No science-fiction library is complete without this 1954 classic, probably the best of the mutant creature craze. Sure, the special effects have long been eclipsed by digital, but the suspense holds up as LA mobilizes to defeat the giant killer ants in a battle of the sewers. The opening scenes are among the best of any era. I don't know how director Douglas got little Sandy Descher to emulate wide-eyed speechless shock, but from that moment on the tension rarely lets up. Then too, her single word eruption in the van may be the single scariest moment and a genuine inspiration on somebody's part.

I guess it takes a big man to defeat big ants and thank goodness James Arness has switched to our side since menacing the North Pole in The Thing (1951). He, Whitmore, and Gwenn prove to be great pest exteminators though their methods are a little unorthodox, while poor pretty Joan Weldon sort of tags along after the guys in typical 50's style. Note the many nice touches from both the producer and director-- the well-stocked press conference, the army units deploying in the background, the humorous aside from the ugly guy in the hospital. These are the kind of additions that turn a good movie into a memorable one. It's certainly one I've remembered fondly since its enthusiastic 1954 reception, and so will you if you haven't seen it.

This movie is one hour and thirty-four minutes long and was released June 19, 1954. Also the film was Warner Brothers biggest money maker of the year. The movie tells the story of how regular ants became big ants through the dropping of the very first atomic bomb. The story begins in New Mexico were the ants are first discovered and killed with the exception of two queen ants that have escaped. The find the two queen ants and kill them. The special effects, which were nominated for an Oscar, are great. Though the big ants do look kind of funny and not scary. It is a great movie to rent or own.

I saw this movie when I was a kid and found it somewhat scary. Today, it just seems slow, clunky and dated. It attempts to build suspense by taking about 1/3 of the movie to reveal that there are - gasp! - GIANT ANTS on the loose in the American Southwest, but overall there's little action until the closing reel. Along the way, we are treated to a lecture on ants (complete with old film clips) and some dubious science to explain why a colony of ants could grow to 10 feet in size in only ten years. The acting is adequate - look for Fess Parker as a patient in a mental hospital - but no more, and the overall preachy tone grows tedious. Worth watching as a historical artifact, but don't expect edge-of-your-seat suspense.

this was very first sci fi movie i ever saw and i have loved it ever since...dvd arrived in excellent condition very quickly

A timeless classic - This is a great giant bug monster on the loose. Ive been watching this since I was a kid. Great big ants, great effects for its time,some very chilling scenes (such as the girl who screams "Them!Them!" This is an easy to follow good story / acting / good pacing make this stand way out above other giant bug and monster movies during the nuclear age of monsters. Even the monsters roar is chilling when you here them come creeping along. I will give this giant ant movie HIGHEST recommendation. The DVD has some cool features and the movie title Them is colorized. Neat effect !