Time Machine: The Journey Back

This is a semi-documentary of the the 1960, George Pal movie, The Time Machine. It is available as an extra on the DVD. The original stars, Alan Young and Rod Taylor are brought back. The documentary focuses on what become of the prop that was used in the movie. Some of the special effects are discussed. It also includes an additional scene that adds some to the movie. I particularly liked the additional scene, it was very sentimental. Young and Taylor are very talented actors.

This is what a sequel should be. The documentary was fantastic loaded with clips and interviews. The mini sequel was nothing short of outstanding. I always had hopes that it would spawn a sequel yet again as both cast members could still portray the roles very well. But the time has past I guess. I would love to see something like this done for another Pal film, When Worlds Collide. It was a last wonderful gasp of classic Sci-Fi.

This in my opinion blows away the new movie remake that was OK. But I only watched it twice This little show I must have watched over a dozen times. I was one of the first to get the video tape in the mail and it certainly was a golden moment.

I always loved the movie and in particular the Time Machine itself: what a wonderful design! It was surprising but somehow fitting that the sled concept came from George Pal's childhood memories of winter fun.

I wondered what had become of the Machine, who owned it. I had always assumed that like the life-creating lab equipment used in James Whale's _Frankenstein_, it had been bought by a wealthy fan for a private collection, or that it was in a film museum somewhere.

The truth revealed in _The Journey Back_ is a little sad, but also moving. The studio, not realizing the icon they had, did little to preserve the Machine. Over the years it was dismembered, auctioned, sold, damaged, and neglected by a variety of owners. The occasional people who lovingly restored the Time Traveler's seat, the control panel, or the brass railings showed the devotion and resourcefulness of custodians of a holy relic.

Ironic that a symbol of emancipation from time was so subject to its effects; uplifting too that a few fans who, like me, had admired it since childhood were able to keep it, and a sort of hope, alive.

I loved this doc. As a fan of George Pal's film it was a real thrill to see Rod Taylor, Alan Young and Whit Bissell again. The little film at the end of the doc is GREAT!!! Better than that so called re-make of George Pal's film. This litle film gave me goose bumps to see George and Filby back together. My hats off to Rod Taylor, Alan Young and David Duncan. Also, to Clyde Lucas the director. Thank you all from a true fan.

This was an excellent documentary on the making of the film, but the part I especially loved was the scene depicting the reunion of George and David. Upon George's return, he meets up with his old friend David Filby and catches him up on what his activities are in the future. As the meeting is taking place you can see the sadness as George must hold back what he knows about the fate of his old friend. This adds something to the film and also puts a bit of closure on the story. This is a fantastic epilogue to a great film.