Blu-ray review: “Marooned” (1969)

“Marooned” (1969)

Sci-Fi

Running Time: 134 minutes

Written by: Mayo Simon based on the novel by Martin Caidin

Directed by: John Sturges

Featuring: Gregory Peck, Richard Crenna, David Janssen, James Franciscus and Gene Hackman

Clayton Stone: “Jesus, fifty-five minutes… We’ll be pretty cold by then.”

Buzz Lloyd: “Well, one of us’s gonna have to go. I mean uh… that’s what we’re talkin’ about, isnt it? One of us goes and the… other two stay. What… what are we gonna do?”

Clayton Stone: “Alright look. Let’s do this scientifically: two big guys throw the little guy out, okay?”

Critical Commentary

“Marooned” is a science fiction film released in 1969 and directed by John Sturges. The movie features a star-studded cast, including Gregory Peck, Richard Crenna, and Gene Hackman. The story follows three astronauts who become stranded in space when their spacecraft malfunctions, and their struggle to survive and return to Earth.

The movie received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its tension and realistic portrayal of space travel, while others criticized its slow pacing and lack of action. Despite the mixed reception, the film was nominated for three Academy Awards and won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects. “Marooned” is considered an important movie in the science fiction genre, particularly for its depiction of space travel and its influence on later films.

The movie’s realistic portrayal of space travel was achieved through the use of detailed sets and models, as well as extensive research on NASA’s space program. Director John Sturges and his team consulted with NASA engineers to ensure accuracy in the film’s depiction of the astronauts’ equipment and procedures, and the movie’s attention to detail helped to set it apart from other science fiction films of the time.

In addition to its technical achievements, “Marooned” also features strong performances from its lead actors, particularly Gregory Peck as the determined mission commander and Gene Hackman as the pragmatic engineer who must find a way to save the stranded astronauts.

While “Marooned” may not have achieved the commercial success of other science fiction films of its era, such as “2001: A Space Odyssey,” its influence can be seen in later films and TV shows, such as “Apollo 13” and “Gravity.” “Marooned” is a well-crafted and thought-provoking science fiction film that is worth watching for its realistic portrayal of space travel and its strong performances.

In terms of the movie’s plot, “Marooned” presents a compelling and suspenseful story that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. The astronauts’ struggle for survival in the harsh and unforgiving environment of space creates a sense of tension and urgency that is palpable throughout the film. The movie also explores the psychological toll of isolation and confinement, as the astronauts struggle to maintain their mental and emotional well-being while stranded in space. This adds an additional layer of complexity to the story and makes the characters more relatable and sympathetic.

“Marooned” is a solid entry in the science fiction genre that is distinguished by its attention to detail, strong performances, and thought-provoking themes. While it may not be as well-known as other classic sci-fi films, it is definitely worth a watch for fans of the genre or anyone interested in the human experience of space travel.

In terms of the movie’s technical aspects, the special effects in “Marooned” were considered ground-breaking at the time of its release. The film’s depiction of weightlessness and other aspects of space travel were achieved through the use of wire work, miniature models, and other techniques that were state-of-the-art at the time. The film won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects for its innovative use of practical effects.

Additionally, the film’s score by composer Jerry Goldsmith adds to the tension and drama of the story. Goldsmith’s haunting and atmospheric music perfectly captures the mood of the film, and his use of unconventional instrumentation, such as the theremin, adds to the otherworldly atmosphere of the movie.

“Marooned” is a well-crafted and memorable science fiction film that offers a realistic and engaging portrayal of space travel. Its attention to detail, strong performances, and thought-provoking themes make it a classic of the genre that continues to be relevant and influential today.

Technical Commentary

Video

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Marooned arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Via Vision Entertainment. The release is sourced from an older master that was supplied by Sony Pictures. Even though some of its limitations become easy to recognize, it still provide a very pleasing organic presentation of “Marooned”.

Audio

There is only one standard audio track on this Blu-ray release: LPCM 2.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature. When turned on, they split the image frame and the black bar below it. The audio is clear and stable. It is clean, too. Dynamic intensity is quite nice as well.

Special Features