Cast
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Kent McCord
as Cpt. Troy
Barry Van Dyke
as Lt. Dillon
Robyn Douglass
as Jamie Hamilton
Lorne Greene
as Cmdr. Adama
James Patrick Stuart
as Dr. Zee
Richard Lynch
as Cmdr. Xavier
Robbie Rist
as Dr. Zen
John Colicos
as Baltar
Robert Reed
as Dr. Donald Mortinson
William Daniels
as Norman
Lara Parker
as Shirley
Pamela Susan Shoop
as Dorothy Carlyle
Sharon Acker
as
Fred Holliday
as
Peter Mark Richman
as Col. Briggs
Crew
Director
- Sigmund Neufeld Jr.
- Sidney Hayers
- Barry Crane
Writer
- Glen A. Larson
Producer
- Jeff Freilich
- Gary Winter
- Frank Lupo
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Conquest of the Earth explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director Sigmund Neufeld Jr. brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1980, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Conquest of the Earth took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 64 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1980, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Conquest of the Earth shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Shrek 2, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Conquest of the Earth offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Shrek the Third and Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me explore similar territory, Conquest of the Earth stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 31, 1980
- Runtime: 1h 36m
