ROBINSON CRUSOE ON MARS~RARE Criterion LaserDisc LD Start Price USD 19.99 Current Price USD 59.00 Time Left - Bid Count 8 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Tuesday, August 26, 2008 End Time Tuesday, September 02, 2008 Location Northern California See more about 'ROBINSON CRUSOE ON MARS~RARE Criterion LaserDisc LD' Description TITLE: ROBINSON CRUSOE ON MARS STUDIO: Criterion SPECIAL 2 DISC SET TYPE: LASERDISC/COLOR/110min1964 RATING: NR CONDITION: VG++ (photo is of actual item) SYNOPSIS: Special effects pioneer and famed director, Byron Haskin, is the well-deserved focal point of Criterion’s splendid DVD release of ROBINSON CRUSOE ON MARS. Prior to directing, Haskin served as the head of Warner Bros. special effects department from 1937-1945. During this time, he was nominated for three Academy Awards for Best Special Effects, while winning a Class III Technical Award from the Academy in 1938. His passion for special effects really began to pay off for genre fans when Haskin helmed the magnificent THE WAR OF THE WORLDS in 1953. While that film will always remain Haskin’s grandest achievement, ROBINSON CRUSOE ON MARS stands proudly as a thoughtful, visually-arresting genre classic. A science fiction spin on Daniel Defoe’s timeless novel, ROBINSON CRUSOE ON MARS mirrors its literary source in that the bulk of the film’s narrative deals with an individual fighting to survive in a hostile environment, while trying to stave off loneliness and isolation. Astronauts Kit Draper (Paul Mantee) and Dan McReady (Adam West), along with their pet monkey, are forced to land on Mars when their exploratory spaceship, the Elinor M, is thrown off course while trying to avoid collision with a fiery meteor. McReady doesn’t survive the crash landing, leaving Draper and Mona, the woolly monkey, to brave the harsh Martian landscape. The two engage in a harrowing attempt to conserve and locate oxygen, food, and water. A wonderfully sublime moment occurs when Draper discovers a new source of oxygen, and ever so softly utters, “Thank you.” The pair soon realizes that they are not alone as alien ships arrive, visiting Mars to mine ore with the aid of slave labor. One of these slaves (Victor Lundin) escapes, and Draper harbors him, christening him, “Friday.” Once Friday begins to learn some English, he and Draper become friends as they continue to struggle within the brutal Martian environment while evading the ever-present alien slavers. Despite the modest budget, Byron Haskin and director of photography, Winton C. Hoch (1960’s THE LOST WORLD, VOYAGE TO THE BOTTIOM OF THE SEA), work wonders here. Hoch is not only a three-time Oscar winner, but is arguably John Ford’s favorite DP, as the two collaborated on some of the greatest Westerns ever made. Many of the exteriors in ROBINSON CRUSOE ON MARS were shot in California’s Death Valley, and these sweeping images are one of Hoch’s trademarks. Also helping to elevate the film above its financial limitations is the resourcefulness of the director. Just like his protagonist, Haskin is able to flourish within adverse situations. Sure, he essentially re-uses the Martian warships from THE WAR OF THE WORLDS here, and repeats the exact shots featuring these ships throughout the film. But, Haskin’s deft eye for scrumptious visuals, and his penchant for staging rousing action sequences shine through brilliantly. For those interested in learning more about Byron Haskin and his resourcefulness, seek out the essential, The Outer Limits: The Official Companion as authors David J. Schow and Jeffrey Frentzen devote an entire chapter of their book to Haskin, addressing his instrumental role in the success of that marvelous TV series. Since this is from Criterion, it should come as absolutely no surprise that ROBINSON CRUSOE ON MARS is given a spectacular release. The meticulous 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer showcases a sharp, unblemished image, while accurately replicating the film’s colors and fleshtones. The image tends to soften and exhibit some grain when effects and matte paintings are employed, but that of course is tied back to the source material and not the transfer. The English mono soundtrack is incredibly strong, and delivers the dialogue, music, and sound effects with gusto. Optional English subtitles are also provided. Again, since this is from Criterion, it should also come as absolutely no surprise that ROBINSON CRUSOE ON MARS is presented with a treasure trove of special features. Criterion’s laser disc release of this film, including the feature length audio commentary. screenplay, which is markedly different from the final version. And lastly, the DVD comes with a 13-page booklet that is packed with even more features. Criterion garners praise once again for their fantastic presentation of ROBINSON CRUSOE ON MARS. You know you’ve got a special LASER DISC when even the cover art is magnificent. It’s the impeccable level of detail and care that helps to elevate Criterion into the upper most echelons of home video companies. Highly Recommended. This OUT-OF- PRINT Laser Disc has been discontinued and is no longer available in the home video market. Titles are one-of-a-kind and extremely rare. This is the ORIGINAL disc with the ORIGINAL cover. NOT A COPY!! I WILL COMBINE ORDERS TO SAVE ON SHIPPING. PLEASE VIEW MY OTHER AUCTIONS!! I DO NOT End Auctions Early for any reason, so please do not ask. I do this in fairness to all bidders. Please email me if you have any questions regarding this item. Created by eBay Blackthorne ver. 3.2.119.0 Place a Bid!