(aka "Grave Robbers From Outer Space")
directed by Ed Wood Jr.
USA 1959
"Can your heart stand the shocking facts about Graverobbers from Outer Space?"
That's the question on the lips of Criswell (well-known professional psychic noted for 'Criswell Predicts') of this tale of flying saucers, zombies and cardboard tombstones. A pair of aliens, angered by the "stupid minds" of planet Earth, set up shop in a California cemetery. Their plan: to animate an army of the dead to march on the capitals of the world. (The fact that they have only managed to resurrect three zombies to date has not discouraged them.) An intrepid airline pilot living near the cemetery must rescue his wife from this low-budget terror. "Can you prove it *didn't* happen?"
****
Firstly this is far from the worst film of all time... but with its exposure in Tim Burtons marvelous "Ed Wood" certainly gave it, and the marginal (at best) director, some renewed nostalgic notoriety. And it is much deserved. We meet people everyday who have real passion - and for Ed Wood it was making films - a profession that he, unfortunately, did not excel at. Still this film is part of cinema history and it is capable of tickling any film fans fancy with its obvious flaws and good intentions.
Posters
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Theatrical Release: July 1959
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
DVD Comparison:
Image Entertainment - Region 0 - NTSC vs. Legend Films - Region 1- NTSC
(Image Entertainment - Region 0 - NTSC LEFT vs. Legend Films - Region 1- NTSC RIGHT)
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Cover and Individual purchase link |
The individual DVD:
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The Image disc is also available in the (a good deal!):
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| Runtime | 1:19:09 | 1:19:09 |
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Video |
1.33:1
Aspect Ratio |
1.33:1
Aspect Ratio |
| NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. | ||
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Image
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Legend . |
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| Audio | English (Dolby Digital 2.0) | English (Dolby Digital 2.0) |
| Subtitles | None | None |
| Features |
Release Information: Studio: Image Entertainment Aspect Ratio: Original aspect Ratio 1.33:1 Edition Details: • Includes
the Retrospective Documentary Flying Saucers Over Hollywood: The Plan 9
Companion (1992, 111 min.), featuring interviews with stars Gregory
Walcott, Carl Anthony, Paul Marco, Vampira and Conrad Brooks, plus sci-fi
historian Forrest J. Ackerman and directors/fans Sam Raimi and Joe Dante
• Trailer |
Release Information: Studio: Legend Films Aspect Ratio: Original aspect Ratio 1.33:1 Edition Details: • Audio
commentary from Mike Nelson of “Mystery Science Theater 3000.”
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Comments:
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ADDITION - Legend Films release - Jan 2006:
Both the black + white and color versions on the Legend DVD are an
improvement over the older Image Entertainment release which has a shade
of brightness boosting and has more visible damage to the print. There is
a shade of cropping in spots (more probably 'zooming-in') on the Image
release. I'm glad I have both releases as the extras on each edition are quite good. Flying Saucers Over Hollywood: The Plan 9 Companion on the Image disc is a fabulous addition and although I'm usually not keen on Mike Nelson's commentaries, I did enjoy this one on the Legend edition. Plus there are some other oddities on the Legend release like home movies of Ed putting on a feminine sweater etc..NOTE: DVDBeaver never condones manipulations from original theatrical presentations, but we soften a bit for colorization of certain films, especially if the original black and white version is included (as Legend Films always do!). This really just gives another campy reason to watch this piece of cinema history... so we endorse it - have some fun! **** The print for this film is in acceptable condition. Relatively sharp, with some slight contrast boosting. Audio is a bit better than in the previous releases, but nothing to rave about - it is a function of the filming process that was used. Some real effort went into making this DVD with the addition of the "Plan 9 Companion" documentary. A trailer is also included. Great image and good extras. It screams for a commentary - and I suspect one will come one day. Gary Tooze |
DVD Menus
(Image Entertainment - Region 0 - NTSC LEFT vs. Legend Films - Region 1- NTSC RIGHT)
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Screen Captures
(Image Entertainment - Region 0 - NTSC TOP vs. Legend Films B+W - Region 1- NTSC MIDDLE vs. Legend Films COLOR - Region 1- NTSC BOTTOM)
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(Image Entertainment - Region 0 - NTSC TOP vs. Legend Films B+W - Region 1- NTSC MIDDLE vs. Legend Films COLOR - Region 1- NTSC BOTTOM)
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(Image Entertainment - Region 0 - NTSC TOP vs. Legend Films B+W - Region 1- NTSC MIDDLE vs. Legend Films COLOR - Region 1- NTSC BOTTOM)
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(Image Entertainment - Region 0 - NTSC TOP vs. Legend Films B+W - Region 1- NTSC MIDDLE vs. Legend Films COLOR - Region 1- NTSC BOTTOM)
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(Image Entertainment - Region 0 - NTSC TOP vs. Legend Films B+W - Region 1- NTSC MIDDLE vs. Legend Films COLOR - Region 1- NTSC BOTTOM)
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Report Card:
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Image: |
Legend |
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Sound: |
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| Extras: | both good |
| Menu: | Legend |
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Cover and Individual purchase link |
The individual DVD:
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The Image disc is also available in the (a good deal!):
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