Watching science-fiction films that were once state-of-the-art is a great way to assess the technological advances that have been made. In a field that makes leaps and bounds every few years, a movie that's just a few years old can look quaint -- or cheesy, depending on your point of view. Some of the truly great films retain a classic look, such as Forbidden Planet, and the best of the bunch also keep the sense of wonder that they first inspired, such as 2001.Fantastic Voyage, released in 1966, still has some of that wonder, even if you can see the seams in the photographic effects that were used. The film concerns the trip of a miniaturized exploration vessel through the human body, and unlike 1987's Innerspace, which it inspired, this is not played for laughs. Instead, it's deadly serious, as the man through whom the team is traveling is a Cold War defector whose cooperation is essential to the cause of freedom. In that regard, the film is of its time, when spies and espionage dominated the culture.
One of the five crew members on the mini-ship is a spy, determined that the others will not accomplish their mission of removing a blood clot from a very sensitive spot in the defector's brain. The movie gives you reason to doubt just about everyone in the cast, and you find yourself thinking any one of them could be a saboteur.
Much is made of Raquel Welch's appearance in the film as a scientist's assistant. Some of the sexist comments made at her expense ("A girl has no place on this mission!") underscore the fact that the womens' liberation movement was still gathering steam in 1966. She isn't given much to do, other than move about in tight outfits. To her credit, her character doesn't become the damsel in distress and doesn't scream when confronted with icky challenges.Donald Pleasance has a nice appearance as one of the scientists on the mission, 
providing some conflict with the others on how to achieve their mission. Following this film, Pleasance would go on to movie history as Ernst Stavro Blofeld in the 1967 James Bond adventure You Only Live Twice. Stephen Boyd is good as the central hero to the film, and the government agent sent along to make sure things go smoothly. (Boyd would pass away suddenly about ten years after this movie.)
providing some conflict with the others on how to achieve their mission. Following this film, Pleasance would go on to movie history as Ernst Stavro Blofeld in the 1967 James Bond adventure You Only Live Twice. Stephen Boyd is good as the central hero to the film, and the government agent sent along to make sure things go smoothly. (Boyd would pass away suddenly about ten years after this movie.)The new DVD special edition of the movie from 20th Century Fox is a nice addition. The film is presented in anamorphic widescreen, although the pictures and colors aren't quite as sharp as one might expect. This is not necessarily a function of age, since many of the films from this period look stunning on DVD, although it could be related to difficulties in transferring the photographic effects, which still look impressive more than 40 years later.
The bonus materials on the disc are worthwhile, including commentaries, a 17-minute documentary, an independent music score by Leonard Rosenman, a photo gallery that includes posters and lobby cards, and trailers and TV spots for the film.
Fantastic Voyage may not have the cultural impact of Planet of the Apes or Star Wars, but the film is a predecessor to them and one of the best science fiction adventure films. It avoids the spectacle and bombast of the modern-day blockbuster, but creates a sense of wonder, excitement and intrigue that make a great viewing experience and a worthy addition to any film library.More info: Fantastic Voyage: Nanotechnology
