the day the earth stood still (old vs new)

[kakihara]

Which is better?

Old - im leaning towards this one as the better film. Especially considering when it was made, 1953 i think. Very innovative for its time. It managed to cover a lot of ground with a minimal story and cast. Its got its flaws like Gort, who looks like a man in a rubber suit. Not very threatening. The knightrider laser eye thing is cool. The army presence in this movie is a little silly. Theres only 2 soldiers gaurding Gort and the flying saucer. I would say that this a bit more intellectual sci fi, theres no cheap scares or monsters, most of the film is dialogue. These movie is a time capsule to me.  Its interesting to see how people talked and dressed back then. I also find some of the women strangely attractive. Oh, the ufo and its ramp were cool too!

[Alex]

I'd have to agree with the original. The remake took me a couple of tries to get all the way through in one sitting. It just didn't engage me on any level.

[Chainsawmidget]

As far as remakes go, the new one wasn't bad.  I'd actually say it was one of Keanu Reeves better roles.  It just lacks the punch of the original and tries to do a bit too much.

[akiratubo]

The new one was pretty bad.  It almost seemed like no one involved even wanted to be making it.

[RCMerchant]

Most certainly old. It's Robert Wise-you can't get much better than that.
And it's got Micheal Rennie and Gort is awesome. A classic from ANY genre.

[Ted C]

From what I understand (haven't seen it), the premise of the remake ruins the whole concept.

[Archivist]

I may have seen the original, but I don't recall much of it, at all.  The modern remake was quite enjoyable, particularly Keanu's escape from the facility.  Loads of fun.  I'll have to track down the original somewhere.

[alandhopewell]

From what I understand (haven't seen it), the premise of the remake ruins the whole concept.

     Quite right....it takes this trendy, eco-goofy track that is really stupid. The '51 original is superior on all levels.

! No longer available

[Flangepart]

His speech at the end...would fit really well with any Social Justice Warrior these days...that's not a comforting thought.