Is The 65 Movie Worth Buying on DVD, Blu-ray or 4K UHD?

Adam Driver has asserted himself as one of Hollywood’s most sought after leading men. His work in both dramas (Marriage Story, Paterson, Annette) Comedy (Only Dead Left Alive, White Noise) and action with his turn as Kylo Ren in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, shows his variety as an actor. He can play these various characters across multiple genres in unique and effective ways. In 2023 he starred in one of the best sci-fi adventure films in recent years with ‘65’. The film sees Driver play an astronaut who crashes on Earth 65 million years ago. As a fan of sci-fi films, I always champion the idea of original films in this type of setting. To celebrate 65 releasing on DVD, Blu-Ray and 4K Ultra HD this June, I will be breaking down three reasons why 65 is the must-own sci-fi film this June. So, without further ado, let’s go!

There be dinosaurs… 65 million years in the past… – the setting of 65 –

One of the strongest elements of 65 is the fantastic setting. We’ve seen modern dinosaur set films, with the prehistoric beasts existing in modern times and even in modern settings, with the most popular example of this being the Jurassic Park and World franchises respectively. However, very rarely do we venture back to the past, like we do here in 65. The film takes our titular hero, played by Adam Driver, and sends him back to prehistoric times, 65 million years in the past. Whilst our hero is from the distant future, the prehistoric Earth setting is wholly original and unique. The film utilises real, on-set locations, with principal photography taking place at Meyer's Creek Beach in Gold Beach, Coos Bay, Whaleshead Beach in Brookings, Agness and Elk Creek Falls all in Oregon, USA. The realism and in-camera sets and effects really do add to the authentic look of the film. The same aesthetic would not be achieved with green and blue screens. The film's unique setting really does add to the overall enjoyment of the film.

“I don’t know where we are” – the plot of 65 –

As mentioned, the setting of 65 is one of the best elements of the film, but what really elevates it even further is the film's plot. The plot feels like it’s been taken directly out of a 1950s or 1980s b-movie and that’s not a criticism of the film at all. There’s something simplistic and refreshing seeing a film on this scale, having such a small narrative. There are two core characters on the screen for majority of the run time, simply trying to get from point A to point B whilst avoiding Dinosaurs. But directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (writers of A Quiet Place, A Quiet Place: Part II and The Boogeyman) do a fantastic job of capturing the tension, dread, and desperation of the situation. Their execution of these sequences, really does elevate the film, complimenting the films plot and making for a truly enjoyable and engaging experience.

And then there were 2 – the core characters of 65 –

Another element that is very strong in 65 is the two main characters. As mentioned, the film only has two characters on screen for a majority of the runtime. The small cast of characters really does elevate the tension, as we grow quite fond of Koa (played superbly by Ariana Greenblatt) and Mills (played excellently by Adam Driver). Mills has his own backstory, as we learn of his daughter Nevine (played by Chloe Coleman), who has become quite ill back in his home world, since he has been on his mission. As he meets Koa and gets to know her, he starts to feel responsible for her, with his paternal instincts kicking in. This becomes the central relationship of the film, subverting our preconceived expectations from the first five minutes. It's emotionally effective and legitimately heart-warming. Whenever our two characters are in peril, we really do feel for them and hope they get out of the dire situation they find themselves in.

65 is one of the more enjoyable sci-fi epics of recent years. The film is elevated by a strong leading turn by Adam Driver as Mills. He once again proves he is one of the best actors working in Hollywood today. The film's unique setting, simple plot and great visuals really do elevate it above your run of the mill sci-fi action/adventure. Secure your copy from Sanity below. You can pick it up on DVD, Blu-Ray and 4K UHD. You won’t want to miss this one.

Buy 65 on DVD or Hi Def 4K UHD or Blu-ray Here

Christopher Pattison wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Chris here