Product: Idaho Transfer (1973)
Rating: 4.0
Brilliant, Low-Key Sci Fi Stunner
I first saw this movie about 10 years ago on video and was amazed at how affecting it was. This low-budget sci-fi shocker is about a group of college kids who transport themselves 50+ years into the future and discover that mankind has been wiped out by some sort of natural disaster. Watching it again recently on DVD, I was stuck by the fact that it doesn't seem that out of date. The early 70's fashions are now back in style, so the kids seem appropriately hip, the special effects (while minimal) are realistic, the cinematography is quite good, and the music was certainly ahead of its time. A soundtrack of the film would be interesting mood music. My only complaint is the quality of the disc - looks like someone burned a copy of an old VHS tape right onto DVD. But, since this is the only way to see it (for now), I'll let it slide. This movie has several memorable scenes, including a "transfer" gone bad, the discovery of an abandoned railroad train, and the ending, which seems even more ironic today. If you're a fan of intelligent cinema and don't need to be stimulated constantly by lots of action and violence, then this movie is for you. If not, go rent "The Matrix".