Prior to watching Network's region 2 release of THE DAY THE EARTH CAUGHT FIRE, I'd only ever seen it on late-night television. Having only seen an unrestored, panned & scanned print, I was astounded at the sheer quality of the work done on it, but more of that later.

For those not familiar with the story, it's one of the classics of British science-fiction cinema. Released in 1962, at the height of the Cold War, the arms race between the USA and the USSR results in near-simultaneous nuclear bomb tests at the two Poles.

The force of the blasts knocks the Earth off its axis, causing a shift in climatic regions. But while the world tries to adjust to the extreme weather condition, and Britain swelters in a permanent heatwave, a second effect from the blasts is revealed - the Earth is heading towards the Sun.

The story is set in the offices of the DAILY EXPRESS and revolves around fallen star reporter Peter Stenning (Judd) and science reporter Bill Macguire (McKern), while switchboard operator Jeannie Craig (Munro) is Stenning's source at the Met Office and his romantic interest.

The newspaper setting is well realised, with an authentic reproduction of the EXPRESS offices, as well as the casting of the paper's former editor Arthur Christiansen, who effectively plays himself.

The story itself is cracking, and helped along by excellent acting all round - the commentary is rather critical of Christiansen but I've always thought he does a fine job, especially for a non-actor. Also worth a mention is Les Bowie's special effects, which make the film look a lot more expensive than one filmed on a budget of just £200,000.

The cover boasts that the print has been "fully restored and remastered", but this isn't just a claim. The film looks wonderful, and the opening and closing scenes have been retinted with a deep red/orange. Unsurprisingly for a 40-year old film, the sound is mono, but a great job has been done on this front as well.

Network has assembled an impressive package of extras for this region 0 PAL release. Most notably, there's a commentary by Ted Newsom and director Val Guest. Guest might be ninety, but he contributes to a highly informative commentary, while Newsom prompts at the right moments, as well as providing a mix of contemporary reviews and facts. Those in the UK might find the need to explain some of the film's more British expressions (the Blitz, PRO, boffins) slightly annoying, but this is a very minor criticism.

There's also an interview with Leo McKern, trailers and US TV spots (where you can see McKern's line about "irresponsible bastards" being replaced), production notes and a stills gallery with some topless shots of Janet Munro (Newsom spends part of the commentary counting down to the scene in which Munro almost gets 'em out!)

An excellent film, expertly restored and with some superb extras means this should be part of every SF fan's DVD collection. BACK TO THE TOP

THE DAY THE EARTH CAUGHT FIRE

Screenplay by WOLF MANKOWITZ
and VAL GUEST

Produced and directed by VAL GUEST

Starring JANET MUNRO,
LEO McKERN and EDWARD JUDD

NETWORK VIDEO

CERTIFICATE 15

REGION 0 (PAL)


RATING: 10/10