Space Colonization: Ethics, Identity, Survival

Read Time:4 Minute, 10 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Martian Chronicles (Special Edition) (Blu-ray)
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Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Drama, Sci-Fi
Year Released: 1980, 2024 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 4h 53m
Director(s): Michael Anderson
Writer(s): Richard Matheson, Ray Bradbury
Cast: Rock Hudson, Roddy McDowall, Gayle Hunnicutt, Bernie Casey, Darren McGavin, Bernadette Peters, James Faulkner, Joyce Van Patten, Maria Schell, Fritz Weaver
Where To Watch: available now, order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In 1980, the TV world witnessed a monumental effort to adapt Ray Bradbury’s revered novel, THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES. Directed by Michael Anderson and written by Richard Matheson, this series embarked on a grand narrative to depict humanity’s bold venture to Mars, exploring not only a new world but also profound themes of colonization and cultural encounters.

Starting with THE EXPEDITIONS, viewers are introduced to the first human settlers making contact with Mars’ secretive, telepathic residents. As the saga progresses into THE SETTLERS, the influx of humans transforms Mars into an Earth-like habitat, inadvertently erasing the Martian culture. Finally, THE MARTIANS offers a reflective look at the humans left to consider their identities in a world far from their Earthly origins.

Filmed against the stark backdrops of Malta, Lanzarote, and within Shepperton Studios, the series aimed to visually echo the desolate Martian landscape, setting the stage for the human drama to unfold. The attempt was to blend Bradbury’s lyrical prose with the natural and recreated scenery. Despite the ambition, the series’ visual effects, once considered avant-garde, now reveal their age, slightly diminishing the intended dramatic impact.

Rock Hudson’s portrayal of Colonel John Wilder is the narrative anchor, deeply engaged in the moral complexities of colonizing a new planet. The ensemble cast, including Gayle Hunnicutt, Bernie Casey, Darren McGavin, and Roddy McDowall, adeptly navigates a spectrum of emotions as their characters face the unknown. The performances are sincere, although sometimes restrained by the era’s production limitations.

Upon its release, THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES was met with mixed reviews. It was praised for its scope but criticized for not capturing the nuance of Bradbury's tales. Notably, Bradbury felt the series needed more vividness in his literary work. The pacing and outdated special effects were often cited as detracting from the series' potential impact.

Adapting Bradbury’s complex, loosely connected stories presented a significant challenge. Matheson’s screenplay sought to unify these tales through Colonel Wilder’s experiences, but this approach sometimes led to a disjointed flow. An anthology format might have been more effective, allowing each story to maintain its unique integrity while contributing to the broader themes.

The series reflects historical colonization, drawing unsettling parallels between Earth’s past and the Martian scenario. It invites the audience to contemplate the recurring patterns of human behavior and the ethical questions surrounding new conquests.

Despite its flaws, THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES remains an intriguing work in the science fiction genre. It is a reflective piece on the complexities of adapting literature for the screen, continuing to provoke discussions about humanity's future and our ethical responsibilities on new frontiers.

THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES tackles the logistical and ethical hurdles of interplanetary colonization and delves into its characters' introspective journeys. It remains a thought-provoking watch for those drawn to the dynamics of human ambition and the mysteries of alien encounters, making it a worthy exploration for viewers beyond sci-fi enthusiasts.

Product Extras:
2018 HD Master by Kino Lorber – From a 2K Scan of the InterPositive
NEW Audio Commentary for Episode 1: The Expeditions by TV Historians Amanda Reyes and Heath Holland
NEW Audio Commentary for Episode 2: The Settlers by TV Historians Amanda Reyes and Justin Kerswell
NEW Audio Commentary for Episode 3: The Martians by TV Historians Amanda Reyes and Daniel Budnik
Interview with Actor James Faulkner
Optional English Subtitles

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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