The biggest highlight for consumers the inclusion of the original 1951 classic

Russo Rating: 5/10

For some Science Fiction junkies the original 1950s The Day the Earth Stood Still is the Mecca of the genre. For myself, having grown up in an era of special effects blockbusters, I actually didn’t mind the idea of seeing the picture remade. When I saw that director Scott Derrickson was announced to direct, it made me even more excited. The filmmaker last helmed the surprisingly successful Exorcism of Emily Rose, and I was anxiously waiting to see how he would handle himself with a bigger budget.

Then there was Keanu. Attached to headline as Klaatu, Keanu Reeves plays an alien whose arrival on Earth sets a series of events in motion that threaten the planet’s existence. The cast also includes the amazingly talented and attractive Jennifer Conelley and several other excellent character actors like Kathy Bates, John Cleese and Jon Hamm.

Sadly though, this group of talented actors is wasted, doing nothing but pointing and staring at the sky for most of the film. However, the special effects are incredible indeed, and on BluRay you might find yourself feeling just like the talent, staring in awe. There are a plethora of special features included on the disc, including commentaries, featurettes and a digital download. The biggest highlight for consumers though is the inclusion of the original 1951 classic on BluRay.