On September 15, 1965, Irwin Allen whisked television viewers out of their living rooms on a journey to the outer reaches of space, where the Robinson family finds themselves marooned on a strange, not-entirely-hospitable planet thanks to the sabotage of their chief medical officer. For a nation dreaming of a seemingly impossible moon landing, "Lost in Space" was both wish fulfillment and cautionary tale; a part of us was enthralled by the notion of exploring the cosmos, but we were also terrified by the thought of aimlessly hurtling through a universe with no known end and no direction home.
Allen's series didn't dwell much on the more frightening aspects of the Robinsons' predicament. Unlike Gene Roddenberry's "Star Trek" (which would debut a year later), Allen employed a fairly rigid formula that found the Robinsons and the hunky Major Don West (Mark Goddard) having to outwit the generally inept scheming of Dr.
Allen's series didn't dwell much on the more frightening aspects of the Robinsons' predicament. Unlike Gene Roddenberry's "Star Trek" (which would debut a year later), Allen employed a fairly rigid formula that found the Robinsons and the hunky Major Don West (Mark Goddard) having to outwit the generally inept scheming of Dr.
- 4/22/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Mark Goddard, known for his role as Major Don West, the fiery pilot of Jupiter 2 in the 1960s CBS adventure series Lost in Space, has passed away at 87. His wife, Evelyn Pezzulich, confirmed his death to The Hollywood Reporter. Goddard was already a regular on the Four Star Television series Johnny Ringo and The Detectives when his agent introduced him to the opportunity to join the new series Lost in Space, created and produced by Irwin Allen. The sci-fi series revolved around the Robinson family, including Professor John Robinson (Guy Williams), his biochemist wife, Maureen (June Lockhart), and their children Judy, Penny, and Will. Major West, along with a stowaway, Dr. Zachary Smith (Jonathan Harris), and a robot, embarked on a space colonization mission that took a wayward turn after their spacecraft was sent off course by ...
- 10/13/2023
- TV Insider
Mark Goddard, the actor who made a lasting impression on young sci-fi fans as the daring, forever impatient Major Don West on CBS’ 1965-68 series Lost In Space, died of pulmonary fibrosis Tuesday in Hingham, Massachusetts. He was 87.
His death was announced by his wife Evelyn Pezzulich in a Facebook post.
“I’m so sorry to tell you that my wonderful husband passed away on October 10th,” Pezzulich wrote. “Several days after celebrating his 87th birthday, he was hospitalized with pneumonia. We were hopeful when he was transferred to a rehabilitation center, but then doctors discovered he was in the final stages of pulmonary fibrosis for which there is no cure.”
By the time he was cast in his breakthrough role as the headstrong Major West, Goddard had built a reputation as a rising young actor through supporting appearances in late-’50s fare such as Johnny Ringo and The Rebel.
His death was announced by his wife Evelyn Pezzulich in a Facebook post.
“I’m so sorry to tell you that my wonderful husband passed away on October 10th,” Pezzulich wrote. “Several days after celebrating his 87th birthday, he was hospitalized with pneumonia. We were hopeful when he was transferred to a rehabilitation center, but then doctors discovered he was in the final stages of pulmonary fibrosis for which there is no cure.”
By the time he was cast in his breakthrough role as the headstrong Major West, Goddard had built a reputation as a rising young actor through supporting appearances in late-’50s fare such as Johnny Ringo and The Rebel.
- 10/13/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Mark Goddard, who played Major Don West, the hot-tempered pilot of the Jupiter 2, on the 1960s CBS adventure series Lost in Space, has died. He was 87.
Goddard died Tuesday in Hingham, Massachusetts, his wife Evelyn Pezzulich told The Hollywood Reporter.
Goddard had worked as a regular on the Four Star Television series Johnny Ringo and The Detectives when he was approached by his agent about coming aboard the new Lost on Space, created and produced by Irwin Allen.
The sci-fi show revolved around the adventures of the Robinson family: Professor John Robinson (Guy Williams), his biochemist wife, Maureen (June Lockhart) and their children Judy, Penny and Will (Marta Kristen, Angela Cartwright and Billy Mumy).
Major West also was on board, as was a stowaway, Dr. Zachary Smith (Jonathan Harris), and a robot (designed by Forbidden Planet‘s Robert Kinoshita, played by Bob May and voiced by Dick Tufeld). Their space colonization mission,...
Goddard died Tuesday in Hingham, Massachusetts, his wife Evelyn Pezzulich told The Hollywood Reporter.
Goddard had worked as a regular on the Four Star Television series Johnny Ringo and The Detectives when he was approached by his agent about coming aboard the new Lost on Space, created and produced by Irwin Allen.
The sci-fi show revolved around the adventures of the Robinson family: Professor John Robinson (Guy Williams), his biochemist wife, Maureen (June Lockhart) and their children Judy, Penny and Will (Marta Kristen, Angela Cartwright and Billy Mumy).
Major West also was on board, as was a stowaway, Dr. Zachary Smith (Jonathan Harris), and a robot (designed by Forbidden Planet‘s Robert Kinoshita, played by Bob May and voiced by Dick Tufeld). Their space colonization mission,...
- 10/13/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Roger Ebert dismissed Stephanie Rothman’s sweaty sexploitation flick as “The kind of movie that can almost be reviewed by watching the trailer”—Tfh Guru Heidi Honeycutt is here to accept that challenge. More entertaining than Ebert would suggest, the 1973 film stars Phyllis Davis as just one of many voluptuous inmates on a remote island where escape is impossible and no guards are necessary. 28 year old Tom Selleck makes an appearance along with Marta Kristen, teenaged Judy Robinson of Lost in Space.
The post Terminal Island appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
The post Terminal Island appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
- 12/6/2021
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
Chris Longo Dec 9, 2019
We went to the set of Lost in Space season 2 to find out how the show is aiming to tell a bigger sci-fi adventure story.
Editor's note: This story appears in our latest Den of Geek special edition magazine presented in parternship with Netflix. You can find more infomation on the issue here. Story by Chris Longo.
***
Entering Jupiter 2 never gets old for Lost in Space executive producer and showrunner Zack Estrin.
As if he hasn’t already shot two seasons worth of footage inside the massive soundstage outside Vancouver, Estrin is bouncing around the ship’s interior as he shows off some “science fiction touchpoints” of the design, from the circular shape that pays homage to the original show’s Jupiter 2 to the lived-in ambiance that echoes the rusty Millennium Falcon. It’s not just a blast from the past—he’s perhaps most proud of...
We went to the set of Lost in Space season 2 to find out how the show is aiming to tell a bigger sci-fi adventure story.
Editor's note: This story appears in our latest Den of Geek special edition magazine presented in parternship with Netflix. You can find more infomation on the issue here. Story by Chris Longo.
***
Entering Jupiter 2 never gets old for Lost in Space executive producer and showrunner Zack Estrin.
As if he hasn’t already shot two seasons worth of footage inside the massive soundstage outside Vancouver, Estrin is bouncing around the ship’s interior as he shows off some “science fiction touchpoints” of the design, from the circular shape that pays homage to the original show’s Jupiter 2 to the lived-in ambiance that echoes the rusty Millennium Falcon. It’s not just a blast from the past—he’s perhaps most proud of...
- 12/9/2019
- Den of Geek
Every week, IndieWire asks a select handful of TV critics two questions and publishes the results on Tuesday.
This week’s question: What is your favorite robot of all time on TV?
Marisa Roffman (@marisaroffman), Give Me My Remote
Obviously, the correct answer is robo-house Pierce Brosnan in the 2001 “Treehouse of Horror” episode of “The Simpsons.” (Rip its British charm unit.) But on a more serious note, I’m having a tough time picking between the excellent team over at “Westworld” (the more obvious choice) and the A.I. that I still miss: Drn (Michael Ealy) from “Almost Human.” On one hand, Team “Westworld” gets to destroy things, cause mayhem, and generally take over the world. On the other, Drn got to solve futuristic crimes and banter with Karl Urban’s John Kennex. I love them all — I welcome our future robot overlords.
Tim Surette (@timsurette), TV.com
There’s...
This week’s question: What is your favorite robot of all time on TV?
Marisa Roffman (@marisaroffman), Give Me My Remote
Obviously, the correct answer is robo-house Pierce Brosnan in the 2001 “Treehouse of Horror” episode of “The Simpsons.” (Rip its British charm unit.) But on a more serious note, I’m having a tough time picking between the excellent team over at “Westworld” (the more obvious choice) and the A.I. that I still miss: Drn (Michael Ealy) from “Almost Human.” On one hand, Team “Westworld” gets to destroy things, cause mayhem, and generally take over the world. On the other, Drn got to solve futuristic crimes and banter with Karl Urban’s John Kennex. I love them all — I welcome our future robot overlords.
Tim Surette (@timsurette), TV.com
There’s...
- 5/1/2018
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
The Robinson family is returning to television in Netflix’s reboot of “Lost in Space,” but this time the women play a bigger role as the family faces thorny relationships and a female adversary in their fight for survival.
The life-span of the Robinson family spans centuries, including the 1812 novel “The Swiss Family Robinson,” the 1960s black-and-white and color television series, and most recently the 1998 film starring Gary Oldman. At the Hollywood premiere for the Netflix version of the family drama, executive producer Zack Estrin, Matt Sazama, and Burk Sharpless said they were inspired by the first six black-and-white episodes in the ’60s for their retelling, but they wanted to update it to be more reflective of today.
“I think the gender roles in the first series are definitely a product of their time and aren’t really what we want to see on TV right now,” Sharpless said. He...
The life-span of the Robinson family spans centuries, including the 1812 novel “The Swiss Family Robinson,” the 1960s black-and-white and color television series, and most recently the 1998 film starring Gary Oldman. At the Hollywood premiere for the Netflix version of the family drama, executive producer Zack Estrin, Matt Sazama, and Burk Sharpless said they were inspired by the first six black-and-white episodes in the ’60s for their retelling, but they wanted to update it to be more reflective of today.
“I think the gender roles in the first series are definitely a product of their time and aren’t really what we want to see on TV right now,” Sharpless said. He...
- 4/10/2018
- by Ariana Brockington
- Variety Film + TV
When you think of Classic TV from the 1960s that were sci-fi in nature, odds are that your mind will go to the original Star Trek and not necessarily Lost in Space. But this show was the more family-oriented, campy drama that followed the adventures of the Robinson family (plus a couple of non-relatives) — and which is being reborn as a new Netflix series. Sent from Earth to explore the potential of another habitable planet, their mission is sabotaged and they find themselves… well, lost in space. But what they found were generations of fans who have celebrated the show for all these years. One was Kevin Burns, a producer who fell in love with the series and has carried the torch, putting together the massive 50th Anniversary Blu-ray complete series set in 2015 (with an unbelievable amount of extras), and who serves as executive producer of the reboot that launches...
- 3/8/2018
- by Ed Gross
- Closer Weekly
Today Netflix has released the trailer for the reboot of Lost In Space, and I've got to say I cant wait to watch this series. So let's stop wasting time and check out the date announcement trailer below.
Was I the only one running around screaming after this, maybe ... I dunno? All I know is I am all aboard the hype train for this series. I was a fan of the 1960's series in which Dr. John Robinson (Guy Williams), his wife Dr. Maureen Robinson (June Lockhart) and their children Judy (Marta Kristen), Penny (Angela Cartwright) and Will (Bill Mumy) leave Earth to investigate a planet suitable for human life. Joining the Robinsons on their joureny are Major Don West (Mark Goddard), pilot of the Jupiter 2 Spaceship. The Robot, who has mistakenly been called Robby the Robot, and the man who caused the Robinson family to become "Lost", Dr. Zachary...
Was I the only one running around screaming after this, maybe ... I dunno? All I know is I am all aboard the hype train for this series. I was a fan of the 1960's series in which Dr. John Robinson (Guy Williams), his wife Dr. Maureen Robinson (June Lockhart) and their children Judy (Marta Kristen), Penny (Angela Cartwright) and Will (Bill Mumy) leave Earth to investigate a planet suitable for human life. Joining the Robinsons on their joureny are Major Don West (Mark Goddard), pilot of the Jupiter 2 Spaceship. The Robot, who has mistakenly been called Robby the Robot, and the man who caused the Robinson family to become "Lost", Dr. Zachary...
- 2/21/2018
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Rob Bayne)
- Cinelinx
Lost in Space has a new lead. Deadline reports Toby Stephens has joined Netflix's upcoming remake of the classic 1960s series.The sci-fi drama follows the adventures of the Robinson family as they travel through hostile territory in outer space. The original series ran from 1965 to 1968 on CBS and starred Guy Williams, June Lockhart, Mark Goddard, Marta Kristen, Angela Cartwright, and Billy Mumy.Read More…...
- 9/22/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Netflix’s Lost in Space remake now has its first cast member, with Falling Skies alum Taylor Russell signing on to play Judy Robinson in the remake of the classic 1960s television series. The role was originated on the original series by Marta Kristen and played by Heather Graham in the 1998 film remake. Russell is best known for appearing on TNT’s Falling Skies, as well as Lifetime's Unauthorized Saved by the Bell Story, where she played Lark Voorhies. The original…...
- 9/17/2016
- Deadline TV
Netflix’s Lost in Space remake has locked in its first cast member, tapping Falling Skies actress Taylor Russell to play daughter Judy, TVLine has learned exclusively.
The role of John and Maureen’s eldest child was originated by Marta Kristen in the ’60s series, and later played by Heather Graham in the 1998 feature film.
Russell’s other notable credit is Lifetime’s Unauthorized Saved by the Bell Story, in which she played Lark Voorhies.
The 10-episode, Legendary TV-produced family drama/sci-fi adventure, which was formally...
The role of John and Maureen’s eldest child was originated by Marta Kristen in the ’60s series, and later played by Heather Graham in the 1998 feature film.
Russell’s other notable credit is Lifetime’s Unauthorized Saved by the Bell Story, in which she played Lark Voorhies.
The 10-episode, Legendary TV-produced family drama/sci-fi adventure, which was formally...
- 9/16/2016
- TVLine.com
Never fear, Smith is here! Netflix has ordered the first season of the Lost In Space TV show remake from Legendary TV, with an eye toward a 2018 premiere. Season one of Lost In Space will consist of 10 one-hour episodes, based on Irwin Allen's original sci-fi series. Premiering in 1965, Lost In Space was cancelled after three seasons on CBS, leaving the characters' fates unresolved. The original series starred Guy Williams, June Lockhart, Mark Goddard, Marta Kristen, Bill Mumy, Angela Cartwright, and Jonathan Harris.As with the 1960s classic, the new Lost In Space will feature the Robinson family, The series comes from writers Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless, with Prison Break's Zach Estrin set as showrunner. The trio will executive produce alongside Synthesis Entertainment’s Kevin Burns and Jon Jashni. Applebox’s Neil Marshall and Marc Helwig are also executive producing. Marshall will direct several...
- 6/30/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Continuing their ongoing domination of all past and present media, Netflix has ordered a “Lost In Space” remake series. Deadline reports that the streaming service has given Legendary TV a 10-episode straight-to-series order for “Lost In Space,” after competitively outbidding others for a development deal back in November. It will premiere sometime in 2018.
Read More: Fan-Made “Lost In Space” Animated Pilot Should Go To Series
The original “Lost In Space” series was broadcast on CBS for three seasons from 1965-1968. Set in the year 1997, 32 years into the future from 1965, the series followed the Robinson family as they plan to colonize deep space. Though initially headed to a planet near the star Alpha Centauri, the Robinson family are veered wildly off course when Dr. Zachary Smith, a foreign secret agent, tries to sabotage the mission and unintentionally sends them hurdling hopelessly through space.
The series starred Guy Williams and June Lockhart...
Read More: Fan-Made “Lost In Space” Animated Pilot Should Go To Series
The original “Lost In Space” series was broadcast on CBS for three seasons from 1965-1968. Set in the year 1997, 32 years into the future from 1965, the series followed the Robinson family as they plan to colonize deep space. Though initially headed to a planet near the star Alpha Centauri, the Robinson family are veered wildly off course when Dr. Zachary Smith, a foreign secret agent, tries to sabotage the mission and unintentionally sends them hurdling hopelessly through space.
The series starred Guy Williams and June Lockhart...
- 6/30/2016
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
It's time for a blast from the past.
The classic sci-fi TV show Lost in Space aired its first episode 50 years ago Tuesday, with the series introducing the world to the Robinson family, a group of travelers on a mission in a futuristic 1997 to found a colony in deep space.
The campy CBS series is perhaps best remembered for this catchphrase spoken by the family robot to one of the kids: "Danger, Will Robinson!" After its 1965 debut, the series went on to air for three seasons on CBS and spawned a 1998 big screen remake starring Matt LeBlanc and Heather Graham.
The classic sci-fi TV show Lost in Space aired its first episode 50 years ago Tuesday, with the series introducing the world to the Robinson family, a group of travelers on a mission in a futuristic 1997 to found a colony in deep space.
The campy CBS series is perhaps best remembered for this catchphrase spoken by the family robot to one of the kids: "Danger, Will Robinson!" After its 1965 debut, the series went on to air for three seasons on CBS and spawned a 1998 big screen remake starring Matt LeBlanc and Heather Graham.
- 9/15/2015
- by Aaron Couch, @AaronCouch
- People.com - TV Watch
The legendary Lost in Space turns 50 years old this year and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will celebrate the occasion this September by releasing the complete series on Blu-ray, with over six hours of bonus features included.
At Comic-Con, Daily Dead was honored to take part in roundtable interviews with Lost in Space cast members Mark Goddard, Marta Kristen, Angela Cartwright, and Bill Mumy, who reflected on their favorite Lost in Space memories, the show's legacy, the upcoming Blu-ray, and much more.
The cast reflects on their favorite memories of working on Lost in Space from 1965–1968:
Mark Goddard: My moments are always the fun that I had with Bill [Mumy] on the show. I'm a prankster, and Billy came along with me during my pranks because I had to have him with me because I might get in trouble. If I had Billy with me, I wouldn't get in...
At Comic-Con, Daily Dead was honored to take part in roundtable interviews with Lost in Space cast members Mark Goddard, Marta Kristen, Angela Cartwright, and Bill Mumy, who reflected on their favorite Lost in Space memories, the show's legacy, the upcoming Blu-ray, and much more.
The cast reflects on their favorite memories of working on Lost in Space from 1965–1968:
Mark Goddard: My moments are always the fun that I had with Bill [Mumy] on the show. I'm a prankster, and Billy came along with me during my pranks because I had to have him with me because I might get in trouble. If I had Billy with me, I wouldn't get in...
- 7/16/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will release on Blu-ray the complete series of Lost in Space on September 15th—exactly 50 years after the show debuted in 1965. This Friday, a special panel and autograph signing featuring Lost in Space cast members will take place at Comic-Con.
The Lost in Space panel and autograph signing will feature stars Bill Mumy, Angela Cartwright, Mark Goddard and Marta Kristen. The panel will take place from 2:30pm - 3:30pm in Room 24Abc. Following the panel, the cast will participate in an autograph signing at Fox booth #4229 from 4:15pm–5:00pm.
Additionally, fans can keep an eye on #LostInSpace50 on Twitter to find out which locations to get limited edition Lost in Space T-shirts.
To learn more about the Lost in Space 50th anniversary Blu-ray, visit:
http://dailydead.com/lost-in-space-complete-tv-series-50th-anniversary-blu-ray-release-details/
The post Comic-Con 2015: Lost In Space 50th Anniversary Panel Announced appeared first on Daily Dead.
The Lost in Space panel and autograph signing will feature stars Bill Mumy, Angela Cartwright, Mark Goddard and Marta Kristen. The panel will take place from 2:30pm - 3:30pm in Room 24Abc. Following the panel, the cast will participate in an autograph signing at Fox booth #4229 from 4:15pm–5:00pm.
Additionally, fans can keep an eye on #LostInSpace50 on Twitter to find out which locations to get limited edition Lost in Space T-shirts.
To learn more about the Lost in Space 50th anniversary Blu-ray, visit:
http://dailydead.com/lost-in-space-complete-tv-series-50th-anniversary-blu-ray-release-details/
The post Comic-Con 2015: Lost In Space 50th Anniversary Panel Announced appeared first on Daily Dead.
- 7/9/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Previous | Image 1 of 25 | NextBai Ling of ‘The Crow.’
Chicago – The Hollywood Show is back, and all your favorite TV and movie stars are available to meet, take pictures with and get autographs. The 2015 Chicago edition is May 1 through 3, with Saturday the 2nd and Sunday the 3rd the celebrity appearance days. HollywoodChicago.com was there for the 2014 Show, and captured some Exclusive Portraits of the type of celebrities the Hollywood Show brings directly to the fans.
Scheduled to appear at the 2014 Hollywood Show include the dynamic duo from the 1966 Batman TV show, Adam West and Burt Ward (Saturday only); Henry “Fonzie” Winkler (Saturday), “Chips” stars Larry Wilcox and Erik Estrada; Louise Fletcher from “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”; Linda Blair from “The Exorcist”; secondary cast members from the popular film “A League of Their Own”; and for the first time some legendary sports celebrities like Bobby Hull (Chicago Black...
Chicago – The Hollywood Show is back, and all your favorite TV and movie stars are available to meet, take pictures with and get autographs. The 2015 Chicago edition is May 1 through 3, with Saturday the 2nd and Sunday the 3rd the celebrity appearance days. HollywoodChicago.com was there for the 2014 Show, and captured some Exclusive Portraits of the type of celebrities the Hollywood Show brings directly to the fans.
Scheduled to appear at the 2014 Hollywood Show include the dynamic duo from the 1966 Batman TV show, Adam West and Burt Ward (Saturday only); Henry “Fonzie” Winkler (Saturday), “Chips” stars Larry Wilcox and Erik Estrada; Louise Fletcher from “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”; Linda Blair from “The Exorcist”; secondary cast members from the popular film “A League of Their Own”; and for the first time some legendary sports celebrities like Bobby Hull (Chicago Black...
- 5/1/2015
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
The coolest thing you’re going to find all year is hitting on September 15th, and it’s packed with goodies. It’s the 50th Anniversary of Lost in Space, and the complete series is going to be available on Blu-Ray, and the release gives you a lot for your money.
Not only does the release have over 7 hours of total bonus content, but it has brand new featurettes, new commentary tracks on episodes, and tons of archival footage.
This is an amazing package that is not only something for fans of the show, but is a great opportunity to expose the show to millions of new ones.
Much as the show has gone down in history as something of a goof, you might be surprised at how much future shows owe to this one, and not just by way of carving out a bit of cultural popularity for the sci-fi genre.
Not only does the release have over 7 hours of total bonus content, but it has brand new featurettes, new commentary tracks on episodes, and tons of archival footage.
This is an amazing package that is not only something for fans of the show, but is a great opportunity to expose the show to millions of new ones.
Much as the show has gone down in history as something of a goof, you might be surprised at how much future shows owe to this one, and not just by way of carving out a bit of cultural popularity for the sci-fi genre.
- 4/7/2015
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
With all the attention on Star Trek‘s 50th anniversary in 2016, we overlooked its predecessor is hitting its Golden Anniversary this fall. 20th Century Home Entertainment reminded us today with the following exciting announcement.
Los Angeles, CA (April 7, 2015) – Danger, Will Robinson! Danger! Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment pays tribute to one of the most iconic television series of all-time as “Lost in Space” – The Complete Series arrives on Blu-ray for the first time ever on September 15. Running from 1965-1968, this collection allows fans to bring home Irwin Allen’s intergalactic family saga that earned an enormous following of devoted fans over the years. Set in the space age future of 1997, follow the heart-racing, cliff-hanging adventures of John Robinson™ and his family aboard the Jupiter 2™, along with Robot B-9™ and the delightfully devious Dr. Zachary Smith™.
Produced with Space Productions, Inc. and Synthesis Entertainment, this massive 18-disc set contains all 83 episodes remastered in high definition,...
Los Angeles, CA (April 7, 2015) – Danger, Will Robinson! Danger! Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment pays tribute to one of the most iconic television series of all-time as “Lost in Space” – The Complete Series arrives on Blu-ray for the first time ever on September 15. Running from 1965-1968, this collection allows fans to bring home Irwin Allen’s intergalactic family saga that earned an enormous following of devoted fans over the years. Set in the space age future of 1997, follow the heart-racing, cliff-hanging adventures of John Robinson™ and his family aboard the Jupiter 2™, along with Robot B-9™ and the delightfully devious Dr. Zachary Smith™.
Produced with Space Productions, Inc. and Synthesis Entertainment, this massive 18-disc set contains all 83 episodes remastered in high definition,...
- 4/7/2015
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Just in time for it's 50th Anniversary, the classic and much beloved science fiction series, Lost in Space, is making it's way to blu-ray completely remastered and bursting with new special features for fans to enjoy. Come inside to learn more!
Science fiction fans and collectors are sure to be drooling at the announcement of Lost In Space - The Complete Series on blu-ray, as it's brings together all the episode of the classic series (just in time for it's 50th Anniversary), with new features and other goodies. If you're interested in re-living this piece of sci-fi history, you'll get your chance on September 15, 2015.
Danger, Will Robinson! Danger! Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment pays tribute to one of the most iconic television series of all-time as “Lost in Space” – The Complete Series arrives on Blu-ray for the first time ever on September 15. Running from 1965-1968, this collection allows fans to...
Science fiction fans and collectors are sure to be drooling at the announcement of Lost In Space - The Complete Series on blu-ray, as it's brings together all the episode of the classic series (just in time for it's 50th Anniversary), with new features and other goodies. If you're interested in re-living this piece of sci-fi history, you'll get your chance on September 15, 2015.
Danger, Will Robinson! Danger! Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment pays tribute to one of the most iconic television series of all-time as “Lost in Space” – The Complete Series arrives on Blu-ray for the first time ever on September 15. Running from 1965-1968, this collection allows fans to...
- 4/7/2015
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Jordan Maison)
- Cinelinx
Chicago – One of the most unique happenings in Chicago every year is “The Hollywood Show.” This annual event presents celebrities from TV and film, both from the nostalgic past and the current scene. In September of 2012, the show included Loni Anderson (“Wkrp in Cincinnati”), Oscar Winner Martin Landau and the reunited cast of “Lost in Space,” all meeting fans and signing autographs.
HollywoodChicago.com covered the event, and photographer Joe Arce put the show’s participants in front of the lens. “The Hollywood Show” will be back in Chicago in September, 2013. Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All images © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com.
HOLSHOW1: Loni Anderson of ‘Wkrp in Cincinnati.’ HOLSHOW2: Another view of Loni Anderson. HOLSHOW3: Oscar winner Martin Landau of ‘Ed Wood’ and ‘The Majestic.’ HOLSHOW4:...
HollywoodChicago.com covered the event, and photographer Joe Arce put the show’s participants in front of the lens. “The Hollywood Show” will be back in Chicago in September, 2013. Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All images © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com.
HOLSHOW1: Loni Anderson of ‘Wkrp in Cincinnati.’ HOLSHOW2: Another view of Loni Anderson. HOLSHOW3: Oscar winner Martin Landau of ‘Ed Wood’ and ‘The Majestic.’ HOLSHOW4:...
- 1/19/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
We're pretty late in posting this, but the sheer number of press releases and event announcements submitted to Cinema Retro has ye olde editor-in-chief occasionally finding himself guilty of letting some stories slip through the cracks. This is a press release relating to the new Star Babe Invasion retro comics that we're admittedly hooked on. You gotta love any magazine that has Raquel Welch, Barbara Eden and Bette Page on the cover!
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Star Babes Return!
Goofa Man Productions is all tingly to announce the release of the second issue of 3-D Pete’s Star Babe Invasion Comics!
The book takes an admiring look at those charismatic, curvaceous creatures from the cosmos... Star Babes!
“I don’t know why I tend to focus on Star Babes,” admits the head honcho of Goofa Man Productions, Mike Fisher. “I mean,
they’re voluptuous women in skimpy...
Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none
Star Babes Return!
Goofa Man Productions is all tingly to announce the release of the second issue of 3-D Pete’s Star Babe Invasion Comics!
The book takes an admiring look at those charismatic, curvaceous creatures from the cosmos... Star Babes!
“I don’t know why I tend to focus on Star Babes,” admits the head honcho of Goofa Man Productions, Mike Fisher. “I mean,
they’re voluptuous women in skimpy...
- 12/23/2011
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Rank the week of July 12th’s Blu-ray and DVD new releases against the best films of all-time: New Releases Arthur
(DVD and Blu-ray | PG13 | 2011)
Flickchart Ranking: #5711
Times Ranked: 827
Win Percentage: 52%
Top-20 Rankings: 6
Directed By: Jason Winer
Starring: Russell Brand • Helen Mirren • Greta Gerwig • Jennifer Garner • Luis Guzman
Genres: Comedy • Farce
Rank This Movie
The Lincoln Lawyer
(DVD and Blu-ray | R | 2011)
Flickchart Ranking: #2807
Times Ranked: 1535
Win Percentage: 55%
Top-20 Rankings: 6
Directed By: Brad Furman
Starring: Matthew McConaughey • Marisa Tomei • Ryan Phillippe • William H. Macy • John Leguizamo
Genres: Drama • Psychological Thriller • Thriller
Rank This Movie
Rango
(DVD and Blu-ray | PG | 2011)
Flickchart Ranking: #595
Times Ranked: 5790
Win Percentage: 38%
Top-20 Rankings: 18
Directed By: Gore Verbinski
Starring: Johnny Depp • Isla Fisher • Abigail Breslin • Ned Beatty • Alfred Molina
Genres: Action • Adventure • Animation • Comedy • Family-Oriented Adventure • Family-Oriented Comedy • Western
Rank This Movie
Insidious
(DVD and Blu-ray | PG13 | 2010)
Flickchart Ranking: #3119
Times Ranked: 1785
Win Percentage: 52%
Top-20 Rankings: 6
Directed By: James Wan...
(DVD and Blu-ray | PG13 | 2011)
Flickchart Ranking: #5711
Times Ranked: 827
Win Percentage: 52%
Top-20 Rankings: 6
Directed By: Jason Winer
Starring: Russell Brand • Helen Mirren • Greta Gerwig • Jennifer Garner • Luis Guzman
Genres: Comedy • Farce
Rank This Movie
The Lincoln Lawyer
(DVD and Blu-ray | R | 2011)
Flickchart Ranking: #2807
Times Ranked: 1535
Win Percentage: 55%
Top-20 Rankings: 6
Directed By: Brad Furman
Starring: Matthew McConaughey • Marisa Tomei • Ryan Phillippe • William H. Macy • John Leguizamo
Genres: Drama • Psychological Thriller • Thriller
Rank This Movie
Rango
(DVD and Blu-ray | PG | 2011)
Flickchart Ranking: #595
Times Ranked: 5790
Win Percentage: 38%
Top-20 Rankings: 18
Directed By: Gore Verbinski
Starring: Johnny Depp • Isla Fisher • Abigail Breslin • Ned Beatty • Alfred Molina
Genres: Action • Adventure • Animation • Comedy • Family-Oriented Adventure • Family-Oriented Comedy • Western
Rank This Movie
Insidious
(DVD and Blu-ray | PG13 | 2010)
Flickchart Ranking: #3119
Times Ranked: 1785
Win Percentage: 52%
Top-20 Rankings: 6
Directed By: James Wan...
- 7/12/2011
- by Jonathan Hardesty
- Flickchart
Photo by csztova
Here’s the thing about Oprah Winfrey. She knows how to suckpeople in. Clearly she’s been building her army of followers for decades—wooingthem with free cars and trips to Australia, tugging at their heartstrings withhuman tragedy, and luring them into her book club.
We admit, we’ve been holdouts—never willing to put her on our daily DVR list.But Oprah rises above the other hosts for one reason—tenacity. Slowly butsurely she captures the stragglers who have managed to elude her net.
So, how is Op finally converting the Passionistas to herfold? How else? Musicals. Today, Lady O is reuniting the cast of The Sound of Music, bringing themtogether for the first time in 45 years.
It may not be surprising that the Von Trapp children willall be present and accounted for (answering to each personalized whistle sound wehope). After all, Oprah doesn’t call...
Here’s the thing about Oprah Winfrey. She knows how to suckpeople in. Clearly she’s been building her army of followers for decades—wooingthem with free cars and trips to Australia, tugging at their heartstrings withhuman tragedy, and luring them into her book club.
We admit, we’ve been holdouts—never willing to put her on our daily DVR list.But Oprah rises above the other hosts for one reason—tenacity. Slowly butsurely she captures the stragglers who have managed to elude her net.
So, how is Op finally converting the Passionistas to herfold? How else? Musicals. Today, Lady O is reuniting the cast of The Sound of Music, bringing themtogether for the first time in 45 years.
It may not be surprising that the Von Trapp children willall be present and accounted for (answering to each personalized whistle sound wehope). After all, Oprah doesn’t call...
- 10/28/2010
- by Pop Culture Passionistas
- popculturepassionistas
Photo by by vladeb
Looking for a unique way to wish someone a "Happy Birthday"? Or struggling for a gift that says "Thanks For Being A Great Boss"? Well HollywoodIsCalling.com might be your answer.
For just $19.95 you can buy a live phone call with a slew of Hollywood stars. If you're a retro TV fan, you might like a "Have a Nice Day" greeting from Russell Johnson or Dawn Wells from Gilligan's Island. Or how about a "Good Luck" message from Mark Goddard or Marta Kristen from Lost in Space.
Butch Patrick from The Munsters can wish you a "Happy Halloween," while Ron Palillo from Welcome Back Kotter would be a good candidate for the "Congratulations on a Great Report Card" call.
You could have Alex Michael from The Bachelor call and propose to your girlfriend for you. Or maybe that job's better left to a real man like...
Looking for a unique way to wish someone a "Happy Birthday"? Or struggling for a gift that says "Thanks For Being A Great Boss"? Well HollywoodIsCalling.com might be your answer.
For just $19.95 you can buy a live phone call with a slew of Hollywood stars. If you're a retro TV fan, you might like a "Have a Nice Day" greeting from Russell Johnson or Dawn Wells from Gilligan's Island. Or how about a "Good Luck" message from Mark Goddard or Marta Kristen from Lost in Space.
Butch Patrick from The Munsters can wish you a "Happy Halloween," while Ron Palillo from Welcome Back Kotter would be a good candidate for the "Congratulations on a Great Report Card" call.
You could have Alex Michael from The Bachelor call and propose to your girlfriend for you. Or maybe that job's better left to a real man like...
- 10/6/2010
- by Pop Culture Passionistas
- popculturepassionistas
I should have loved Lost in Space when it debuted on CBS in the fall of 1965. At seven, I was the prime audience for this family adventure about the Robinsons and friends who are literally, hurtling through uncharted territory. Instead, I never warmed up to the show and much preferred ABC’s Batman when that arrived in January 1966. I found the science fiction lacking, the acting over-the-top, and the robot one of the few interesting aspects.
I think I would have preferred the Irwin Allen series had the villainous aspect of Dr. Zachary Smith (Jonathan Harris) remained, rather than using him as a comic foil. Regardless, the series had its following which has led to various revivals as an animated series and even a Bill Mumy-scripted comic during the 1990s. A feature film adaptation seemed inevitable and that’s what we received in 1998. Now, the movie is making its...
I think I would have preferred the Irwin Allen series had the villainous aspect of Dr. Zachary Smith (Jonathan Harris) remained, rather than using him as a comic foil. Regardless, the series had its following which has led to various revivals as an animated series and even a Bill Mumy-scripted comic during the 1990s. A feature film adaptation seemed inevitable and that’s what we received in 1998. Now, the movie is making its...
- 9/7/2010
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
The great folks at Code Red DVD are at it once again digging up hard-to-find blasts from the past to give the digital treatment to. Two of the latest drive-in favorites getting the special edition treatment via Code Red are the el cheapo 1974 cult fave Horror High (Aka Twisted Brain) and the 1973 survival thriller Terminal Island.
First out of the gate on August 10th will be a brand new 16x9 (1.85:1) print of Horror High mastered from HiDef from the original 35mm dupe negatives from Crown International's vault. This marks the first time the film has ever been released uncut on home video.
A series of grisly murders wreaks havoc at a small Texas high school! A no-nonsense cop is assigned to find out the identity of the mad devious killer who roams the corridors of the high school. A mild mannered student has been drinking a mysterious potion that turns himself into Vernon,...
First out of the gate on August 10th will be a brand new 16x9 (1.85:1) print of Horror High mastered from HiDef from the original 35mm dupe negatives from Crown International's vault. This marks the first time the film has ever been released uncut on home video.
A series of grisly murders wreaks havoc at a small Texas high school! A no-nonsense cop is assigned to find out the identity of the mad devious killer who roams the corridors of the high school. A mild mannered student has been drinking a mysterious potion that turns himself into Vernon,...
- 7/9/2010
- by Foywonder
- DreadCentral.com
Photo courtesy of John Wardlaw
Santa Barbara based filmmaker John "Wedge" Wardlaw was working at his brother's company, Specialty Tool and Bolt, when his friend Michael Wilcox made a simple suggestion, "We should make a movie about nuts and bolts." The result, an animated short that Wardlaw wrote that very night called The Bolt Who Screwed Christmas, will be screened at this year's Burbank International Film Festival.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas fans will love the homage to Chuck Jones' holiday classic but sci-fi fans are in for a treat, too. The film features the final performance of Lost in Space villain Jonathan Harris and marked a reunion of his co-stars Bill Mumy, Angela Cartwright, and Marta Kristen.
In our exclusive interview with Wardlaw (after the jump) he talks about working with the legendary cast, the process of making The Bolt Who Screwed Christmas, his favorite Jonathan Harris story,...
Santa Barbara based filmmaker John "Wedge" Wardlaw was working at his brother's company, Specialty Tool and Bolt, when his friend Michael Wilcox made a simple suggestion, "We should make a movie about nuts and bolts." The result, an animated short that Wardlaw wrote that very night called The Bolt Who Screwed Christmas, will be screened at this year's Burbank International Film Festival.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas fans will love the homage to Chuck Jones' holiday classic but sci-fi fans are in for a treat, too. The film features the final performance of Lost in Space villain Jonathan Harris and marked a reunion of his co-stars Bill Mumy, Angela Cartwright, and Marta Kristen.
In our exclusive interview with Wardlaw (after the jump) he talks about working with the legendary cast, the process of making The Bolt Who Screwed Christmas, his favorite Jonathan Harris story,...
- 7/9/2010
- by Pop Culture Passionistas
- popculturepassionistas
When the Lost in Space movie came out in 1998, it bore little resemblance to the original sci-fi series. There was no involvement by the original cast and it bombed at the box office. One of the positive things to come out of the studio's promotion was a TV special that paid homage to the original series.
Hosted by John Larroquette, Lost in Space Forever presents a retrospective of the classic TV show and includes some little-seen footage from the show's history. June Lockart, Mark Goddard, Marta Kristen, Angela Cartwright, Bill Mumy, and Jonathan Harris are all interviewed and, though Guy Williams had passed away earlier in the year, his original screen test is included.
The special would be a typical lightweight retrospective except for the fact that the producers went out of their way to make it extra special for the diehard fans.
Hosted by John Larroquette, Lost in Space Forever presents a retrospective of the classic TV show and includes some little-seen footage from the show's history. June Lockart, Mark Goddard, Marta Kristen, Angela Cartwright, Bill Mumy, and Jonathan Harris are all interviewed and, though Guy Williams had passed away earlier in the year, his original screen test is included.
The special would be a typical lightweight retrospective except for the fact that the producers went out of their way to make it extra special for the diehard fans.
- 10/17/2009
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
This July and August, the UCLA Film & Television Archive in Los Angeles, California is screening a series of horror and thriller films directed by women called No She Didn't!: Women Exploitation Auteurs. From July 24th through August 8th, films like Terminal Island (directed by Stephanie Rothman), Bad Girls Go To Hell and Another Day, Another Man (directed by Doris Wishman), Gaitor Bait (directed by Beverly Sebastian), Bury Me an Angel (directed by Barbra Peters), and Slumber Party Massacre (directed by Amy Holden-Jones) will be screened in their full exploitation glory.
July 24th, Stephanie Rothman will make a rare appearance to introduce Terminal Island, her feminist exploitation flick...
In the 1970s and ‘80s, something funny happened on the way to the grindhouse. With women still sorely under-represented in the directorial ranks of the "New Hollywood," a number of women began working as writer-directors in the low-budget world of exploitation films.
July 24th, Stephanie Rothman will make a rare appearance to introduce Terminal Island, her feminist exploitation flick...
In the 1970s and ‘80s, something funny happened on the way to the grindhouse. With women still sorely under-represented in the directorial ranks of the "New Hollywood," a number of women began working as writer-directors in the low-budget world of exploitation films.
- 6/29/2009
- by Superheidi
- Planet Fury
Jody McCrea, the son of Joel McCrea, passed away earlier this month. He was primarily known for his roles in cult films. In this excerpt from his book, Cinema Retro columnist pays tribute to McCrea's career.
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Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
Tall, strapping, square-jawed Jody McCrea who became a favorite of teenage audiences during the Sixties for his amusing performances as “Deadhead” in the series of Beach Party (1963) movies starring Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello passed away on April 4 of this year. As the dumb surfer in the bunch, Deadhead could be counted on to say something idiotic in his slow drawl. Though McCrea was always assured a laugh based on how the role was written, it is to his credit that Deadhead came off as sweetly naïve rather than a complete moron.
Jody McCrea was born on September 6, 1934 in Los Angeles. His father was western star...
.
Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
Tall, strapping, square-jawed Jody McCrea who became a favorite of teenage audiences during the Sixties for his amusing performances as “Deadhead” in the series of Beach Party (1963) movies starring Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello passed away on April 4 of this year. As the dumb surfer in the bunch, Deadhead could be counted on to say something idiotic in his slow drawl. Though McCrea was always assured a laugh based on how the role was written, it is to his credit that Deadhead came off as sweetly naïve rather than a complete moron.
Jody McCrea was born on September 6, 1934 in Los Angeles. His father was western star...
- 4/18/2009
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Back in the mid-'60s, when "Star Trek" was begetting its very first generation of Trekkies, producer Irwin Allen launched his own brand of interplanetary adventure that gave new meaning to the phrase "space camp."
Hoping to cash in on those fond nostalgic feelings for the space family Robinson and even that nervous Nellie, Dr. Zachary Smith, New Line's souped-up, big-screen take on "Lost in Space" gets somewhat lost in the translation.
Attempting to be all things to all people, the picture supplements the irresistibly cheesy elements of the original with more purposeful stuff, such as an annoyingly cloying father-son relationship subplot and even a little Spielberg ("Gremlins" period) thrown into the mix to grab the kiddies.
While the resulting tone is all over the place, "Lost in Space" is not without its pure popcorn moments of guilty pleasure with enough visual blast to at least partially placate sci-fi buffs.
Expect this Jupiter II mission to stir up solid -- but short of astronomical -- business.
Taking a cue from Tommy Lee Jones in "Men in Black", William Hurt and Mimi Rogers play it straight as parental units John and Maureen Robinson. It's a gambit that works effectively. They're rooted in a reality that remains constant even when Akiva Goldsman's clunky, dunderheaded dialogue goes off in other directions.
As in the original series, Mom and Dad take the family -- Judy (Heather Graham), Penny (Lacey Chabert) and Will (Jack Johnson) -- on a space-colonizing expedition to Alpha Prime, the galaxy's other inhabitable planet.
While they hire testosterone-fueled Major Don West (Matt LeBlanc) to do the driving, trust diabolical Dr. Smith (Gary Oldman) to sabotage the mission, sending the Jupiter II hurtling through unknown galaxies.
They battle millions of space alien spiders, time-traveling constrictions and each other. Since this is a revisionist '90s take on a '60s view of family, the Robinson family is introduced to the word "dysfunctional" and must work out all their unresolved interpersonal conflicts when not blasting into hyperdrive. All the heavy-handed, father-son/father-daughter claptrap gets in the way of the potential fun.
Director Stephen Hopkins ("The Ghost and the Darkness") has an impressive knack for choreographing elements of suspense, and those quieter sequences are among the most effective in the film. Adhering to a cohesive tone is another problem, and it's one that also hampers some of the performances.
While Hurt, Rogers, Graham, Chabert and young Johnson (who nicely fits Billy Mumy's old space shoes) eschew the scenery-chewing for earnestness, the usually effective Oldman is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Rather than staying with the sniveling, cowardly Dr. Smith of old, the filmmakers have sought to make him more of an irredeemably evil villain, forcing Oldman to play the part like a satanic theater teacher. Smith's character could have used a little more motivation for his actions rather than simply admitting he's rotten to the core.
As the strutting Major West, meanwhile, LeBlanc also seems to have tone trouble, stiffly torn between playing him as a comic book character and a true hero. It's nice to hear Dick Tufeld's deeply mellifluous tones again as the voice of the Robot, while series cast members June Lockhart (Maureen), Mark Goddard (West), Marta Kristen (Judy) and Angela Cartwright (Penny) pop up in cameos.
Visually, "Lost in Space" achieves the requisite balance with effects that neatly fall somewhere between state-of-the-art and cheese. Peter Levy's cinematography, Norman Garwood's production design and visual effects supervisor Angus Bickerton's work remain faithful to the original while effectively expanding the scope for theatrical consumption. Bruce Broughton nimbly recaptures the series' noisy, brass-blasting score, and the original John Williams-penned theme has been treated to a kicking end-title electronic remix performed by Apollo Four Forty.
LOST IN SPACE
New Line Cinema
A Prelude Pictures production
in association with Irwin Allen Prods.
A Stephen Hopkins film
Director: Stephen Hopkins
Screenwriter: Akiva Goldsman
Producers: Mark W. Koch, Stephen Hopkins,
Akiva Goldsman, Carla Fry
Executive producers: Mace Neufeld,
Bob Rehme, Richard Saperstein,
Michael De Luca
Director of photography: Peter Levy
Production designer: Norman Garwood
Editor: Ray Lovejoy
Music: Bruce Broughton
Visual effects supervisor: Angus Bickerton
Color/stereo
Cast:
Dr. Zachary Smith: Gary Oldman
John Robinson: William Hurt
Major Don West: Matt LeBlanc
Maureen Robinson: Mimi Rogers
Judy Robinson: Heather Graham
Penny Robinson: Lacey Chabert
Will Robinson: Jack Johnson
Older Will Robinson: Jared Harris
Running time - 130 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
Hoping to cash in on those fond nostalgic feelings for the space family Robinson and even that nervous Nellie, Dr. Zachary Smith, New Line's souped-up, big-screen take on "Lost in Space" gets somewhat lost in the translation.
Attempting to be all things to all people, the picture supplements the irresistibly cheesy elements of the original with more purposeful stuff, such as an annoyingly cloying father-son relationship subplot and even a little Spielberg ("Gremlins" period) thrown into the mix to grab the kiddies.
While the resulting tone is all over the place, "Lost in Space" is not without its pure popcorn moments of guilty pleasure with enough visual blast to at least partially placate sci-fi buffs.
Expect this Jupiter II mission to stir up solid -- but short of astronomical -- business.
Taking a cue from Tommy Lee Jones in "Men in Black", William Hurt and Mimi Rogers play it straight as parental units John and Maureen Robinson. It's a gambit that works effectively. They're rooted in a reality that remains constant even when Akiva Goldsman's clunky, dunderheaded dialogue goes off in other directions.
As in the original series, Mom and Dad take the family -- Judy (Heather Graham), Penny (Lacey Chabert) and Will (Jack Johnson) -- on a space-colonizing expedition to Alpha Prime, the galaxy's other inhabitable planet.
While they hire testosterone-fueled Major Don West (Matt LeBlanc) to do the driving, trust diabolical Dr. Smith (Gary Oldman) to sabotage the mission, sending the Jupiter II hurtling through unknown galaxies.
They battle millions of space alien spiders, time-traveling constrictions and each other. Since this is a revisionist '90s take on a '60s view of family, the Robinson family is introduced to the word "dysfunctional" and must work out all their unresolved interpersonal conflicts when not blasting into hyperdrive. All the heavy-handed, father-son/father-daughter claptrap gets in the way of the potential fun.
Director Stephen Hopkins ("The Ghost and the Darkness") has an impressive knack for choreographing elements of suspense, and those quieter sequences are among the most effective in the film. Adhering to a cohesive tone is another problem, and it's one that also hampers some of the performances.
While Hurt, Rogers, Graham, Chabert and young Johnson (who nicely fits Billy Mumy's old space shoes) eschew the scenery-chewing for earnestness, the usually effective Oldman is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Rather than staying with the sniveling, cowardly Dr. Smith of old, the filmmakers have sought to make him more of an irredeemably evil villain, forcing Oldman to play the part like a satanic theater teacher. Smith's character could have used a little more motivation for his actions rather than simply admitting he's rotten to the core.
As the strutting Major West, meanwhile, LeBlanc also seems to have tone trouble, stiffly torn between playing him as a comic book character and a true hero. It's nice to hear Dick Tufeld's deeply mellifluous tones again as the voice of the Robot, while series cast members June Lockhart (Maureen), Mark Goddard (West), Marta Kristen (Judy) and Angela Cartwright (Penny) pop up in cameos.
Visually, "Lost in Space" achieves the requisite balance with effects that neatly fall somewhere between state-of-the-art and cheese. Peter Levy's cinematography, Norman Garwood's production design and visual effects supervisor Angus Bickerton's work remain faithful to the original while effectively expanding the scope for theatrical consumption. Bruce Broughton nimbly recaptures the series' noisy, brass-blasting score, and the original John Williams-penned theme has been treated to a kicking end-title electronic remix performed by Apollo Four Forty.
LOST IN SPACE
New Line Cinema
A Prelude Pictures production
in association with Irwin Allen Prods.
A Stephen Hopkins film
Director: Stephen Hopkins
Screenwriter: Akiva Goldsman
Producers: Mark W. Koch, Stephen Hopkins,
Akiva Goldsman, Carla Fry
Executive producers: Mace Neufeld,
Bob Rehme, Richard Saperstein,
Michael De Luca
Director of photography: Peter Levy
Production designer: Norman Garwood
Editor: Ray Lovejoy
Music: Bruce Broughton
Visual effects supervisor: Angus Bickerton
Color/stereo
Cast:
Dr. Zachary Smith: Gary Oldman
John Robinson: William Hurt
Major Don West: Matt LeBlanc
Maureen Robinson: Mimi Rogers
Judy Robinson: Heather Graham
Penny Robinson: Lacey Chabert
Will Robinson: Jack Johnson
Older Will Robinson: Jared Harris
Running time - 130 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
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