Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		5.0

Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov July 23, 2022

Gordon Flemyng's "Daleks' Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D." (1966) arrives on 4K Blu-ray courtesy of StudioCanal. The supplemental features on the disc include audio commentary by film critic Kim Newman, screenwriter/writer Robert Shearman, and actor/writer Mark Gatiss; new program about the recent restoration of the film; archival program with writer Gareth Owen; and more. In English, with optional English SDH, German, and French subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.

The visitors

Detective Tom Campbell (Bernard Cribbins, The Wrong Arm of the Law, Carry On Spying) accidentally enters the Tardis -- which looks a lot like a phone booth -- moments before Dr. Who (Peter Cushing, The Blood Beast Terror) sends it into the year 2150. The detective does not believe Dr. Who when he calmly explains to him that they are in the future, but after he steps out of Tardis he immediately changes his mind.

In the year 2150, London is in ruins. The Daleks have arrived and robotized the majority of the human race. (A robotized person does exactly what the Daleks tell him to do without ever questioning their orders). The few that have survived have gone deep underground, hoping that one day they could rise and defeat the alien invaders. They don't have the right weapons yet but their leaders are convinced that it is only a matter of time before they will be able to build them.

Accompanied by his niece Louise (Jill Curzon, TV's Quick Before They Catch Us) and grand-daughter Susan (Roberta Tovey), Dr. Who and the detective begin exploring the city. Not too far away from the London subway, the Daleks capture them and quickly send them to their spaceship where they are prepared for robotizing. Louise and Susan manage to escape and join a group of rebels hiding in the London subway.

Meanwhile, the Daleks begin drilling in a nearby mine, hoping to reach the Earth’s metal core. With the help of sophisticated machines, the Daleks plan to detonate the metal core and transform the Earth into a giant spaceship that they will be able to move around the universe.

The action in this sequel to Dr. Who and the Daleks is on an entirely different level. There is a bigger number of Daleks that are all over London hunting the rebels and then quickly robotizing them so that they can follow their orders. The shootouts and the explosions are also far more elaborate than those seen in the first film.

The colonized London also looks quite good. As Dr. Who and his companions make their way through the demolished city, a lot of the visuals remind of those seen in Roy Ward Baker’s Quatermass and the Pit. (Andrew Keir also has a prominent role in the film).

There are splashes of humor again, but this film is unquestionably darker than the first one. The Daleks here are also definitely not as naive as those in the first film - they are far better informed about their opponents and harder to outsmart.

Bill McGuffie’s music score is also superior to Malcolm Lockkyer’s score. It blends terrific jazz and psychedelic themes which effectively enhance the film’s exotic atmosphere. Some wonderful audio effects are also included for the Daleks.

Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. was lensed by cinematographer John Wilcox, who also teamed up with Andrew Flemyng on Doctor Who: Dr. Who and the Daleks. Like Dr. Who and the Daleks, Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. was also shot in Techniscope.

Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

StudioCanal's release of Dr. Who and the Daleks is a 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack.

The release is sourced from an exclusive new 4K 16-bit restoration that was completed at Silver Salt Restoration in the United Kingdom. Both the 4K Blu-ray and Blu-ray offer presentations of the new 4K restoration. (StudioCanal's previous Blu-ray release was sourced from a different master).

Please note that some of the screencaptures that appear with this article are taken from the 4K Blu-ray and are downscaled to 1080p. Therefore, they do not accurately reflect the quality of the 4K content on the 4K Blu-ray disc, including the actual color values of this content.

Screencaptures #1-11 are from Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. Blu-ray.
Screencaptures #15-29 are from Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. 4K Blu-ray.

4K BLU-RAY DISC

Once again, I used Kino Lorber's recent Blu-ray release to evaluate the improvements offered by the new 4K restoration. Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release is sourced from the same master that StudioCanal worked with to prepare the first Blu-ray release of Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. nearly ten years ago. The comparisons were done using native 4K content with HDR, and later on, downscaled to 1080p content from the new Blu-ray release.

The new 4K offers sizeable improvements in all major areas that we address in our reviews. Some are very obvious, and some become more pronounced if Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. is viewed on a larger screen. A direct comparison between the 1080p content from the previous Blu-ray release and the new 4K content immediately reveals superior delineation, depth, fluidity, and color reproduction. In some of the outdoor footage where special effects are used the improved depth gives the visuals a much stronger organic appearance. Predictably, delineation is superior as well. On top of this, all primaries and nuances are now better saturated and balanced. As a result, all visuals look livelier and more attractive. On my system, the greatly improved fluidity was a big factor as well because the slight shakiness that would often pop up on the 1080p content is simply gone. (A great area to test is the nighttime footage around 0:31:20). Furthermore, the HDR grade expands the dynamic range of the visuals quite dramatically, so all of the improvements that are highlighted above become even more pronounced, especially if you view the film on a larger screen. (The bigger your screen is, the easier it becomes to appreciate the strength of the new 4K restoration). As it was the case with the new 4K restoration of Dr. Who and the Daleks, the surface of the visuals is healthier, too. Grain exposure is better, but it is very easy to tell that careful work was done to eliminate various small traces of aging as well. Even image stability is enhanced. All in all, I think that after the 4K makeover Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. looks absolutely spectacular in native 4K and this is the way it ought to be experienced. (Note: This is a Region-Free 4K Blu-ray release).

BLU-RAY DISC

I did not view the entire 4K restoration on Blu-ray. After I was done viewing the 4K restoration on 4K Blu-ray, I did various comparisons with the MEW Blu-ray. I used Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release as well.

Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. still looks wonderful on Blu-ray, so even if you do not yet have the ability to play 4K Blu-ray discs, you should consider an upgrade. However, the improvements in delineation, depth, and especially color reproduction/dynamic range reveal greater fluctuations in 1080p. What does this mean? It means that in some areas the improvements that you will witness in native 4K are not as significant. On my system, virtually all of these fluctuations were directly related to the dynamic range. (A great area to test and see the exact type of difference I refer to is the panoramic footage around 0:49:21 where the Dalkes monitor the hostages in the open). Additionally, outdoor footage with unique special effects looks a tad looser in 1080p, which is something that has an impact on fluidity as well. On the other hand, if you compare content from the new Blu-ray release and Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release, the strength of the new 4K restoration is again revealed in various areas. (Note: This is a Region-B "locked" Blu-ray release. Therefore, you must have a native Region-B or Region-Free player in order to access its content).

Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are three standard audio tracks on this release: English LPCM 2.0, German LPCM 2.0, and French LPCM 2.0. Optional English SDH, German, and French subtitles are provided for the main feature. When turned on, they appear inside the image frame.

The lossless track sounded great on my system. It is very healthy, nicely balanced, and boasting a very good range of dynamic nuances. Unlike the first film, Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. has plenty of action footage where explosions and dramatic music create a lot of unique contrasts, so the strength of the audio is easier to appreciate. Also, I think that there are areas where the mid/upper registers clearly stronger than they appear on the previous Blu-ray release.

Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

4K BLU-RAY DISC

• Restoring Dr. Who in 4K - in this exclusive new program, restoration expert Anthony Badger, film prep and scanning expert Ray King, and colorist Steve Bearman discuss the new 4K restorations of Dr. Who and the Daleks and Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. that were completed at Silver Salt. There are some particularly interesting comments about the move from the interpositives, which were used for the previous restorations of these films, to the original camera negatives, as well SDR to HDR and the effects on film's color schemes and dynamic range. In English. (11 min).

• Commentary - this audio commentary was recorded by film critic Kim Newman, screenwriter/writer Robert Shearman, and actor/writer Mark Gatiss. The three commentators are obviously very big fans of Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. because their enthusiasm for it certainly leaves the impression that it is a much bigger and more exciting film than it actually is. They recall their initial impressions of the film and then discuss its production history, reception and box office performance, and unique qualities. I like the commentary quite a lot, so if you are a fan of the two Daleks films definitely find the time to listen to it in its entirety.

• The Dalek Legacy: Invasion - in this new program, Nicholas Briggs (voice of the Daleks), visual effects designer Mike Tucker (Doctor Who), editorial assistant Emily Cook (Doctor Who Magazine), screenwriter Robert Shearman, editor Gavin Rymill (www.dalek6388.co.uk) explain what makes Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. different than the first film, the new dubbing that was done, the stylistic appearance of the film, and its reception. In English. (16 min).

• Dalekmania - a documentary film focusing on the production history of Dr. Who and the Daleks featuring clips from interviews with Marcus Hearn, former editor of Bizarre & Hammer Horror, Gary Gillatt, editor of Doctor Who Magazine, Terry Nation, scriptwriter and Dalek creator, actors Roberta Tovey (Susan), Barrie Ingham (Alydon) and Yvonne Antrobus (Dyoni). Jill Curzon (Louise) and stuntman Eddie Powell also discuss their contributions to Doctor Who: Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.. The documentary, which was produced by Lumiere Pictures, is dedicated to the memories of Peter Cushing and Roy Castle. In English. (58 min).

• Interview with Gareth Owen - Gareth Owen, author of The Shepperton Story, discusses the production history of Daleks' Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D.. In English, not subtitled. (5 min).

• Interview with Bernard Cribbins - in this new video interview, actor Bernard Cribbins, who plays detective Tom Campbell, discusses Daleks' Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D., his contribution to the film and interactions with Peter Cushing during the shooting of the film. In English, not subtitled. (4 min).

• Trailer - original theatrical trailer for Daleks' Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D. In English, not subtitled. (3 min).

• Stills - a gallery of production stills. (2 min).

BLU-RAY DISC

• Restoring Dr. Who in 4K - in this exclusive new program, restoration expert Anthony Badger, film prep and scanning expert Ray King, and colorist Steve Bearman discuss the new 4K restorations of Dr. Who and the Daleks and Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. that were completed at Silver Salt. There are some particularly interesting comments about the move from the interpositives, which were used for the previous restorations of these films, to the original camera negatives, as well SDR to HDR and the effects on film's color schemes and dynamic range. In English. (11 min).

• Commentary - this exclusive new audio commentary was recorded by film critic Kim Newman, screenwriter/writer Robert Shearman, and actor/writer Mark Gatiss. The three commentators are obviously very big fans of Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. because their enthusiasm for it certainly leaves the impression that it is a much bigger and more exciting film than it actually is. They recall their initial impressions of the film and then discuss its production history, reception and box office performance, and unique qualities. I like the commentary quite a lot, so if you are a fan of the two Daleks films definitely find the time to listen to it in its entirety.

• The Dalek Legacy: Invasion - in this new program, Nicholas Briggs (voice of the Daleks), visual effects designer Mike Tucker (Doctor Who), editorial assistant Emily Cook (Doctor Who Magazine), screenwriter Robert Shearman, editor Gavin Rymill (www.dalek6388.co.uk) explain what makes Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. different than the first film, the new dubbing that was done, the stylistic appearance of the film, and its reception. In English. (16 min).

• Dalekmania - a documentary film focusing on the production history of Dr. Who and the Daleks featuring clips from interviews with Marcus Hearn, former editor of Bizarre & Hammer Horror, Gary Gillatt, editor of Doctor Who Magazine, Terry Nation, scriptwriter and Dalek creator, actors Roberta Tovey (Susan), Barrie Ingham (Alydon) and Yvonne Antrobus (Dyoni). Jill Curzon (Louise) and stuntman Eddie Powell also discuss their contributions to Doctor Who: Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.. The documentary, which was produced by Lumiere Pictures, is dedicated to the memories of Peter Cushing and Roy Castle. In English. (58 min).

• Interview with Gareth Owen - Gareth Owen, author of The Shepperton Story, discusses the production history of Daleks' Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D.. In English, not subtitled. (5 min).

• Interview with Bernard Cribbins - in this new video interview, actor Bernard Cribbins, who plays detective Tom Campbell, discusses Daleks' Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D., his contribution to the film and interactions with Peter Cushing during the shooting of the film. In English, not subtitled. (4 min).

• Trailer - original theatrical trailer for Daleks' Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D. In English, not subtitled. (3 min).

• Stills - a gallery of production stills. (2 min).

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

• Booklet - 44-page booklet with brand new essays, photos, the original press book from 1965 and much more. (See screencaptures).

• Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. - a collectible mini-book.

• Two Posters - two posters with original artwork and brand new artwork from Johnny Dombrowski.

• Collectable Coin - UK exclusive highly collectable Daleks' Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D. solid metal coin. Limited to first run only.

• Art Cards - four collectable art cards.

Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The team of restoration specialists at Silver Salt Restoration delivered two absolutely magnificent 4K makeovers of Dr. Who and the Daleks and Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. I was particularly impressed by the manner in which the 4K makeovers were graded because everything looks right. Hopefully, StudioCanal will continue to use the same team for future 4K projects of classic and cult films so that they are treated right as well. While opinions vary, I think that Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. is clearly the better of the two films, so I had a blast revisiting it earlier today. If you plan to acquire StudioCanal's 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack, please keep in mind that only the 4K Blu-ray disc is Region-Free. The standard Blu-ray copy is Region-B "locked". VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.