Forbidden Planet

50th Anniversary Two Disc Special Edition

Warner Bros

R1 DVD

Forbidden Planet (1956) was a highly significant science fiction film, directed by Fred M. Wilcox and starring Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis and Leslie Nielsen. While inspired by the ideas of The Tempest by Shakespeare, it placed them in the context of the 23rd century with a strong dose of Freudian psychology. It was the epitome of new developments in special effects and cinema including the first use of an electronic score (focusing on the Theremin) and the powerful presence of Robby the Robot, not to mention the superb flying saucer.

The film opens in the 23rd century; the United Planets Cruiser C-57D is on the way to planet Altair IV which is quite some distance from earth. It seems some 20 years ago an earlier expedition made by the ship Bellerophon vanished and they have been sent to investigate. As they reach towards the planet they receive a rather unwelcome message from Dr. Morbius requesting them not to land. Of course they ignore such advice and on landing are informed that an unseen and uncontrollable forced killed all members of the Bellerophon crew only leaving Morbius, his now deceased wife and his young and beautiful daughter, Altaira. Morbius is guarded and difficult, while Altaira, having never met anyone outside her family is effervescent and flirtatious which automatically puts her father on edge but gets the men interested. Robby the Robot is guarded and is a powerful presence throughout the film.

We soon learn the strange tale of Altair IV. It was once the home world of the Krell, who had great technological skills but for some strange reason died in a catastrophe some 200,000 years ago. The planet is powered by a strange underground installation with a vast number of nuclear reactors and also has a “plastic educator” which can be used to expand intelligence but which is very risky to humans. While Morbius found it useful, it drove the captain of the Bellerophon out of his mind.

As the crew decide to stay for a time and personal conflicts arise between Morbius, his daughter and the crew, strange events begin to occur. Machinery is destroyed and footprints appear clearly showing the presence of an gigantic unseen creature. As more destruction occurs, one of the crew, Ostrow, decides to try and use the “plastic educator” to learn the secret of the Krell. It proves fatal but as he is dying he is able to warn the crew that the machine expands thoughts from the unconscious mind and creates “Monsters from the Id!”

While Morbius refuses to accept the evidence, as Altaira decides to leave with the crew and moreover declares her love for Captain Adams, the monster returns with a vengeance. Soon it becomes clear that the monster is the unconscious projection of Morbius and while he renounces his psychic creation it costs him his life. Adams, Altaira, Robby, and the surviving crew take off and witness the destruction of the planet from space.

Forbidden Planet is really classic science fiction and while made ever so long ago still proves a riveting cinematic experience. The special edition from Warner Bros is close to miraculous, the depths of colour and clarity of image cannot be faulted and the DD 5.1 rending of the score is superb, the Theremin never sounded so good. At the same time this is an edition packed with extras ranging from extremely rare deleted scenes to original lost footage never seen before.

There are three documentaries on 1950’s science fiction, the making of Forbidden Planet and on Robby the Robot. Continuing the Robby the Robot theme they have included two follow up shows starring Robby, the feature film The Invisible Boy and the The Thin pilot episode from 1958 called Robot Client. There are also two excerpts from the MGM Parade TV series which featured promotions for Forbidden Planet and a great science fiction trailer gallery.

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This review will appear in Volume 3 No.1 of the digital and print edition of Synergy Magazine.

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