Set your reminders for July 11, 2023! Ignite Films, the renowned Dutch company established in 2005 by Jan Willem Bosman Jansen, proudly stands by its mission of curating “Classics for the Future.” They’re launching the acclaimed 4K restoration of the 1953 classic “Invaders From Mars” under the Ignite Films label in partnership with MVD.
You can find this iconic Cine-Color sci-fi masterpiece in retail outlets such as Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, as well as online platforms including Amazon.com. The sensational restoration is available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD, with pre-orders already underway.
This comes on the heels of a successful launch of Ignite Films’ first release on their website in January 2023. “We are thrilled about our partnership with MVD, invading US retail and Amazon, and sharing our meticulous 4K restoration of ‘Invaders from Mars’ with a broader audience. We welcome both longstanding fans and newcomers to join this interstellar journey,” said Ignite Films’ founder Jan Willem Bosman Jansen.
The restored version promises a visual treat to all ‘Invaders From Mars’ enthusiasts. The 4K UHD and Blu-ray editions come loaded with special bonus content. This includes a restored 4K rendition of the original 1953 trailer, a new 2022 remix of the trailer, an interview with the film’s star Jimmy Hunt, and an enlightening feature on the restoration process led by Scott MacQueen, Restoration Supervisor. Additionally, it features a special segment about the film with directors Joe Dante (Gremlins), John Landis (An American Werewolf in London), Robert Skotak, the multiple Visual Effects Academy-Award winner (Aliens, Terminator 2: Judgement Day), and other luminaries. Please note, the DVD version does not include these bonus features.
Praise for the painstaking attention to detail in the restoration process has been unanimous. The undertaking was led by esteemed film preservationist Scott MacQueen, former Head of Preservation at the UCLA Film & Television Archive. MacQueen and Jansen embarked on a worldwide search for all possible materials to ensure the restoration faithfully mirrored the original. Their efforts paid off, with the 4K restoration of ‘Invaders From Mars’ winning the inaugural Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) Jury Award for Restoration and Preservation, and the prestigious Rondo Awards for Best Blu-ray and Best Restoration.
“Invaders From Mars” takes you back to 1953, presenting the chilling tale of David MacLean, a young boy (Jimmy Hunt) who witnesses an alien invasion. This was a time when Cold War tensions, the Red Scare, and paranoia were reflected in cinematic narratives. The film’s unique perspective, depicted through a child’s lens using exaggerated sets and upward angles, sets it apart. Starring Jimmy Hunt, Helena Carter, Arthur Franz, Morris Ankrum, Leif Erickson, and Hillary Brooke, this film remains a timeless classic.
For the collectors out there, Ignite Films is offering a special slip-cover collector’s edition of the 4K UHD exclusively on their website, complete with exclusive merchandise. This includes a limited-run autographed poster by the film’s star, Jimmy Hunt.
