The Andromeda Strain Miniseries

Acclaimed filmmakers Ridley and Tony Scott shepherded this widely-seen, four-hour adaptation of Michael Crichton's novel about a devastating alien plague spread by a fallen satellite. The Scotts and director Mikael Salomon update the novel's technology and push this production's tone closer to medical thriller than science fiction; a capable cast led by Benjamin Bratt, Christa Miller and Andre Braugher are the clock-racers who must find a way to stop the lethal virus from spreading beyond the borders of a small desert town. Fast-paced and at times surprisingly violent, the Andromeda Strain miniseries also suffers from bad cases of giggle-worthy dialogue and performances, especially Eric McCormick (Will and Grace) as a reporter in recovery, and subplots involving the President and Bratt's romantic history bog down the action. Though the suspense makes the miniseries involving at times, the 1971 theatrical adaptation by Robert Wise was more effective in creating an unsettling sense of slow-building doom. The two-disc DVD includes commentary by Salomon and his production team, as well as a making-of documentary which chronicles the Scotts' attempts to develop the project for the big screen before turning to television, as well as extensive looks at the miniseries' special effects. A gallery of production sketches and photos round out the extras. -- Paul Gaita