There are some films that define a genre, and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” is undoubtedly one of them. The theatrical version of this 1977 classic is currently available on Prime Video, but it won’t be available on the platform for much longer, as it’s leaving the streaming service next week.
For me, Close Encounters of the Third Kind is arguably one of the greatest science fiction films of all time. It all comes down to the eerie glow of the alien ships, the unforgettable five-note melody, and Richard Dreyfuss's intense portrayal of a man obsessed with contact. Spielberg's direction transformed what could have been a simple alien encounter story into a cinematic masterpiece, and it still resonates today.
Now that Prime Video is about to remove this classic, I can't help but feel a pang in my heart. It's the kind of story that deserves to be revisited, whether it's the first time or the fiftieth. If you need a refresher, here's why this sci-fi movie is worth watching before it disappears from the platform…
What is “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” about?
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“Close Encounters of the Third Kind” is a science fiction classic directed by Steven Spielberg that explores humanity's first contact with extraterrestrial life. The film follows Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss), an ordinary man whose life is turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO.
Obsessed with visions of a mysterious mountain, Roy is drawn into a government cover-up of UFO sightings around the world. As he joins others with similar experiences, they all converge on Devil's Tower in Wyoming, where a historic encounter with extraterrestrial visitors is to take place. Spielberg redefined science fiction with this film by focusing on the psychological impact of first contact, portraying aliens not as invaders, but as a source of wonder and curiosity about connections beyond Earth.
“Close Encounters of the Third Kind” is still a revolutionary film
When I think back to the first time I saw “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” I remember how truly revolutionary the film is, even decades after its release. Having seen it in the modern era, it’s remarkable how fresh and impactful it still is today. There’s something about the way Spielberg tells the story that goes beyond traditional science fiction. It’s not just about aliens or UFOs, but about the human experience, the obsession with the unknown, and the deep desire for connection.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind is not just about aliens or UFOs, but also about the human experience, the obsession with the unknown and the deep desire for connection.
The film's special effects were also revolutionary for their time, but what's even more impressive is how well they hold up. This is a testament to Spielberg's vision and the painstaking attention to detail in every scene.
Critics, who also agree on the film's timeless appeal, gave it a high 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Pauline Kael of The New Yorker said, “This film has retained some of the wonder and bewilderment you feel when you first enter a planetarium: you marvel at the vastness and beauty of the mystery.”
For his part, the BBC's Almar Haflidason said the film is “saturated with images that fascinate, terrify and completely consume the viewer with the desire to discover the secret that is eating away at the characters on screen.”
Stream “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” Now
Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” before it leaves Prime Video on August 31This groundbreaking film is a masterpiece of science fiction cinema that still holds up today and deserves to be seen by everyone, even if it has to be re-watched.
Need some quality entertainment? Check out our guide to the best movies on Prime Video in August 2024. You can also watch the latest crime thriller that just made it into Netflix’s top 10.
Stream “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” on Prime Video now. You can buy or rent the director's cut on Amazon.