Two weeks ago on March 12th, the iconic 1958 science fiction classic The Blob was released on Blu-ray & DVD, as part of the Criterion Collection.  The film stars Steve McQueen in his first big role as a teenager who has to defend his town from a gelatinous alien substance, a villain with no motives or intent, just the capability to absorb and grow stronger off of every living thing that crosses its path.

As a solidly crafted old school thriller that excels at building an atmospheric sense of tension and suspense, The Blob still holds up surprisingly well, from the jovial opening song by Burt Bacharach right through to the brilliant last line that closes the film with a question mark.  The Blu-ray offers the film in pristine high definition and comes highly recommended.

The Blu-ray includes a gallery of photos and props from the film, as well as a commentary track with director Irvin S. Yeaworth and actor Robert Fields, and another with producer Jack H. Harris and historian Bruce Eder.  Also included in the package is a nicely written essay by film critic Kim Newman.

The Blob is 82 minutes and rated PG.

-John C.