Journey to the Center of the Earth Reviews

• Dolby Surround-Sound Magic

  
  By AD2DDHLD6FRFM on 2003-03-14
  A 19th century French businessman, Jules Verne decided rather late in life to give up the stock market and write children's fantasy novels. I'm so glad he did. The movie version of his "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea", in 1954, set off an explosion of major Jules Verne film adaptions(over 12 movies in 10 years). One of the finest was "Journey to the Center of the Earth". As the story opens, an Edinburgh professor receives a gift; a meteorite fragment from his student. Intuition fires Prof. Lindenbrook's imagination: Could an historic scientific message be hidden inside? After testing, the rock explodes. Lindenbrook assembles an expedition to follow an explorer's trail down into an extinct Icelandic volcano. Enemies surround him. Mysterious creatures are everywhere. For Prof. Lindenbrook and his party, a fantastic adventure is about to begin. "Journey to the Center of the Earth" stars Pat Boone, Arlene Dahl, Thayer David, Alan Napier, and the magnificent James Mason. But the real "star" is composer Bernard Herrmann, who's thundering, booming film score is nothing short of classic(and actually, only one of many). Director Henry Levin fashioned a lively, colorful saga in 1959's "Journey to the Center of the Earth". Extensive shooting in Hollywood, Scotland, and Carlsbad Caverns produced sweeping set-pieces of subterranean caverns, a giant mushroom forest, and even the lost temples of Atlantis. Special effects include miniature constructions, matte painting, and more. Sadly, the film's main draw-back is a horde of painted lizard "dinosaurs" thrown at the camera in the exciting finale. This brand new widescreen anamorphic (2.35:1) DVD is an excellent transfer. Fox found the original 1959 camera negative worn and faded. A search for viable film elements led to a black-and-white silver print; from this came a 35mm interpositive. Finally came digital restoration and video enhancement. DVD extras include 40 chapter stops, 8 trailers, and a conclusive restoration documentary. Famous and wealthy in his time, Jules Verne predicted the future use of submarines, space-travel, and crustaceous exploration. Over 80 motion picture and TV productions around the world have heralded his work. The first science-fiction movie was made in 1902 by George Melies. And yes, you're right. It was written by Jules Verne.
  
  

• "I never sleep. I hate those little slices of death."

  
  By A25ZVI6RH1KA5L on 2005-05-29
  Back when I was younger, I dug a hole in the field behind my parent's house...for what reason? Who knows? Perhaps it was a meager attempt to uncover fabulous booty left by some long since dead pirates...or maybe I wanted tunnel my way to the kingdom of the mole people, assert my dominance and become their king, but alas I found no such peoples (in retrospect, given the fact I only dug about three feet down, its not surprising the lack of my findings)...but it wasn't a total bust as I did find a decent size ceramic pipe, which I accidentally broke...so what's my point? I think it relates to this film, Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959) in that man has always had a curious fascination with the unknown and a desire for understand of that which has yet to be explained...based on a novel by Jules Verne and directed by Henry Levin (Where the Boys Are, That Man Bolt), the film stars James Mason (20000 Leagues Under the Sea, North by Northwest), 50's and 60's crooner Pat Boone (State Fair), and Arlene Dahl (Three Little Words), mother of actor Lorenzo Lamas. Also appearing is Diane Baker (Strait-Jacket, Marnie), Peter Ronson, in his only film role, and Thayer David (House of Dark Shadows, Little Big Man).
  
  The story begins in 1880's Edinburgh as Professor Oliver Lindenbrook (Mason) makes an interesting discovery from a piece of lava rock given to him as a gift from one of his students named Alec McEwen (Boone). From within the rock comes evidence that a long lost explorer/scientist made it to where no one thought was possible, the very center of the Earth. Lindenbrook seeks validation from a fellow scientist in Stockholm, but learns the unscrupulous man has taken Lindenbrook's find and plans to exploit it for his own gain. This forces Linderbrook to mount his own expedition, but the going is difficult as it turns out there is yet a third party interested, one that will resort to any means necessary, even murder, to claim the undiscovered treasures that lie beneath the Earth.
  
  Alright, I'm no science whiz, but I have a pretty good idea this type of journey would be impossible due to the plain fact that as once travels closer to the center of the Earth, the pressure increases...I mean, think about what's involved to turn a piece of coal into a diamond. Given this, the film requires a great deal of suspension of disbelief, which I had no problem in allowing as this was not only a fantastic production, but also just a really fun movie. Mason is wonderful as the driven, yet thoughtful scientist not so much interested in personal fame or glory, but the true advancement of science and adding to the collective pool of knowledge for all mankind. Given the overall importance of the character to the story, the casting of Mason was probably one of the strongest factors in helping create a sense of believability, despite the completely fantastic nature of the story. As far as Pat Boone as his student, I was a little wary at first, but I think he did very well overcoming any bias I may have had...of course, I don't think you could have had a film in the late 50's with Boone and not have him perform a musical number, but it was worked into the story, and not just a matter of him breaking out into song for no apparent reason. Given his characters ability, one would think he was missing his calling as a musical artist rather than a junior scientist. As far as Arlene Dahl, well, I thought she also did well, and if I were going to be stuck under the Earth for an extended period of time, she would certainly be a fine choice as a companion in all of her bosomy goodness. I really liked the antagonistic character played by Thayer David, although I wished his part was a little bigger, and the character expanded on a little more. Another aspect that worked really well was the use of the Carlsbad Caverns and the completely alien and otherworldly sets populated by grotesquely huge creatures ravenous for fresh meat. Which brings me to the one aspect that kind of drew me out of the film in the use of lizards to represent prehistoric creatures. It did look a little hokey, but then given the film was released in 1959, I think it's a bit like shooting ducks in a barrel to be overly critical of this point, and, I think, one can feel the ambitious nature and effort put into the film which counts for a lot in my book. Despite the nearly 2 hour and 10 minute run time, director Levin keeps the story moving along well focusing not only on the external forces, but the internal conflicts within the group as the expedition is not a short one, but one taking approximately a year to complete. Which brought forth the question what happens if and when the group actually reaches the center of the Earth? How in the heck do you get out?
  
  The widescreen picture (2.35:1) looks beautiful on this Fox Home Entertainment DVD, and the Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround comes through very clear. In terms of the picture quality, there is a special feature that provides a visual restoration comparison showing exactly how poor the source elements were, and the amazing efforts put forth to present what is shown on this DVD. Given the amount of work done to clean the film up, I was surprised to see so little in terms of other extras, but I am pleased just to have a really good-looking version. As far as the extras available, there is a trailer for the film, along with trailers for other Fox films including The Abyss (1989), The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), Enemy Mine (1985), Independence Day (1996), One Million Years B.C. (1966), Planet of the Apes (both the 1968 and 2001 versions), Wing Commander (1999), and Zardoz (1974). All in all, if you are looking for a visually exciting, well produced, charming tale of adventure, you can't go wrong with this film.
  
  Cookieman108
  
  
  

• A film for the whole family

  
  By A2SHF3F8N7HGS3 on 2004-05-13
  Fox Studios was so successful with this film that they immediately made another Verne classic, "The Lost World" with Claude Raines as Professor Challenger. "Lost World" didn't fare as well. The reasons were obvious.

  "Journey" was put together by a team of Hollywood professionsls at all levels: script, direction, actors, production deisgners. They were all dedicated to one goal: to entertain the audience while not pandering to them. The actors take their roles seriously, bringing them to vivid life.

  This is a long film for a general release, family oriented project. It goes into good, solid character development, rather than settling for action over story, as they did with "The Lost World." The only thing both films have in common appear to be dinosaurs.

  The special effects are excellent. Try not to compare them to what can be computer-generated today. Matte painting artists of the old Hollywood studio system could truly be called artists; this film is a prime example of this art.

  Bernard Hermann's score is one of the true stars of the picture. It supports the film; it is like a character all its own; it complements the story rather than overpowering it.

  This is a movie that can be seen over and over through the years and it still appeals. Once again, the DVD format presents the film in its original CinemaScope aspect ratio, which is the only way to appreciate a truly excellent example of the old Hollywood in its finest form.
  
  

• Good DVD restoration of an uneven film

  
  By on 2003-08-01
  To anyone considering this DVD, know that the gentleman claiming this DVD was colorized from black-and-white prints is quite mistaken. This DVD is from a new internegative, and what that means is that they made a new color film using what is known as "black-and-white separations." These separations are a B&W film of each of the 3 primary color spectrums (cyan, magenta, blue - tech talk for these separations is Y-C-M) which put together make real full color. They are made that way to preserve a color film. The B&W doesn't fade like color negatives and most prints do (the color spectrums also fade unevenly). So you'd always be able to put them together to make a fresh new color print. You can also control the color better by blending the intensity of each color spectrum. They used this technique for this movie in order preserve the badly aged and neglected negative and to use the blending ability in making a new print to compensate for much of the fading of the negative. Separations should exist for all color films but sadly they don't.

  You can now figure out that the question of how this will look depends on how bad the negative was before making the "separations" from it, the quality of workmanship, and how carefully they blended the separations when making the film we see on this DVD. They did a good job. It isn't perfect, but it does more or less reflect the color scheme the filmmakers went for in 1959, which is why it might seem a little like fake color to some. If you have a good monitor, it looks colorful in a slightly artful way that many older films intentionally strove for.

  The sound is a bit out of synch at times but not much. Many videos have that problem. It could be better but most people won't notice. The hiss is fine since it doesn't distract and is better left in than having the sound muffled by filtering it. There are some other strange artifacts in the sound that shouldn't be in there. What is sloppier is that they get the left and right channels reversed at times! This is also not uncommon in the second rate attention usually given older films. In fact this DVD sounds unusually good! It even allows the bass end to remain intact, a big plus in the music for this film. Fox needed to proofread this DVD. It says it is modified (cropped to fit the TV) while in fact it is in its original widescreen on this DVD. This DVD is a commendable job and far superior to the horrid junk this studio released in previous releases of this movie.

  You must have an appreciation of the absurd to enjoy this movie. If you like absurd or have an appreciation of the absurd, you will find this movie amusing and enjoyable. If you expect clinical or hyper-reality, hyper-violence or gritty realism, you will not like this film. You should also be able to enjoy a story that is in no hurry and be able to enjoy hand-made special effects and some simple stage-like backdrops. I did enjoy the Atlantis setting, it's a shame it didn't make more use of that. There are many things it glosses over in favor of things I wouldn't have bothered with. You may agree. Of course the lady stays a '50's movie lady, and extravagantly made-up and coiffed no matter how long away from a salon. As you no doubt know, many shows still pull that trick. At least she is given a backbone. If the handling of the villain is a little dubious, at least the lead, James Mason's role, is well played and easy to associate with if you have that appreciation for the absurd. If you are fine with all that then you should enjoy this movie.

  The score is the best element of this movie. I'm not talking of the transient ditties Pat Boone throws off. I mean the scoring by Bernard Herrmann. Many people like the score far better than the movie itself. I agree. Music and film students will find this score a must. Particularly of interest is the instrumentation. There are superb uses of organ including the seriously low registers (a subwoofer is worth using for this film). Another interesting thing is the extremely rare use of the distinctive, long-obsolete medieval instrument called a "serpent." This instrument is used for the unnerving tones portraying the (what else!) giant serpent.

  This movie is not as dramatically valid or creatively solid as Walt Disney's 'Twenty-Thousand Leagues under the Sea' (1954). 'Twenty-Thousand Leagues' has also aged better. If you want a classic Jules Verne film, get the excellent DVD of 'Twenty-Thousand Leagues'. Then consider this one. 'Mysterious Island' is another, but I'd suggest it after the aforementioned. Also of possible interest to you is a film also requiring an appreciation of the absurd and a taste or tolerance of the "cheesy" in even larger measures, but possibly also stronger in its strengths than this film, 'In Search of the Castaways' (1962 - not on DVD at this time). 'First Men in the Moon' (1964) is also in a similar spirit to this. I hope you'll now be able to chose whether to buy this DVD and what to get if you enjoy this film.

  - C.J.
  
  

• Grand "Cinemascope" family entertainment from the 1950s!

  
  By A3TXQGR6QFRRVU on 2003-03-08
  OK, there's been some controversy here about the quality of this release, so let me put it to rest. This DVD is spledid! I think this adaptation of Jules Verne's 1864 French novel is a prime example of 1950's wide-screen motion picture family entertainment -- it's wholesome and has a little something for everyone. This is the best film version of this story, the most recent of which was done for the USA Channel on cable in 1999 and was very campy. They couldn't match the 1959 production values of this 20th Century-Fox film that has excellent color photography and art direction, and Bernard Herrmann's wonderfully atmospheric music score. These elements have continued to make it a favorite with fantasy film fans who can appreciate older movies, though it's true that some of it is silly at times, but I don't think the film's makers were trying for a serious movie. It also contains one of James Mason's best performances (He was always good). It's wonderful "Cinemascope" escapism from the bygone Eisenhower-era of the 1950s. Even though I've been watching it on TV since I was a kid in the sixties, I'd only seen pan&scan versions, and it wasn't until I got it letterboxed on laserdisc that I finally saw what a big-screen entertainment this movie was meant to be. It has splendid scope and a score by Bernard Herrmann that takes you right down into the bowels of the earth. Listen to it and you'll notice what I mean, as the movie progresses the music keeps going into a lower and lower register. Five organs were used, including one meant for a Cathedral. (The complete original recordings of the score are available on CD from Varese Sarabande.) Sure it's long in the telling and takes a while to get you down that extinct volcano in Iceland, but it's fun all the way with great special effects work by L.B. Abbott and matte paintings by Emil Kosa Jr. It's been a long wait for this to come out on DVD but it's now worth it. Although Fox should have known that fans would want more extras, including a production and poster still gallery and audio commentary by Pat Boone and Arlene Dahl perhaps?, or an expert on the production? (Perhaps we'll get it in a future release?), they have thankfully included the original theatrical trailer, whic is a lot of fun. They've also gone to great efforts to restore the color negative, and this 16X9 ANAMORPHIC TRANSFER has been struck from a newly made interpositive print, and has been further enhanced with digital video. The original 4-track MagOptical soundtrack is here offered in Dolby Digital 4.0 surround. Although the directionalized dialogue is often off the mark, the aged soundtrack sounds great and will really rumble your room if you've got a subwoofer. If you are a fan of 1959's JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH, you'll be very happy with this DVD. I'd give this DVD five stars but for Fox skimping on the extras. Boy, you people at Fox can be real dummies!
  
  
• JATA + TTM + MI + TDTESS + JTTCOTE = SCIFI HEAVEN
  By AAUAOPPH3PBB2 on 2003-01-16
  First Jason and the Argonauts, The Time Machine, Mysterious Island; and finally BOTH The Day the Earth Stood Still and Journey to the Centre of the Earth, released on the same day!! And all in glorious letterbox (except TDTESS; it's in a class of it's own). Journey to the Centre of the Earth is great fantasy movie for for the whole family with beautiful photography and a fantastic musical score provided by THE composer of all time, Bernard Herrmann. A perfect addition to any scifi collection.
  
  
• One of the best movies ever made.
  By A3I7CRNHGZVWXP on 1999-08-12
  I LOVE it!. There's absolutely nothing bad to be said about this wonderful film. It's one of the 10 best movies ever made, and it's lost none of its magic.(I like it just a tiny bit more, than that other famous 50's fantasy/adventure favorite of mine: "20.000 Leagues Under The Sea".) When I'm with Mason & co., I'm like a little kid again. There are movies you never stop loving; and this is one of them for me. They just don't make 'em like this anymore. If you're "old and wise", I trust you'll agree.(I'm 32, by the way.) -They can show me all their latest computer effects, I don't care, they're all empty like a balloon, and they have no soul. Any kind of real and interesting magical atmosphere, is almost impossible to capture in modern movies. Older films have a facinating, almost other-worldly quality to them. It all boils down to the look of a movie, and today they all look the same. Sad, but true. -At least one can spend the rest of his or hers life, watching nothing but old movies; and that's just exactly what I intend to do.
  
  
• One of the best classic movies of all time
  By A2QRB6L1MCJ53G on 2000-08-24
  Before I watched "Journey To The Center of The Earth," I was expecting it to be something like "At The Earth's Core" where a scientist travels in a huge drilling machine to get to the center of the earth. But it's not anything like "At The Earth's Core," it's a lot better. Professor Lindenbrook (James Mason) and the crew don't use a machine to get there, they just work their way down on foot.

  "Journey To The Center of The Earth" is an exciting journey filled with adventure. You'll see some of the best effects from any movie made in the late 50's when you see some of the caverns and volcanoes in the movie. Some of the best scenes in the movie are when the crew gets chased by a huge boulder and when Alec McEwen (Pat Boone) falls down into a place full of salt. They also run into a few big reptiles who try to stand in their way.

  Bottom line: If you like classic adventure movies, "Journey To The Center of The Earth" is definitely one you can't afford to miss.
  
  

• As good now as it was then . . .
  By A2MNB77YGJ3CN0 on 2000-01-05
  I first saw this on the "big screen" as a child, and was totally blown away by the special effects. I'm still amazed at what they were able to do given the "state of the art" at the time (1959). No, it's not precisely the way Jules Verne wrote it, but the basics of the plot and story are there. James Mason is the archtypical passionate professor, and quite good in this role. Arlene Dahl does a fine job in what could have been "just another pretty face" role. She actually gives it some character and "spunk." And Pat Boone works well in the student role, once he gets past the cheesy "Scottish" accent.

  This is a great family flick -- minimal violence, nothing that would tempt other than a "G" rating -- and the "good guys" win in the end. Fantastic scenery, believable special effects -- a great way to spend an afternoon!
  
  

• a treat to finally hear this score in stereo!
  By on 1999-09-08
  If there is a way for a 40 year old movie to still hold the intrest of a modern audience, one that has become jaded with large blockbuster productions and state of the art special effects,it is through the magnificent soundtrack composed by Bernard Herrmann.The film just would not have had the same impact.This soundtrack elevates and sets the tone and atmosphere to the degree that I do not think the film would have been as successful without it.Although I was too young to have seen" Journey" when it was first released in 59, my first impression upon seeing it on tv in the early 60`s was"wow the music in this movie is great". I was then later to discover (not surprisingly) that Herrmann had scored many other favorites of mine including"7 th Voyage of Sinbad","Jason and the Argonauts", "mysterious Island", and "Psyco".There are some film composers today that are keeping the tradition going,like James Horner and John Williams just to name two, but I think in many of todays movies, the film score is severely down played or replaced with the use of recording artists current pop hits(to insure the sales and profits of actually releasing a soundtrack album for a particular film.Watch the film "Journey to the Center of the Earth", don`t compare the special effects to today`s technology,have patience in the classic "slow Build up " in plot,but most importantly,LISTEN to the soundtrack while the story unfolds and you willbe treated to a thoroughly entertaining family film from start to finish.
  
  
• Pathetic.
  By on 2003-12-22
  Sometimes the aura of a movie overpowers its actual quality.
  This is a joke of a movie. Having read and loved the book, I was excited when I saw that there was a movie. Saw it on TV.

  What I saw had nothing to do with the book.

  Nothing.

  At all.

  I'm not kidding.

  IT DOESN'T HAVE ANYTHING AT ALL TO DO WITH THE BOOK. The only thing it has in common with the book is the journey to the center of the Earth.

  Some girl that tags along? A pet goose? A love story? A band of rogues chasing them all the way? Good lord. Monsieur Verne must be rolling in his grave; bless his heart.
  
  

• Rated "G" for "Great"
  By A2OSERGXBYMPJ0 on 2004-05-01
  This movie captured my imagination as a child, and I'm pleased to say that it retains all its adventurous charm twenty-five years later.

  Based loosely on the Jules Verne novel, the movie tells the story of a group of scientists (and a scientist's widow ... and a hunky Icelander ... and a duck) as they follow the trail of a long-dead explorer into - wait for it - the center of the Earth. The film is partly a vehicle for Pat Boone's singing career, partly an excuse to design one fantastic set after another (partly filmed in Carlsbad Cavern National Park), but it's mostly a decent adventure story with the ever-wonderful James Mason leading the way. Sure, some effects are poorly done with blue screens, matte paintings, and miniatures (not bad by late '50s standards, though), but it doesn't take much suspension of disbelief to get into spirit of the thing (my 4-year-old screamed at the Dimetrodons), and an emotional connection is built between the audience and the characters (Count Saknussem's fate is richly deserved). Be sure to watch for Alfred the Butler (Alan Napier) as a University of Edinburgh dean.

  The limited bonus materials are all worthwhile (as opposed to DVDs that cram in the extras, mostly mediocre). Included are movie trailers for nine Fox sci-fi movies (Sean Connery's Zardoz must be seen to be believed) as well as the trailer for Journey. The only other bonus is a before-and-after comparison of how the film was restored. There's no documentary showing the process, but the side-by-side and split-screen comparisons help you realize how close this treasure was to being lost.

  This is a great film that deserves to be part of anyone's collection. The effects may be dated, but the adventure and characterizations are as powerful today as they were in 1959. If you're looking for a film the whole family can enjoy that isn't so sugary sweet it necessitates a visit to the dentist, Journey to the Center of the Earth fits the bill.
  
  

• Journey to the Center Of The Earth: Herrman's Volcano
  By A4Y233WXK7DQ3 on 2000-06-02
  Bernard Herrman turns almost any music to gold, makes average films better. In Journey to the Center of the Earth, Herrman unleashes the elements of geology through his themes, whether a startling trumpet of sunlight passing through mountain peaks, a wonderful use of the organ bringing an ominous quality to certain scenes, and crashing cymbals during a seastorm, and ascending and descending harp notes for climbing scenes. Only an average movie, Herrman's music makes it worthwhile, even if he scores a few songs for Pat Boone, which aren't too bad considering "My Love Is a Red Red Rose, " is a famous Scottish song to the words of the immortal Robert Burns. Like all his fantasy film scores, this one is again magical, mysterioius as the geological adventures it follows deep into the dark regions of the planet.
  
  
• Gertrude? Gertrude..?
  By A2J3MR64L567OK on 2003-08-05
  I first saw Journey to the Center of the Earth as part of a dusty collection of VHS tapes our local library would roll out on rainy Sundays for the kids (another classic was Mysterious Island). I enjoyed it then, so I decided to pick up the DVD. Not only has the film held up over time, I actually find it more entertaining now than when I was a lad. The plot, wherein an esteemed Scottish geology professor and his earnest student (Pat Boone) discover a clue that leads them to the center of the Earth, along with a rogue's gallery of other companions, is actually almost believable. I think that's probably the best that can ever be said about this sort of film, and something that is almost never said of more recent versions. Along the way naturally the intrepid explorers overcome dangers and obstacles, encounter fabulous natural wonders, and generally have a good time. The actors really make this film stand out; the special effects are still good but it's the dialogue that speeds the plot along. I still find myself swept up in their initial hunt for the entrance to the underground caverns, as well as the interactions of our heroes with the primary villian..and of course there is a fun one. The film also has a well-manicured but playful sense of humor, including a scene where our heroes desperately try in any language to communicate with the tappings of a presumed rescuer, which turns out to be a duck, and another where one love interest is horrified when she (gasp!) accidentally reveals her shapely ankles.

  Also, this film has a great sequence that catapults it high into the ranking of that little-known and vastly underappreciated sub-genre: the "giant" lizard film. You know the ones I mean. They all have iguanas, typically blue-screened and made up to look like prehistoric dinosaurs of some form, which bound around the place and generally menace our off-screen actors. Look for close-up shots of "giant" lizard mouths and then listen for the screams. Ahh, it's great.

  The DVD itself is fine. Some of the other reviews take issue with obscure coloring and soundtrack elements that, frankly, I don't think are even noticeable. The soundtrack is delightfully strident and yet often solemn/morbid, conveying the gradual suffocating effects of hundreds of miles of earth piled above your head as you move deeper. All in all, I think this is about as entertaining and enjoyable as you're going to get for a premise as patently absurd as walking to the center of the earth. And that, of course, is why it's such a great film.
  
  

• Thank God for the 4:30 movie (NYC natives of the 70s only)
  By A1F6OPXM5LDZ4M on 2003-11-23
  I would never have seen this film as a youngster if it hadn't been for the local weekday afternoon 4:30 movie in the NYC metro area - that was something that I looked forward to every winter afternoon. They had several theme based film festivals, one of which featured JTTCOTE. Once I had seen it, I tried to always catch it again anytime that I saw it would be on - it's that much fun.

  Now seeing it as an adult some 25 years later, the movie is STILL a lot of fun. I would highly recommend it for kids aged 5-10 but probably it would be enjoyed by people at almost any age. In addition the quality of this DVD print is quite high considering the film is almost 45 years old. The musical score is also excellent, and anything with James Mason is virtually a must-see (at least once - this one will be enjoyed repeatedly for years). Have fun!
  
  

• 1990 Laserdisc version vs. DVD version
  By A2LDHJSP3Y6D9Q on 2005-06-03
  This is for those who are in the process of replacing their old laserdisc films with DVD versions. You should be aware that this DVD is not an improvement over the widescreen laserdisc in every respect. First, the good. There is no question the sharpness and color of this DVD beats out the laserdisc, hands down. Also, whereas the laserdisc print had a significant amount of dirt on the print, it has been all but eliminated with this DVD transfer. Kudos. Beautiful.
  
  But there are two annoying drawbacks to the DVD version. First, the sound. I don't know what was done to the two-channel audio, but on the DVD there is virtually no centralization of dialogue. Dialogue is spread out across all three front channels. This is most annoying, as you cannot escape it throughout the entire film, although you learn to accept it. Second, although the DVD is widescreen, versus the laserdisc you lose a significant amount of the image on the left and right, and to a lesser degree also the top and bottom. In some such cases, this comes down to a question of matting, and it can often be debated which "widescreen" version is actually "correct". But when I see on this DVD many instances where critical information is lost, which was surely intended to be seen, I believe this DVD was not matted properly. I synched the DVD to play concurrently with my laserdisc, and switched between the two. The DVD has throughout, instances where extreme left, right, top and bottom information is cropped off. For example, view the scene where the explorers are being thrust upward by lava in the altar stone. On the laserdisc, you see the entire breadth of the altar stone. On the DVD, the left and right edges are cut off. Noticeable in other scenes are cropped elbows, heads, missing people, etc.
  
  The extent of this is something one might not find too annoying if one doesn't have another source to compare it to. And the overall quality of the image over the laserdisc still gives the DVD an edge. I just thought the dying breed of laserdisc devotees might like to know what they will be throwing away with their laserdisc when they replace it with this DVD. If image quality and cleanliness of print are of paramount importance to you, the DVD is your clear choice. If proper matting and soundstaging are more important to you, the laserdisc is still more preferable.
  
  
• One of the best!
  By on 2000-05-30
  I remember how much I had loved this film growing up. I love it even more now! This is a great film with great acting! This is not a stupid low budget movie. This is a very well done wonderful film of adventure! Fun for the whole family!
  
  
• Jules Verne's Sci-Fi Classic
  By on 1999-10-21
  Journey to the Center of the Earth with geology professor Lindenbrook (James Mason) and his student (Pat Boone). The classic beauty of Arlene Dahl has been added to the original story as the love interest. Stunningly beautiful scenes of the underearth realm are filled with variety. There are scenes such as Lindenbrook and his geology student companion finding themselves in an eiderdown storehouse which add a touch of comedy. Altogether this is an adventure to be enjoyed again and again!
  
  
• Herrmann at his darkest
  By A3PZTH1DTX6O6B on 2000-05-09
  This soundtrack represents Bernard Herrmann at his darkest. It is powerful in its simplicity; full of bass rumblings and deep organ chords representing the subterranean world of the film, with contrasting brass fanfares that evoke the explorers' heroic quest. (I could have done without the Pat Boone songs that appear on the album, but they WERE in the film . . .)

  One interesting feature is Herrmann's use of a medieval instrument called the serpent, in the cue "Giant Chameleon." As the excellent liner notes (written by Herrmann scholar Steven C. Smith) explain, this instrument has a very odd tone, sometimes described as sounding like a "donkey with emotional problems." Although I don't find its use very inspiring in this particular soundtrack, it just shows what an innovator Herrmann was, willing to use ancient instruments and modern alike (i.e. the theremin in "The Day the Earth Stood Still").

  Herrmann afficionados will not be disappointed in this recording, though it has, as he admitted, less human qualities than many of his other scores.
  
  

• Until Star Wars and Indiana Jones, This Was the Best
  By A2YUU8P5BZQ0GQ on 2003-02-24
  This is a great movie, no doubt the best science fiction special effects movie of its time. Beautiful visuals, great soundtrack (though not popular songs, but sounds that build the power of the movie.) Just lower your expectations because it was done 40+ years ago, it's worth viewing and probably buying. I've probably watched this at least twenty times and I only just got a copy of it within the last year.

  The storyline is great, with cool scientific twists, romance and humor.

  the actors-- James Mason, Pat Boone (this could be his best role) and Arlene Dahl help make the movie even better.

  The story is adapted from a Jules Verne original. It tells of an unlikely crew of explorers who follow the path of an earlier pioneering scientist to the center of the earth. Along the way they see wonders never encountered at the surface, including the best portrayal of dinosaurs before Jurassic park. But the dinosaurs are only a part of it. The magic of the jewel cave scene has always entranced me, probably because of the music, by Bernard Herrmann, who also created music for Twilight Zone, Psycho, Citizen Kane, Day the Earth Stood Still, North by Northwest... check out imdb for the long list of movies he created music for.
  
  

• Finally! Thank you 20th Century-Fox!
  By A376UHS8GODI8W on 2003-03-30
  Excellent transfer of a movie I have loved since I went to the movie theatre to watch it.
  The DVD is impeccable. Fully restored picture, excellent sound and a few extras included.
  James Mason and Pat Boone are at their best in this movie, based on Jules Verne's classic adventure tale.
  If you like adventure-fantasy movies, then this one is certainly for you.
  They certainly don't make them as they used to.
  Buy it. It's well worth the money.
  For the entire family...
  
  
• Solid, entertaining classic restored
  By AQP1VPK16SVWM on 2003-04-28
  It's a fun movie. You can argue with the the "science"; you can argue with some of the optical effects (the use of poorly matted lizards vs. stop motion animation is a minor drawback to the film)and you can argue with some of the deviations from Verne's classic novel but none of this off sets the sheer aura of fun that surrounds this 50's classic. Made at the tail end of the science fiction boom that made the cinema profitable again during the threat of television, Journey succeeds through the top flight direction, witty dialog and performances of the cast.

  James Mason is perfectly cast as Professor Lidenbrook and Arlene Dahl plays his spirited romantic interest. The plot is fairly well known so I'll stick to the quality of the film, restoration and DVD transfer. Pat Boone's career as an actor was often blighted by his singing career. He wasn't considered a "serious" actor. He gives a energetic performance that counter balances Mason's intense take as Liddenbrook.

  The direction by Hollywood vet Henry Levin sparkles with a number of inventive set pieces. Michael Todd's spare no expense production allows this lavish production to continue to shine nearly 45 years later. The art direction is often imaginative and, despite the limitations of the time, manage to convey the wonder of Verne's original novel.

  The optical effects are quite good half a century later. The matte paintings and miniatures still allow one to suspend disbelief and sink into the world portrayed here. The use of redressed lizards for the grand finale does undermine the conclusion a bit. Surprisingly, Todd and director Levin opted for using this approach instead of the more time consuming stop motion animation of Ray Harryhausen or Willis O'Brien. Although it would have delayed the film a bit and increased the budget as well, this brief sequence would have been more believable and lively if it had been made using O'Brien or Harryhausen.

  All of this would have been to no avail if not for Bernard Herrmann's moody, inventive and idiosyncratic score for the film. Herrmann's best scores (North by Northwest, Psycho, Citizen Kane among many other classic scores)helped elevate the quality of many films. Hitchcock, Welles, Ray Harryhausen, Brian DePalma and Martin Scorese all recognized that Herrmann's scores were important characters in the films they directed.

  The transfer is beautiful given the age of the original negative and condition of many of the films from this time frame. While the restoraation isn't as rich as that given to cinematic classics like Vertigo and Spartacus, the film benefits from the restoration efforts. The colors are vibrant and rich and, with few exceptions, the transfer is sharp and not as grainy as one would expect (particulary during the optical effects sequences).

  The DVD transfer is quite good as well. Again, grain problems to crop up now and again and the widescreen transfer isn't flawless but these are fairly minor complaints. Fox has, on the whole, done a marvelous job restoring this classic adventure film. Sadly, Mason, director Levin and Todd are all deceased so we don't get any first person observations about the production of the film on a second audio track. Since Pat Boone is still very much with us, it would have been interesting to hear his memories on the production of this fine film.

  I have very fond memories of watching this on the 3:30 Afternoon movie on KGO-TV in San Francisco (and, if memory serves, a couple of times on John Stanley's Creature Feature program as well). It's a perfect rainy day Saturday movie. It's enjoyable for the kids and, yes, even for this adult despite the wonderous explosion in visual effects over the years. While you're at it, you might also enjoy Jon Amiel's The Core an update of sorts of this classic film. Amiel's film vividly recaptures the sense of wonder and power of this type of film with his modern day take on the same theme.
  
  

• My All-Time Favorite Sci-Fi Picture
  By A17MQ5VFGRV73D on 2004-10-22
  What a great movie, and to have it out on DVD too. Pat Boone is great. This movie is so entertaining...never a dull moment. I loved the color and the old fashioned devices. The acting is superb by everyone...even the duck. It can be kinda scary for younger children, so maybe wait until they are older. The scenes under the earth were very real looking, except for the mushrooms. I love Pat Boones singing. Also the part about adminsitering justice under the earth was thought provoking. All around good movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There are giant lizards, so ladies beware. But overall a very enjoable, suspence filled flick with lots of twists and turns!!! The part when James mason and Pat Boone are thrown into a feather bin is very humorous!!! Enjoy!!!!
  
  
• Near classic
  By A3NM1MT3Q2FHXV on 2005-07-05
  Journey to the Center of the Earth is one of a great many movie adaptations of Jules Verne's stories. It has many strong points and is quite enjoyable to watch despite the clearly dubious science behind many of the situations. The basic premise is a geologist finds a plumb bob with Scandinavian markings in the middle of a piece of volcanic rock. This leads him to believe that the story of another scientist's journey deep into the earth was not only possible but a success. He then embarks on his own journey with one of his students and the widow of a man who planned a similar expedition (who he discovers was murdered).
  
  Despite the many out of place situations, it's good fun to watch the expedition's progress. This movie, and many like it from the same era, could only be made in its own time period before audiences became too sophisticated and cynical to just sit back and enjoy the wonders of someone's imagination. There's an innocent joy in forgetting about dissecting the validity of the events and simply savoring what is going on on the screen.
  
  The only thing that undermines the film in my opinion is the way in which Pat Boone was used to lure a different demographic to the movie. There are a few scenes where he's crooning which seem very out of place. Also, his Scottish accent seems to come and go very frequently which reminds the viewer that he's an American pop idol cast in the role to please young females rather than a real actor.
  
  James Mason is excellent as the professor who leads the expedition. Arlene Dahl (with perfect makeup throughout the trip) also does well as the widow who insists on going along despite the professor's objections. What works surprisingly well is the presence of the character of Hans (who does not speak English) and his pet duck, Gertrude.
  
  This is a fine movie which I'd call a Sci-Fi classic if it weren't for the overtones of an Elvis movie in the musical numbers.
  
  
• Classic
  By A3ADUOVTY3TIRU on 2006-05-20
  What a great movie, and to have it out on DVD too. Pat Boone is great. This movie is so entertaining...never a dull moment. I loved the color and the old fashioned devices. The acting is superb by everyone...even the duck. The scenes under the earth were very real looking, except for the mushrooms. Also the part about adminsitering justice under the earth was thought provoking. All around good movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat.Overall a very enjoable, suspence filled flick with lots of twists and turns.
  This is a great film that deserves to be part of anyone's collection. The effects may be dated, but the adventure and characterizations are as powerful today as they were in 1959. If you're looking for a film the whole family can enjoy that isn't so sugary sweet it necessitates a visit to the dentist, Journey to the Center of the Earth fits the bill.
  
  
  
• Still Fun with James Mason and Pat Boone in Jules Verne's Underground Adventure Tale
  By ABO2ZI2Y5DQ9T on 2006-07-02
  After two successful adaptations of Jules Verne novels, "20000 Leagues Under the Sea" and "Around the World in Eighty Days," it is only natural that 20th Century Fox decided on producing a big-budget adventure tale based on the same novelist's work. Quite ambitious by the standard of its day "Journey to the Center of the Earth" still remains entertaining even if some part of it look very corny today.
  
  Like any Verne novels you have read, the title tells you everything about the story. The expedition team led by a renowned professor Oliver Lindenbrook descends deep into the Earth, and they find extraordinary things like a cave with huge mushrooms and giant lizards. As no CGI was available, of course, the "giant" lizard is actually a real one that tries to look much bigger with a camera trick, but you should remember this was made in 1959.
  
  The cast including James Mason, Pat Boone, Arlene Dahl, and Diane Baker may look strange now, for the story is set in 19th century Edinburgh, Scotland. Pat Boone's role as geology student who assists the professor looks even curious when his Scottish accent comes and suddenly goes (and he sings a song too, a Robert Burns poem), but he was one of the most popular teenage idols those days before the Fab Four arrived in USA. By the way, the same formula casting idol singer would be repeated three years later, with Irwin Allen-directed Jules Verne adventure tale "Five Weeks in a Balloon" that feature Cerdic Hardwick and Fabian (!).
  
  The effects look cheesy now, the pace is slow for most modern viewers, and the film's slightly comical touch may not amuse you, but the fact remains that "Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth" is still quite entertaining. I loved it when watching it as a kid, and I find it still fun to see it.
  
  
• Great Movie
  By A38X6M9ZAP73P9 on 2007-01-20
  I bought this for my husband for Christmas. He loved this movie as a kid and really wanted it. He was happy to see it again. I never watched until now and also enjoyed it.
  
  
• A Hollywood Adaptation in the Imaginative Style of the 1950s: Verne's Larger than Life Tale of Forgotten Worlds
  By A2GYX971VETQBV on 2007-03-12
  This movie is not for everyone. As several of the comments on this site seem to indicate, the film is most powerful for those who remember watching it as a child. It is a nostalgic piece of cinema, one that pays tribute to the truly imaginative nature of Hollywood films in the 1950s. JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH is certainly an imaginative film, one that seems to echo the original magic and optimism of the Verne novel. While certainly not an accurate reproduction of the book, JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH does manage to weave an interesting tale in its own right, introducing villains, characters, and plot twists that are simply absent in Verne's story. I can remember reading the Verne novel as a kid and there is something about Verne's (at times) stilted writing that is best captured in the early film adaptations. While more modern efforts can certainly outperform the classics when it comes to special effects and realism, they simply can't capture the nineteenth century feel of the novels in the same way that classic cinema can, with its naïve effects and storytelling.
  
  The story begins in Scotland, where we are introduced to Professor Lindenbrook (James Mason), a recently knighted professor, famous for his scientific accomplishments. A young student of his, Alec McEwan (Pat Boone) presents the professor with a gift to honor his recent accomplishment: a rare piece of volcanic rock, unusual for its weight properties. The professor immediately becomes transfixed by the rock, convinced that there must be something quite heavy inside. Upon closer inspection, Lindenbrook discovers a plumb bob buried inside. There is an inscription on the device, penned by a famous Icelandic scientist almost three hundred years earlier, Arne Saknussem. The message confirms Saknussem's theory that beneath the earth's surface lies a mysterious world, for Saknussem claims to have found the passage and actually visited the center of the earth himself! With his dying breath, he has mysteriously written down the directions for finding the entrance tunnel. Immediately, Lindenbrook is completely overwhelmed by this discovery. The world laughed at the ridiculous theories of Arne Saknussem until he mysteriously disappeared, never to be seen again. The professor vows to take an expedition there himself to confirm the ancient scientist's previous journey.
  
  The plot thickens when Lindenbrook writes about his findings to an eminent Swedish scientist by the name of Professor Goetaborg. After two weeks of receiving no response, Lindenbrook receives a message from the University of Stockholm informing him that Professor Goetaborg mysteriously disappeared around the time he received Lindenbrook's first letter. Suddenly, Lindenbrook realizes that Goetaborg has gone to Iceland in order to beat Lindenbrook to the discovery! The race is on to discover the center of the earth!
  
  After arriving in Iceland with his dedicated student Alec McEwan, Lindenbrook finds that Goetaborg has already been there. They quickly try to obtain supplies to prepare for their incredible journey, but run into various troubles. Time is running out; Saknussem's message says that the sun will point the way on the final day of May. In the meantime, Goetaborg winds up dead in his hotel room, the victim of cyanide poisoning. Professor Lindenbrook realizes that he and Goetaborg are not alone on this journey. There is a mysterious third party who seems ready to stop at nothing (not even murder) to beat everyone to the center of the earth. What follows is a rollicking adventure as Professor Lindenbrook, Alex McEwan, Hans Belker (a hired Icelandic hand), and Carla Goetaborg (the wife of the recently deceased professor who forces herself into the expedition by offering her husband's equipment to the newcomers) head down into the abyss. They struggle against nature and the mysterious third party, discovering worlds far below the surface, battling ancient reptilian monsters, sailing a vast underground sea, and touring the ancient city of Atlantis.
  
  Overall, I enjoyed JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH. It is believable and there are times when I was completely drawn into the underground world and adventure. James Mason plays a very believable Professor Lindenbrook, a man of his time, obsessed with science, and full of adventure and daring. Pat Boone is also quite convincing, even if the film does provide him with several forced opportunities to croon his way into the hearts of young moviegoers.
  
  The quality of this DVD is top-notch. Comparisons to old transfers reveal that this new restoration is immensely improved. If you grew up watching the Sunday matinee performances of this film, you would do well to purchase this restored DVD. My one gripe is that the sound could have been enhanced for home audio systems. The dialogue is a bit echo-ey and I had to turn off my 5.1 system in order to enjoy the film in stereo. If you enjoy the many fifties adaptations of Verne's novels, you will love JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH.
  
  
• Great for the Whole Family
  By A2GPEV42IO41CI on 2002-06-24
  This is good, clean fun for the whole family. James Mason and Pat Boone play Victorian scientists on the journey, accompianed by Arlene Dahl. There are many comic moments and lots of thrills as the intrepid explorers go deeper and deeper to the earth's core. This is wholesome entertainment at its best.
  
  
• COLLECTORS ITEM
  By on 2003-01-09
  this is a collector item!! no one can redo this film. this is a must have.
  
  

• The Time Machine
• 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (Special Edition)
• The Day the Earth Stood Still
• Mysterious Island (Widescreen)
• The War of the Worlds (Special Collector's Edition)