The Blob - Criterion Collection
Paramount Pictures (1958)
Comedy, Horror, Sci-Fi
In Collection
#538
8*
Seen It:  Yes
(6/13/2011)
715515011129
IMDB   6.1
86 mins USA/English
DVD  Region 1   PG
Steve McQueen Steve Andrews
Aneta Corsaut Jane Martin
Earl Rowe Lt. Dave
Olin Howland Old man
Alden 'Stephen' Chase Dr. T. Hallen
John Benson Sgt. Jim Bert
George Karas Officer Ritchie
Lee Paton Kate, the nurse
Elbert Smith Henry Martin
Hugh Graham Mr. Andrews
Vincent Barbi George
Stephen Chase Dr. Hallen
Aneta Corseaut Jane Martin
Olin Howlin Old man
Vince Barbi George (cafe owner)
Pamela Curran Smooching teenager
Jasper Deeter Civil Defense volunteer
Elinor Hammer Mrs. Porter
Director Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr.
Irvin Shortess Yeaworth, Jr.
Russell S. Doughten Jr.
Producer Russell S. Doughten Jr.
Jack H. Harris
Writer Kay Linaker
Irving H. Millgate
Theodore Simonson

What would the average sensible American do if he encountered a pulsing ball of protoplasm from outer space? That's right: he'd poke it with a stick. Thus begins the endearingly earnest and silly tale of The Blob. Young Steve McQueen takes on his first leading role as, um, Steve, a spunky teenager with plenty of heart. Steve sees the blob kill the local doc, but darn it, none of the town's adults will believe him! Yup, it's up to the teens to save the day! Steve and his trusty girlfriend Jane break their curfews(!) and head off into the night to find the Blob and warn the town. The Blob is a completely enjoyable watch from start to finish, offering the triple pleasures of 1950s morals, gee-whiz acting, and a whole lotta extras running around and screaming. The special effects, though primitive, certainly get the job done, and it is still a treat to watch the Blob ooze its way to its next meal. You may notice that the theme song is surprisingly bouncy for a horror flick ("Beware of the Blob! It creeps, and leaps, and glides and slides across the floor"). It was written by Hal David and a fresh young composer by the name of Burt Bacharach. --Ali Davis
Edition Details
Edition Special Edition
Distributor Criterion
Chapters 19
Release Date 11/14/2000
Packaging Keep Case
Screen Ratio 1.66:1
Subtitles English
Audio Tracks ENGLISH: Dolby Digital Mono
Layers Single Side, Single Layer
No. of Disks/Tapes 1
Personal Details
Purchase Date 11/14/2000
Owner Thomas Eisenmann
Store Best Buy
Purchase Price $28.99
Condition Excellent
Reviewed Widescreen Review
Bit Rate 192 KB
Anamophic Yes
Links IMDB
Amazon US
The Blob at Movie Collector Connect

Features
Anamophic
Includes two audio commentaries both recorded in the summer of 2000: one with producer Jack Harris and film historian Bruce Eder, and the second with director Irvin S. Yeaworth, Jr. and actor Robert Fields. Also includes the fabulous theatrical trailer, a cool poster for your wall, a six-page production notes booklet, and Blob-obilia, terrific movie memorabilia from the collection of Blob-fan Wes Shank that includes trivia that reveals the Blob was created from colored silicone (no plastic surgery jokes, please), and, hold on to your seats, the actual blob goo from the movie. (Laurie Sevano)

Widescreen Review
Story Synopsis:
Based on an idea by Irvine H. Millgate, The Blob became an instant hit and remains so today. It stars Steve McQueen in the only film where he was ever billed as Steven. When a couple of necking teens (McQueen And Courseaut) witness a strange meteor that strikes the Earth, they soon learn that it is a ravenous glob of a red Jell-O-like subtance from outer space. While The Blob is out wolfing down unsuspecting citizens, the teens are scorned by the authorities for their imaginative story. Beware of The Blob-it’s way too much fun. (Suzanne Hodges)

DVD Picture:
The anamorphically enhanced, windowboxed 1.66:1 DVD is a great improvement over the LaserDisc image quality reviewed in Issue 24. Images are sharp with fine facial and fabric details not noticed on the LaserDisc. Color fidelity is a drastic improvement, especially noticed in the police station of chapter 9, which is slightly dark and blue on the LaserDisc, but bright with warm hues on the DVD. Some inconsistencies are noticed, as hues occasionally change from slightly green to slightly red. Though the effect is subtle, it is distracting nonetheless. The picture has a grimy “digital” appearance. Viewed alone, the picture is crisp, but a bit wanting in dimension, with noticeable edge enhancement. (Suzanne Hodges)

Soundtrack:
The Dolby® Digital 1.0 soundtrack consists of the usual inherent artifacts and distortion of the vintage monaural audio-background noise is particularly noticeable during quiescent moments. (Perry Sun)

This Disc Contains The Following WSR-Rated Superb Qualities:
Collector Edition