The Andromeda Strain

Buy This Item The Andromeda Strain by Universal Studios  Available from Amazon  $11.99  on 9-22-2008     The best-selling novel by Michael Crichton was faithfully adapted for this taut 1971 thriller, about a team of scientists racing against time to destroy a deadly alien virus that threatens to wipe out life on Earth. As usual with any Crichton-based movie, the emphasis is on an exciting clash between nature and science, beginning when virologists discover the outer-space virus in a tiny town full of corpses. Projecting total contamination, the scientists isolate the deadly strain in a massive, high-tech underground lab facility, which is rigged for nuclear destruction if the virus is not successfully controlled. The movie spends a great deal of time covering the scientific procedures of the high-pressure investigation, and the rising tensions between scientists who have been forced to work in claustrophobic conditions. It's all very fascinating if you're interested in scientific method and technological advances, although the film is obviously dated in many of its details. It's more effective as a thriller in which tension is derived not only from the deadly threat of the virus, but from the escalating fear and anxiety among the small group of people who've been assigned to save the human race. The basic premise is still captivating; it's easy to see how this became the foundation of Crichton's science-thriller empire. <I>--Jeff Shannon</I> Reader Reviews For those of you who wrote neagtive reviews. You must be young, or never saw it when it first came out. I saw this when I was a kid. Remembered the story line, and a few images, but it stayed with me. One of those movies that some how stay in your mind even as years pass. I finally bought this (the negative reviews here did make me put off buying it for a while) and watched it today. It was AWESOME!!! Most times I only watch part of a movie, then finish it later. Not this time. I first watched all the extras, then started the movie. It totally drew me in. I think the only thing dated about it is some of the cars driven in the movie. Great sets, great story, and good acting. I'm sure the animal rights people had a hay day with this, but if you watched the extras, no animals died, and they were well taken care of. I really liked Kate Reid. Awesome performance. If you're interested in this movie, but aren't sure about buying it. Don't read the bad reviews here. It will keep you from owning an Awesome moive. :-)

The Andromeda Strain Available from Amazon Price: $11.99 Updated on 9-22-2008.

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