Writers have long had a fascination with the concept of a post-apocalyptic world where only one, or very few, human(s) remain(s). As far back as 1826, Mary Shelley broached the subject in her novel Last Man. However, it was, perhaps, most famously depicted in I Am Legend. This conceit has been captured on screen in the likes of The Omega Man, The Last Man on Earth and the adaptation of Richard Matheson’s book. Whilst Geoff Murphy’s film The Quiet Earth may not be as well-know, it remains a firm favourite with those who’ve seen it.
On one seemingly ordinary morning in Hamilton, New Zealand, the sun darkens for a moment. Zac (Bruno Lawrence), a scientist working on the mysterious Project Flashlight, wakes-up as normal. He soon discovers that everything else isn’t. The radio channels are dead and the streets are deserted. For several days he goes through a range of emotions believing that he’s the person on Earth left alive. That’s until he encounters Joanne (Alison Routledge) and Api (Pete Smith).
The Quiet Earth is an amusing, strangely affecting and unusual drama about loneliness, camaraderie and the perils of messing with the unknown. Murphy ensures that the film is laced with a very singular brand of Kiwi humour. Bruno Lawrence is magnificent as the lead. He has the charisma and audacity to carry the first half of the film. The Quiet Earth is an endearing sci-fi which asks the big questions whilst concentrating on the small details.
Special Edition Contents:
- High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
- Lossless 5.1 surround and 2.0 stereo audio options
- Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- New audio commentary by critic Travis Crawford
- New video essay on the film by critic Bryan Reesman
- New interview with critic Kim Newman on the post-apocalyptic movies of the 1980s
- Original theatrical trailer
- Stills gallery
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Laz Marquez
FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Amy Simmons
The Quiet Earth is released on Blu-ray by Arrow Video on 18 June.
