2. Quality Cast
Forgive me in advance for not being able to find a quality full cast photo, encompassing the other key cogs that round out a very respectable cast here. Missing in this photo are Robert Forster, and the Roddy McDowell voiced "V.I.N.C.E.N.T." robot character. In my defense, this film ain't exactly attracting a lot of intention on the internet these days, but the bottom line is this was a strong group of actors brought together for Disney's first ginormous, live-action sci-fi film. In particular, Maximilian Schell was outstanding as the main heavy of this picture, but I'll get to his level of greatness later on. Having Ernest Borgnine play a member of the media, and a shady one at that, was a nice touch. Anthony Perkins was also effective playing a conflicted man named Dr. Durant. Even better, he very much sells one of the most disturbing and disgusting murder scenes I've ever seen, let alone in a freaking Disney movie!
Less we forget a very young Robert Forster (before Jackie Brown fame), portraying Captain Dan Holland, a very convincing leader of men (and women) that wants to get his people to safety once all hell breaks loose in the middle of the film. Additionally, I should probably mention his second in command too, Lt. Charles Pizer, played by a younger actor at the time named Joseph Bottoms. Oh, and there's that beautiful blonde leading lady too, Yvette Mimieux, playing Kate McCrae. (Some of you may remember her from The Time Machine) Overall, a talented and capable cast. Anytime you can land the likes of Ernest Borgnine, Anthony Perkins, as well as having the voice work gravitas of Roddy McDowell, that's mighty impressive for the late 70s. Alright, time to get down to brass tax, the final and most important reason why this film is indeed underrated....