NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Raro Video Blu-ray (June 2023): Raro Video have transferred Pietro Francisci's Star Pilot (2+5 Missione Hydra) to Blu-ray. It is cited as being "recently restored in 4K". It looks quite impressive in 1080P. The transfer (of the theatrical version) has a max'ed out bitrate. It is in 1.33:1 and detail is strong and colors pleasing although there is a dominant green hue caste throughout. The 1080P is clean and fairly consistent. The included, truncated, 'English language cut' is a less robust transfer but appears to be the same strong source if contrast and colors are marginally duller.  

NOTE: We have added 72 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Raro Video use a DTS-HD Master dual-mono track (24-bit) in the original Italian language. Star Pilot (2+5 Missione Hydra) has weak, sci-fi related, effects (rockets, ray guns etc.) that can come through with surprising bass. The score was by Nico Fidenco (Emanuelle and the Last Cannibals, Emanuelle and the White Slave Trade, Emanuelle in Bangkok, Emanuelle in America, Zombie Holocauset aka Dr. Butcher MD) sounding dated and lounge-y but there is also J.S. Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor under the direction of Leopold Stokowski added awkwardly to a scene when arriving on the planet. Raro Video offer optional English subtitles (only on the theatrical version) on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

The Raro Video Blu-ray offers a new commentary on the theatrical version by author and film historian David Del Valle (Six Reels Under) and actor / writer Matteo Molinari. They see the film as a satire with the film referenced in the beginning with the cast (and director) viewing it (a film within a film.) David discuses the '2 + 5' titles as satirical in nature and he mentions films like Roger Vadim's Barbarella or Mario Bava's Danger: Diabolik. Matteo discusses the script by Pietro Francisci (adapted from Fernando Paolo Girolami's story.) So much is covered and there are some refreshing takes on the production. Another super commentary from Del Valle. There is also a German trailer.  

Pietro Francisci's Star Pilot (2+5 Missione Hydra) is reminiscent of Planet of the Vampires, Wild Wild Planet and The Green Slime - having tremendous 'camp' value (look at the gal's costumes.) In an inside joke; Leonora Ruffo (Hercules vs. the Vampires), playing a stoic alien beauty,  who was also in a number of fotoromanzi (Photo comics) has Leontine Snell's character, Luisa, sexily prancing around, defending them positively. Star Pilot moves at a brisk pace and is an ambitious science fiction tropes with aliens visiting earth, brief humanoid creatures, hints at an ecological catastrophe, and a new evolution of the species with its own awakened monolith. Some of the stock special-effects footage was from Japanese Toho Studio's Invasion of Astro-Monster and others. Wikipedia cites that "The English dub included references to "Star Fleet", "Star Fleet Command", "Warp Speed", and "Impulse Drive", as used in the Star Trek television series." I found it humorous that most reviewers have failed to identify the satire, which can totally shift the opinion of Star Pilot's entertainment value. I loved my viewing and am very happy with the Raro Video Blu-ray a/v and commentary. To each his own but this is a definite 'keeper' for me.

Gary Tooze