Tag: sci-fi

Planet of the Vampires (1965)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

If you can’t get past the primitive look and FX of Star Trek: The Original Series, read no further. You will not appreciate Planet of the Vampires. I grew up watching TOS and still love it, so this movie was very enjoyable. If you’ve seen any of Mario Bava’s early, fog and color drenched work, imagine it as a feature-length Star Trek episode. That with way more experimental electronic music, far better uniforms, and a proto-Alien (1979) feel. Except wait a second… Bava made this BEFORE Star Trek ever aired. Yes this movie is cheesy, but I love it, warts and all. I also have a feeling that blood on the crew’s insignias might have a deeper meaning. That or Mario just thought it looked cool.

Blu-ray available from Lorber Films.

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Zardoz (1974)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is mandatory viewing if you are a fan of cult movies. Sean Connery’s outfit alone should convince you. It’s definitely weird as hell, but be warned, it’s a bit dull. I think John Boorman was hoping to appeal to fans of Jodorowsky’s El Topo, as the audiences at that film’s midnight screenings were always stoned out of their skulls. In that frame of mind I would think Zardoz would not be dull in the least. It might even seem like you just saw the sci-fi equivalent of Citizen Kane. Hmmm… I hear pot is legal in some states.

The domestic Blu-ray is out of print. Import available from Arrow.

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The Platform (2019)

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Streaming on Netflix | imdb | trailer

I almost didn’t recommend this one as it was on the Netflix Top 10 when it was first released, and has received a lot of press. However, The Platform deserves that attention AND is very much Anomalous Cinema. This movie skillfully blends horror and sci-fi, into a borderline-art film. Now let’s hope this leads to Netflix releasing more even more daring and intelligent weirdo features.

FYI – I recommend if you watch ANY foreign content made after 1990 on Netflix, you do so in it’s original language with subtitles. Netflix’s English dubbing is absolutely horrible 99% of the time.

Not available on Blu-ray.

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Rabid (1977)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Experimental plastic surgery leads to the zombie apocalypse. This is arguably David Cronenberg’s best early film. Yes, the low budget shows at times. However this is intelligent, action-packed horror, and among my all-time favorites. It’s a shame Marilyn Chambers wasn’t able to permanently transition into legit acting. She’s good in this movie.

Blu-ray available from Shout Factory.

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The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is Nicolas Roeg’s best film, and a unique standout in the history of cinema. It’s also the most effective combination of sci-fi and art film outside of the work Andrei Tarkovsky. The 138 minute uncut version is a bit slow in places, and the sexual content might be a little extreme for some. However, if you don’t watch this movie for those reasons, you are really depriving yourself of a special experience.

Available on Blu-ray from Lion’s Gate.

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A Boy and his Dog (1975)

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Streaming FREE on YouTube | imdb | trailer

This is one of my favorite cult movies of all time. It’s a one-of-a-kind film based on a short story by Harlan Ellison (who mostly approved of the adaptation). Don Johnson is trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic wasteland with his dog Blood. He has a telepathic connection with the hyper-smart and talented pup. How do they use this amazing power? For the dog to find his boy some sex partners, of course. Beyond that it’s a trippy, funny, and fast paced adventure that should blow your mind all over your face.

Available on Blu-ray from Shout Factory.

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Under the Skin (2013)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

I enjoyed this when it first came out. Slow but beautifully shot SF / horror, worth a watch for sure. A few years later I read the book, which is extremely different. The novel is excellent and would have made a much better film. Unfortunately it would have been too graphic to do any justice to. I think that may explain the director’s more minimal / artsy approach. If you liked the movie, DEFINITELY read the book. I would not recommend the reverse situation.

Available on Blu-ray from Lion’s Gate.

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The Endless (2017)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

I saw this in the theatre when it first came out and enjoyed it immensely (it has excellent creepy music too). It’s a pity there aren’t more original independent horror movies like this. Just watch it.

Available on Blu-ray from Well Go.

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Death Warmed Up (1984)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is a pioneering New Zealand cult film that bounces between horror, action, sci-fi, comedy, and candy-colored ‘80s nightmare. Features the synth pop hit “I Like to Drive.” Well, it should have been a hit.

Available on Blu-ray from Severin.

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Phase IV (1974)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This might just be my favorite PG rated movie. A group of ants achieve intelligence and launch sophisticated attacks on humans. That sounds pretty lame, but trust me. This movie is trippy as hell, and rewarding on many levels. It also happens to be directed by Saul Bass. Yes, THAT guy. The greatest graphic designer of all time. A man of many talents, Bass helmed one of the weirdest SF films in history too. What a stud.

Available on Blu-ray from Olive Films.

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