THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN (1971)
3 stars
Arrow Video. Limited edition 4K UHD. 12th May
Based on Michael Crichton’s 1969 novel this is serious sci-fi – a small town, Piedmont in New Mexico. A satellite has crashed and all the residents are apparently dead, from a suspected alien organism. A top team of scientists are sent in to the location to try and contain the outbreak.
Dr Stone (Arthur Hill) and Dr Mark Hall (James Olsen) are dropped in by helicopter. Searching around they find that the local doctor was the one who released the pathogen when he opened up the satellite in his office. All his blood has been turned into a powder! Just about everyone in the vicinity has succumbed to the same fate – but then they find two survivors. Alcoholic Peter Jackson (George Mitchell) and a crying infant.
At a top secret Nevada facility, which is deep underground, they work to discover the highly virulent microscopic organism and prevent it from spreading and further.
The opening titles, with its various documents and graphics sets the tone of secrecy. Near documentary in style, it was directed by Robert Wise – probably best known in science fiction circles for the 1951 classic THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL. The tech on show inevitably dates the production and it is all a bit po-faced, drawn out and ponderous.
Cool music by Gil Mellé. Split screen is used to good effect. The visual effects were the work of Douglas Trumbull, Jams Shourt and Albert Whitlock.
Steve Kirkham
EXTRAS
Audio Commentary with Bryan Reesman
A New Strain of Science Fiction – a look at outbreak movies with Kim Newman (28 mins)
Making of (Archival in 4×3 from 2001) – interviews Wise, screenwriter Nelson Giddings and Crichton (30 mins)
A Portrait of Michael Crichton (Archival in 4×3 from 2001) – about the author and his writing the original novel
Trailer/TV spots/Radio Spots/Image gallery
Plus Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring writing by Peter Tonguette and select archive material and Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Corey Brickley
