Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (DVD, 2007, Global Warming Edition)

I remember watching the tv show as a kid. I was into it. When the opportunity to collect the series came along, I collected the DVD sets. I realized that I never saw the original film that started it all. Having viewed the film, I see a lot of similarities...the characters, set design, mission, plot, the feel and tone of the show. However, maybe through familiarity, I found myself deferring fondness to the stars of the show rather than the film.

Irwin Allen certainly had vision, a flair for the dramatic, and a desire to show the viewer enough to make them believe that they were viewing an actual submarine and crew. He showed us the possibilities for future stories to be told, with an air of believability insomuch as could be done for 1961. It is easy to see how this was picked up as a series. I did pick up a few scenes that would definitely not fit into today's politically correct environment, but also makes me wonder how the words/actions could have been accepted even in the early 60's.

This is a fantasy film, meant to be entertaining, and it does deliver. I was glad to finally see where it all started, and understand how it was the hit that it was in it's day. All in all, a good viewing featuring a fine cast. Anyone who is a fan of "the original that started it all" type of film, or any of Irwin Allen's other works will like this film.