Philip Kaufman’s genre bending classic ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’ arrives on 4K UHD this week, courtesy of an excellent limited-edition release from Arrow Video. Remaking the Don Siegel original from 1956 (itself adapted from Jack Finney’s novel The Body Snatchers), Kaufman reimagines this alien invasion story as a paranoid conspiracy thriller-cum-nightmarish horror. Stunningly restored, and presented here with a great selection of bonus materials, this is a must own release.
Donald Sutherland stars as Matthew Bennell, a health inspector in San Francisco, who becomes entangled in a harrowing conspiracy when he discovers that his friends and loved ones are being replaced by emotionless duplicates grown from alien spores. Along with his colleague Elizabeth (Brooke Adams) and close friend Jack (Jeff Goldblum) they desperately try to evade detection and unravel the truth behind the sinister invasion.
Reflecting the era in which it was made, ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’ captures the pervasive atmosphere of paranoia and distrust that characterised the 70s, with echoes of Cold War anxieties and post-Watergate disillusionment. In the wake of events like the Nixon resignation, and the Vietnam war there was a growing sense of unease and suspicion towards authority figures and institutions. This sense of distrust is reflected in Kaufman’s film as the characters are just ordinary citizens, who find themselves increasingly isolated and unable to trust even those closest to them.
Kaufman’s suspenseful social commentary is brought vividly to life via the lens of cinematographer Michael Chapman. His innovative camerawork and use of colour and shadow heightens the sense of foreboding and unease. Then there’s the incredible sound design by Ben Burtt, where throughout the film the natural ambient sounds of the city are gradually replaced by something mechanical and otherworldly. Combined with Denny Zeitlin’s haunting score, you have all the components of an enduring sci-fi horror classic.
There are memorable turns from Jeff Goldblum, Leonard Nimoy, and Veronica Cartwright, but the two standout performances come from Sutherland and Adams. Their nuanced performances and believable chemistry helps to ground the film in reality. Unlike so much of today’s plot driven thrillers, Kaufman isn’t afraid to spend time with his two leads. As their emotional connection builds, so does ours to them, and it makes it all the more impactful when the ghoulish horror of the invasion takes hold.
‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’ serves as a bleak and terrifying reflection of American society, and Kaufman concludes it with one of the bleakest and most terrifying moments ever committed to celluloid. If you know, you know. An iconic finale, and no matter how many times you’ve seen the film, it still chills your blood.
It’s a shame there is nothing new on the disc, but the selection of extra features from previous releases is still very solid. First up there is an audio commentary with director Philip Kaufman. ‘Discussing the Pod’ is a panel conversation from 2013 about the film and the genre of invasion cinema with film critic Kim Newman, and filmmakers Ben Wheatley and Norman J. Warren. ‘Dissecting the Pod’, also from 2013 is a fascinating conversation with Kaufman biographer Annette Insdorf, which brings real insight to the film.
Another one from the archives is ‘Writing the Pod’ which has an interview with writer Jack Seabrook, discussing the life and work of Jack Finney, author of The Body Snatchers. ‘Re-Visitors from Outer Space’ is a short documentary from 2007 on the making of the film, featuring interviews with Philip Kaufman and Donald Sutherland, which originally appeared on the Shout Factory release.
‘The Man Behind the Scream’ sees legendary sound designer Ben Burtt talk about his work on Body Snatchers, including the iconic pulsing sounds of the pods, and of course the unforgettable shriek which has been imitated in horror films ever since, but never bettered. ’The Invasion Will Be Televised’ is a short featurette with Philip Kaufmann, screenwriter W.D Richter, writer Christopher Vogler, and cinematographer Michael Chapman discuss the look of the film, and the influences on the visual style.
‘Practical Magic’ is the last featurette on the disc, with Kaufman and special effects artist Howard Preston talking about the visual effects for the opening space sequence. Finally, there is the theatrical trailer.
Cast: Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Jeff Goldblum, Leonard Nimoy, Veronica Cartwright Director: Philip Kaufman Writer: W.D. Richter Released By: Arrow Films Certificate: 15 Duration: 115 mins Release Date: 12th February 2024
