The Day The World Ended

Sony

Creature Features Series

R1 DVD

“The Day The World Ended” like the rest of the “Creature Features” series of DVD Releases are inspired by tales of 1950’s Sci Fi and Horror these have been remade with modernized scripts and outstanding special effects by Stan Winston. Don’t expect some corny Sci Fi popcorn fun here; this is a true modern adaptation which packs a punch!

Nastassja Kinski is a child psychotherapist who comes to a suffocating small country town. The Town is terrifying insular, narrow and, in a word, redneck. The mood created during these early scenes is powerful and uncomfortable. If you are a city lover like me you will find the mood created very claustrophobic, coupled with a good musical score, the first 30 minutes creates the foundations from which the whole story is revealed.

She finds a small orphaned boy being abused at school and notes that none of the schools officials do anything about it, indeed they seem to be in fear of the boy and routinely degrade him. As the story develops strange and brutal deaths begin to occur which at first seem random. But slowly you come to realize that they are centered on young Ben. This story has many twists and turns and while at first it seems like some sort of extra-terrestrial visitation film, in the end it has more in common with the “Monsters from the ID” of Forbidden Planet. Along the way there is a powerful commentary on the narrowness of country folk and the effect of hate crimes not only on the victims but on those who perpetuate them.

Like the other titles in the series, “The Day The World Ended” is presented in a choice of a full screen (1.33:1) presentation and an anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) aspect ratio. This option appears which you first load the DVD. The picture quality is astounding, special effects impressive and while there is a contextual nod to the old Sci Fi horrors, the film has been brought right up to date and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I was really impressed by the way in which the series used the original 1950’s texture and yet placed it within a modern context so we get the full effect of the story and its message. Nice little touches such as early Sci Fi comics and posters on the walls in Ben’s room are also impressive.

Sound options include DD 5.1 and a standard DD Surround track, Charles Bernstein’s score for this movie is right on and he clearly knows how a creature feature flick should sound. 

The creature created by Stan Winston for this film is nothing short of sublime, it is carefully shown in shadows, reflections, a limb, an eye or tentacle here or there, so the climax of the film has the desired shock effect - great direction, great special effects.

The Extra Features on this DVD were pretty good.   The creature effects commentary by Stan Winston & Shane Mahan is worth a listen. There is a short making of featurette, a photo gallery and some trailers. There is also a comprehensive filmography.