Which out of three versions is best?

Definitely "The Omega Man" I've probably seen it 50 times

Definitely I Am Legend.

People who don't see this one as superior in every way just aren't intellectual enough to understand Smith's very subtle yet profound acting methods in this film, possibly due to racism.

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I've seen all three and read the book, "I Am Legend". I never understood why in "The Last Man On Earth" they were more like vampires. I liked "The Omega Man" best. It's one of my favorite science fiction movies of all time.

Laura

I am Legend.

None of them stick to the novel which in my opinion would make a better movie.
The other two are just two dated especially Omega man.


If you disagree, take the Tyson approach and "Bite me"

1. The Omega Man

2. Last Man on Earth

3. I Am Legend

People keep mentioning how "dated' films are, however, that doesn't mean you have to just look at the cars and clothing and music. The plot and story are what's important. I think the Omega Man told the best story, even if it wasn't exactly like the novel.

My issue with Smith's Neville is his reason for staying. He KNEW there was a sanctuary, and yet he would choose to stay in a city of mutated and dangerous people because he said he would fix things no matter what.

REALLY? Instead of going up north to a safe environment where you might be useful to the remaining group of humanity, you want to hide in the dark and possibly be killed? Just the worst plot.

Heston's made sense because he needed the companionship, even though they were his enemy. He chose to leave once he realized there was hope outside of the world he had known for those years after the war.

I think Will Smith is a brilliant actor, and he was very good in I Am Legend but I thought the movie had lots of problems, such as the CGI making the nighdwellers very cartoonish and unmenacing, a limp script, somewhat insubstantial story-line.

For me, The Omega Man was better by a long stretch. Meatier script, more substantial story-line, more menacing atmosphere, better characterisations, great score.

Never seen Last Man on Earth all the way through, but it'd have to be quite a movie to beat Chuck screeching around an empty, sunset-drenched L.A.

I think I'd probably rate I Am Legend and Omega Man about the same (and fairly highly), each has their own strengths. I am Legend spent more time on Neville's routine and captured the sense of isolation, but relied on CGI a bit... I think making the villains traditional villains in Omega Man made for an interesting variation and was just one of several factors that made Heston's Neville more interesting as a character (despite Smith's very good acting). The Last Man on Earth may be the most accurate adaption, but it basically sucks as a movie imo.

1. Omega Man
2. I am Legend

(Abstain from rating VP version -- saw too long ago, and on crappy VHS.)

Reasons:

I am Legend
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Pros

1) Great setup (NYC w/virus from cancer cure side effect) -- possibly too ambitious to film well

2) The dog - very moving when lost

3) One truly creepy scene (bathtub)

Cons

1) Will Smith performance nothing special. But I like his casting.

2) Dark seekers just don't work. Seen-one-seen-all zombies, no real interaction, no charm a la Matthias

3) Annoying, distracting, over-the-top CGI

And the biggest:

4) Ham-fisted in virtually every way: story, dialogue, and THE GREAT POINT (religious) at the end. Any real emotional payoff that could have made this add up to something is lost.


Omega Man
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Pros

1) Visually STUNNING. Filming downtown early trumps CGI any day of the week, as it turns out. And twice on Sunday. Simple makeup effects and thoughtful camera choices are still the best magic trick.

2) Anthony Zerbe

3) Anthony Zerbe

4) Did I mention, Anthony Zerbe who plays Matthias?
(See separate IMDB post, "Two words -- Anthony Zerbe)

5) Literate, effective, poetic script. It took two accomplished screenwriters to get both the science (Joyce) and the poetry (John).

6) Minimalist but effective set design and cinematography.
(See #1)

7) VERY strong opening. Sets the tone (somber), ambience (deserted litter-strewn free-for-all peppered with bodies and abandoned cars). New cars and clothes for the taking, any film you'd want to see. As long as it's WOODSTOCK.

Cons

1) Charlton Heston.
Action persona? Sure.
Acting? Fraid not.

2) A few weakly delivered lines. "Step on it!" (Rosalind Cash, beating on Chuck like a five-year old girl. And right after delivering some of the coolest on-screen words ever: "When I want you to, I'll turn you, on or off!")

3) Weak ending.
Right idea, story-wise, but weakly executed. Misses the gut-punch it should have been

4) Music.
Yes, I agree. One of the most inappropriate soundtracks ever.
I've gotten used to it over the years, but man -- it took a LONG time.