Earth II (1971) Warner Archive Blu-ray Review

In 1968 the world was taken on a visual experience like nothing audiences had seen before with 2001: A Space Odyssey. Three years later Gary Lockwood, who played Dr. Frank Poole signed on to star in a made-for-TV movie that would serve as a pilot for a possible series, Earth II.

This year Earth II is celebrating its 54th anniversary. So Warner Archive has decided to restore and releasing this Sci-fi TV movie on Blu-ray for the first time ever!

Synopsis: In the peaceful space colony called Earth II, even toy guns are banned. But something far more dangerous threatens this ideal world: a Chinese satellite armed with three nuclear warheads. The citizens of Earth II decide to disarm the warheads, despite China's warning that anyone who interferes will instigate a thermonuclear World War III. Outstanding special effects and an impressive cast headed by 2001: A Space Odyssey co-star Gary Lockwood highlights this space-frontier chiller that brings audiences to the terrifying edge of Doomsday. Can men and women of peace triumph over the formidable power of nuclear weapons? Earth II has the answer.

This TV movie was produced as a telefilm/pilot for a projected television series. Well sadly it was not picked up for series. The special effects for 1971 were very impressive. The story is a bit slow in spots but still is entertaining.

Earth II starred Gary Lockwood (2001: A Space Odyssey), Scott Hylands (Earthquake) and Hari Rhodes (TV's Breaking Point). Emmy Award winning director Tom Gries was given the chair for this film. This was a perfect choice in my opinion as he directed episodes of many great series including, Wanted: Dead or Alive, The Rifleman, Route 66, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., I Spy, Mission: Impossible, and Batman among many others. Gries won Emmy Awards for his direction on East Side/West Side in 1964 and The Glass House in 1972.

Earth II has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in 1.33:1 aspect ratio with side mattes. The audio track is a DTS HD-Master Audio 2.0 Mono. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. This transfer is not just any transfer is sourced from a brand new 4K scan of the original camera negative.

This new 4K scan brings a crystal clarity. There are no signs of damage to the print which is really impressive when you realize that this TV film is over 50 years old. For the transfer there is no digital artifacts or audio anomalies. This is a wonderful looking print!

Now there is not much in the terms of bonus features. The only bonus included is the International Trailer. For an over 50-year anniversary release, it would have been nice to see a featurette talking about the impact of this film. But a 4K scan is better than nothing!

Warner Archive Collection previously released a Made-for-TV sci-fi double feature Blu-ray in Genesis II / Planet Earth. This new Blu-ray of Earth II will make a great companion piece for you home video library. Head over to Amazon or Physical Media Land and order your copy today!

Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) The Warner Archive Blu-ray of Earth II receives.......