Rent Robinson Crusoe on Mars (1964)

3.4 of 5 from 62 ratings
1h 50min
Rent Robinson Crusoe on Mars Online DVD & Blu-ray Rental
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Synopsis:
A futuristic retelling of Daniel Defoe's classic story, "Robinson Crusoe on Mars" has gained a beloved cult reputation ever since its debut in the years leading up to the space race. As a mingling of speculative science-fiction with an extraordinary visual design, it proved to have a significant influence on fantasy filmmaking on both the big and small screen. Paul Mantee plays American astronaut Kit Draper, stranded (with his pet monkey in tow) on the Red Planet after an emergency crash landing. Now he must find ways to adapt and survive, physically and emotionally, in the alien landscape - but he may not be as alone as he thought...
Actors:
, , , The Woolly Monkey
Directors:
Producers:
Aubrey Schenck
Writers:
Ib Melchior, John C. Higgins, Daniel Defoe
Studio:
Eureka
Genres:
Classics, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Collections:
Children & Family, Children's Books On Screen: Best Adventure Films, Films & TV by topic, Giant Leap for Mankind: A History of Astronaut Films
BBFC:
Release Date:
23/11/2015
Run Time:
110 minutes
Languages:
English Dolby Digital 2.0
Subtitles:
English Hard of Hearing
DVD Regions:
Region 2
Formats:
Pal
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen 2.35:1
Colour:
Colour
Bonus:
  • Exclusive new audio commentary with special effects designer and Robinson Cmisoe on Mars historian Robert Skotak
  • Original Theatrical Trailer
BBFC:
Release Date:
23/11/2015
Run Time:
110 minutes
Languages:
English LPCM Stereo
Subtitles:
English Hard of Hearing
Formats:
Pal
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen 2.35:1
Colour:
Colour
BLU-RAY Regions:
B
Bonus:
  • Exclusive new audio commentary with special effects designer and Robinson Cmisoe on Mars historian Robert Skotak
  • Original Theatrical Trailer

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Reviews (1) of Robinson Crusoe on Mars

Literary Sci-Fi. - Robinson Crusoe on Mars review by Steve

Spoiler Alert
31/08/2021

Title tells all in this thoughtful and faithful adaptation of Daniel Defoe's novel... except it's on Mars. It was a clever idea to adapt a classic story about colonialism to the final frontier, though The Forbidden Planet (1956) got there first.

Commander Draper (Paul Mantee) crashes onto the surface of the red planet. He adapts to his new home (Mars has an atmosphere in this film) and changes his environment to support himself. The film establishes a hierarchy of needs, of the space-wrecked Commander's physical, psychological and then social being.  

Draper happens upon Friday (Victor Lundin), who is being viciously exploited by inter-planetary slave traders. The Commander seeks to impose his own acquired values on his new companion; a class hierarchy. A relationship of master and servant. Only under duress can he accept an equality based on mutual respect and common needs.

The film benefits from its location shoot in the otherworldly terrain of Death Valley, California. The matte effects of the red sky, and the ruined remains of a Martian civilisation are both clearly limited by the budget but are still acceptable. The most poignant theme of the film (inspired by Defoe) is of the spaceman, exposed to the vastness of the universe, disconnected from the safety of his capsule, and alone in space. It is a potent image which is often revisited.

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