The Andromeda Strain (DVD, 2003)

I bought this movie because of its reputation. I had expected an action movie, but actually it is a scientific detective motive. It shows the techniques the "detectives" use to narrow down the identity and nature of an interstellar bio-organism that could destroy human life if it gets loose. It builds well near the end. I enjoyed watching it and I recommend it to anyone who likes this kind of movie.

Fantasies don't do much for me. Vampires, Werewolves and bogeymen that chainsaw teenagers- bah. I don't believe it and furthermore, it is mindless, pointless violence. To me, that which >>is plausible<< is infinitely more nerve-racking.

In recent years, authors like Tom Clancy and Michael Crichton have created an entirely new genre called the techo-thriller. The techno thriller is a dash of sci-fi, many parts suspense and a firm grounding in reality. This 1971 film, based on a novel by Michael Crichton, was one of the very first.

In the Andromeda Strain, some bright boys at the Pentagon thought that it might be a good idea to send out some space probes in an attempt to capture and return alien micro-organisms for potential use as biological warfare agents. Well- they got one. An organism which is at home in deep space: crystalline in structure, requiring nothing but radiation to sustain it, completely alien, lethal and nearly indestructible.

Everything went according to plan until the probe returned to earth off course landing in a small town in New Mexico. Curious towns people opened the capsule and let a potentially world ending micro-organism lose in a world completely unprepared for it.

The race is on as a small team of hand-picked scientists working in a state of the art secret lab attempt to learn the Andromeda organism's secrets to prevent disaster.

There are several things of interest to watch for while watching this movie. First- pay attention the technology. The script was written in the late 60s and the film was made in 1971. It is very interesting to see how the writers and directors envisioned the technology of the lab- specifically the computers. Chances are your PC is faster than the mainframe that ran the whole "Wildfire" complex.

Second- as a Cold War era movie, "germ warfare" was greatly feared by all the world powers. It was an open secret in many scientific communities that prominent scientists were working in this field.

Last but not least- "The Andromeda Strain" shares the hallmark of the best science fiction: people are still people, not supermen.

This movie belongs in any body's collection- not just the Sci-fi buff. It is somewhat dated but still a classic thriller.

Forgett the old fashion technology. The movie contend is very actual, it makes me tthink about H1N1 epdemics.

Satisfactory transaction. Fast shipping, received in good condition, good price for item, will consider doing business with again.

If you were to take the pages of this novel and put it to film this would be it. Most Sci Fi movies from the 70's are a little hokey but this seems to focus on the confinement found in the book when the scientists are decending into the levels of the labrotory. If you get a chance tune in...this is one of the better movies out there that is faithful to the original material.

It arrived timely in good shape and was thoroughly enjoyed by all! I would certainly order again from this person

The Andromeda Strain...or How I Didn't Sleep a Wink on a Saturday night.

When I first saw this movie , i was about 15 years old. Instantly I was caught by the plot, for a movie of this kind. Never saw this kind of development in a plot where the main "villain" is not from this world, and is very sutile trying to "conquer" (indirectly) the planet while trying to "survive" in it.
Although I'm not pretty familiar with Main Cast, I think they did well.

I recommend this movie. Specially For a thirlling evening with your Girl/Man, your friends, or close family.

I watched the new 2008 series on TV and found it over draumatized the "relationships" between the sexes. The original version here used a great screenplay combined with stars unknown for a combination thriller. And no gunfire at some lonely US Army outpost! It is a bit slow on the research part, giving too much time - but left alot of questions unanswered - the new version tries to spell out the ethical message even for dolts!

After 6 weeks I never received the DVD,but I did get a full refund.
Bought the DVD from one of Ebay sponsers.
Happy now!

I say that with all honesty that this is THE Andromeda Strain, not that 4 hour diatribe that wasted our Memorial Day evening and the day after Memorial Day on A&E. This the way that Crichton wanted it. A classic cast, a post Sixties time frame, and a hot button issue all in one story. Who could resist. Wise deftly directs the characters of the story through the mystery of Andromeda. The technology, is a bit antiquated for today but still, meaty, plausible and workable in today's mindset. The sets and scenery look stunning and futuristic enough that anything could happen in the bowels of "Wildfire" command. I decided to buy it because of late I am on a 70's SciFi kick. I have purchased recently Westworld, Looker, Demon Seed, The Andromeda Strain and I will probably be purchasing more old scifi films soon. Perhaps Phase IV, otherwise known as "That Ant Movie". Do yourself a favor and skip the A&E version and stick with the original. You won't regret it.

these were the days when movies scared the heck out of me....A+++ top notch movie of its day..it made you stop and think and wonder what if....just saw the newer version and it want the same...i liked this one better...i know we have evolved in movie making but the older movies scare me more...

I loved the movie, because i love science fiction and the remake of the movie comes out on the 26th of may, so i wanted the old one also to recap.

We let our sons see this movie and they like it better than "Outbreak". It is fun. It is great suspense. It is much food for thought. In color!

Great movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11111