Epic soundtrack, spent hours listening to the LP of this growing up.

Classic movie. If you like sci fi then this is worth seeing. I actually liked the Tom Cruise version better. Thats just me though. Worth watching.

talk about survival this movie rocks as its an awesome sci fi triller remake. worth watching.

Scared the crap outta me! I can't say how much these movies influenced my life. Watching the space race as I did in the lat 50's. I was so lucky to grow up then.

In 1898 H.G. Wells wrote one of the most influential and well-known books of all time. In 1938 Orson Welles delivered an amazing radio broadcast based on said book that terrified millions. And in 1953 George Pal and Byron Haskin created an incredible film version that is as timeless and important as either of the former. The story of this movie is as follows: Martians invade earth because their own planet is dying, landing in California first. Initial attempts to peacefully communicate with the aliens fail and warfare begins, with the U.S. military confidently opening fire, but it soon becomes clear that we are vastly outmatched by the literally indestructible Martian war machines. Scientist Clayton Forrester and his companion Sylvia, whom he met at the first alien landing site, encounter danger from the invaders and fellow humans alike as the world falls apart, but the attack abruptly ends when the Martians die of Earthly diseases to which they have no immunity. The story is only vaguely similar to the one from the book, but the details are unimportant because the themes of the powerful being weakened and human reaction to danger are intact, and that's what really matters. The acting is good, particularly Gene Barry as Forrester. The music is excellent and chilling, as are the incredible (for 1953) special effects. The image of the Martian war machines advancing slowly but steadily, gliding through the air while making discomforting, unearthly sounds is unforgettable and very frightening compared to other, tamer films from this time period. There are some heavy Christian tones, especially near the end, but nothing too offensive. I myself am an atheistic agnostic (one who does not follow or believe in any particular deity, but does not actively declare that such a deity certainly doesn't exist) I found nothing intrusive or rude about the religious connotations because they are handled in a respectful manner. All in all, this is the quintessential alien invasion movie, tying together all of these well-crafted aspects into a single cohesive and highly enjoyable experience. And so much better than the Tom Cruise version. The two can't even be compared.

The original 1953 classic Sci-Fi (bad special effects and all). They made the "tripods" of the alien invaders float on "invisible columns of energy" because they did not have the budget for moving claymation legs! The acting is strong, the script is the closest to Wells' story that you will find (closer than the Tom Cruise version) and, this is the movie that launched a hundred or more sci-fi directors and actors.

I usually like the original better, but in this case I actually liked the new version with Tom Cruise a lot more. Still an awesome classic though! This was decently entertaining, and had great acting. One of the best sci-fi movies of all time! A must see!

A faithful telling of the story you say,hmmmm well let's just say you've obviously not read the book or you'd know that it's actually set in Great Britain,but i guess reading is not as fun as playing on your X Box.

Came out in the 50's, genius.

I saw this as a kid and along with Forbidden Planet and The Day the Earth stood Still,these were the movies that gave me my first taste of science fiction and i am still hooked today.I think this movie is still worth watching after all these years,let's see if most of the movies out today are still going strong after fifty seven years.Fair enough it wasn't set in England where it should've been and fair enough they pretty nuch got rid of the tripods,but i think you'll find having the tripods as laser light solved a lot of problems,special effects weren't quite up to the job at the time.Any sci/fi fans will be doing there cerebrum a real disservice if they don't give this movie a try,8/10.

Another of those 50's movies with an underbelly of the Cold War. Regardless, it's a great film, much better than the remake....

You must be a young whipper snapper..lol Might want to check the year this was made, no such thing as computerized special effects. That's what is wrong with movies now, all fluff and no good stuff ie; writing/imagination. Why do you think there are so many remakes, no imagination. This is a highly appreciated classic and always will be even if your unimaginable self doesn't get it.

I can't believe i've never heard of this story with CBS news and Wells book.. but i'm glad i know now.

this movie has me in stitches. its supposed to be scary but its hilarious

classic sci-fi...

The Tom Cruise version is actually closer to that of the written story, but it doesn't compare to the original. The only good scene in the Tom Cruise version is when the empty train goes by.

The Classic of all sci fi I,z luv it

this is a true Classic n very funny...

This was a great movie with great special effects for its time. The acting was a little over the top but greatly done anyway. I would recommend seeing it.

Great classic sci-fi. Not the best special effects and the acting was a bit over done but for the time one terrific movie.