Cheap Lost in Space (New Line Platinum Series) (DVD) (William Hurt, Gary Oldman, Matt LeBlanc) (Stephen Hopkins) Price

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Customer Reviews of Lost in Space (New Line Platinum Series)

They couldn't have done a better job of capturing the original flavor of the series in this modern version. Unlike other disappointing TV remakes where the new cast playing the characters you loved end up annoying you to tears (Just watch about 3 minutes of Beverly Hillbillies - then toss the DVD in the fire and stomp on your spectacles) - The casting for Lost in Space was dead-on perfect with high marks for Don (Matt LeBlanc) and Maureen-mom (Mimi Rogers); and especially high ones for Lacey Chabert, Gary Oldman, and Jack Johnson (Penny, Dr. Smith, and Will). All three played the characters flawlessly with the added bonus that they all somewhat resemble the original characters.

And casting kids cannot be an easy task. (For annoying child actors, see Spy Kids). It is rare to find young performers who are really likeable. In the beginning, Penny, appears to be a typical, superficial teen-aged mall Rat clone - and Will, a stereo-typical brainy brother. But when they are thrown into an extraordinary situation - Just like Swiss-Family Robinson, they become extra-ordinary kids. Will, just like in the series, becomes the Robot's best friend after he saves him from oblivion. And Penny figures out that living on a flying saucer can be cool.

The updated Jupiter 2 is sleek, hot, and beautiful. And they found a creative way to re-create the robot, in his full retro-1960's glory, without damaging the film's polished look.

Just as you would expect, there's a layer of corny, warm-fuzzy family schmaltz which at times will make you roll your eyes (like Judy's sappy flirting with Don), but THAT'S what qualifies this movie as a RE-make and NOT the "Revenge of Star Warz XXII". In Lost in Space, there's lots of action, aliens, science fiction toys and gadgets, peril... What else do you need?

I'll tell you. THis DVD has loads of extras, like interviews with the cast, deleted scenes and a SFX making video. Get this if you love LOS. You will be pleasantly surprised.

One of the most under-rated movies of the '90's.
As a dedicated fan of the Lost In Space TV series since my childhood in the 60's I approached New Line's big-screen version with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation on its release in '98. I'd heard about the initial reviews and was ready to be severely let-down. Imagine my surprise to emerge from the cinema feeling as though it was one of the best times I've had at the movies.The amazing effects "blew me away" (leaving me somewhat exhausted by my responses to them)but unlike so many recent sci-fi extravaganzas I found myself entertained by a complex and witty screenplay which also unexpectedly moved me with its restrained use of sentiment.I applaud the efforts of Akiva Goldsman and Stephen Hopkins to recapture the tone of the early black and white episodes of the TV series (before the show descended into camp, never to fully recover)and found the 90's modifications to the concept (eg. dysfunctional family issues etc) intriguing. Fans of the show were given clever references to well-known episodes and lines of dialogue (the first two-thirds of the film stuck very close to the pilot episode and the following one entitled THE DERELICT) and the cameos by original cast-members were great.June Lockhart in particular showed herself to be an actress with a bold sense of humour about her TV image! The film cast couldn't have been better chosen (Gary Oldman is particularly outstanding as the vain, villianous Dr. Smith), all adding the kind of depth we don't see too often in films of this genre.Bruce Broughton's score (the great John Williams was unable to redo his classic TV score due to other commitments) is excellent (see the reviews of the full score CD at Amazon.com) and a worthy successor to its "forbear". Although moved by the ending (involving the saving of John Robinson's life by an older version of his son Will, who in effect sacrifices himself for him) I originally found the last portion of the narrative difficult to grasp and sensed that editing had played a hand in this. The DVD's commentaries and deleted scenes confirmed my theories(the "time bubble" sequence originally had many "bubbles" and dialogue had to be cut when confused preview audiences led the makers to shred this sequence down).Nevertheless, repeated viewings have made even this section more enjoyable and easier to grasp (time warp sequences are usually a bit hard to fully work out at the best of times- eg. BACK TO THE FUTURE II).My only carp is that, despite Jared Harris' good performance, I wish that Bill Mumy (who played Will in the series) had been given the opportunity to portray the older version of Will (he tested for the role and reportedly believed it was his for a time- his disappointment at losing it apparently played a major part in his decision to have no part in the production).Harris (the son of Richard Harris) apparently had his dialogue looped by an American actor.Nonethless, I happily cannot understand the tirade of criticism levelled against this film and believe that time will be kinder to it than many other movies which were well received critically at the same time.One Melbourne critic (Jim Schembri, of The Age, called it "an undeniably entertaining extravaganza based on the modest '60's TV series").It is incomprehensible to me that there were no Oscar nominations forthcoming for Visual Effects, Sound Effects Editing, Dramatic Score and Art Direction-Set Decoration. I have yet to play the (excellently produced) DVD to anyone who has not been entertained and moved by it. A planned sequel is reportedly unlikely to be made now due to box-office figures- a tremendous pity which I hope will be turned around before cast contracts expire etc.. I cannot recommend this film highly enough- even to those who may not be sci-fi buffs.

very enjoyable
since hollywood insists on remaking my childhood favorites im glad that i got lucky and somebody helped make this one pretty good. a lot of remakes trash the original idea and thus suck big time! this newer lost in space isn't bad at all. it is definitely something that you can watch with your kids. it's an update sure, but your kids will probably love this and it's true to the spirit of the old show. it's a kid's adventure through space with the robinsons. gotta love it!