The Firelight Shocks DVD Review Section

Invasion of the Bodysnatchers Distributor: MGM Region: 2 Ratio: 1.85.1 Sound: Dolby Digital

This is the remake of Don Siegel’s classic 1956-paranoia movie. I might also add that I prefer this version; it has a far more terrifying ending and the film’s sense of menace is expertly handled by director Philip Kaufman who is responsible for one of the finest cult films ever made in 1979’s brilliant The Wanderers. Admittedly, Bodysnatchers is not quite the masterpiece that The Wanderers is, but it remains a fantastic and hugely suspenseful little shocker. Hell, even Pauline Kael liked this film and she barely even acknowledges the modern horror film! Without wanting to get bogged down in the film’s evident undertones of communism, the Cold War and the pressure to fit into the ideal of the American ‘melting pot’, Bodysnatchers plays as a science fiction/ horror movie with some pretentious social commentary thrown in. However, it is none the worse for it. Admittedly, the movie comes dangerously close to being remembered as a showcase of stunning moments: the scene of Kevin McCarthy warning of an impending holocaust, Brooke Adams rising naked and possessed from some shrubbery and the haunting, final image. However, this is probably because Bodysnatchers finest moments, such as those just mentioned, far outdo anything else in the film. This is not a slight on Kaufman’s film, but rather a comment on the sheer power of some of the images that he has committed to celluloid. The climax, in particular, will stay in your mind for quite some time. The acting in this film is first class. Donald Sutherland was the perfect choice for the lead role and takes his part very seriously. Ditto for Adams who has a girl next door mystique about her and is far more appropriate to the proceedings than a more traditionally glamorous actress. Veronica Cartwright’s presence is also very welcome, as is Jeff Goldblum in the supporting cast. Leonard Nimoy is also in fine shape - although not being a Star Trek geek I could honestly care less about how this role compares to Doctor Spock. All in all, this is a very good movie and one which is advised to anyone who holds on to the ridiculous notion that big budget American studio horror was unintelligent drivel during the late seventies and early eighties. With Halloween excepted, I don’t think any other horror film of the late seventies ended on quite such a deliciously sinister note. For those looking for gore, go elsewhere - naturally. And please don’t come back.

Extras: The theatrical trailer, a very welcome booklet detailing the history of all three Bodysnatchers movies and an audio commentary from Kaufman himself. Kaufman pauses quite a lot, and evidently finds it hard to keep chatting for the full running time of the movie, but he does contribute some interesting facts. Top of the list are the relevance of Kevin McCarthy’s appearance (who starred in the first film), the tale of a naked drunk tramp and the fact that the shocking ending was not in the original script. Quality wise, the picture could do with remastering because it rarely resembles anything other than adequate. The sound is a slight improvement - the bagpipe music at the end is delightfully disturbing and there is little in the way of hiss or muted voices. The widescreen transfer is always welcome, but it has not been enhanced in any way, which is a bit of a pest. Still, this remains the only DVD available of this fine film out just now so you’d be a mug to sit holding your breath for a further release.