Brilliantly Visualized and Gripping

Rating: 9/10 (23 November 2005)

Having been a fan of the novel, George Pal film, and Orson Welles radio drama for years, I waited with eager anticipation for the release of this version on DVD (having missed the theatrical release). Overall, I found Spielberg's rendition to be brilliantly visualized and gripping. While remaining true to the spirit (and some of the technical details) of the novel and subsequent versions, he and his writers have managed to highlight some of the horrific aspects of the story that are underplayed in previous versions.
The result is a suspenseful journey through a rapidly alienizing territory, beset by terror and tragedy, but also offering hope.
While paying appropriate homage to the lineage of this powerful story, the filmmakers weave together a visually stunning and humanistic narrative that comments upon major events of our day.