One of the very few really good science fiction films made in the 60's, 'Robinson Crusoe On Mars', has finally become available on laser disc. Voyager has released this Paramount production as part of their Criterion Collection. Released in 1964, this futuristic reworking of the Daniel DeFoe classic stars then unknowns Paul Mantee, Vic Lundin and Adam West.
Voyager originally announced this title for December 93 release in the CLV format for $49.95. During the inevitable delay the project shifted to a more elaborate presentation. The 110 minute film is presented in the CAV format on 4 sides. Audio commentary is provided on analog track 2 and features two of the stars, Paul Mantee and Vic Lundin, as well as the screenwriter, Ib Melchior, production designer Al Nozaki and special effects designer Robert Skotak. Following the feature is a rather indepth supplemental section that traces the making of the film. The supplement consists mainly of still frames of text and pictures, including excerpts from the original, illustrated screenplay, excerpts from an interview with the director, Byron Haskin ('War Of The Worlds'), production design sketches, publicity artwork and press book and an article by Robert Skotak on the history of the film. Also included is the original roadshow trailer, fully letterboxed, that also has secondary audio. During the trailer on the analog tracks are some comments on the film by a collector and a popular song inspired by the movie from 1964.
For the transfer, Voyager has thankfully come up with a good element. The transfer comes from a dupe negative struck from the original Techniscope inter-positive. For those not familiar with the Techniscope process, Techniscope used a spherical instead of anamorphic lens. To get the wide aspect ratio, the 35mm 4 perf frame was divided in half horizontally. This resulted in only half the normal amount of film negative used and the spherical lens gives much better depth of field than an anamorphic lens. The "half frames" were blown up and squeezed in printing to give a standard anamorphic release print. The source material used here does have some signs of age but is in generally very good condition. The colors are solid and mostly accurate. Contrast and brightness are excellent as is image sharpness. The image is extremely clear with very few video artifacts in evidence. The transferred aspect ratio is about 2.25:1 and will no doubt be the most attractive feature of the excellent presentation. The discs were manufactured by LDCA (Pioneer) and it would appear that Pioneer's experience with THX standards is affecting normal production. The pressing is nearly perfect.
The mono soundtrack is suprisingly good. Though lacking the range and dynamics of the better multi-track mixes of the day, it is, none the less, very clear with natural sounding dialog. There is the slightest bit of distortion in the higher frequencies during a few of the effects sounds, but this is fairly limited and should not be a problem for most.
The retail price is a bit steep, even for Voyager. $100 is a lot for 4 sides, but, in my opinion, this is one of those films that are worth it. For anyone that considers themself a serious fan of science fiction cinema, this is a "must have".
"Mr. Echo, go to hell!"
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