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Sci Fi Focus > Encyclopedia > Ray Bradbury > The Martian Chronicles
Our Rating: 3.5 out of 5
In a nutshell:
Based on Ray Bradbury's writings.
Originally a 3-part TV mini-series - try to get the full length version, not the version cut into a movie.
Plot Synopsis (may include spoilers):
Mars is a lot more hospitable than we've been led to believe. Human space missions reach Mars, and accidentally wipe out the Martians with chicken pox. Humans colonists travel to Mars, but many return home when a crisis develops on Earth. Earth is reduced to a radioactive wasteland by nuclear war. The humans on Mars must find a new way to live.
Best Bits:
Worst Bits:
- Dated production values and special effects
- Slow
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The Martian Chronicles
The Martian Chronicles
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Directed by Michael Anderson
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENT
Released: 2004-09-07
DVD
Description:
From the mind of science-fiction giant Ray Bradbury springs what is perhaps his most epic vision. Capturing mankind's first venture into the colonization of another planetand its tragic first contact with another species"The Martian Chronicles" is a stunning achievement that will take you from the edge of your seat'to the stars. Earth is on the verge of extinction. To survive, mankind must find another place to live. But when three expeditions to Mars, headed by Col. John Wilder (OscarÂ(r) nominee* Rock Hudson), find suitable conditions for relocation, humans pour in bythe shipload, bringing the old evils of Earth with them! As Wilder begins to heed the lessons of the dying Martian civilization, can he save humanity from repeating its doom? *1956: Actor, Giant
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The Martian Chronicles
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Directed by Michael Anderson
Anchor Bay Entertainment
Released: 1995-10-10
VHS Tape
Amazon.com:
With each passing year, this 1980 miniseries becomes more for those who have read Ray Bradbury's landmark novel. The three-part, nearly five-hour series keeps its brainy science fiction roots; this story (and the 1940s novel) is not about laser battles and exciting action pieces. Bradbury's novel is galvanized by the cold war nightmare: at the end of the 20th century, an earth teetering on world war begins to colonize Mars without much knowledge of the new world. Hard science is left for other stories, and director Michael Anderson (Logan's Run) keeps this retrofitting: for example, astronauts arrive on a breathable Mars in leisure suits. The space travel effects are clunky, but the action on Mars--with Assheton Gorton's geometric sets and simple props--are far more effective. There are Martians there, as the unprepared first Earthlings learn. Later, as the planet is quickly colonized, the remaining Martians are near specters--bringing awe and fear to those they encounter. Master sci-fi writer Richard Matheson (I Am Legend) smartly streamlines Bradbury's episodic stories, giving a central role to Col. John Wilder (played by Rock Huston, leading a plethora of solid, yet B-list actors). For those in love with cerebral science fiction, they can enjoy this dated but curious sci-fi miniseries; for those of think sci-fi began with Star Wars, beware. --Doug Thomas
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