hahahaha I actually GREATLY prefer that one!

[@ronp5293]

I bought this set not long after its release and I really wish I hadn't! Unfortunately, the blue tinted Mars in the opening was never fixed. (I would have thought that, for the price point imprint should have done something about that.) To my mind a booklet and fancy packaging doesn't make up for a major mistake like that! If you want something that is true to the original film, the Criterion blu ray is still the best best. If you have to support this transfer, save your money and go for the Paramount release which includes a blu ray of 'When Worlds Collide.'

[@TheDiscConnected]

Unfortunately, that wasn’t up to Imprint to alter. They could only put out what the studio gave them. They didn’t have the option to go in and change colors on the master.

[@ronp5293]

@@TheDiscConnected Fair point. However in that case, Imprint should have released this in a standard package to give Australian collectors a reasonably priced way to own this. Instead, they chose to wrap a flawed transfer in shiny cardboard and charge nearly a hundred bucks. I'm surprised at how many online reviews (including yours it seems) don't seem to mention the blue tinted Mars shot even in passing. In my view this is an important detail for collectors to know in order to make an informed decision about a purchase, particularly given the price point for this set.

[@TheDiscConnected]

@@ronp5293 it was fairly well known at this point, which is why I decided to omit that fact. It’s honestly not a big deal to me, especially as a very small point of the film.

[@ronp5293]

@@TheDiscConnected I personally see it a bit differently. According to Bill Hunt's excellent review over at Digital Bits, Mars was painted by artist Chesely Bonestell. He was brought in because he worked frequently with Nasa and could render Mars accurately. Paramount didn't just mess up a few seconds of film. They butchered a man's hard work. However, to each their own as they say. As long as people know what they're paying for.

[@JustMe007]

You don't sound like an Aussie. 😯

[@TheDiscConnected]

Hahahaha I am very much not an Aussie.

[@robinshelko2276]

*Promo sm*