When this film had its cinema release I had mixed feelings about it. My immediate reaction was one of excited enthusiasm, and to the film’s credit it does draw you into the story of the aliens stranded on earth, South Africa to be precise, and their plight of being evicted from the slum they now call home. It has plenty of action and a hero who is definitely taking a journey of self-discovery. If you follow the story and onscreen action without questioning what’s happening then it is a great looking sci-fi film that has a message about racial tolerance, not to mention corporate greed. However, if you look at it too closely then there are gaping holes in the plot and logic of the story, mostly revolving around the aliens and their weapons. However, don’t let these minor niggles dissuade you from seeing it, if you didn’t catch it on its theatrical release, because it is still a great sci-fi movie, and better for not having come straight out of Hollywood.
DVD/Blu-ray releases are always a good chance to reappraise films some distance from their cinema dates, and on Blu-ray this film still looks as good as it did on the big screen, although the plot holes are still there, and possibly even more noticeable the second time around. However, lead actor Sharlto Copley’s performance is even more impressive on second viewing, especially when you consider it was his first feature role (he was previously a writer/director) and, as shown in one of the special features, most of his performance was improvised. While on the subject of special features, they are good, solid behind the scenes docs, but don’t break any new ground or give any startling new insights into filmmaking.
The film has its faults but its mixture of documentary style and big action set pieces, along with a message and stunning special effects still makes it one of the best sci-fi films to come out in 2009 and definitely a worthy addition to anyone’s genre library.
DISTRICT 9 is released on December 28 through Sony Pictures Home Entertainment on DVD and Blu-ray, and is available from Play and all good retailers.