The Roswell Incident, Then & Now is a documentary film that explores one of the most intriguing mysteries of the 20th century: the alleged crash of a UFO in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947. The film features renowned ufologist Dennis Balthaser, who has spent over 30 years investigating the Roswell incident and has become one of the leading experts on the subject. Through interviews, archival footage, and on-site investigations, Balthaser pieces together the events that took place in 1947 and examines their significance in the context of modern UFO research.
The film begins with a historical overview of the Roswell incident, which has become a cultural touchstone for both believers and skeptics of extraterrestrial life. Balthaser walks through the key events of the story, which began when a group of ranchers discovered debris from an unknown object scattered across a large area of land. The US military was called in to investigate, and initially claimed they had discovered the wreckage of a "flying saucer." However, they later retracted this statement and said the debris was from a weather balloon.
Balthaser delves into the conflicting eyewitness accounts, conspiracy theories, and cover-up allegations surrounding the incident. He acknowledges the difficulty of separating fact from fiction, and admits that some details of the story remain unclear even to this day. However, he presents evidence that supports his own belief that the military did in fact recover a crashed UFO and that there has been a subsequent cover-up to keep the truth from the public.
Throughout the film, Balthaser showcases the advances in technology and scientific understanding that have occurred since 1947. He emphasizes that the Roswell incident was a pivotal moment in UFO research, helping to spark an increased interest in the subject and leading to a more scientific approach to investigating UFO sightings. He notes that modern scientists have access to advanced tools and equipment that were not available in 1947, which allow for more rigorous analysis of purported UFO evidence.
Balthaser also discusses the cultural impact of the Roswell incident, pointing out that it has become a symbol of the struggle for truth and transparency in government. He argues that the government's handling of the Roswell incident is an example of how the public can be kept in the dark about important events, and that it is up to citizens to demand more openness and accountability from those in power.
The film concludes with Balthaser's thoughts on the future of UFO research. He acknowledges that the subject remains controversial and that there is still much to be learned about the nature of these phenomena. However, he sees a growing openness and acceptance of the idea that extraterrestrial life may exist, and he believes that continued investigation will lead to a greater understanding of the universe and our place within it.
Overall, The Roswell Incident, Then & Now is a fascinating and thought-provoking documentary that presents a compelling case for the reality of the UFO phenomenon. Whether or not one believes in the veracity of the Roswell incident itself, the film provides an illuminating look at how this story has shaped our culture and our understanding of the unknown.
The Roswell Incident, Then & Now is a 2007 science fiction movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes.
