Drive-In Double Feature: Creation of the Humanoids/War Between the Planets [DVD]

This drive-in double feature begins with mankind creating blue-skinned androids to assist with the rebuilding of civilization after a devastating nuclear war in Creation of the Humanoids (Don Megowan. 1962/78 min.). Follow that with War Between the Planets (Giacomo Rossi-Stuart. 1965/84 min.), in which scientists determine that a barren planet set on a course to collide with Earth is responsible for a series of natural disasters. Color/NR/widescreen.

Two goofy but entertaining sci-fi features from the 1960s get a more interesting presentation than one might expect in this two-fer DVD from Dark Sky Films. Both Creation of the Humanoids and War Between the Planets have been given a widescreen transfer to disc, letterboxed at the aspect ratio of 1.78:1 and enhanced for anamorphic playback on 16 x 9 monitors. The transfers look good considering the vintage of the films, with the bright colors of the futuristic production design accurately reflected in both movies. The dialogue for both pictures is in English (War Between the Planets was shot with an Italian cast and crew, but this DVD features the English-dubbed print), and the monophonic audio has been mastered in Dolby Digital 2.0. Optional English-language subtitles are included for both features, but no multiple language options appear. While both movies can be played individually, Dark Sky has added to the fun with a "night at the drive-in" feature -- hit the "play" command on the main menu and the show starts with vintage drive-in snack bar ads and movie trailers, with another batch of period promotional materials popping up during "intermission" between the two films. Fans of '60s sci-fi will be happy to see two lesser-known titles appearing in high-quality transfers, and the "drive-in" presentation is icing on the cake for fans for vintage schlock -- this is fun stuff indeed.