ADDITION: MGM - Region 1 NTSC - June 10': It looks like the Secret Key was taken from an open matte print - but, obviously, one in pretty rough shape. The MGM is anamorphic in the original theatrical 1.85 and we lose some information on all 4 sides. It has been stated that the MGM has a briefly cut scene (or some nudity from that scene) but the Secret Key appears to show no more... but I haven't scrutinized. After watching I actually expected the MGM to be a longer running time as it appeared to me to have more scenes. If both are cut - it is reported to be minor. Both include the attempted 'rape' scene involving Victoria Vetri.

Other notable differences, aside from the obvious (1.33 open matte vs. 1.85 theatrical aspect ratios, cleanliness, etc.) are that the Secret Key starts with the R-rated 'cat' logo and it has 2-3 scenes that are (intentionally?) color-overexposed - see the very last set of captures. I tend to think the effect was meant to be in the theatrical (who would post-invent it) but I have no idea - it seems totally out of place when it is used.

The MGM has optional subtitles (see sample below) and shares the single-layered, dual-sided DVD with only a trailer and has 'Invasion of the Star Creatures' on the opposite side of the disc.

Big difference here and the MGM , beyond everything else, is significantly cheaper - get it while you can - some of these Midnite Movies tend to go out-of-print.

NOTE: Charles P. sent us this in email: "The MGM DVD looks and sounds the best, of course, but it is also missing footage here and there, especially at reel changes. The most egregious bit of missing footage that I noticed (there many be many more deletions, perhaps some very tiny due to damage - I didn't notice) is almost an entire scene! If you watch the scene on the MGM DVD, there is a noticeable cut and jump in the logic of the scene. Some of the footage on the MGM version is extremely cropped on all 4 sides, which is why I went back to the PD version for those shots as I believe a different incomplete source was used to try to cover that gap of missing footage, perhaps a 16mm print that was already cropped to some degree. I don't believe the scene was edited for content, though I can't explain how MGM has the elements and apparent rights to the film and only have a worn, incomplete theatrical print in the vault from which to work.

I uploaded the scene in question HERE, though I don't think it will be up long because of the nudity and this website's "no nudity" policy, so check out this clip while you can! The deleted footage starts at 1:20." (Thanks Charles!)

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ON THE SECRET KEY DVD: Firstly, the Midnite Movie Edition at 1.85:1, available HERE, is going to be the superior edition. We will compare and I think it should blow this 'Secret Key' package away.

The film is very cool, grindhouse/sexploitation stuff. The other two features here are not worthy of the time invested but Invasion of the Bee Girls is! - The alt features are described as: "2069: A Sex Odyssey: Five sexy astronauts from the all-female planet Venus invade a town nestled at the foot of the Alps. Their mission: seduce enough Earth-men to continue their race for another 10,000 years! Dr. Dildo’s Secret: Obsessed with the desire to create a perfect woman, a mad scientist grows facsimiles in his basement – and breathes them into life through sex!" Ho-hum... although the Sex Odyssey has enticingly bad DUBBING (which is amusing).

The print used for this DVD transfer has extensive scratches - which in itself is not such a poor thing to replicate the genre. Most will recall the Rodriguez/Tarantino Planet Terror and Death Proof and how scratches were intentionally added to give this nostalgic effect. But aside from the 1.33 print, reported to be theatrically shown in 1.85, the transfer is very low caliber - interlaced with an appallingly low bitrate, hazy and it shares the dual-layered disc with 2 (count'em 2!) full features and some trailers.

Audio is likewise weak - 2.0 channel with no optional subtitles.

Anyway, bottom line is to not bother with this 'Sleazy Sci-Fi of the 70s' DVD and wait for our Midnite Movies disc comparison. I've ordered it so it should be coming soon... 

Gary W. Tooze