Before this two disc boxset - there was a stand alone black and white version on a dual-layered DVD also from Sony (released September 2002). It is now out-of-print HERE (presently still purchasable reasonably from third parties). We have posted 4 comparing screen grabs below of this edition with this new 2-disc and the older demonstrates its superiority in image detail as well as having much more information in the frame. For purists THIS older DVD edition is the one to own.

The reason the older release is better visually is that it shares with nothing, aside from a few extras, on a dual-layered disc. Sony have put both the original black \ white and color versions on the same side of the first disc of this new two-disc package - so the compression is, essentially divided and, inferior. Of course beyond the theatrical accuracy of the appearance the new two disc has bumped audio and a new Harryhausen commentary (more both below) plus extensive extras (although many are repeated from the colorized Twenty Million Miles to Earth DVD sets - 50th Anniversary Edition SD and Blu-ray) .

Unlike Paramount's colorized 2-disc DVD package of It's A Wonderful Life, where the best quality b/w version was on one DVD and the colorized on another disc altogether - I feel the Earth vs. the Flying Saucers DVD was mistakenly authored. I may be incorrect in assuming there are 'two versions' on one disc here as it may be some new seamlessly branched method of transfer as you can toggle between the two versions. I don't know - I assume not. Also there may be a legal rights situation that both must appear on the same disc (akin to my observations of the UK version of The Thing From Another World.)   

The color looks quite strong in some sequences (ex. fire) but kind of drab in others. Telltale skin tones are all over the place. I believe I have seen better colorizations.  Personally, I'd have preferred to see a pristine b/w version... with these new supplements. The 5.1 audio bump option has some moments - enough to warrant inclusion I suppose.

There is a new commentary with the obviously aged Harryhausen, and his devout followers; visual effects artists Jeff Okum, Kan Ralston and Arnold Kunert. Kunert takes the lead and there is some cool stuff which I felt was worthwhile but it gets less nostalgic each DVD in which these appear. I smiled at Harryhausen telling us that the saucers (largest 12 inches in diameter) were made by his 'father on a Sears-Roebuck lathe'. There is a featurette (actually an interview with Harryhausen) called Remembering Earth vs. The Flying Saucers and another on The Hollywood Blacklist and Bernard Gordon and his lack of mention in the credits. We are also given a look at the Earth vs. The Flying Saucers comic book and a featurette about a present day look at the dying art of stop-motion (by a student).

Repeated from the 50th Anniversary Edition Twenty Million Miles to Earth SD  and Blu-ray - there is a brief, 10 minute, featurette on the colorization process, a Tim Burton interview with Ray Harryhausen for almost a half hour and a delightful interview with actress Joan Taylor (about 20 minutes). There is some original ad artwork and another featurette - "David Schecter: Movie Music's Unsung Hero" (running 22 minutes).

I enjoy this film but it's not on the nostalgic scale of This Island Earth or any from the Ultimate Sci-Fi Collection (Tarantula , The Incredible Shrinking Man etc.). The extras are disappointing in that many are repeated (other DVD editions) and the image is not the best example of the original film or the colorization process. So we don't recommend as the new commentary and two new featurettes don't seem to equal the value of the cost of this package - especially if you are 'double-dipping'. If you are just keen to see this film then we still recommend the original release HERE. If you must see it in color or in a fake 5.1 - then this is your only option at present.   

Gary W. Tooze