Based on Andy Weir's bestselling novel, Ridley Scott's multiple-Oscar-nominated The Martian is an exhilarating, super-suspenseful saga of an astronaut who is accidentally stranded on Mars. When a colossal dust storm forces the Ares III crew to abort their Mars surface exploration, Commander Lewis (Jessica Chastain) orders a hasty evacuation, believing that crewmate Mark Watney (Matt Damon) has been killed by flying debris. But as satellite photography soon reveals, Watney is alive. So it's up to NASA director Sanders (Jeff Daniels) and his cohorts at Pasadena's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to figure out how to help Watney stay that way in the habitation module, and rescue him before his food supply runs out. Fortunately, Watney is a resourceful botanist and courageous problem-solver. After removing the shrapnel lodged in his torso, he's faced with basic survival tasks. “I'm gonna have to science the shit out of this,” he declares, and then proceeds to improvise and innovate while displaying a disarmingly acerbic sense of humor. Of course, there are unforeseen catastrophes waiting in the wings. Damon is charming and utterly convincing as the geeky contemporary Robinson Crusoe, ably supported by a stellar backup cast that includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sean Bean, Kristen Wiig, and Michael Peña. An enthralling sci-fi adventure epic, this is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a gag reel (8 min.), the promo-style segments “Ares III: Farewell” (4 min.), “The Right Stuff” (4 min.), “Ares: Our Greatest Adventure” (4 min.), and the brief “Leave Your Mark” and “Bring Him Home,” along with trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are the behind-the-scenes featurettes “Ares III: Refocused” (18 min.), “Occupy Mars: Casting and Costumes” (14 min.), and “Signal Acquired: Writing and Direction” (10 min.), a production art gallery, and bonus digital and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for this multi-Oscar-nominated winner.] (S. Granger)[Blu-ray Review—June 14, 2016—Fox, 141 min., PG-13, Blu-ray: $39.99—Making its second appearance on Blu-ray, 2015's The Martian (Extended Edition) features a great transfer and a DTS-HD 7.1 soundtrack. Extras include both the theatrical and extended versions of the film, audio commentary by director Ridley Scott, screenwriter Drew Goddard, and author Andy Weir, the behind-the-scenes segments “The Journey to Mars 101: Living on Mars” (122 min.), “The Long Way Home” making-of featurettes (80 min.), “Ares Mission Videos” (31 min.), and “Dare Mighty Things: NASA's Journey to Mars” (15 min.), a gag reel (8 min.), deleted scenes (4 min.), Ridley Scott discussing NASA's journey to Mars (2 min.), a production art gallery, trailers, and bonus digital and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: an excellent upgrade for this hit Best Picture nominee.]
The Martian
Fox, 141 min., PG-13, DVD: $29.98, <span class=SpellE>Blu</span>-ray: $39.99, Jan. 12 Volume 31, Issue 2
The Martian
Star Ratings
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