INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1978)

Next to the iconic shot of the Statue of Liberty in the original Planet of the Apes, the late Donald Sutherland letting out a deafening shriek while pointing ominously in the remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, probably takes second place as the most spoiler-heavy image in science fiction. Despite its meme-level usage, Imprint Films has kept things classy for their recent 4K Ultra HD edition of the second screen adaptation of Jack Finney’s novel.

When seeds from a distant world drift across the void of space to Earth, they grow pods through native plant life, which replicate a city’s residents as a means of infiltration and eventually …planetary invasion.

I’ve seen Invasion of the Body Snatchers three times, and each viewing has been a different experience, as I picked up hints and clues that I had previously failed to notice. What struck me during this most recent re-watch was that our characters already seem to be in the minority when the story begins. Robert Duvall’s brief appearance as the ‘swinging priest’ and the cold over-the-shoulder glare Brooke Adams receives from the schoolteacher are very telling.

Kevin McCarthy’s cameo (who starred in the 1956 original) feels more than a homage, but a suggestion that this film exists in the same universe; the climax of the earlier classic does suggest the “pod people” will inevitably be dislodged from society. Perhaps this a really a sequel or a second attempt by this malevolent lifeform to take over.

As the pods begin to assimilate, they all conform to the same autonomy, carrying out their routine daily tasks as before, but now, like pre-programmed machines. All traces of individuality have been removed. Watching the film now, in a world in which many people would rather film than intervene, hits quite hard. I personally sense more hostility when out in public, and while I’m certain we’re not amid an extra-terrestrial plot, that final scene really echoes.

What’s most important is that Invasion of the Body Snatchers reminds us that Jeff Goldblum was a great actor to watch before he became a parody of himself, although through no fault of his own. Naturally, the classic traits are there, but I love his neuroticism in his role as struggling writer and bathhouse co-owner, Jack, who, along with a perceptually frantic Veronica Cartwright, makes anxious secondary protagonists.

SPECIAL FEATURES

DISC ONE: 4K UHD

Audio commentary by director Philip Kaufman
Audio commentary by author/film historian Steve Haberman (2016)
Theatrical Trailer

DISC TWO: BD

1080p High-definition transfer on Blu-ray of the 4K Restoration
Audio commentary by director Philip Kaufman
Audio commentary by author/film historian Steve Haberman (2016)
Re-Visitors from Outer Space, or How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Pod – featurette
Practical Magic: The Special Effects Pod – featurette
The Man Behind the Scream: The Sound Effects Pod – featurette
The Invasion Will Be Televised: The Cinematography Pod – featurette
Star-Crossed in the Invasion – interview with actress Brooke Adams (2016)
Scoring the Invasion – interview with composer Denny Zeitlin (2016)
Re-Creating the Invasion – interview with screenwriter W.D. Richter (2016)
Leading the Invasion – interview with actor Art Hindle (2016)
TV Spots
Radio Spots
Theatrical Trailer
Aspect Ratio 1.85:1
Audio: English DTS-HD 5.1 Surround + LPCM 2.0 Stereo
Optional English HOH Subtitles

BOOKLET

An exclusive booklet featuring an essay by film critic Brian Eggert, as well as full-colour photographs and the original 1978 press kit.

As Invasion of the Body Snatchers has been released several times over the past 20+ years on various formats, it’s only understandable that all video supplements on this disc are ported. While almost a decade old, Shout! Factory’s series of individual interviews with stars Brooke Adams and Art Hindle, as well as scriptwriter W.D Ritcher are nonetheless informative and engaging, as well as a welcome modern alternative to the several DVD-era featurettes which are also included here. For a 2025 perspective on this remake, look no further than the thought-provoking essay provided by film scholar Brian Eggar, which can be found in the colourful booklet along with a vintage article. – by Hannah Lynch

VIDEO AND AUDIO

Invasion of the Body Snatchers was born again into an untroubled format in 2021 under Kino Lorber, then in other territories such as the United Kingdom, and now Imprint Films has replicated the flawless 2160p Ultra HD presentation in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. With a perfect balance of high contrast and deep blacks, it looks like how a classic film should, and the extra level of detail from 4K adds a new, terrifying layer to the grotesque transformation of pods to people.

English DTS-HD 5.1 surround and optional LPCM 2.0 Stereo for audio purists are both excellent. I always prefer to opt for the track that has the loudest dialogue, and in this case, it was surprisingly the default option, which certainly added to the urban setting and overall viewing experience. Optional HOH subtitles are included.

Imprint has assembled another perfect legacy edition of an acclaimed classic that contains just about everything a fan and physical media enthusiast could ask for. The lenticular hardcover is one of the most impressive I’ve come across to date.

INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS
(1978, director: Philip Kaufman)