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.
  
  

• 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!
  
  

• 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.
  
  

• 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.
  
  

• 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.
  
  
• 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 classic movies of all time
  By A2QRB6L1MCJ53G on 2000-08-23
  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 1999-09-07
  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.
  
  
• Thank God for the 4:30 movie (NYC natives of the 70s only)
  By A1F6OPXM5LDZ4M on 2003-11-22
  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!
  
  

• 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.
  
  

• "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
  
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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!!!!
  
  
• 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...
  
  
• 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.
  
  

• 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!
  
  
• 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.
  
  

• 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!
  
  
• Required Watching
  By ANXF4P7GYEV5N on 2007-04-02
  This was one of my favorite movies when I was a kid. Come on, Giant mushrooms, sparkling subterranean crystals and enormous lizards...what's not to love? It was great to watch it again with my kids. My 7 year old says it's one of the best things he's ever seen. That's a Classic for you...it reaches through the generations. We particularly liked seeing the section in "special features" where they showed the difference between the color in the original film and this newer release. The color has been cleaned up, but not in such a way that it seems out of place. Nicely done. I'd definitely recommend this for a family movie night or just a stroll down memory lane.
  
  
• A childhood favorite, just as enjoyable today
  By A3T46X7M3AUDAB on 2005-12-01
  A great example of what classic Hollywood did best, this movie is loads of old-fashioned fun, which thrilled me as a little kid & still provides plenty of enjoyment today. Scientifically it's preposterous, of course; but as a dreamlike journey, a literal evocation of the Unknown, filled with wonders & mysterious sights every step of the way, it's an absolute delight. Forests of giant mushrooms -- glittering caves of gigantic, multi-colored jewels & glistening fountains -- a labyrinth of twisting, bone-like branches & dunes of salt -- an underground ocean lit by bioluminescent fungus -- the lost city of Atlantis -- all this & more, including a gorgously ominous, majestic score by Bernard Hermann! The special effects are impressive for their time, and still hold up reasonably well even now. Let's face it, "cutting edge" special effects will always be dated with time -- what counts is whether they provide a genuine "sense of wonder." And this movie has plenty to spare!
  
  No, they just don't make 'em like this today -- why, the movie spends at least half an hour or more just introducing the characters, letting us get to know them, before actually sending them on their journey underground! But it all works very well, with the actors giving their all -- James Mason is strong, classy, utterly convincing; and even then-teen idol Pat Boone is very good as his young assistant. Toss in a brilliant, ruthless, creepy villain (the superbly cast Thayer David), as well as a feisty, strong-willed, beautiful widow (Arlene Dahl) -- and not forgetting Gertrude the duck! -- and a splendid time is guaranteed for all. Highly recommended!
  
  
• "JOURNEY INTO MY FONDEST MEMORIES ABOUT THIS FILM!"
  By A3DMAUN2AVAV4V on 2005-01-13
  Hello everybody! This is one of my definite, all-time favorites. I'm 32 y/o and I still get goose bumps watching this. I have always been fascinated with dinosaurs and stop-motion photography-ala RAY HARRYHAUSEN etc. The DIMETRODONS which were from the PERMIAN PERIOD, resembled the komodo dragons of Asia which obviously were descendents of some type of prehistoric reptile,(maybe DIMETRODONS-however they weren't dinosaurs). This scene was a misnomer due to dinosaurs not existing in the PERMIAN PERIOD.
  Every scene was memorable including the begining sequences- with the Earth spinning while opening credits are rolling to Atlantis blowing up- hence the volcano, to the dinosaur(actually it looked like some type of monitor lizard), protruding it's tongue as ARLENE DAHL gives a blood-curdling scream. This scene is simular to the fiery/dinosaur laden ending of the "LOST WORLD" with MICHAEL RENNIE, JILL ST. JOHN AND LORENZO LAMAS SR.(yes it's Lorenzo's father). I believe that came out in 1960 and also one of my favs. The giant mushrooms looked beleveble and the underground spring w/ glistening quartz rocks set was absolutely breath taking. I remeber as kid, drawing every scene and stapling it together as sort of a storyboard picture book. Other films I recommend of this genre are as follows: MYSTERIOUS ISLAND(1960), JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS(1963), THE GOLDEN VOYAGE OF SINBAD(1974),SINBAD AND THE EYE OF THE TIGER(1977), ONE MILLION YEARS B.C.(with RAQUEL WELCH and JOHN RICHARDSON-1966),THE LAND THAT TIME FORGOT(1975) and it's sequel THE PEOPLE THAT TIME FORGOT(1977), CLASH OF THE TITANS(1981) and THE 7TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD(1956). These films may not have had the incredible and elaborate c.g. of today's big budgeted films, but they posses an innocence in film making which evokes an overall satiated feeling after viewing this film genre.
  I highly recommend this and you'll want to watch this repeatedly as I most certainly do; I always catch something new or a little detail I've never noticed before. -JULIUS-ALLAN
  
  
  
  
  
• one of the best movies ever made
  By A3FITKYQQYGRXG on 2004-07-22
  this is one of the best movies ever made. It's a fantastic journey through many marvellous things and dangers. It's the door to another world, the world of fantasy and the questions man is asking since thousands of years. this movie deserves 10 stars. It's a milestone of cinema.
  
  
• Remastered Saturday Matinee Favorite
  By A3LGT6UZL99IW1 on 2004-04-09
  I remember watching this movie on the old "Family Classics" in Chicago back in then 70's. When it was released on DVD I snatched it up. Overall, it stands up really well. Sure the effects are campy, but this is pre-digital days. The best thing is that this has been fully remastered! Clear, crisp images and video make it a pleasure to view!
  
  
• I had very good taste at the age of 8!
  By A4N3GPYHOTFY3 on 2003-09-05
  Seeing this movie at a kiddie matinee one rainy Saturday afternoon was a formative experience. My brother and I played "Journey to the Center of the Earth" for weeks afterward on the hill behind our house. And most of it has worn extremely well, although being the jaded, post-Spielberg adult that I now am, I can't help noticing the difference between the authentic Carlsbad Cavern locations in some sets and the styrofoam rocks on Hollywood sound stages in others. But who cares? In my childhood, I already knew that the geological premise here was mistaken but happily suspended disbelief, and I'm glad to do it again for an enthralling, well-acted adventure story, especially one featuring interesting characters like an eccentric professor, a gallant young man who can sing, a beautiful, spunky woman, a loyal strong-man and a duck with a terrific sense of direction.

  Oh by the way, for you younger viewers, did you think Indiana Jones was the first action hero to flee a huge, rolling boulder in a narrow chasm? Find out where Lucas and Spielberg got that, along with a lot of other set-pieces, when you watch this great old flick.
  
  

• The DVD is FINALLY here!!!!!!!!!
  By A2A6EU2G544JK8 on 2003-03-06
  I popped the brand new DVD version of this film in the machine last night, adjusted the volume to half power, as it was late, and POW! The first bass-filled organ blast of Bernard Herrmann's score caused the picture frames on the walls to rattle! The sound on this DVD is fantastic. Much better than I'd hoped for in a picture that is over 40 years old. It's also in stereo, and very, very lush.
  The picture quality is truly amazing. The effort and care taken in restoring this film to its original lustre and vibrancy is evident from the first frame to the last. The color has been expertly corrected. Greys are now grey again, instead of a reddish brown. Blacks are deep, but with plenty of detail in the shadows. Skin tones are natural, and the technicolor is as vibrant again as it was when it was originally released. An example of this is in the opening credits. The background shots of exploding red lava fountains have always bled so badly one almost needed a paramedic standing by. Now, the color is bright and intense, but without any bleeding or noise. The clarity has to be seen to be believed. My hat is off to the wonderful folks at Fox for their lovely restoration of this classic "popcorn flick." You have my deepest gratitude. It definitely belongs in any collection, regardless of your preference for this genre. Buy it!
  -I still feel badly about poor Gertrude, though. She truly was a duck among ducks.
  
  
• 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.
  
  

• This movie is awesooooome!
  By A3JTIJCTAEP331 on 2009-09-19
  This original version is awesome.I watched it when I was a Kid and
  I still enjoy it over and over again.It is worth every penny.I highly recommend this movie if you are into to fantasy ,adventure movies. 5 star quality.
  
  
• This is the BEST version to watch. Accept no substitutes ! :)
  By A25CMSI6S7S63C on 2009-01-05
  If youre going to watch any version of JTTCOTE - this is the one. Great cast(James Mason,Pat Boone)acting,and a nice slow build up to when they get to the center of the Earth. I will say for some - that the first part of the movie might be slow for some, but stick with this and you will be thoroughly entertained with great effects,acting and imagination. It is over 2 hours long - but you have to wait until they take the journey - but it is worth it. From all the strange things they see inside the Earth, the heat, water, drama as they slowly go down to the center and then the dinosaurs appear and other wonders. A superior fantasy that has the atmosphere that only a film from this era can have. Give it a try & it will ultimately deliver. Jules Verne would probably give it 2 thumbs up :)
  
  

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