Rating summary
| Movie |  | 3.5 |
| Video | | 3.5 |
| Audio |  | 3.0 |
| Extras |  | 1.5 |
| Overall | | 3.0 |
Tobor the Great Blu-ray Movie Review
Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 2, 2017
Atomic Age cinema offers one for the kiddies with 1954’s “Tobor the Great.” It’s a giant robot picture, but instead of inducing paranoia and posing a
threat, the titular creation is more of a pal to all, especially to a special boy who needs a mechanical buddy. Dropping an intimidation factor, “Tobor
the Great” is mischief in a minor key, gradually softening period fears of metal destruction to play a lukewarm spy game with mediocre characters
and plenty of padding.
Nuclear fears open “Tobor the Great,” but they’re soon replaced with space travel ambition, offering a plot that finds Tobor, a robot, equipped with
emotional capabilities to best serve his mission to explore the galaxy. Bad guys intervene, but more important to the story is the presence of a bright
young boy who takes a special liking to Tobor, soon caught up in evil schemes to lure the metal beast to the enemy. There should be plenty for
“Tobor the Great” to do, yet the production can’t even fill 77 minutes of screen time, taking the scenic route when it comes to conflict, which doesn’t
even add up to much in the end, outside of a few fights and near-misses.
Tobor the Great Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
The AVC encoded image (1.67:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Tobor the Great" delivers a bright, relatively clear view of the robot shenanigans. Some
softness remains, but detail is valuable for Tobor particulars, getting a close look at the makings of the metal giant, while his human co-stars offer
more traditional textures on clothing and close-ups. Sets also enjoy a more defined view. Delineation is agreeable, and whites remain secure. Grain is
heavier but still filmic. Source is in decent shape, with some mild scratches and speckling.
Tobor the Great Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix displays its age with thinner, less pronounced listening event, and one with mild fluctuations in volume, most noticeably
in the last reel, which gets quieter. Dialogue exchanges are acceptable, delivering a basic read of dramatic intent and robot interactions. Scoring
doesn't carry power but supports as intended, handling the change of moods with adequate instrumentation. Sound effects are blunt.
Tobor the Great Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
- Commentary features film historian Richard Harland Smith.
- A Theatrical Trailer has not been included.
Tobor the Great Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
"Tobor the Great" is dull, but it's not a complete waste of time, showcasing an appealing robot design from Robert Kinoshita, who would go on to
create Robby the Robot for "Forbidden Planet" and Robot from "Lost in Space." Most of the fun factor in the movie is watching Tobor lurch around and
interact with co-stars, and perhaps that's enough when dealing with a picture that's generally happy with small dramatic goals.
