My evidence of this is the presence of the Space Raiders trailer on recent Scorpion DVD titles (specifically, the kung fu caper Force: Five, which I purchased not long ago). Scorpion also posted the artwork above (without comment) on their Facebook page last Fall, along with the posters of a few other Corman titles.
This flick from the tail end of the Space: 1970 era (as I loosely define it) stars Vince Edwards and Thom Christopher (Buck Rogers' "Hawk") and recycles copious effects footage from the legendary B-movie producer's earlier space operas, Battle Beyond The Stars and Android (Hmmm. Wonder if Scorpion might pick up that one?).
As more information about this release becomes available, I'll post it here.
Yeah, I remember getting suckered in to see this one, thinking it was an original movie. I was thirteen at the time and my friends and I were pretty disappointed when we saw the reused footage from Battle Beyond the Stars. I think most of us were turned off with the kid's performance. Besides, that was the same year Return of the Jedi came out and we were all waiting for that.
ReplyDeleteI went to see this in the theater way back in 1983 when I was sixteen and I cannot recall any of it today. So I went to YouTube and watched it once again and sure enough it is basically Battle Beyond the Stars space action with a new plot.
ReplyDeleteI actually saw this prior to seeing Battle Beyond The Stars and I guess that is the reason why I prefer it. Yes, I am well aware of how bad that this movie is (especially when compared to Battle Beyond The Stars) but it was and still is (to me) a fun movie. I already have this on DVD (transferred from VHS) so if it isn't either a pristine copy or loaded with some excellent extras I probably won't buy it. Still, I am glad that it's being put out on DVD. Perhaps Cenemax or Encore will start playing it. If anything is missing from current television (all the stations) it's a good supply of older Sci-Fi and horror films. I miss putting on the television and seeing things like Yor, Horror Planet, War Of The Worlds, Frankenstein, Godzilla, King Kong and the like. I mean, I can't be the only one who is completely sick of seeing bad Marvel/DC superhero movies and/or terrible remakes am I?
ReplyDeleteI was really hoping that Shout! Factory would release this as part of their Roger Corman line and was disappointed when that didn't happen, but I'm happy that it's finally getting what looks to be a DVD and Blu-ray release. Though not officially announced, they've disclosed that they did an interview with star David Mendenhall for this release, so here's to hoping for a packed disc.
ReplyDeleteSo, there will be extras! I may buy this after all. I love this movie. It's one of my favorites. For me it's right up there with The Empire Strikes Back, Blade Runner, Star Trek II and The Black Hole. And yes, I am aware it is nowhere near as good as the other movies that I listed, but it's fun dang gum it!
ReplyDeleteI remember watching this on cable when I was about fourteen and thinking it was kinda fun. I hadn't actually seen Battle Beyond the Stars yet but still recognized the borrowed footage from various magazines. Btw, Android was released on dvd by Anchor Bay back in 2004.
ReplyDeleteGlorious - back in the days when movie posters were better than the movies they advertised. Since then the advertising became more photo-realistic and much less interesting. As for the movies themselves... at the very least, my imagination still had room to move.
ReplyDeletePaul W.
I have that poster!
ReplyDeleteScorpion Releasing has confirmed via their Facebook page that this is getting a release in August, but have given no other details.
ReplyDelete