THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN (1957)

Some of the best science fiction films of the 1950s were directed by Jack Arnold. Working with the art and special effects departments at Universal, he brought to life Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) and Tarantula (1955). His finest hour came with THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN (1957), adapted by Richard Matheson from his own novel about a man (Grant Williams) who starts shrinking after being caught in a glowing cloud. As he gets smaller, Grant finds everyday things—a housecat, a spider, and water drops from a leaking hot water heater—threatening. Split screen effects, a trained tarantula named Tamara (who had previously worked with Arnold), and water-filled condoms contributed to the magic on screen. Additionally, Orangey the cat, appearing here as one of Williams’ obstacles, would later star in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961). The film was so successful it led to a series of low-budget imitations from other studios, putting an end to Arnold’s run of sci-fi classics.

d. Jack Arnold, 81m, DCP

4K Restoration by Universal Pictures from the 35mm original negative and 3 channel dialogue/music/effects master. Restoration services conducted by NBCUniversal StudioPost.