V - The Mini Series [DVD] [1983]

I bought this DVD thinking it was the whole complete mini-series & didn't know it was the first two. So be warned.

The film opens with fifty gigantic spaceships, hovering over all of Earth's major cities ("Independence Day", anyone?), while mankind anxiously awaits the outcome of their mysterious, awe inspiring presence. What transpires is almost anti-climactic, for when the visitors finally emerge from their spaceships, they look human. They are led by an alien innocuously called John (Richard Herd), who gives Earth a benevolent message. They come in peace, or so everyone is led to believe. Many are gulled, and some humans even end up working collaboratively for the aliens. There are some, however, that are skeptical of the aliens' motives, and mistrust turns to fear when scientists and doctors begin to be rounded up and mysteriously disappear.

Mike Donovan (Marc Singer), a hunky cameraman, has his own misgivings about the aliens, but when he observes the aliens literally shedding their skins, revealing that that they are not human at all, but rather nothing more than reptilian looking aliens, his misgivings are reinforced. Mike also discovers that they mean mankind harm and are hell-bent of the conquest of Earth and divestiture of one of Earth's most important natural resources without which humans cannot live.

Mike now joins the resistance, headed by beautiful medical doctor, Julie Parish (Faye Grant). As the underground resistance battles the aliens, many humans are still convinced that the aliens good and are being misjudged by these so-called freedom fighters. As fascist rule supplants democratic government throughout the world, under the pretext of law and order and at the direction of the aliens and behest of their human puppets, the viewer cannot help but be aware of the allegorical implications. In case the viewer should be so obtuse as to miss it, Abraham Bernstein (Leonardo Cimino), a holocaust survivor, blatantly states it.

There are some interesting special effects for its time. There are also some key performances. Most notable is that of Jane Badler in the role of the evil, but exquisitely beautiful alien, Diana, the alien science officer and the one from whom humans have much to fear. Look also for then newcomer, Robert Englund, of later Freddy Kreuger fame, in the role of Willie, a peaceful loving alien who allies himself with the resistance. This film has everything, suspense, action, thrills, unusual special effects, a great story line, a moral message, and an inter-species romance. How can anyone resist? Kudos to writer/director Kenneth Johnson. This is sci-fi as it should be. Bravo!

The DVD provides a crystal clear picture and audio, as well as an excellent feature length commentary by writer/director Kenneth Johnson. There is also a behind the scenes documentary that is well worth watching. The DVD provides the usual interactive menus, as well as scene access, and may be viewed in English and French. Subtitles are available in English, French, and Spanish. All in all, this is a DVD well worth having in one's collection.