Plot: What’s it about?
In the year 2069, space travel is commonplace and technology has advanced to a dazzling level. A glance into the skies would reveal several crafts in the air and aliens are known to be all around the place, some even disguised as human beings. Such is the case for Col. James Granilla (Steven Vincent), who finds himself on the deck of a strange spaceship filled with women. These women are not the usual type either, as these chicks have fantastic bodies and beautiful faces and it seems as though they can’t seem to keep their clothes on for long. Granilla is interested in these lovely ladies, but not in a normal sexual fashion. Instead, he seeks to gain as much information as he can and then return to his home planet. The girls want to have some fun with Granilla in many ways, but their leader has no intentions of allowing it. Captain Mother is their whip toting lesbian leader and she doesn’t like her girls playing with males. As time passes Granilla keeps making love to the ladies, but he misses his previous lifestyle and wife very much. How will Granilla free himself from this situation?
If you’re an exploitation cinema fan, then you know who David F. Friedman is and how hard it used to be to find decent versions of his films. Now thanks to the fine folks at Something Weird Video, we can pick up some cult classics of the exploitation genre and they even look and sound terrific! I am so pleased with the titles Something Weird has released on our beloved format and I simply can’t wait for future issues from them. This film, Space-Thing is an epic science-fiction film loaded with low budget greatness and a cast full of gorgeous naked women. If you’re squeamish when it comes to female nudity, then skip this title because you’ll see everything these young ladies have to offer. There’s a reason this film fits into the exploitation genre and as such, easily offended viewers will not like this movie. This film isn’t just nudity though, as you’ll find a terrific science-fiction tone in there also. I think this is a must have for fans of exploitation films and with such a tremendous disc, I highly recommend this title as a purchase.
This film was produced and codirected by David F. Friedman, who was credited along with Byron Mabe under the name of B. Ron Elliott. Friedman is a legend in the field of exploitation cinema and this movie is a perfect example of his skills, as Space-Thing contains all the elements we expect from a sexual exploitation flick. Friedman is best known for his work as a producer and his long line of cult classics is a testament to him and his efforts. This film is, like most of Friedman’s pictures, a nudity laced romp, but Friedman also dabbled in blood and guts cinema, making some legendary films with Herschell Gordon Lewis. This is of course a low budget offering and as such, the special effects and set designs aren’t spectacular, but I love them and think they mesh perfectly into the film. If you’re a fan of Friedman’s work, then you simply have to own this classic example of his work. If you want to see more of Friedman’s productions I recommend The Big Snatch, Trader Hornee, She Freak, Thar She Blows!, The Ramrodder, and The Lustful Turk. The cast is not stellar in their performances, but for this material they turn in adequate portrayals.
Video: How does it look?
Space-Thing is presented in a full frame transfer, which retains the original aspect ratio of the film. This is a low budget film that’s over thirty years old and as such, the image isn’t as polished and sharp as a modern feature film. But this is still a tremendous visual effort and I think fans of the movie will be very pleased with the results. As the box states, this film was shot in “a galaxy of colors” and every hue emerges in perfect form. The colors are very vibrant, but they never bleed and flesh tones appear consistent and natural. Contrast is solid also, with complex shadow layering and a very high level of detail at all times. The source print shows some grain and debris at times, but not to an extreme degree and as such, I won’t complain that much.
Audio: How does it sound?
Momma always said…mono is as mono does. This track won’t stand up against a modern surround sound option, but given the format and the material I don’t think anyone will complain. I was pleased with the overall clarity present on this track and was even more pleased by the absence of the annoying trademark mono hiss. The elements all emerge in distinct and clear fashion, though you’ll have a hard time paying attention to the audio, thanks to the eye catching visuals (no, I don’t mean the sets). The dialogue is crisp and shows no problems and the track as a whole displays very minimal distortion, which is good for a track of this nature that is this old.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This is a special edition and as such, you’ll find some terrific bonus materials on this disc. The main supplement is an audio commentary with producer/codirector David F. Friedman and a moderator from Something Weird Video. This is a loaded commentary and whether you’re a fan of low budget cinema or need some hints on how to make your own, this track has all information you’re looking for. Friedman shares all kinds of stories and secrets, making for an interesting and entertaining commentary. A selection of artwork from other sexploitation flicks has also been included, as well as the film’s theatrical trailer. Rounding out the disc are two interesting science-fiction short films, Roll-Oh The Robot and The Dance Of Tomorrow.
