| |
|
 
|
| THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN MINISERIES |
 |
 |
| Actors: Benjamin Bratt, Andre Braugher, Rick Schroder, Christa Miller, Daniel Dae Kim |
| Director: Mikael Salomon |
|
Studio: Universal Studios |
| DVD release: 03 June 2008 |
|
Runtime: 140 minutes (1 disc) |
| Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC |
| DVD features: Audio tracks (Dolby Digital 5.1 - English), Subtitles (English SDH), "Terra Incognita: The Making of Andromeda Strain, Visual effects breakdowns, Photo and design gallery; Feature audio commentary with director Mikael Salomon, executive producers David W. Zucker and Tom Thayer, and editor Scott Vickrey |
|
As far as a newer miniseries on DVD, it is may not be as engaging as The Lost Room but falls in above Tin Man . The Andromeda Strain offers intensity and morality, all in the same serving. Based on the novel by Michael Crighton, Andromeda comes to life in reasonable CG and semi-decent acting.
The initial general assumption is that biochemical warfare is on the horizon. In actuality, the root of the thing is that a military satellite has fallen into the desert nearby and been brought to town by a couple of teenagers. A tiny, remote town in Utah is struck, and all but two die: a colicky infant and the middle-aged town drunk are the lone survivors. A select group is formed to combat it, with the sometime cooperation of the military and the presidential groups.
Benjamin Bratt plays the doctor in charge of scientific elites, Dr. Jeremy Stone. His team is comprised of a handful of experts in various fields, brought together to save the world from the quickly and infinitely deadly spreading contagion known only as Andromeda. Rick Schroder, Viola Davis, Daniel Dae Kim, and Christa Miller make up the rest of the team. Eric McCormack plays a washed-up reporter, and this is destined to be his come-back story. Andre Braugher puts in a very believable performance as well.
Nestled among political and military intrigue, this is one of those end-of-the-world cautionary tales with a moral. Intense action scenes, thrilling heroics, tempers and fears running high, and big showy explosions round out the plot. There is even the odd bit of romance tossed in for good measure. The more than four hours of bonus features include a fairly comprehensive "making of" and an audio commentary.
There are some gaps and holes in the story, questions left unanswered - though maybe that is the point. If one is seeking a completely viable and scientifically believable movie, keep looking. If one is seeking simply to be entertained and bounce ideas around, The Andromeda Strain is great fun for that.
|
|
|
