Product Description
When a group of astronomers calculate one planet is on course to pass close enough to the earth to cause havoc on land and sea while a few days later a second will record a direct hit they set about building a rocket so a few selected individuals can escape to the first of the unwanted intruders. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 04/11/2006 Starring: Richard Derr Peter Hanson Run time: 83 minutes Rating: G Director: Rudolph Mate

Amazon.com
Winner of the 1951 Academy Award for Best Special Effects, this science fiction extravaganza set a new standard for the realistic depiction of cinematic disasters. Of course, it's a quaint curiosity by today's technological standards, but as produced by visual effects pioneer George Pal, this story of Earth's collision with a runaway star is still a dazzling example of screen sci-fi from the '50s, when special effects were entering a new stage of advancement. Despite scientists' warnings about the star's destructive potential, government officials refuse to take action that could cause international panic, but a consortium of private industrialists prepare for the worst by building a gigantic spaceship--an ark for humanity to begin life anew on a distant planet. Who will be chosen to go, and who left behind? As earthquakes roar and massive tidal waves devastate entire cities, the huge rocket prepares for take-off from its miles-long launching ramp--ready to abandon the shattered Earth! Although it's more enjoyable now as a cinematic museum piece, When Worlds Collide remains a milestone of its kind, leading the way for many more screen disasters that followed this movie's still-worthy example. --Jeff Shannon

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.0 based on 93 reviews)

When Worlds Collide

I love this Sci-Fi. I have seen it many times. This DVD format version is excellent. I think very well worth purchasing.
December 28, 2008

When Worlds Collide is Awesome!

The 50's are known for great sci fi movies, but When Worlds Collide is perhaps the best. Great special effects and a good story with good acting makes this a must. Plus, it is one of the only movies where the earth is destroyed- perfect.
December 06, 2008

Fun Sci-Fi Classics

I loved the book (and it's sequel, After Worlds Collide) when I was young. The movie is certainly not as good, but still a lot of fun. Its too bad they never made a movie of the sequel.
September 30, 2008

Early George Pal

After DESTINATION MOON and just before WAR OF THE WORLDS, Pal's adaption of The Phillip Wylie/Edwin Balmer classic is, itself, a classic. Effects that were top of the line for the early 1950's but may seem abit lame to today's viewers. The grand daddy of all disaster movies, this is one film it would be interesting see it remade with CGI. Still an wonderfully entertaining film. Have to admit, except for John Hoyt as a ruthless cripped millionaire (his man servant is played by a guy whose name escapes me who ended up in either Petticoat Junction or Green Acres) and Barbara Rush I can't think of anything else I've seen the rest of the cast in.
August 26, 2008

Great Classic Movie At A Fantastic Price!

"When Worlds Collide" is one of my very favorite Sci-Fi movies. It is based on a book by the same name, co-written by Philip Wylie and Edwin Balmer (which is a great book with and enjoyable sequel, "After Worlds Collide"). The movie is appropriate for all but the youngest viewers and rates highly on my family's "Lazy Saturday" movie list. The plot is fast moving, the acting is good, and the "classic" special effects are enjoyable (matte-paintings :-)

This is a bargain priced DVD for a fantastic movie! Highly recommended!
July 26, 2008

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