Robinson Crusoe on Mars - Criterion Collection Reviews

• Classic Sci Fi gets the treatment!

  
  By A1807I5SY921XF on 2007-06-25
  Robinson Crusoe On Mars is one of those films that makes you long for yester-year.
  
  For those who love the older science fiction films with their wide eyed view of the future of science and space, or those who just love a good solo adventure into the wild, this is one of the more well made films from the Sci Fi 60s (the film also has an appearance from the soon-to-be TV Batman, Adam West). With a wonderful imagining of Mars and some War Of The Worlds like space ships (no wonder as Worlds Byron Haskin helmed this as well) this film is a great addition to any movie buffs library. If you like Forbbiden Planet, this will be right up your alley.
  
  Criterion had offered this on Laserdisc and has been an expensive re-sell on Ebay over the years (between $100 and $200). But now you can own a much better transfer of the film with a few extra features! I have been awaiting this DVD release from them for a long time so this is my Criterion disc of the year!
  
  

• Robinson Crusoe On Mars...On DVD!!!

  
  By A10XJR7CWHNKWU on 2007-07-29
  I must echo my fellow reviewers on this one: "Robinson Crusoe On Mars" on DVD....FINALLY!!! This has been a longtime favorite movie of mine. I used to watch it all the time on TV as a kid, and I still love it now. As the title suggests, this 1964 sci-fi classic is the "Robinson Crusoe" story set on Mars, with the tale of one astronaut's survival on an alien world. Like "2001," "Forbidden Planet," "The Day The Earth Stood Still" and "Solaris" (the original "Solaris," NOT the god-awful remake with George Clooney), "Robinson Crusoe On Mars" is an *intelligent* sci-fi movie. It's well-written, beautifully shot, expertly directed by Byron Haskin, and acted quite strongly by a very effective trio of actors: Paul Mantee as the stranded astronaut, Victor Lundin as the alien whom our hero names Friday, and Adam West (of "Batman" fame) as a fellow astronaut (even though West's role is basically a cameo). And the movie also features THE most adorable little monkey in the history of cinema, Mona. I'm absolutely delighted to see this sci-fi classic get the DVD treatment at last. And the fact that it's being put out by Criterion is even better! (They also did a marvelous job with "Solaris" too, I must admit.) "Robinson Crusoe On Mars" is one of the sci-fi greats, a very special movie that anyone, even non sci-fi fans, can enjoy. I can't wait to get it!
  
  

• Very cool and it's about time!

  
  By AX82MAO22N66 on 2007-07-08
  Been a long wait to see this DVD released, but it's great to know it's a Criterion release so it should be awesome! I love this movie, very hard script to keep the audience engaged with so few actors but it works. Very engaging story line, well done special effects and the overall feel of the movie make this a 5 star classic sci fi must see!
  
  

• Finally!

  
  By A34XOCGCFBW5PU on 2007-07-10
  Information on this disc straight from Criterion's website
  
  Special Features:
  
  - New, restored high-definition digital transfer
  
  - Audio commentary featuring screenwriter Ib Melchior, actors Paul Mantee and Victor Lundin, production designer Al Nozaki, Oscar-winning special effects designer and Robinson Crusoe on Mars historian Robert Skotak, and excerpts from a 1979 audio interview with director Byron Haskin
  
  - Destination: Mars, a new video featurette by Michael Lennick detailing the science behind Robinson Crusoe on Mars
  
  - Excerpts from Melchior's original screenplay
  
  - New music video for Victor Lundin's song "Robinson Crusoe on Mars"
  
  - Stills gallery of behind-the-scenes photos, production designs, and promotional material
  
  - Theatrical trailer
  
  - PLUS: A booklet featuring a new essay by filmmaker and space historian Michael Lennick, Melchior's "Brief Yargorian Dictionary" of original alien dialect, and a list of facts about Mars from his original screenplay
  
  The Transfer:
  
  "Robinson Crusoe on Mars is presented in its original Techniscope aspect ratio of 2.35:1. Black bars at the top and bottom of the screen are normal for this format. This new high-definition digital transfer was created on a Spirit 4K Datacine from the 35mm 2-perforation A/B interpositive struck from the original negative. Thousands of instances of dirt, debris, and scratches were removed using the MTI Digital Restoration System. To maintain optimal image quality through the compression process, the picture on this dual-layer DVD-9 was encoded at the highest-possible bit rate for the quantity of material included.
  
  The soundtrack was mastered at 24-bit from a 35mm magnetic full coat master three track, and audio restoration tools were used to reduce clicks, pops, hiss, and crackle. The Dolby Digital 1.0 signal will be directed to the center channel on surround sound systems, but some viewers may prefer to switch to two-channel playback for a wider dispersal of the mono sound."
  
  I'm a little disappointed that it appears that Adam West wasn't even interviewed for this release. But it's good to have this one on DVD at long last.
  
  When you think of all the crap Paramount has released while this sat on the shelf....
  
  

• Good attempt at a realistic SF film with Easter eggs!

  
  By A295OPF6HX7XFP on 2007-10-03
  "Robinson Crusoe on Mars" was a noble and enjoyable attempt, if not entirely successful, to show what exploring a strange new planet would really be like, telling the tale of an astronaut in a space program not terribly far advanced from the year this movie was set (1964) on an orbital mission to Mars, who is forced to crash-land on the Red Planet and survive with what meager resources he has.
  
  The science is not perfect (but no worse than in any "Star Wars" movie) and the technical effects reflect their time, but the creators of the film (who included the film's director Byron Haskin, who also directed the original "War of the Worlds" and several classic episodes of the 1960s "Outer Limits series) resisted the attempt to camp it up with silly "sci-fi" perils. (One of the extras indicates that an early version of the script had the hero fighting giant Mars ants!)
  
  Their are many extras, including commentaries by the actors and film creators, pre-production designs and storyboards and more. These appear to have been slightly truncated from those on the laserdisc version, which I previously owned, but the laserdisc had so much material that a little editing may have been in order.
  
  One extra from the laserdisc, which I loved, I thought had been deleted but discovered to my delight is still there as an unadvertised "Easter Egg."
  
  This is a recording of the 45 record of the movie's theme song "Robinson Crusoe on Mars" which came out when the film was first released. Note that the DVD does contain another song with that title sung by film star Victor Lundin and included as a music video, but it is far inferior to the original song.
  
  To hear the original song, access the theatrical trailer and go to the alternate English tracks. One track has a short commentary from a collector of movie memorabilia (including that from "Crusoe") and the other has the theme song.
  
  
• Serious sci-fi adventure has never looked better
  By A2OZBJ58CML9OS on 2007-09-18
  During all those late nights my brother and I would stay up catching great old movies like this, I would have never dreamed I'd one day be able to own this almost-forgotten classic, and in such a deluxe format. There may be more high-profile sixties sci-fi films, but almost none of them achieve the level of sophistication and technical prowess of Robinson Crusoe on Mars.
  
  The film is, of course, a space-age variation on the classic Robinson Crusoe survival tale. Paul Mantee is the lone U.S. astronaut who gets stranded--along with Mona the Monkey--on the Red Planet. While struggling to survive a hostile alien environment, Mantee realizes he's not quite alone on Mars. I don't want to give away any more plot details, because you really need to see this classic film yourself.
  
  As expected, Criterion has polished this gem of a movie to sparkling perfection. Outside of Forbidden Planet (Two-Disc Special Edition), few big-budget science-fiction films have made such imaginative use of color, sets and effects. The print is virtually flawless, and the bright reds of the Martian landscape almost leap off the screen.
  
  Extras: There's a great (and long) theatrical trailer, an informative documentary which discusses the science of Robinson Crusoe on Mars, a Criterion-produced music video for the well-intentioned (though sonically hideous) song "Robinson Crusoe on Mars" by co-star Victor Lundin, and alternate audio commentary from two of the film's stars and screenwriter Ib Melchoir.
  
  Robinson Crusoe on Mars certainly belongs in any classic sci-fi fan's collection. And it's unlikely that anyone will ever improve upon this first-class job by Criterion. Highly recommended.
  
  
  
  
  
• Stands above the rest
  By A1MJMYLRTZ76ZX on 2008-07-18
  This is one of the best of the era's many SF films that still holds up today. The special effects were as good as anything done up till that time, and the stop action animation for the alien ships was cool. The three main actors, Adam West, Paul Mantee, and Vic Lundin (who plays Friday) all did fine jobs, and this might have been the peak of Paul Mantee's career, who I don't recall ever doing another staring role like this, although he turns up briefly many years later in the Robert Duvall film, The Great Santini, 15 years or so later. I always (along with West) thought he should have gone much further.
  
  The Martian landscape is beautifully and realistically portrayed, and the science about the Martian surface was accurate for the time. One of the strengths of the movie is in showing how difficult it would be to survive there, and I didn't mind the Deus ex machina of the oxygen containing rocks too much--after all--there wouldn't have been a story if not for that. :-) The final big scene with the meteror strike melting the Pole ice is still memorable, too. Overall, a fine SF classic from another day that stands heads and shoulders above the rest.
  
  
• Delightful story, beautifully rendered
  By AGVWTYW0ULXHT on 2008-05-02
  What I like so much about Robinson Crusoe on Mars is its no nonsense approach. Even though it takes place on Mars it is very much about human problems, about the need for self-sufficiency and the equally compelling need for companionship. The astronaut spends most of the first half of the film just trying to work out the problem of how to live on Mars -- and it holds my attention throughout. Once he has solved that problem, his real problem is how to live alone. He needs a companion, someone to talk to, a friend (and something more than a monkey). Once he finds his friend there is a bit of artificial drama that comes from the fact that his former captors in their alien spacecraft want him back, but that is really secondary to the process of their coming to trust and care about and take care of each other.
  
  Apart from the gripping story -- that kept my kids and I captivated throughout -- the visuals are gorgeous and magical. It is really quite impressive that the filmmakers were able to turn images of the California desert (combined with surreal matte painting and lighting) into an alien landscape. This is a fun movie, and it is beautifully restored by Criterion.
  
  
• An old classic has lost none of its wonder or zip!
  By A2XRMQA6PJ5ZJ8 on 2007-10-04
  Back in the 50s and 60s Hollywood came out with many modestly-budgeted science fiction flicks that we all went to see on Sunday afternoons. "Robinson Crusoe on Mars" was one of the very best. It is terrific that this old classic is finally available on DVD.
  
  Although some of the speculations contained in this film concerning the nature of Mars are now a bit dated, this film has nonetheless stood the test of time, and has lost none of its zip. The theme is simple enough: a US Astronaut is marooned on Mars and must learn to survive. What he discovers is surprising, to say the least. The storyline of this film moves along at a reasonably good pace, and holds the viewer's interest. Despite the tiny cast, this is a very entertaining film, and for reasons I cannot quite explain, it retains a certain plausibility.
  
  I very much enjoyed watching this old favorite after having not seen it for many years. Most viewers will enjoy it too, many times.
  
  
• Wonderful film for all ages
  By AYNRYB9OK06P1 on 2007-08-10
  Count me in with the rest of the gang waiting rabidly for this release. I saw this film several times as a child and was totally engrossed in the idea of a trip to Mars and the adventure it could bring. That adventure is grandly represented by this wonderful film, which allowing for a few flaws in the plot, does at least attempt to present the story with some scientific merit and plausible ideas.
  
  The cinematography is excellent! The stark, desolate landscape is both thrilling and chilling in it's magnificent but achingly isolated beauty. The lead actor, Paul Mantee, does a fine job of conveying the loneliness and edge of insanity mindset that comes from being in a situation of despair and solitude.
  
  And best of all, you can watch this one with your kids, grandkids, spouse or preacher, for that matter. Good clean wholesome fun for all ages.
  
  Highly recommended!
  
  
• FINALLY!!!ROBINSON CRUSOE ON MARS!!! ON DVD !
  By AQS2OPXU1L0B2 on 2007-07-24
  i have pre ordered my copy for september 2007.with all the junk paramount has been releasing ,with exceptions of course to the legendary godfather movies.robinson crusoe on mars an underated sci fi movie is now given the red carpet treatment .the criterion collection is a sure winner for this classic,with only 4 characters at the helm paul mantee,victor lundin,adam west and of course mona the monkey.originally released in june 17,1964 with all the primitive special effects and usage of the 1950's war of the worlds alien spacecrafts,what is amazing is it all works into a grand entertainment of fun.i still love this movie way back as a child in the 1960's to my adult life.it is still as refreshing today as it was back then.i have worn out my vhs copy and now for the preservation of this classic is now on dvd form.so if you want to escape to mars order this classic and it will land on your mailbox in sept 2007,oh and by the way mona the monkey is given bananna paste for food mmmmm yummy yummy!!
  
  
• FINALLY!
  By AO1SYAY7LJI95 on 2007-07-24
  This happens to be one of the best all time sci fi movies ever made! I loved watching it on the BBC when I was a kid at Christmas and I'm thrilled that it has finally been released on DVD. Highly recommend, great family film. No CGI and no bad language.
  
  
• Ahead of Its Time
  By A2ZY3JSIENGV66 on 2007-07-24
  The staff of Adventure Books of Seattle highly recommends this film. Using camera filters and Death Valley locations, director Byron Haskin made a film that still stands the test of time. The most famous scene in the film is when a lonely Paul Mantee stands above the rim of a canyon and shouts, 'Hey, Mr Echo! Go to hell...'
  
  Amazingly, although no photographs existed of the Martian surface in 1964, the producers were able to depict Mars reasonably accurately. An amazing film that stands as one of the great classics of science fiction.
  
  Our thoughts: Buy it.
  
  Robert M Blevins
  Managing Editor
  AB of Seattle
  
  
  
• Onbe of the best.
  By A179G8VRZHISY8 on 2008-06-16
  Robinson Crusoe on Mars is one of the best SciFi films of it era and genre. Drawing as much as possible on the science, technology and expectations of the time, it avoids hokey monsters. The plot is an intense one man/two man story of survival. The script inserts several interesting elements. First rate cinematography, effects and score.
  
  
• A classic story of survival no matter what world it is set on.
  By A37XGUQ1VH0XM6 on 2007-11-03
  This was my favorite hard science fiction film as a child. I still remember watching it at the Saturday matinee and being totally blown away (something that would not happen again until the first Star Wars.) In fact, I was somewhat hesitant to watch it again in case it wasn't as good as my childhood memories.
  
  I needn't have worried- this is every bit the treat that I remembered. Even after all these years the look, the technology, held up. Sure, based on what we now know about Mars you have to suspend some disbelief, but it is still an excellent survival story set on a strange world. It is also a fairly faithful adaptation of the original novel. The way that Draper systematically and scientifically sets out to provide shelter, warmth, air, water, food- and companionship- is joy and a lesson in survival. I know I often flashed back to "what would Draper do" in my own later life. Plus the ending is truly inspirational (and I understand and appreciate it much more as an adult.)
  
  The look is also strictly first rate. I always did like the bright Technicolor of the period- colors bright and exotic enough to make your teeth hurt. Plus the special effects are first rate- the spaceships don't look fake. Plus the things that were borrowed from other films (aliens' space suits from Destination Moon, alien spaceships from War of the Worlds, pillar of fire from The Ten Commandments) all fit and give the film a higher budget look.
  
  One note of caution- beware of cheap copies of this film from the UK and Australia. These claim to be region free, but they will lock up your player. You can recognise the copies by the fact that they have the original poster artwork on the case and disk.
  
  
• Worth the Wait
  By A3P44OVP69612H on 2007-09-19
  In short, this special edition DVD is what the fans of this film have been waiting for. Criterion put obvious effort into a great package of extras, especially for a film of this age. Of particular note is a fairly extensive selection of production art, ranging from quick concept sketches to expertly rendered storyboards, even a bit of tantalizing art from a sadly-unrealized sequel-of-sorts, "Columbus of the Stars."
  
  The commentaries from stars Paul Mantee and Victor Lundin, writer Ib Melchior, designer Al Nozaki and historian Robert Skotak (all recorded separately but interwoven effectively into a single track) are also very good. There's even some archival tape recordings of director Byron Haskin sprinkled in (hard to hear, but interesting). Mantee's commentary is probably the most engaging as he recounts his experiences as a young Method actor coming up against old-school Hollywood philosophy, his fond recollections of his Wooly Monkey co-star, on-set anecdotes and much more.
  
  The "Destination Mars" featurette, while not about the production itself, is surprisingly interesting as it looks at how the film fits with the realities of what we now know about Mars and the potential for getting there. The trailer is in good shape, and the "music video" from Victor Lundin -- well, you'll definitely want to watch it -- once.
  
  For those like myself who've only experienced this movie in its usual pan-and-scan TV broadcasts, you're in for a real treat with the full widescreen treatment here. The print is immaculate, the sound is clear and robust even though it's in its original monaural format. There's also a nice booklet (no photos unfortunately, but lots of them on the disc itself). The menus are also nicely designed and easy to navigate. Special mention should be made of the beautiful new cover art created by the great illustrator Bill Sienkiewicz. Basically there's not much to dislike about this fine edition!
  
  
• Science in science fiction
  By ADIG10718678P on 2007-08-12
  Robinson Crusoe put the science in science fiction. There are no "noisey" ships or explosions in a vacuum. Our hero uses telecourses and video before compact portable video cameras were invented. He uses true American ingenuity to design a clock, find oxygen, and remain safe until he is taken back home. This film is truly different than science fantasies like E.T. or Star Wars. The score is magnificent and thrilling. And, best of all, it shows what all kids in the sixties knew--the conquest of space could easily be done with World War II surplus equipment.
  
  
• FANTASTIC CLASSIC SCIFI
  By A1LQ7N93Z8IR4T on 2008-06-10
  I LOVE THIS CLASSIC OUTER SPACE TRIP TO MARS. IN MY VIEW IT IS AN EXCELLENT MOVIE AND ALTHOUGH NOT SCIENTIFICALLY ACCURATE, YOU BELIEVE EVERY BIT OF IT. THE FILM IS EXCELLENT. THE DVD IS WELL WORTH THE PRICE WITH ALL THE EXTRA FEATURES AND INFORMATION PAMPHLET.
  
  
• Beautiful Picture Quality
  By A31RWG6G98G9H9 on 2008-01-30
  Let me start by saying I love this movie. I first saw it on TV in the mid-60s, mostly because it "starred" Adam West. Batman hysteria had just begun and this was played up in the promos for the broadcast. Well, sure he dies off pretty quickly and he's not really the star, but I didn't let that disappoint me. I saw this on a black and white television with maybe a 20 inch screen, but it still impressed my young mind.
  
  Last night I watched it on my 65 inch HDTV and saw it in its original splendor and I was greatly impressed. It is visually stunning, the sound is excellent, and the movie itself still as fascinating. I've been a fan of Byron Haskin's work for years, especially War of the Worlds and the episodes he directed for the original Outer Limits. He put all of his technical know-how and small budget ingenuity into this film and the results are impressive. Although I'm not familiar with the career of Van Cleave, I really enjoyed the soundtrack he composed as it adds to the overall atmosphere of the film.
  
  I feel that the high price is justified because of the overall quality of this release. The bonus features are a welcome addition and very entertaining. Fans of this movie will not be disappointed.
  
  
• R.C.O.M. Has English Subtitles: Please Take Note
  By A1Q3D53RZ02O1I on 2007-09-30
  This review is in response to "Deaftom" who gave this movie a 1 star because he believed there was no subtitles. First of all, there is NO "closed-captioning", which comes only from a "closed-captioning" T.V. set that most new T.V.'s have. Any time a movie is widescreen, it should have "Closed-captioning" so you can see all the subtitles on a widescreen T.V. Secondly, it has "English subtitles" which most DVD players should be able to get. You will NOT find the subtitles at the "Main Menu". To turn "ON" the subtitles, the movie must be playing first. Secondly, you have to press the "SUBTITLE" button on your remote control. Then press the left or right arrow button. After that, you press the up or down arrow button. Now the "English subtitles" should be in the "ON" position and you should be seeing the subtitles whenever someone is speaking. I hope this is helpful for all those who are having a hard time making the subtitles work.
  
  
• great film, excellent bonus material.
  By AI0OAQ6E2O8VF on 2007-09-25
  This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD edition of the film.
  
  Robinson Crusoe on Mars is a take on Daniel Defoe's novel, Robinson Crusoe. The film is about a space probe with a crew of 2 humans and a monkey orbiting Mars. They ignite the rockets to avoid collision with an asteroid and spend all their fuel forcing them to make an emergency landing. One crewmember dies and the other is stranded on Mars.
  
  Robinson Crusoe on Mars was released in 1964 about a year before the Mariner 4 space probe flew by Mars. The film accurately depicted Mars as many scientists thought it was like at the time. The atmosphere being oxygen albeit too thin to breathe for more than 15 minutes, a habitable temperature in the day, canals, liquid water, and plants. When the Mariner 4 probe discovered otherwise, many scientists were surprised.
  
  The special features are very well made too. The DVD contains audio commentary with screenwriter Ib Melchior, actors Victor Lundin and Paul Mantee, production designer, Al Nozaki, Special effects designer, Robert Skotak and parts of a 1979 interview with the film's director, Byron Haskin. Also included are a theatrical trailer, "Destination: Mars" a new documentary featuring various missions to Mars including the most recent phenomenally successful Mars Rover missions, a music video of the song "Robinson Crusoe on Mars" with scenes from the film, stills galleries with storyboards, set sketches, production designs, promotional booklets and ephemera, and behind the scenes photos and some special bonus material in the liner notes
  
  Also included is a PDF file with excerpts of the original screenplay.
  
  
• A Classic Science Fiction Movie
  By A3FOD23N1ABHJO on 2007-07-27
  At the time I'm writing this review the movie hasn't even been released on DVD yet. I have been waiting for this a long time. I first saw Robinson Crusoe on Mars at the theater with my bother when we were both a lot younger. I then viewed it several times on TV and owned it on VHS & Laser Disc. Though the cast is but a few people the story of survival is really what this movie is all about. One man overcoming the odds and learning how to live on another world. This movie was way ahead of it's time and stands up over the years. I can't wait to view it again.....
  
  
• Classic science fiction film gets the love it deserves
  By AQP1VPK16SVWM on 2007-09-26
  Criterion does its absolute best bringing "Robinson Crusoe on Mars" to DVD. This stunning looking DVD is an enjoyable science fiction take on the classic tale. When his mission goes awry astronaut "Kit" Draper (Paul Mantee) ends up stranded on the red planet and must figure out how to survive on the often hostile environment. He discovers he isn't alone and befriends Friday (Victor Lundin) an escaped slave hoping that he will be rescued.
  
  Directed by Byron Haskin ("War of the Worlds"), written by Ib Melchoir ("The Time Travelers" and "The Outer Limits")with John C. Higgins the film has some very good visual effects for its time (and budget). The spaceships of the aliens were recycled from "War of the Worlds" (Ib Melchoir hated this feeling that it took you out of the film). Mantee gives a marvelous performance as does Lundin. Also look for a cameo at the beginning by Adam West ("Batman").
  
  Criterion includes a running commentary combining archival audio tape of Byron Haskin discussing the film along with writer Melchoir, actors Mantee, Lundin and various other participants. Mantee discusses the rigors of shooting on location in Death Valley. He also reveals that originally Lundin was up for his part as Draper. Melchoir talks about the changes on the project when he gave up the directing reins (he went on to direct and write "The Time Travelers"), the use of the locations he scouted and how he hated the use of the space suits from "Destination Moon" which were already looking both outdated and took away impact from the alien miners that had enslaved Friday's people. We get a 20 minute documentary on the film, Mars and the long fascination the Red Planet has held for humanity. There is also a script excerpt than can be viewed/read on your computer and pre-production sketches made for the film. Criterion creates a music video of Lundin's song "Robinson Crusoe on Mars" that he has performed at many science fiction conventions. There is also a booklet with a reproduction of Ib Melchoir's notes on a mathematical system for Friday (who was imagined to have only three fingers at the time and also less human looking).
  
  Although the film takes liberties with its science, many of the things shown in the film were pretty accurate at the time and some still hold up quite nicely. Overall, this is an essential film for kids who grew up watching this terrific adventure when they were kids. Criterion has done a top notch job in putting this set together.
  
  
• Space Age Sci-Fi Classic
  By A208JEBX9KAXAR on 2008-10-01
  This film came out in 1964, which strikes me as a fascinating time in humanity's growing awareness of interplanetary space. It came out just as the American space program was on the verge of going full throttle toward the moon and our knowledge was just beginning to increase re: the improbability of exotic "Flash Gordon" like alien civilizations existing elsewhere in this solar system. Of course we all know Mars to be much deader and more inhospitable to most life-forms than was known at that time. But don't let that knowledge interfere with your enjoyment of a classic "man on a desert island" premise transposed to a technologically advanced future. This is a golden age, labor of love production, with cool improvised gadgets (nicely illustrated in the special features that ought to delight the Boy Scouts and tech geeks in the audience) and a decently engaging performance from Paul Mantee as the sole character on screen for most of the film ('cept for him and his monkey...)
  
  As Criterion DVDs go, it's on the slight side, content-wise, and may be overpriced if you consider it at the full retail ($40) mark-up, even though the features are nicely done. Look for a bargain price and set your cinephile pretensions to the side for a bit... cook up some popcorn and enjoy the spectacle!
  
  
• Great movie
  By A3HSMNC574ILXN on 2008-09-22
  If you like movies such as "The Day the Earth Stood Still" you will like this movie. Considering when the movie came out, special effects are good. The story line about being stranded on another world, by yourself, with very little to eat, drink and breath is a interesting exciting theme.
  
  Dealing with the loneliness and God was refreshing. Then adding in Aliens from another part of the universe gave the movie an interesting twist.
  
  You will enjoy this movie.
  
  
• Science Fiction at It's Best
  By A2M9Q0C5B7RN0L on 2007-12-31
  As with all REALLY GOOD science fiction, this film took what we thought we knew about Mars and added an excellent storyline incorporating aliens and the very real question of how humans might adapt to extreme circumstances, such as loneliness in space travel.It may seem a little dated, but as we now know that moon rocks contain minerals that contain oxygen and may prove to be source of oxygen in space,it may not be as dated as it seems.
  It may not be in the bargain bin as price goes, but worth every penny to those of us who have waited so long for it's release to video.Robinson Crusoe on Mars - Criterion Collection
  
  
• Robinson Crusoe On Mars
  By A25K6IQCFX5SDM on 2007-10-30
  While a little dated and somewhat out of the box this Classic a good view on a slower night.
  
  
• Robinson Crusoe A Classic
  By A39JZYKZFKT4JJ on 2007-10-20
  I originally purchased this DVD for my spouse for He use to watch it on television everytime it aired. He was estatic to find this golden movie to be finally released on DVD so I jumped at it to purchase it. The quality is outstanding what I don't understand is why is it so difficult to find in retail shops.
  
  An excellent piece of Sci-Fi work even from the era it was made in, it is highly recommended.
  
  
• Thank God for Friday on Mars.
  By A331USPQSPFJAW on 2007-10-17
  Wonderful sci-fi movie from the early 60s. Thoughtful depiction on what might happen to an astronaut stranded on Mars. Enjoyed the commentary in the extra bonus specials. I always thought it was made in black and white since I saw it as a kid on a black and white TV. Color added a new dimension. I recommend it, especially for a sci-fi collection.
  
  
• funky title...excellent movie
  By A27YSQJEFFZYQ5 on 2007-10-13
  I've been waiting for this movie to come out on DVD for a long time and it's finally out and it's the criterion edition to boot...excellent story
  and Paul Mantee's only starring role...hits a bulls-eye..very enjoyable movie to see
  
  

• H.G. Wells' First Men in the Moon
• Journey to the Far Side of the Sun
• When Worlds Collide
• This Island Earth
• Destination Moon