Inspired by the 1812 novel, Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss, the original Lost in Space TV show aired for three seasons in the 1960s. Then, in 2018, Netflix released another iteration, again, inspired by the 1812 novel as well as the 1962 comic, Space Family Robinson. But in between these TV shows, there was the film, which is a strange mix of both. Lost in Space, released in 1998, directed by Stephen Hopkins and written by the same person who gave us Batman Forever, Batman & Robin, I Robot and The DaVinci Code. Despite it being a box office smash hit, knocking Titanic off the top spot in the US, the film was absolutely panned by critics. Most noted that the film was not the same tone as the wholesome '60s show and felt like a basic science fiction story. But, Lost in Space is getting a new lease of life through Arrow Video, who know when it's time to revitalise a film.

Like all films set in the future, which we never take heed of in real life, the Earth is facing destruction, and the only way to combat this is to find a new home. Professor John Robinson, along with his family, travel to a new planet in the Jupiter II to complete the construction of a hyper gate that will allow the population on Earth to travel swiftly through. But when a terrorist attack sabotages the mission mid-journey, the Robinsons, along with the pilot Major Don West and Dr Smith, who caused said attack and was then trapped on board, find themselves adrift in space until they come across two mysterious ships.

Watching this film snaps you right back to 1998, a time when Matt LeBlanc (Major Don West) was a household name thanks to Friends, and it felt completely credible that he could be a leading man in a sci-fi film. William Hurt (Prof. John Robinson) had shifted into parent roles, Heather Graham (Dr Judy Robinson) was getting wider recognition, Lacey Chabert (Penny Robinson) had not yet been cast in Mean Girls, and Gary Oldman (Dr Smith) was in the middle of his villain phase.

Aside from the casting, Lost in Space is very much a late '90s film. The CGI alone that seemed mesmerising at the time now comes across as schlocky, giving off B-movie vibes. The dialogue is a mixture of cliches and grimaces, not to mention wooden acting from some of the cast members, but thankfully, not the whole way through. Though the film has aged, and due to the technology used, it can feel immediately outdated for a film set in the future, 2058 to be precise, there are some merits to be admired. The negative reasons as to why the film is of its time are also what make it a great, underrated good-bad film.

Alongside the negative-positives, there are parts of the film that should be commended, such as the set design of the ship and planet the Robinsons find themselves on, as well as the soundtrack and of course the robot that has the most famous lines. But it's the obvious tonal shift from the original show that should be noted. The time travel elements to the plot feel like a very dramatic step away from the cosy dramedy of the '60s. Taking this darker route to explore, in particular, the father-son relationship between John and Will, makes the film more than a sci-fi blockbuster. It is unexpectedly harrowing (and horrifying when you see what the future Dr Smith looks like), which adds a layer to the sci-fi adventure.

There is admittedly much to fault in Lost in Space, from dialogue to somewhat dodgy CGI, but it will always be one of those blockbusters that millennials will remember, whether it's for nostalgic reasons or otherwise. Critically panned films have elements to be admired too, but most of all, it's a fun, ridiculous ride with a great theme tune/song, and it deserves a revisit.

4K Ultra HD Limited Edition Contents

4K restoration of the film from the original camera negative by Arrow Films approved by director Stephen Hopkins
4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
Original DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio and lossless stereo audio
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
Archive audio commentary with director Stephen Hopkins and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman
Archive audio commentary with visual effects supervisors Angus Bickerton and Lauren Ritchie, director of photography Peter Levy, editor Ray Lovejoy, and producer Carla Fry
A Space Odyssey: a newly filmed interview with director Stephen Hopkins
Lights in the Sky: a newly filmed interview with director of photography Peter Levy
A Journey Through Time: a newly filmed interview with producer and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman
Art of Space: a newly filmed interview with supervising art director Keith Pain
Crafting Reality: a newly filmed interview with Kenny Wilson, former mould shop supervisor at Jim Henson's Creature Shop
Sound of Space: a newly filmed interview with sound mixer Simon Kaye and re-recording mixer Robin O'Donohue
Lost But Not Forgotten in Space: a new video essay by film critic Matt Donato
Deleted scenes
Building the Special Effects: an archival featurette with visual effects supervisor Angus Bickerton and animatics supervisor Mac Wilson
The Future of Space Travel: an archival featurette exploring the film's vision of the future
TV Years, a Q&A with the original cast of the TV series
Bloopers
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Pye Parr
Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing by critic Neil Sinyard, articles from American Cinematographer and an excerpt from the original production notes