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Only two of the original six Quatermass Experiment episodes survived so we are deprived of seeing the serial which shocked TV viewers in 1953. This 2005 version, featuring David Tennant, Adrian Dunbar and Mark Gatiss, attempts to recreate this sci-fi classic in a live, one-take recording. It's a brave attempt but this condensed version lacks the building tension and shock element of the original. It does, however, reflect the original script with upgraded science and special effects. Unlike the weak Hammer film version, the alien monster is destroyed by Quatermass appealing to the last vestiges of humanity remaining within it. But any real shock impact is entirely lost from this remake in the complete lack of monster! The voracious, rapidly growing alien / human / plant creature is never shown. In the original, our glimpses of the 'thing' taking over the astronaut's body and the final growing mass in Westminster Abbey were key to the story. So it's worth a look but could, indeed should have been so much better.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I have a copy of the original black and white DVD which is MUCH better. I did not find the characters at all believable (even though I'm a real fan of both David Tennant AND Adrian Dunbar. Acting in front of a live audience may have given more of a spontaneous feeling but certainly yet another case (as with Invasion of the Body Snatchers) when the original was the better version.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I viewed this live broadcast of the remake of The Quatermass Experiment on YouTube, believe it or not, and knew I had to have it. I like Jason Flemyng anyway, and this just cemented my opinion of him as an actor. The real revelation for me here was David Tennant; I know I am in the minority in saying that I never have particularly cared for most of his episodes of Doctor Who, but his performance in this movie, a live one to boot, is absolutely brilliant. I have always heard about how The Quatermass Experiment was groundbreaking in its time, but I never got to see it; this reworking is a worthy introduction to the story. This DVD version includes a very nice (albiet a bit short) still photo gallery, a terrific "Making of" featurette, audio commentary and an informative "Viewing Guide" booklet showing filming details, photos, cast and crew credits and even detailing edits to the movie that were made after the original live broadcast. A word to International viewers: this is a Region 2 DVD, so make sure you're either in Region 2 or have a DVD player that can play Region 2 DVD's!! That being said, I wish that North American DVD distributors would take a cue from their British and European counterparts and make DVD releases with such nice extras like this one. Definitely worth the investment if you're a fan of 50's TV, sci-fi, Jason Flemyng, Mark Gatiss, and/or David Tennant.Read full review
If you want the real Quatermass? You should stick with the original B&W films. This was obviously done on a tiny budget and just doesn't work. Avoid.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Overall whilst not bad, it was not really that engaging. I found the characters a tad too earnest for my liking. The original was ground breaking, this just felt like a series of tropes.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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