Missile to the Moon/Project Moonbase

Rating:
Summary: Rock Monsters!
Review: Considering "Missile To The Moon" is sold alone at the same price as this double-pack, it's a pretty good deal. These are two separate dvd's, each with its own case and cover art. They each have a one-sided single page insert with a chapter index. Both films are in b&w despite the cover art. Both films are standard width, not widescreen. Both dvd's have chapter indexes. "Project.. " has the original trailer & "Missile.." has a photo gallery.

1953's Project Moonbase" is a failed attempt at pre-feminist woman-power, with a female US President, and a woman colonel in charge of the mission (Donna Martel). Ms. Martel is pleasant to look at, but her screechy & petulant portrayal is tiresome rather than silly or funny. The story is dull - a mission to orbit the earth goes haywire and the rocket ends up landing on the moon, waiting for rescue. There are no monsters or moon people. The transfer is excellent - crisp visuals and sound. The special effects include space station characters walking sideways on the walls. The fact that a 1953 filmmaker envisioned a space station in permanent orbit around Earth is impressive, but the movie is ultimately dull, and exasperating in its adolescent portrayal of a female colonel. And don't even get me started on the short-shorts and bathing caps.

1959's "Missile to the Moon" is the winner here. Although the transfer is poor, with many scenes spoiled by white flashes from a scratchy source and the occasional fleck of dirt, until there's a better version available I would still recommend owning this movie. The sound is excellent & the visuals are sharp (aside from aforementioned problem). The plot: a spaceship heads to the moon, carrying an engaged couple, 2 escaped convicts & the scientist who built the ship. Only the scientist knows why they're going, and he ends up dead before they arrive. Upon arrival, they are greeted by rock monsters and mysterious female inhabitants with a secret agenda. The rock monsters are classic - they will immediately remind you of the first time you saw this film, probably as a kid watching Saturday morning tv. The acting is energetic and convincing. Good story, sets & costumes & most of the special effects are quite good. Exception: the wildly pathetic spider monster puppet is just embarassing. But nevermind that - for B-movie, 50's Sci-Fi buffs, this one's a keeper.