Battle for the Lost Planet Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Battle for the Lost Planet Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 26, 2019

Taking inspiration from countless post-apocalyptic and sci-fi films, writer/director Brett Piper tries to manufacture his own extravaganza with 1986’s “Battle for the Lost Planet,” working to craft something exciting for next to no money. Experiencing a minor hit, Piper returns with 1988’s “Mutant War,” a semi-sequel to “Battle for the Lost Planet” that presents a little more money to the filmmaker to realize his vision. To help celebrate the helmer’s achievements, Vinegar Syndrome offers a double feature Blu-ray release of Piper’s mid-80s experiments with practical effects and dented acts of heroism, providing fans with a chance to experience both endeavors, now upgraded from their VHS heyday.

Click here for a review of Battle for the Lost Planet

Click here for a review of Mutant War

Battle for the Lost Planet Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Click here for a video review of Battle for the Lost Planet

Click here for a video review of Mutant War

Battle for the Lost Planet Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Click here for an audio review of Battle for the Lost Planet

Click here for an audio review of Mutant War

Battle for the Lost Planet Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Battle for the Last Movie" (20:44, SD) is an unexpectedly candid interview with Brett Piper, who tracks his early development at an independent filmmaker, completing only two features before he was tasked with the creation of "Battle for the Lost Planet." Trying to scratch his Ray Harryhausen itches, the helmer describes the effort required to put a low-budget sci-fi adventure together, taking over factories and even a chicken coop to find space for the shoot, which ran over-schedule, resulting in a mutiny of sorts from some of the cast, adding to Piper's anxieties during a largely sleepless time in his life. Piper breaks down the selling of the film and his relationship with a difficult producer, who wanted a remake of "Battle for the Lost Planet" for "Mutant War," giving the director 35mm demands he didn't want, forcing Piper to rethink his technical knowhow. There's a short inspection of stop-motion animation, tests of skill, and Piper's lifelong interest in moviemaking, while casting achievements are noted, with Cameron Mitchell demanding cue cards during his first day on "Mutant War." Piper seems a little fatigued of both features, which have been retitled and distributed without his knowledge, and admits embarrassment with the endeavors while still wishing them well on Blu-ray.

Battle for the Lost Planet

• Intro (:33) is an audio greeting from writer/director Brett Piper, who briefly describes the difficult shoot for "Battle for the Lost Planet," with emphasis on limited resources and Ray Harryhausen fandom.

• Commentary features Piper.

Mutant War

• Intro (:55) is an audio greeting from writer/director Brett Piper, who tries to explain how "Mutant War" is a sequel but not really a sequel to "Battle for the Lost Planet." He also details casting accomplishments, including the hiring of Cameron Mitchell, perhaps unwisely reminding listeners that the actor previously won an Academy Award.

• Commentary features Piper.

• And a Trailer (1:10, HD) is included.

Battle for the Lost Planet Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

While "Battle for the Lost Planet" is an enjoyable romp through low-fi filmmaking, "Mutant War" isn't an inspired follow-up, with Piper's own lack of enthusiasm quite apparent during a viewing of the sequel. Thankfully, Vinegar Syndrome supplies an impressively detailed look at both features, offering fresh scans that identify Piper's creative ingenuity, trying to shape his own vision for a world gone mad and the blowhard tasked with restoring order.