David Bowie comes to Earth in search of water for his home planet in a subplot-rich film that is considerably enhanced by the visual skills of director Nicolas Roeg. On DVD the movie now gains a 5.1 mix to boot.

TECHNICAL FEATURES

Picture Impressive work has been achieved with this picture transfer, resulting in a fresh-looking image that should no doubt please Roeg, who was keen to make a movie that wouldn't age badly.

Sound A new 5.1 mix works hard at adding depth to the opening space scenes, and lending impressive bass to the musical score throughout the film.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Watching the Alien Produced for the US Anchor Bay DVD release, this 24-minute documentary features interviews with Roeg, star Candy Clark, cinematographer Anthony Richmond, executive producer Si Livtvinoff and more. The appeal for Roeg was "the total freedom of imagination" he could explore in making a science fiction movie. Besides, even though Si Litvinoff wanted him to direct "A Clockwork Orange", no one would back it with Roeg as director, so "The Man Who Fell to Earth" was the project they agreed upon.

Roeg readily admits his surprise at the mysterious 'charities' that have backed him over the years to make films "when none make any money". Litvinoff took the risk and feels that Roeg was ahead of audience and critical fashion with this movie. He points to the success of "Memento" and "Mulholland Drive" as recent films that manipulate time, just as "The Man Who Fell to Earth" did but back in 76.

Additional Extra Features Also included on the DVD is a trailer, plus a DVD-ROM accessible original theatrical release brochure which has been encoded to be read with an Acrobat PDF reader.

Region: 2
Chapters: 20
Ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Technical Features: Scene selection.

This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-S57 DVD player.