Rating summary
| Movie |  | 3.5 |
| Video | | 3.5 |
| Audio |  | 3.0 |
| Extras |  | 2.5 |
| Overall | | 3.5 |
Invisible Invaders Blu-ray Movie Review
Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 11, 2016
Atomic Age paranoia reaches beyond the stars in 1959’s “Invisible Invaders.” While the picture remains earthbound, the story carries into space, merging nuclear threat with an alien invasion, though, to keep production costs down, the aggressive extraterrestrial conquers are, as the title mentions, unable to be seen. “Invisible Invaders” eschews much of the popular research facility exposition of the day, charging ahead to the best of its ability as a monster movie mixed with end-of-days terror. As long as expectations are kept at a minimum for the feature’s visual potency, the ride to doomsday is entertaining.
Director Edward L. Cahn is tasked with making a handful of sets and a large amount of stock footage exciting in “Invisible Invaders,” trying to wind the picture up by playing into nuclear fears, which eventually merge with the sci-fi beyond. This is an alien invasion story, but not the traditional type. Instead of flying saucers and little green men, “Invisible Invaders” has to make do with an unseen enemy, and one that has the ability to inhabit the recently deceased. Developing into a zombie movie at times, the effort always seems interested in keeping up with the demands of suspense, but the screenplay by Samuel Newman can only dream up small doses of chaos, with most of the second act detailing how the main characters plan to simply capture an undead E.T. for study. Pacing issues are expected, but the production manages to overcome its meager budget, delivering panic with encouraging regularity, always interested in weirdness to goose the viewing experience.
Invisible Invaders Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
The AVC encoded image (1.67:1) presentation is identified as an HD remaster. The viewing experience generally looks refreshed but remains on the soft side, trying to find detail on a film with decidedly limited scope. Textures on performers and costuming remain, while zombie make-up is compelling. Delineation isn't problematic. A few noisy bursts are detected, along with some banding.
Invisible Invaders Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix keeps in line with other production efforts from the era. Age is detected but not overwhelming, finding dialogue exchanges simple to follow, tracking emotional extremes. Scoring has moments of sharpness when worked up into a fury, but moods are understood and instrumentation is acceptable. Sound effects are active, dealing with panic and guns that emit sound waves.
Invisible Invaders Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
- Commentary features film historians Tom Weaver and Dr. Robert J. Kiss.
- And a Theatrical Trailer (2:00, SD) is included.
Invisible Invaders Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
"Invisible Invaders" doesn't have the coin to execute its alien invasion story, electing to find epic qualities in chewed-up news footage of disasters and extreme props. Yes, it's all very silly to watch in 2016, but the feature keeps a straight face, trying to spook audiences with a mix of real-world concern and cinematic terror.
