Red Planet Mars (1952) MGM Blu-ray Review

In the Cold War Era there were a lot of sci-fi films. So many film dealt with visitors from other worlds. Some with not the greatest of intentions. But perhaps the best sci-fi films of that era dealt with aliens with good intentions "The Day The Earth Stood Still".

In 1952 Peter Graves from Mission Impossible TV Series fame, starred in a United Artists film Red Planet Mars based on a 1932 play Red Planet written by John L. Balderston and John Hoare and was directed by art director Harry Horner in his directorial debut.

Now the good folks at MGM Home Entertainment are releasing this obscure 50s sci-fi drama on Blu-ray for the first time ever!

It's global chaos when an American scientist (Peter Graves) makes radio contact with Mars, receiving messages of an ideal life on the fertile and energy efficient planet. But when the messages inexplicably take on a more religious tone, a question arises that threatens to cause even more turmoil: did the messages come from Mars...or is there an imposter? 

This is an extremely unique story. This is a sci-fi movie about aliens and we never see a spaceship or an alien creature. What Red Planet Mars is, is a full length feature Twilight Zone episode. And for a massive fan of The Twilight Zone, like me. That is high praise.

Along with Peter Graves this film includes the talents of Andrea King (Dial 1119), Herbert Berghof (Cleopatra), Walter Sande (Bad Day at Black Rock), Marvin Miller (Forbidden Planet), Willis Bouchey (Them!), Morris Ankrum (Earth vs. The Flying Saucers), Orley Lindgren (Under My Skin) and Bayard Veiller (The Trail of Mary Dugan).

Red Planet Mars has been transferred to region-free Blu-ray from MGM in 1080p it is presented in the original 1.33:1 aspect ratio. Audio comes by way of English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Dual-Mono with optional English subtitles.

The looks beautiful in black and white. The transfer is crisp and clean with no signs of damage to the picture. As for the audio there is a fair faint hiss, but it does not take away from the watching of the film.

Now as for bonus features, this is a bare-bones release. A menu with just the option to choose the subtitles. That is a shame. It would be nice to see a trailer or an audio commentary giving the viewer more information on this unique film.

Even though there is a lot of talking and not a lot of action, Red Planet Mars is a very good film with such a unique storyline that it deserves to be seen. And even with the lack of bonus features. I still consider this Blu-ray a must own!

If you love obscure 1950s cinema or are a fan of early sci-fi Red Planet Mars is going to be one film you are going to want in your collection. And this new Blu-ray release is the perfect way to own it. Head over to MovieZyng and order your copy today! 

 Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) The MGM Blu-ray of Red Planet Mars receives....