I always cringe when I hear the phrase re-imagining. It's yet another contrived expression created by American marketing bodies to justify the pillaging of a nations cinematic back catalogue. Few of these products seem to work. So when I learnt that Robert Wise's classic "The Andromeda Strain" was to be remade, I had great reservations. However, the involvement of Tony and Ridley Scott peaked my interest. Last Saturday "The Andromeda Strain" premiered on Sky Movies in the UK, shown in two 85 minute parts.

This new version stays fairly true to Michael Crichton novel, with a Satellite returning to earth bringing with it a mystery virus of possible extraterrestrial origin. The small town of Piedmont soon falls victim to the contagion, leaving only two survivors, an alcoholic and a baby. The "Wild Fire" team of scientists are brought in by the government to tackle the outbreak and find a potential cure. There work is hampered by the viruses ability to mutate to find new ways of spreading.

The writers then add new elements to make the storyline reflect contemporary culture. The question of the virus' origin is intriguing and of course there are elements within the government who are not to be trusted. There is also a journalist seeking to expose the ongoing conspiracies. The US president also plays a larger part in the proceedings, so that there are several plot threads running in parallel to the scientists in peril within their secure bunker.

The cast is robust, featuring Benjamin Bratt (Law & Order, Love in a time of Cholera), Rick Schroder (24, NYPD Blue), Eric McCormack (Will & Grace), Daniel Dae Kim (Lost) and Andre Braugher (City of Angels). Performances are good given the inevitable formula of the vehicle. Production values are high with good set design and use of locations. The action is quite hard for a TV mini series, though some of these scenes do seem a little out of place. Perhaps the producers feared making a narrative driven drama and felt obliged to overstate certain plot aspects to keep the interest of viewers who are easily bored. Admittedly by the end, there is a decline into stereo type and several events that were obviously telegraphed occur.

Inevitably, those who have seen the 1970 original may well see this new version as intellectually diluted. Personally, I think it comes back to my old and favourite argument about historical context. The 70's was a time were the cinematic audience was more sophisticated and willing to think for themselves. The new version simply reflect the style and ethics that drive modern TV and cinema. All things considered, it is still engaging and professionally made mini series. Given the system that made it, this actually exceeds expectations. Best watched in seperate parts with a gap of a few days inbetween rather than in one single setting.

XoD.