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Time Machine [Import]

Rated: G (General Audience) Format: VHS Tape
4.6 out of 5 stars 4,920 ratings
$5.47
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Sept. 20 1999 		—
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Product description

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After scoring popular hits with When Worlds Collide and The War of the Worlds, special-effects pioneer George Pal returned to the visionary fiction of H.G. Wells to produce and direct this science-fiction classic from 1960. Wells's imaginative tale of time travel was published in 1895 and the movie is set in approximately the same period with Rod Taylor as a scientist whose magnificent time machine allows him to leap backward and forward in the annals of history. His adventures take him far into the future, where a meek and ineffectual race known as the Eloi have been forced to hide from the brutally monstrous Morlocks. As Taylor tests his daring invention, Oscar-winning special effects show us what the scientist sees: a cavalcade of sights and sounds as he races through time at varying speeds, from lava flows of ancient earth to the rise and fall of a towering future metropolis.

The movie's charm lies in its Victorian setting and the awe and wonder that carries over from Wells's classic story. The pioneering spirit of the movie is still enthralling, but it gets a bit silly when Taylor turns into a stock hero, rescuing a beautiful blonde Eloi (Yvette Mimieux) and battling with the chubby green Morlocks whose light-bulb eyes blink out when they die. Although it's quaint when compared to the special-effects marvels of the digital age, the movie's still highly entertaining and filled with a timeless sense of wonder. --Jeff Shannon

Product details

  • Is discontinued by manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
  • Parcel Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 18.6 x 10.64 x 2.85 cm; 173.88 g
  • Media Format ‏ : ‎ NTSC, Import
  • Release date ‏ : ‎ Sept. 20 1999
  • Studio ‏ : ‎ MGM (Warner)
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 6301977815
  • Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 4,920 ratings

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4,920 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the movie to be a classic. They appreciate the audio and picture quality, saying the color and resolution are a massive improvement. Customers also appreciate the story, special effects, and visuals. They say the movie still holds up well and the performances are rich.

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ClassicAudio qualityPicture qualityQualityStorySpecial effectsEntertainmentVisuals
53 customers mention "Classic"53 positive0 negative

Customers find the movie impressive for a movie of 1960. They say it's a real classic and an accurate rendition of a classic novel by H.G. Wells. Customers say the quality of the movie is superb and all ages can enjoy. They mention the original Time Machine is a favourite from their youth and much better than the remake.

"Nice Transfer. Good Picture & Sound and a good movie as well. Recommended." Read more

"...Just a great movie." Read more

"Great classic film!, the blu ray version is high definition heaven!..." Read more

"A Great movie," Read more

10 customers mention "Audio quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the audio quality of the DVD. They mention the video and audio are pretty good for a movie this old. They also say the DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 release is a masterpiece.

"Nice Transfer. Good Picture & Sound and a good movie as well. Recommended." Read more

"...The quality of the blu-ray is great, and I've watched the blu-ray copy numerous times now. This is classic HG Wells . . ...." Read more

"Great colour and sound. Bluray transfer is excellent. Best film version of the novel to date." Read more

"...The Time Machine in full HD 1080p, 1:85:1 (16X9), DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 release is a Masterpiece...." Read more

10 customers mention "Picture quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the picture quality of the DVD. They mention the color and resolution are a massive improvement, and the Blu-ray release looks fantastic. Customers also appreciate the accurate rendition of a classic novel by H.G. Wells.

"Excellent! The picture is ultra clean,it is presented in DTS MA 5.1(there were 6 magnetic tracks for the 70mm projection).The story is very..." Read more

"Nice Transfer. Good Picture & Sound and a good movie as well. Recommended." Read more

"...As far as I am concerned, this Blu-ray release looks fantastic, pick it up without hesitation!" Read more

"Great classic film!, the blu ray version is high definition heaven!..." Read more

10 customers mention "Quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the DVD. They mention the picture is ultra clean, the movie still holds up well, and the performances are rich.

"Excellent!..." Read more

"Good Quality Transfer..." Read more

"...time when films were made with brilliant writing, fine casting, rich performances, deeply imaginative spectacle which didn't rely too much on..." Read more

"...The movie still holds up well and all the extras, which I love, just make it more entertaining...." Read more

6 customers mention "Story"6 positive0 negative

Customers like the story of the movie. They say it's a great story.

"still one of the greatest stories ever told. and, unlike many movies based upon books, today, it actually is quite close to the original book...." Read more

"...This version is simply a good story...." Read more

"I love this movie, great story!" Read more

"...are dated but the charm of the film is in the performances and storytelling. Rod Taylor is perfect as George as is Alan Young as Philby...." Read more

5 customers mention "Special effects"5 positive0 negative

Customers like the special effects of the movie. They mention the remakes have superior effects, but still can't come close to the original. They also say the special effects and computer graphics replace storytelling and acting.

"For it's time, this HG Wells classic, is unmatched. The remakes have superior effects but still can't come close to the original." Read more

"...The costumes are a bit dated, but the special effect are still very good, especially when you consider that it came out almost two decades before..." Read more

"...This is classic HG Wells . . . and the special effects are great for the era the movie was filmed . . ...." Read more

"...newer versions, where special effects and computer graphics replace storytelling and acting.5 Stars!!" Read more

4 customers mention "Entertainment"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the DVD entertaining, exciting, and adventurous. They say the extras make it more enjoyable.

"...it's still as wonderful as it's always been, take it for what it is pure fun...." Read more

"...mayhem, cursing, and unnecessary nudity, whilst remaining a riveting experience. This is a film all ages can enjoy, all the family...." Read more

"...still holds up well and all the extras, which I love, just make it more entertaining...." Read more

"This version of The Time Machine was more exciting and adventurous than the other newer versions, where special effects and computer graphics..." Read more

4 customers mention "Visuals"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the visuals of the movie. They mention it's beautifully and sensitively made, with a deeply imaginative spectacle. They also appreciate the brilliant writing and fine casting.

"Beautiful print, blu-ray has a slight edge over the regular DVD...." Read more

"there was a time when films were made with brilliant writing, fine casting, rich performances, deeply imaginative spectacle which didn't rely too..." Read more

"This great movie, so beautifully and sensitively made, is even better in Blu-ray...." Read more

"...Great original thought, at it's best. Now buy the f*g thing . :)" Read more

Top reviews from Canada

  • Steven Eleftheriadis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless classic brought to life on Blu-ray
    Reviewed in Canada on August 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I think it’s pretty much universal that this movie is one of the best movies ever made and a genuine classic. It’s has a simplistic plot, but I think that’s what works in its favor. The costumes are a bit dated, but the special effect are still very good, especially when you consider that it came out almost two decades before Star Wars, which revolutionized everything in filmmaking. But what makes this story work is the love story at the centre of it.
    The modern iteration that came out in 2002 is very good. But I think it lacks the same sort of heart that this one does. That’s because when they made the first version, filmmakers were not so uptight about political stuff that every other person seems to be concerned with since the turn of the millennium.
    This version is simply a good story. Indeed, it is storytelling at its most classic, good versus bad, hope versus despair, regret versus fulfilment.
    I must’ve seen it a half dozen times already on TV. Now I can watch it in glorious Blu-ray whenever I want, and whenever I feel nostalgic, which is getting more so as I age.
    It’s definitely worth the purchase, especially as streaming services start to get more expensive, and modern movies begin to nudge older titles, like this, further down the pecking order.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Claude
    5.0 out of 5 stars Claude
    Reviewed in Canada on June 10, 2025
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    Super film et bon souvenir sauf sous titré Français
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  • Fred T.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good Quality Transfer
    Reviewed in Canada on September 12, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Nice Transfer. Good Picture & Sound and a good movie as well. Recommended.
    One person found this helpful
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  • AlbertaBoundd
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Movie and Great To See In Such Good Quality
    Reviewed in Canada on April 27, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I've loved this movie for years, first having it on VHS, then on dvd. The quality of the blu-ray is great, and I've watched the blu-ray copy numerous times now. This is classic HG Wells . . . and the special effects are great for the era the movie was filmed . . . they don't overwhelm the storyline / plot, and if anything give a relatability to the characters. Definitely worth getting / watching if you're a sci-fi fan or HG Wells fan!
    One person found this helpful
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  • J. Y. Rodrigue
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great movie from 1960 much better then the remake.
    Reviewed in Canada on September 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The acting is great, the story also.
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  • Char
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love the Classics
    Reviewed in Canada on September 12, 2024
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    Love this film
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  • Dennis Senger
    5.0 out of 5 stars The movie is dated by today's standards but is a classic example of pre-computer special effects.
    Reviewed in Canada on June 10, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Ok, I am giving away my age when I say I last saw this movie in the theatre when it first came out. I realized in viewing it now that it was filmed on the MGM backlot with mostly American actors faking it as English characters, save and except for Rod Taylor who of course was Australian. You get to admire the people who did special effects back then, no computers, no CGI.
    George Pal did some amazing work back then and we can only imagine what he could do today. The movie of course is an adaptation "based on" the book and any attempt to recreate the entire content of the original novel would probably end up being a two-part movie event.
    It came back to me that the one scene that has stayed with me all these years, and is probably more relevant today than it was in 1960, is the library scene. It was interesting then, it makes total sense now.
    The theme has been repeated in countless movies over the years, but this novel was a first and from a sci-fi perspective gives a classic example of taking a concept - time travel - and making it relevant to the social issues of the day.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • jean-philippe c.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un des plus grand classic de HG WELLS
    Reviewed in Canada on September 21, 2024
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    L’original des années 60 en Blu ray 🏆
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • hardy geurts
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fijn in het Duits
    Reviewed in Belgium on May 30, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Geen idee
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  • Julián Granadino Guerra
    5.0 out of 5 stars PRODUCTO DE CALIDAD
    Reviewed in Spain on July 9, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    MAGNICO PRODUCTO,COMO ME GUSTO ESTA PELI DE PEQUEÑO
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  • Cliente 鶹
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfetto.
    Reviewed in Italy on March 10, 2025
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    Fantastico.
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  • cookieman108
    5.0 out of 5 stars "When it comes to time, we are prisoners."
    Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2005
    Verified Purchase
    I wonder how many minds were blown back in the day when George Pal's The Time Machine (1960) was released? I'm not so much speaking of the special effects (which were, and still are amazing), but more so the concepts presented within the film, with regards to traveling in the fourth dimension i.e. moving back and forth through time all while occupying the same space throughout...I know, I know, the ideas had been around for some time as author H.G. Wells had created the work the film was based on way back around the turn of the 20th century, but surely the film reached a large audience, quite a few probably never having read his novel. Produced and directed by George Pal (When Worlds Collide, The War of the Worlds), a pioneer in fantasy and sci-fi cinema, the film stars Rod Taylor (World Without End, The Birds), in what is probably his best-known role as George, a scientist with a hankering to break on through to the other side. Also appearing is Alan Young, whom many may recognize as the voice for Disney's Scrooge McDuck (he also was the only actor from the original film to appear in the recent 2002 remake starring Guy Pearce), Yvette Mimieux (Where the Boys Are, The Black Hole), Tom Helmore (Vertigo), Whit Bissell (Airport, Soylent Green), and Sebastian Cabot (Kismet), whom many may remember as the rotund Mr. French from the late 60's television show `Family Affair'.

    The story begins in Victorian England with the arrival of a group of distinguished looking gentlemen to the home of their colleague George, played Rod Taylor. Thing is, George invited them for dinner, but has yet to appear himself, that is until he busts through the door, disheveled and unkempt, with what may be the most fantastic tale any one has ever heard, which takes us back five days prior as George, who's an inventor by the way, is having the same group over to reveal his latest invention, a machine that would allow for one to travel backwards and forwards through time. It's all theoretical as the device has yet to be tested, and George is met with skepticism by all except for one, his friend Filby (Young). Anyway, after the guests leave, George decides it's time to put his machine to the test, and what do you know? It Works! One should know the impetus for George's desire to travel forward in time is based on his dissatisfaction with the current state of human development, specifically out penchant for fighting with each other, and he desires to see a world without conflict, among other things. As he goes forward he stops a few times but that which he wishes to avoid continually presents itself, eventually driving him into the year 800,000 where the world has become an Eden-like paradise populated by people called the Eloi. There is no need to work, no laws, no gooberment, just a carefree lifestyle...with a hideous underbelly in the form of a group called the Morlocks, grotesque underground dwellers who are, well, what they are and share a chilling relationship with the Eloi...

    I found this film to be great fun, and one of the best science fictions films I've seen in a long time. As far as its faithfulness to the source material, I couldn't really tell you, but I did get the feel that there was a lot of respect involved towards Wells' vision, especially given the film focused a great deal on the moral aspects and implications of who we are and how they may affect future generations. This, along with superior special effects (which earned the film an Academy Award for 1960) really helped sell the film overall. Some of the effects may seem quaint by today's standards, but back in the day this had to have been cutting edge stuff. The passage of time indicated by all the meticulous stop motion work, among other things, looks amazing. I also really liked the whole `Victorian' feel of the time machine itself, a sense that it was truly created within the time period specified. I thought Taylor did very well presenting a man driven by his desire to find the best in humanity, only to discover the more things change, the more they tend to stay the same. It felt like there was real growth from within the character, growth that stemmed from experiencing so much in so little time. I especially liked the character of Alan Young as Filby as to me he represented sort of the general populous of society, those who live their lives day to day, living within their world, content to make things better through small steps than great strides. I can't remember the specific dialog, but there was a scene that illustrated this well in where Filby tries to convince George to destroy his machine and makes a remark with regards to how we have to live within our time and make the best of it that we can...

    Warner Brothers provides an excellent wide screen (1.66:1) transfer on this DVD. The colors are sharp and vibrant, and the picture quality nearly flawless. The audio, available in both English (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 2.0), comes through clean and clear. There are some special features, including a theatrical trailer and cast and crew bios. Also included is a 47 minute documentary that looks like it was made for television broadcast as there's obvious stopping points for the inclusion of commercials. The piece, titled The Time Machine: The Journey Back, is hosted by the star of the original film Rod Taylor (looking much older), and offers a lot of details about the film, but the main focus seems to be on the machine itself, how it was developed, created, and its long and curious history after production on the original film ceased. This takes up most of the 47 minute running time, with what is left used to create a sort of reunion tale as some of the original actors resume their character roles for a short bit. I found this extra to be really interesting, and it helped me to appreciate the film even more, but I did feel it got a little schmaltzy (even creepy) at times, especially when Taylor would look up in the air and speak like he was talking to producer and director George Pal, who passed away in 1980, and I think this featurette was shot in 1993.

    Cookieman108

    Oh, in case you're interested, there is no formal seating in the future, only throw pillows, so if you ever get a chance to travel forward in time, BYOC (bring your own chair)...
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  • Philippe
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent film.
    Reviewed in France on May 3, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Livraison parfaite.
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