Cocoon (Blu-ray special edition)

WE all know the inescapable physical signs of ageing – lines and wrinkles, grey and receding hair.

But when it comes to attitude and, to a certain extent, ability, is age just a number?

Ron Howard's charming and heartwarming 1985 film, Cocoon, explores this in a unique way with this welcome 30th anniversary Blu-ray release.

The story sees a benevolent alien species, posing as humans, returning to Earth to rescue their friends who have been trapped in cocoons under the sea for thousands of years.

While they continue to search, three elderly friends stumble upon a swimming pool that is being used to store the cocoons near their retirement home.

It has strange rejuvenating effects and Art (Don Ameche), Ben (Wilford Brimley) and Joe (Hume Cronyn) begin to feel like young men again.

In a tale that is both moving and funny, the film explores how this fountain of youth changes them and how their new disposition effects the people around them.

Cocoon has plenty to say about mortality, nature and our fears about getting old. It makes you question whether you would cheat nature if you had the chance.

But what is also great about Apollo 13 and The Da Vinci Code director Howard's film is that it bucked the trend of having young stars in major films.

And after the disappointing return of Independence Day, it is great to be reminded that extraterrestrials coming in peace can be just as compelling on the screen as warring aliens.

Visually, Cocoon is a bit dated now but it just adds to the charm and its message is timeless and universal.

DAVID MORGAN