Them!/The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (DVD, 2006)

Recently released on DVD as a double-feature, "Them" and "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms" are both a bit better than the usual 1950s monster flick. Each explores the common theme of atomic testing causing unexpected consequences.

In "Them", ants in the desert southwest are mutated into eight-foot giants after exposure to radiation. A better-than-usual cast, including James Whitmore, a pre-Gunsmoke James Arness, and Edmund Gwenn as the prototype sci-fi scientist (assisted by his lovely daughter, played by Joan Weldon) is called in to investigate a series of strange murders. Strong supporting portrayals help the atmosphere: the little girl found wandering in the desert is positively chilling, and Fess Parker is enjoyable in a bit part as a pilot locked up for observation after reporting UFOs shaped like flying ants (reportedly, Walt Disney screened this movie to decide if he should cast Arness as Davy Crockett, but selected Parker instead after seeing his humorous performance.) There are a lot of themes in this film that became somewhat cliched afterwards, but it all holds together here (in spite of the rather cheesy-looking ants) to make this the best of the '50s giant-insect movies. Note to trivia buffs: watch for a very early appearance by Star Trek's Leonard Nimoy as an Air Force sergeant, and listen for a full FOUR uses of Sheb Wooley's "Wilhelm scream" (non-buffs, Google it.)

"The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms" is a bit the weaker of these two films, but is definitely worth seeing, if only for the terrific stop-motion work by Ray Harryhausen. Adapting Ray Bradbury's "Saturday Evening Post" serial (note to Ray: the ocean is at its deepest only about 5,000 fathoms) an arctic nuclear test releases a carnivorous dinosaur from his icy tomb. As the beast makes his way down the east coast, the hero (and first witness) played by Paul Christian, investigates unexplained sightings and strange incidents to try to convince a skeptical government that something must be done. He's helped by Cecil Kellaway (giving Edmund Gwenn a run for the title of "Perfect Tweed-Wearing Little Old Sci-Fi Scientist") and the requisite beautiful assistant (Paula Raymond.) This leads, of course, to an inevitable rampage through the streets of New York. It's amazing that in 1953, this could all be pulled together for a measly $200,000 budget; in 1998, they recycled the plot of "Beast" and spent $125 million to make "Godzilla", a much weaker movie, and probably blew more than $200,000 for the catering budget!

If you enjoy B-movie monsters, these two are definitely worth a look. Kudos to whoever thought of combining them on a single disc.

Got it for my dad and he likes that movie and collects old
movies and they are getting harder to find.
Got item in timely manner, Great condition as promised.
Thank you!

Great seller, I recommend!

I liked two things in particular about this product. First, the DVD worked excellently and the links were easy to navagate. Second, the DVD was a double-bill of two of the finest Sci-Fi movies of the 50s in one product purchase. I may add a third positive (especially if you are a fan of this genre): The quality of picture and sound were also excellent. Buy it.

I love the movies Them! and The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms.
I bought the movies because I remember these movies when I was a kid.

Two Classic 1950s "Atomic radiation" scare features that have not only lasted over half a century but are still great entertainment. THEM!, This was Warner Brother's highest grossing film of 1954. Well directed, fantastic special effects for the times, great cast including, Edmond Gwenn. The heat during this film was so intolerable Edmond Gween collapsed almost daily during filming and was hospitalized because he became so ill, but insisted he finish the film. James Arness ( at 6 ft 7 inches the tallest actor to ever play a leading roll), James Whitmore, & be sure and catch Fess Parker with the small role as Crazy Texas Pilot, which got him Disney's Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier. A bit of personal trivia, Fess Parker's agent lived a couple of streets over from me as a kid, in San Antonio and I baby-sat their kids when they were in town. THEM! was nominated for an Oscar (special effects), and won a Golden Reel for Sound. Mutant Ants go on the attach basically. Wonderfully suspenseful scenes, and truly eerie times in the desert with great vista, & panorama of same. The BEAST of 20,000 FATHOMS (1953), a Ray Bradbury film that includes in the cast Cecil Kelleway as it's researcher, and one of Spaghetti Westerns first film actors, Lee Van Cleef as the sharp shooter so watch for him. Although slightly corny in the artic scenes, overall great special effects and also nominated for a respected award, a HUGO, for Best Dramatic Presentation. The Plot: Again an arctic nuclear test causation, thaws out a carnivorous dinosaur, who of course reeks havoc on the world he runs across both land and sea.

This is one of my favorite 50's Sci-Fi movies. I like it because it not only contains the current Sci-Fi mastery of the 50's but it shows the political atmosphere of the times. I bought it so that I could watch it on my schedule.

I HAVE BEEN WANTING THE CLASSIC GIANT ANT MOVIE FROM 1954 TO COME OUT ON DVD FOR A VERY LONG TIME, TO SEE IT AFTER SEARCHING FOR IT BY TITLE ALONE WAS FANTASTIC TO FIND IT AT A GREAT PRICE AND THE CONDITION, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
NOW ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DVD DISC WAS A SECOND CLASSIC GIANT LIZARD COMING TO ATTACK HUMANS. NOW SINCE THE SPECIAL EFFECTS AGE OF TODAY, THIS MOVIE IS STILL GREAT BECAUSE OF THE STORY AND HOW IT WAS DIRECTED AT THE TIME IN 1953, IT'S STILL GOOD TO WATCH. I'M GLAD THAT THIS DVD WAS AVAILABLE FOR ME TO GET AND I'M GOING TO LOOK FOR MORE CLASSICS NOW KNOWING THAT "THEY ARE OUT THERE"..........

THANK YOU---------ROBERT----------NEEDALLSTUFF1993

I grew up with these movies. Watched them on the Early Show for many years growing up in the fifties and sixties. Love "The Beast..." because the of the great beast by Ray Harryhausen. Always got a kick out of this genre because of the tie-in to the "Atomic bomb" or the testing thereof. All of these creatures
from "Godzilla" to this "Beast" have that tie-in. Kenneth Tobey was GREAT!
As for "THEM!" This is another story tie-in as noted above. In this one I love the ants. Fifties special effects were not very good as can be seen here.
But the story was good and the acting is excellent. James Whitmore is always excellent(witness "Battleground", "Give 'em Hell Harry" and "The Shawshank Redemption")

THESE TWO MOVIES ARE ARE IN THE TOP TEN OF ALL TIME CLASSIC SCI-FI WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO SAY!!!! PLUS THE PRICE WAS RIGHT UNDER TEN DOLLARS.THE PICTURE ON BOTH MOVIES WAS GREAT BLACK AND WHITE.

These are the two favorite moves from my childhood. There was no problems with the CD what so ever. I cannot believe that they were on the same CD.

Since I was a kid, I have always loved the movie "THEM!" James Whitmore is at his best in this film. It's 1954, the atomic age and giant ants are taking over the world, it just doesn't get any better than this.

I love this movie. I am a big fan of all of the old monster movies, like "The Creature That Came from Outer Space" and "Creature from the Black Lagoon." "Them" is fantastic. Giant ants! How great is that! The cast -- James Whitmore, James Arness and Joan Weldon -- is great, but my favorite is the scientist, played by Edmond Gwenn. Oh, and this has one of Leonard Nimoy's first roles. Must be all of 30 seconds long. The film is in black and white and it's the fun kind of scary. Not hacking people up or tons of blood. It's scary you can enjoy. It's a wonderful movie.

I took a chance on this site and I got a good DVD. It was vary clean.
In my opinion , movies clasic's like these blazed new trails in film making.
IF A MOVIE HAS NO DINOSAUR,MONSTER,OR ALIEN LIFE FORM FROM WHEREEVER-------
------------ What good is it?
DW

How can you beat this deal two great monster movies for the price of one.Enjoyed them as akid and now can veiw anytime I want.Life is good.

If you love corny old scary movies! This is for you! Nothing better than giant ants chasing people! Haha kind of like the old movie The Blob!

Them is a great movie if you enjoy classic horror you will enjoy this! I haven't seen the movie that is with this, but would have bought it no matter what. That is how good "THEM" is!

I was a very young boy when these two movies first debuted and I remember being pretty well terrified. I have purchased a few old horror and sci-fi movies recently, I guess trying to relive my youth? Anyway, I enjoyed these old movies about as much as I did when I was a kid, they were very well made and had good acting and special effects for the times. The transition to DVD was flawless and the DVD played perfectly and it was nice to be able to stop and start each frame. If you are looking for a couple of good old sci-fi / horror flicks, I recommend these two highly!