[click your browser back button to return to Blu-ray menu]

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND

With Richard Dreyfuss, François Truffaut, Teri Garr, Bob Balaban, Shawn Bishop, Adrienne Campbell, Justin Dreyfuss, Melinda Dillon, Lance Henriksen

Written by Steven Spielberg, Hal Barwood, Jerry Belson, John Hill, Matthew Robbins
Directed by Steven Spielberg

This, the “30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition” is certainly that!
After Steven Spielberg head into the water with Jaws (1975), ruining many a beach-going family’s future holidays, he redirected his attention in the opposite direction for his follow-up – into the heavens, exploring alien visitation – no doubt making thousands as paranoid about “what’s out there”, as he did with fears of “what’s down there”. Up until this time, UFOs, aliens and space men had been B-movie fodder with cheap-looking flying saucers and guys in silver suits. Here, that entire perception was changed with a whole new take on the subject, and a more believable one at that – even for skeptics.
With more and more sightings becoming prevalent and government officials unable to explain these Unidentified Flying Objects, the time was right for a movie that took it seriously. With Richard Dreyfuss in the lead role, he plays a man driven to find out what he had experienced one night on the road. But he’s not alone, many others are drawn to a location where an amazing occurrence is to transpire. The performances are fantastic, and the pre-digital FX is still quite mesmerizing.

Even though an older Spielberg feels he was a touch naïve when making this, it remains a magical movie with a fantastic story, great performances and (still by today’s standards) incredible special effect.


This Blu-ray release is the most pristine ever, and when viewed on your HD TV with its re-mastered picture and sound, is undoubtedly better than it was in the theatres on its release in ’77. Besides the extensive extras including several documentaries and retrospective musings, you get 3 versions of the movie, including its original release, the 1980 Special Edition, and the 1998 Directors’ Cut.

6 / A
- Paul Blom


0 1 2 3 4 5 6
- A - B - C



THE FLAMEDROP RATING SYSTEM
- 6 - Volcanic
- 5 - Blistering
- 4 - Hot
- 3 - Smolder
- 2 - Room Temp.
- 1 - Fizzled
- 0 - Extinguished

- A: Multi-Viewing Potential

- B: Could Enjoy A 2nd Look

- C: Once Should Suffice









© 2000-2009 - Flamedrop Productions