Space, the final frontier. Well that is what some have said. The truth is that with the volume of cinema on the subject, I feel most stones have been turned over. Of course, sometimes these stones need to be observed at a closer range and at a distance due to, well frankly being terrible. This 1950s Japanese Sci fi film, which hypothesises that Aliens would wish to warn us of impending doom, is probably the sort of stone you wish to leave turned onto its side.

Flying saucers are spotted over the skies of Tokyo. Starfish like beings are discussing how to warn humans of an impending disaster. They have waited off planet until a solution can be found to this communication problem. An idea has been concocted, that is to contact Japanese scientist Dr. Kumara (Bontarô Miake). He might be able to help them and humanity, solve the problem.

I do not want to colour your opinion or expectation of this film, which I would say is a cross between THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL and a children’s book from the 80s. Instead lets look at this.

DISC

HD 1080p presentation. Or a soft and cool blue and greys looking visual. I cant say I was bowled over but I was impressed enough to nod and smile.

EXTRAS

Frankly little has been given here. Stuart Galbraith IV tries hard to make a case for the film and also has a tongue in cheek feel to it.

SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS

• High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
• Original uncompressed Japanese mono audio
• Optional newly translated English subtitles
• Brand new commentary by Stuart Galbraith IV, author of Monsters Are Attacking Tokyo!
• First-ever HD transfer of the American release version of the film, including a newly restored English dub track
• Theatrical trailers
• Image galleries
• Reversible sleeve featuring newly commissioned artwork by Matt Griffin

FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring an essay on artist Taro Okamoto by Japanese art historian Nick West, and an essay on the production of the American edit of the film by David Cairns