Widely regarded as a sci-fi cult classic, David Bowies acting debut lands on high def disc with aplomb. Following an alien by the name of Thomas Jerome Newton who has landed on Earth in search of a way to save his dying planet, Nic Roegs brash, ballsy commentary on the ideals of the late 70s still resonates today. Through snappy, regularly witty dialogue, a tongue-in-cheek look at the state of the US government and a healthy dose of shagging, The Man Who Fell to Earth is still every bit as watchable today as it was years ago. Of course its helped no end by the tip-top high def polish its received.
Trumping the DVD release in terms of clarity and colour, it boasts a stunning looking picture that does ample justice to the films bold colour pallete from the dazzling, sun-drenched landscapes that open the film, to the musty darkness that features later on. Its sharp, crisp and features barely any noise for a flick thats celebrating 35 candles on its cake. On the downside though, the sound isnt quite as good. With only a stereo track on the disc as opposed to high def audio or even 5.1, its just not as encompassing as youd hope. Still, the sound you do get is still nice and clean and even little nuances get picked up with clarity.
As for the extras, theres a handful of interviews and featurettes that were on the DVD release plus a couple of new interviews that should convince fans to make the step up. Its not an amazing package, but its certainly nothing to sniff at.
Overall Verdict: A nice, crisp high def look at corporate America from an outsiders viewpoint. 35 years on and The Man Who Fell to Earth still impresses.
Special Features:
Interview with Nic Roeg
Watching the Alien documentary
Theatrical Trailer
Clip from Walter Tevis audio interview
Interview with Tony Richmond
Interview with Paul Mayersberg
Interview with Candy Clark
Reviewer: Jordan Brown