Destination Moon/Rocketship X-M

Customer Reviews:

Far out space operas.......2007-09-15

"Destination Moon" and "Rocketship XM" both came out the same year -- but that is where the similarity ends. I consider "Destination Moon" the father of the modern science-fiction film. The quality of the production and the gorgeous Technicolor® give this film a quality few later '50's sci-fi films would achieve. What helps this flm is the fact that there are no real stars in it -- but very competent and very recognizable actors at the least. "Rocketship XM" on the other hand was a hurry-up film made to beat "...Moon" to the theaters. The B/W print quality is gorgeous, having been restored to its original sharp quality. Lloyd Bridges stars. The special effects for "XM" were decent for their time, but the effects for "...Moon" were ahead of their time. If I were grading these films, I would give "..Moon" a B+, and "XM" a C+. Both films are enjoyable, and make nice companion pieces.

Destination Moon/Rocketship XM.......2007-01-14

Excellant Movies for older people like me who grew up on the early 50's Sci-Fi. We can still appreciate that, although not on a par with Star Wars or Jurassic Park etc., they were masterpieces of their time.

1950s rockets to the moon.......2006-05-08

I got this two-pack for about a buck, when some store was closing and liquidating its stock. It was the best buck I've spent in a while, giving two wonderful Eisenhower-era views of space travel. Of course that meant traveling somewhere, and of course that meant the moon.

"Destination Moon" is just a little hard to take straight-facedly today. There's a long interlude early on explaining how a rocket works, in the form of a Woody Woodpecker cartoon. The reverential attitude towards American Industry (you can even heard the capital letters when the phrase is spoken) died long before Ernon and the rest defiled its corpse. The guys bounding around on the moon look pretty naive by the standard of The Matrix's wire-work. Even the stereotypes, like the little wise-cracking guy with the Bronxoid accent, have passed away. Still, George Pal's direction and Robert Heinlein's script push this one ahead of the pack.

In particular, ahead of "Rocketship X-M." In this one, the moon travellers make a wrong turn and end up on Mars. (The two were so close to each other, y'know, it was a natural mistake.) If you can go along with that much, you might enjoy this artifact of the 1950s. It's not so much a movie as a series of stereotypes strung together. The rocket's instrument panel would be familiar to anyone who had seen cockpit panels in WWII movies, right down to the artificial horizon (relative to what?) and airspeed indicator, despite lack of air. There are a few zero-G scenes, but weightlessness seems to apply only to objects and not to people. Mars itself is a lot like Earth, but with a Theremin and an orange filter. And that poor leading lady - she could be a woman or a scientist, but not both at once.

Whatever their flaws, these are still good popcorn movies. They capture the era in which they were made, including an glowing optimistic sense that's since been painted over with many coats of cynicism. And, if you have kids, you might appreciate the fact that people watch their language, keep their clothes on, and don't get into bloody fights. (The end of X-M might be a bit much for a sensitive kid, though - use your judgement.)

//wiredweird

Average customer rating:

A FABULOUS MUSIC SCORE
Just like its' music.
Rocketship XM
I thought the ending was cool
1950s popcorn movie

Rocketship X-M
Starring: Lloyd Bridges , Osa Massen , John Emery , Noah Beery Jr. , and Hugh O'Brian
Director: Kurt Neumann
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6305869367
Release Date: 2000-06-06

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Before the mid-1950s, science fiction was mostly confined to kid-stuff serials such as Buck Rogers; the things they portrayed were considered pure fantasy, pie in the sky. By 1950, however, things had changed. World War II had brought the German V-2 rocket (the template for many a '50s sci-fi rocket ship), television, and of course, the bomb. Sabrejets and MiGs were doing battle over Korea, and science fiction had become fact. Rocketship X-M (the X-M standing for Expedition: Moon), though primitive and cheap, has a place in film history as being the movie that initiated the '50s science fiction boom. A crew of four men and one woman embark for the moon, but when all are knocked unconscious, the rocket goes into a drift and they wind up on Mars instead. On the pinkish Mars, they encounter a race of extremely ticked-off cavemen who don't want them there and kill off three of their number. Certainly the effects are quaint (the astronauts and ground control communicate via surplus WWII radio equipment), the story a little ridiculous, and the acting stiff--but this was the first serious science fiction movie and was the inspiration for countless films that followed. --Jerry Renshaw

Description

The 50th Anniversary Edition of Kurt Neumann's science fiction classic. Four men and a girl blast into space on mankind's first expedition to the Moon. But due to a cataclysmic event in space, their ship is sent hurling out of control towards the planet Mars. Suspenseful terror as the crew fights for their life on a war-ravaged world with radiation-riddled nightmare creatures! The climax makes this one of the most powerful and unforgettable science fiction movies ever made. "Rocketship X-M" was deftly brought to the screen by famed writer/director Kurt Neumann. Long considered the definitive space exploration film of the 50's, a genuine classic with a power that has spanned the decades. Includes Trailer.

Customer Reviews:

A FABULOUS MUSIC SCORE.......2007-05-02

Ferde Grofe, certainly one of the best known American symphonic composers, was hired to write the music score for ROCKETSHIP X-M. He was paid $1500 to turn in what may be the best sci-fi score for the movies. When you watch the film, tune in to the heroic main title (which is repeated, in part, later), the "weightless" sound in certain scenes, the romantic theme for Floyd and Lisa, and the eerie sound as the crew discovers they are headed for Mars. After the landing, Grofe uses part of some music he wrote for his "Symphony in Steel," and combines it with the use of the Theremin to create an unworldly sound indeed. On the trip back, the solar opera aspect of this movie is emphasized with the music setting the exact mood it should do for the tragedies encountered. This is a great score, worthy of re-recording in today's sound.
And, if you want to hear another score Grofe wrote for the same studio (Lippert) in 1950, get a copy of THE RETURN OF JESSE JAMES, another worthy listen.

Just like its' music........2007-04-14

If you listen to the music for the movie it sounds like a grand adventure is taking place and then it all ends on a crash of sour notes. What do I mean? Well, they embark on the grand adventure of being the first ones to take ship for the moon--and wind up on mars. On their way back they crash...just like the music. I liked it. It shows just how serious people took the possibilitly of space flight back in the early fiftys.

PROS:

1. None of the attempted indept characterization you usually get in todays movies where you have fifty main characters and only two hours to tell each ones' story--they use that for filler today, somebody told those
hacks in Hollywood it was good writing. No, 77 minutes of short, sweat, and to the point. They do use characterization but they don't use it as filler.

2. An interesting idea and the actors are acting.

3. The required meteor swarm--all science fiction movies seem to have them. I seem to remember they put them in because they really didn't know what else bad could happen to you up there. (Just remember, I didn't say Heinlein wrote this.)

4. Through a twist or two of fate they wind up making a landing on Mars. By the way, its starts raining when they stop. I think someone should have muttered '...ionizing the atmosphere as we came down....' might have passed the pop science of the day.

5. Another interesting thing was they discovered life on Mars and it had been destroyed by atomic wars. The question was if a big meteor had smashed them...no everything is being radiated so it was war destroyed them.

six. They find the destroyed remains of a civilization. Interesting in that they pick up a few objects and look at them. What were they...who knows? You remember the time machine with Rod Taylor and how the spinning rings were a big interesting thing and help make the movie because they told of how it all happened. Well, the artifacts are that kind of 'interesting'. Too bad there were not more. I figured that first one they uncovered was a tomb stone.

7. They find the remainder of the humanoid-like people of Mars. The one who threw the ax and killed the scientiest appeared to still have blisters on his back and the girls is blind. Obviously the dying remainder of the thousand year dead civilization still live close to their nuclear blasted cities. I've got to tell you all, this is actually original stuff for hollywood. Despite having rain, dry gulches that must sometimes have water, human like people, no space suits and a space ship capable of reaching Mars -- using chemical rockets-- but less than a hundred feet tall...it is still interesting. I guess it's that short, sweat, and to the point thing.

I don't think I'll tell you any more and ruin it for you.

CONS:

1. Humm. I don't find movies that are dead serious cheezy or campy...this movie is 'dead serious'.

Therefore, I give this movie five stars because they tried hard to make it a serious movie with limited facts about the surface of Mars. The actors did a fine job, the idea is fine and interesting and carried out seriously. No, I don't think more money would have helped. No, they need more information about space, acceleration, and the surface of Mars.
All sins are forgiven, it is a fine movie and should be view as science fiction drama. No popcorn this time...I think I'll read the bible.

Rocketship XM.......2007-03-09

Great movie for it's time. Seem's so old fashioned in light of moder technology, but was way ahead of it's time. Even them outer space was fasinating. Cast did a great job to make it look very real.

I thought the ending was cool.......2006-09-30

In the context that this film was made in (during the 1950's), it's not too bad of a movie. The ending surprised me as well. Space travel was a lot more dangerous back then. Men were real men, and women were real women. And who doesn't love rocketships? Anyone interested in 1950's sci-fi should see this one for sure.

1950s popcorn movie.......2006-05-07

It's the first manned rocket, ready to go. Of course, they'll need somewhere to go to, and the moon is right there. Unfortunately, they make a wrong turn and end up on Mars. They were so close to each other, y'know, it was a natural mistake.

If you can go along with that much, you might enjoy this artifact of the 1950s. It's not so much a movie as a series of stereotypes strung together. The rocket's instrument panel would be familiar to anyone who had seen cockpit panels in WWII movies, right down to the artificial horizon (relative to what?) and airspeed indicator, despite lack of air. There are a few zero-G scenes, but weightlessness seems to apply only to objects and not to people. Mars itself is a lot like Earth, but with a Theremin and an orange filter. And that poor leading lady - she could be a woman or a scientist, but not both at once.

Broad stereotypes and bad science, what a combination. If you've got a rainy afternoon some time, pop the popcorn and go ahead. They just don't make them like this anymore - and that may be a good thing.

//wiredweird

Sci-Fi Classics Triple Feature, Vol. 2 (Devil Girl from Mars / Monster from Green Hell / Rocketship X-M)

Average customer rating:

Nice Leather Space-suit!
Two out of three ain't bad
It's Pretty Good

Sci-Fi Classics Triple Feature, Vol. 2 (Devil Girl from Mars / Monster from Green Hell / Rocketship X-M)
Starring: Jim Davis , Robert Griffin , Joel Fluellen , Barbara Turner , and Eduardo Ciannelli
Director: Kenneth G. Crane , David MacDonald , and Kurt Neumann
Manufacturer: Rph Productions
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000065Q9W
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Customer Reviews:

Nice Leather Space-suit!.......2003-07-09

This triple feature has something for everyone. First, "Devil Girl From Mars" (worth having for the title alone) involves some pub owners, an escaped convict, a kid, his mum, and some scientists, as they match wits with the bodacious devil grrrrl! She has a weird ship, a cheesey robot, and a cool leather outfit! She wants a man to take back to Mars for breeding purposes. Who wouldn't go?? "Monster From Green Hell" is an epic slab of moldy limburger, starring J.R. Ewing's daddy (on Dallas) Jim Davis. It seems we've sent a rocket full of wasps (???!) into space, only to have them crash, mutate into giants, and start eating folks in "Green Hell" Africa. Only Jim Davis can save us! The "monsters" were snatched from some poor kid's toybox for sure! Enjoyable for it's pure schlock-factor. "Rocketship X-M" Yes, it's Lloyd Bridges as you've never seen him before! He heads a crew on a mission to the moon that goes awry. The ship goes off coarse and heads toward Mars instead! Who knew that Mars was inhabited by cavemen? I was hoping for more devil women!! You'll recognize lots of the cast from other movies like "Kronos", and from the '70s TV hit "Rockford Files" (Jim Rockford's dad). A nice little diversion...

Two out of three ain't bad.......2002-09-01

Another in Navarre's series of public domain titles put together as a budget release. The entire collection is hit or miss. The first film, Monster from Green Hell, is a classic Grade Z feature made by the same people who produced Robot Monster. While the film is not as bad as its infamous predecessor, it isn't very good either. Monster from Green Hell is mostly endless stock footage interspliced with scenes shot in California's Bronson Canyon. The movie appears complete, the framing is good and the sound is adequate. However, the print's picture quality is abysmal. Devil Girl from Mars is a fun, British, science fiction film about a spaceship from Mars landing in the Scottish Highlands. It's similiar in look and tone to Ulmer's Man from Planet X. The print is in excellent condition, appears complete and the framing and sound are good. Rocketship X-M is a Robert Lippert film rushed into production to beat George Pal's big budget Destination Moon to release. Again, the print is in excellent condition. It's a little dark, but, for the most part acceptable. The print is also complete with proper framing and very good sound. The sequences on Mars are sepia-toned. Wade Williams Productions offers this same movie on DVD. Williams modified his version of the film by inserting new special effects shots in place of the stock footage of V2 rockets used in the original print. I understand the original Rocketship X-M no longer exists. Navarre's print appears to be the Williams version. Frankly, considering the quality and completeness of this print it would be silly to spend the extra money for the Wade Williams release. Three stars for two good prints and films out of three.

It's Pretty Good.......2002-08-04

Ok, first check the price. Now you can not expect three movies all carefully restored before being transfered to DVD. Having said that, Devil Girl from Mars and Rocketship X-M came from print that has few, if any distortions, the Monster from Green Hell was pretty poor, but even when it played on TV it never was very high quality. If you are trying to build a collection of old B-rated sci-fi movies, this is a good economical choice. I gave it 4 stars primarily for its low cost, and movies that have many actors/actresses that are early in their careers.

Average customer rating:

A FABULOUS MUSIC SCORE
Just like its' music.
Rocketship XM
I thought the ending was cool
1950s popcorn movie

Rocketship X-M
Starring: Lloyd Bridges , Osa Massen , John Emery , Noah Beery Jr. , and Hugh O'Brian
Director: Kurt Neumann
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

( R ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B00005IBKV

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

A FABULOUS MUSIC SCORE.......2007-05-02

Just like its' music........2007-04-14

Rocketship XM.......2007-03-09

Great movie for it's time. Seem's so old fashioned in light of moder technology, but was way ahead of it's time. Even them outer space was fasinating. Cast did a great job to make it look very real.

I thought the ending was cool.......2006-09-30

1950s popcorn movie.......2006-05-07

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