The Andromeda Strain [Blu-ray]

Overview

Based on the novel by best-selling science-fiction alarmist Michael Crichton, The Andromeda Strain (1971) combines nuclear fears with space-age technophobia and early-'70s paranoia. Though the action occasionally flags, director Robert Wise documents a diverse group of scientists' efforts to identify a mysterious killer organism and vanquish it with clinical precision, making the most of split-screen editing to show the complexity of the work and ratchet up the suspense. Mostly shot on an elaborate set with a cast of unknowns, The Andromeda Strain also showcases the power and allure of technology, reaching a visually trippy climax as a young doctor scales the core of the multi-level, underground "Wildfire" lab and dodges lasers to avert a nuclear holocaust. One of the period's many dire cautionary tales about the perils of overreaching and the potential nefarious motives of the government, The Andromeda Strain still earned attention for its sleek look, garnering Oscar nominations for art direction and editing.

Product Details

Release Date:	07/14/2015
UPC:	0025192117275
Original Release:	1971
Rating:	G
Source:	STUDIO DISTRIBUTION SERVS LLC
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Sound:	[Dolby Digital Stereo]
Language:	English
Time:	2:11:00
Sales rank:	15,505

Special Features

The Andromeda Strain: making the film; A portrait of Michael Crichton; Theatrical trailer

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Arthur Hill	Dr. Jeremy Stone
James Olson	Dr. Mark Hall
David Wayne	Dr. Charles Dutton
Kate Reid	Dr. Ruth Leavitt,Clara Dutton
Paula Kelly	Karen Anson
George Mitchell	Jackson
Ramon Bieri	Maj. Manchek
Kermit Murdock	Dr. Robertson
Richard O'Brien	Grimes,Grimes
Peter Hobbs	Gen. Sparks
Eric Christmas	Senator from Vermont
Peter Helm	Actor
Carl Reindel	Actor
Ken Swofford	Toby
Richard Bull	Air Force Major
John Carter	MP Capt. Morton
Ivor Barry	Murray
Joe Billings	Scientist
Michael Bow	MP at Stone's
Walter Brooke	Assistant to Cabinet Secretary
Jan Burrell	Mother - Piedmont
Dee Carroll	Technician
Rhodie Cogan	Minor Role
Mark Jenkins	Actor
Joe Di Reda	Actor
Bill Dunbar	First Airman
Gil Melle	Composer

Technical Credits

Nelson Gidding

Robert Wise	Director,Producer
Nelson Gidding	Screenwriter
Douglas Trumbull	Special Effects
Ronald Pierce	Sound/Sound Designer
Jim Alexander	Sound/Sound Designer
Waldon Watson	Sound/Sound Designer

Editorial Reviews

Based on the novel by best-selling science fiction alarmist Michael Crichton, The Andromeda Strain combines nuclear fears with space-age technophobia and early-'70s paranoia. Though the action occasionally flags, director Robert Wise documents a diverse group of scientists' efforts to identify a mysterious killer organism and vanquish it with clinical precision, making the most of split-screen editing to show the complexity of the work and ratchet up the suspense. Mostly shot on an elaborate set with a cast of unknowns, The Andromeda Strain also showcases the power and allure of technology, reaching a visually trippy climax as a young doctor scales the core of the multi-level, underground "Wildfire" lab and dodges lasers to avert a nuclear holocaust. One of the period's many dire cautionary tales about the perils of overreaching and the potential nefarious motives of the government, The Andromeda Strain still earned attention for its sleek look, garnering Oscar nominations for art direction and editing.

All Movie Guide - Lucia Bozzola