Them! (BD) [Blu-ray]

This is a great sci-fi film from the 1950's. The acting is top notch, the story has depth. It apparently represents an extension of the fears within society as we entered the atomic age. This film is action in it's finest form. I highly recommend this movie.

"Them!" is a film that stands tall in the annals of classic American science fiction. Released in 1954, it masterfully taps into the fears and fascinations of a bygone era, bringing to life a tale of giant ants terrorizing the country. Giant Ants: The film's plot revolves around nuclear tests in New Mexico that result in the creation of monstrous, mutated ants. These enormous creatures become the central antagonists, symbolizing Cold War anxieties and the fear of atomic power. Nostalgic Charm: For many viewers, "Them!" may trigger a wave of nostalgia, taking them back to childhood memories of watching black-and-white sci-fi films on TV. This connection to a simpler time adds an emotional layer to the movie experience. Solid Storytelling: Though the special effects may seem dated by today's standards, the film's storytelling holds up. The suspense, intrigue, and horror elements are well-crafted, and the narrative's unfolding keeps the audience engaged. Cultural Impact: As one of the earliest examples of "big bug" films, "Them!" had a significant influence on later sci-fi and horror movies. It helped to establish a genre that would continue to entertain and terrify audiences for decades to come. Personal Connections: For those who grew up watching this film, it's more than just a movie; it's a part of their cultural heritage. The shared experience of watching it with family or friends adds a personal dimension that elevates the film beyond its on-screen content. "Them!" is a film that may not have the visual appeal of modern special effects, but its impact is timeless. It's a reminder of an era when imagination and storytelling were the driving forces behind cinema. Whether you're revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, it's sure to deliver a thrilling and nostalgic journey into the heart of 1950s American sci-fi.

This movie is a classic and the digital version is clear.

Absolutely classic 50s radiation-induced monster movie. This is one of the best of this genre.

Corny special effects, but a really enjoyable movie.

I've watched it a couple of times now and what struck me most about it is how well James Whitmore sells the picture. Right from the start, he's taking the movie seriously and that lets the viewer do the same. I believe this is the first "giant bug" movie and, unlike the knock-offs that followed, it's a high-quality studio picture. Younger viewers may roll their eyes at the creature effects, but they're very good. My only real complaint with the movie itself is the lesson on ants in the middle of the film. It goes on too long and does more to slow the pace than increase the tension. There's some kind of technical problem with the sound. On my Blu-Ray player, I have to change the output from surround to stereo in order to hear the English audio. I have an older player, so this may be something to do with new copy-protection tech. (Yes, I updated the player's firmware.) Unfortunately, the most popular review of this Blu-Ray has some misleading information. Although a full-screen version of the movie is available on DVD, it was originally shown in theaters in a widescreen format. Like most every movie, it was shot on 35mm film, which has a full-screen aspect ratio. That doesn't mean the director intended you to see the entire frame. Sometimes, the part of the image that is supposed to be cropped is "protected" from boom mics and so on because the filmmakers knew it might be shown full-frame, but it's all extra information that doesn't add anything. (I saw Jurassic Park in a theater near the end of its first run, and the projectionist forgot to matte the image for the first 10-15 minutes, so there were boom mics following the actors at the top and bottom of the screen.) I've included a picture to refute one of the claims in the popular review: that the first appearance of a giant ant is delayed due to cropping. On the left is a DVD screenshot showing more picture at the top and bottom (and tiny slivers less on the side). At the right is a Blu-Ray screenshot of the same shot -- about a second before the top of the ant's head appears above the sand dune. (That round thing at the right is not the ant.) Also, note the DVD is lower in contrast and bright enough to wash out some of the detail in the sand -- in this shot at least. There are DVDs that are better than their Blu-Ray counterparts when the Blu-Ray has been done carelessly or with inferior sources. That's not the case here. Sometimes, it's a matter of preference, but you can't fault the Blu-Ray when it's showing you the film as it was originally shown. Some trivia about the film: According to Hollywood legend, Fess Parker's performance caught Walt Disney's attention and led to his casting as Daniel Boone. Likewise, James Arness got his Gunsmoke role from this movie. That's the story, anyway.

Great Science Fiction.

Scarry good. The effects of the giant ants 🐜 were state of the art at the time. Saw this film at THE TURNER CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL LAST YEAR? AMAZING on the big screen with a incredible interview with the actor who played the little girl and the films producers. OMG.....FUN STUFF. The film, early for it's time told a SOLID STORY and WARNING about the use of gaining scientific knowledge of atomic fusion and gives a similar warning about AI....BRILLIANT STUFF.....