Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		2.5

Extra Terrestrial Visitors Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman June 28, 2023

Those of you who keep up on imminent high definition and/or UHD releases of beloved classics may know that Invaders from Mars is due quite soon on both 1080 and 2160 discs (an autographed special limited edition has evidently already been released), but for those who can't wait and want to watch a film involving a little boy looking out of a bedroom window to witness something going bump in the night, the patently bizarre Extra Terrestrial Visitors might suffice, at least for those already attuned to certain gonzo Eurocult sensibilities. There's perhaps a bit of added comedic subtext offered courtesy of a rather interesting "pet name" the little boy bestows on an alien.

If that plot strand involving a little boy named Tommy (Óscar Martín) is going to be at least a little reminiscent of the 1953 classic (or its Tobe Hooper remake), that strand is only one element of a very bizarre quilt. Other simultaneously unfolding plot strands involve poachers and a would be rock (?) band attempting to record a big hit, and as such the narrative here is almost willfully random at times. The friendship that develops between Tommy and his little furry alien friend (whose semi-hilarious nickname won't be spoiled here) of course will remind folks of E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, as if the title of the film itself wouldn't, but, wait, you also get a glowing finger on the alien, though no evident tie in to AT&T.

Extra Terrestrial Visitors Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Extra Terrestrial Visitors is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Severin Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1. The back cover of this release states this features "a 4K scan from the 35mm negative", and as with Severin's day and date release of another little remembered cult "classic" with some sci-fi appeal also granted a 4K scan from an OCN, Alien from the Abyss, the results are quite nice looking. This feature doesn't offer quite the same level of sharpness that Alien from the Abyss does, but part of that is baked in due to a prevalence of misty environments, many of which are slathered in deep blue grading (see screenshot 9). There is just a hint of macroblocking and slight posterization in some of these forested scenes, but otherwise compression offers a really secure viewing experience. The palette is really nicely vibrant, and primaries in particular pop extremely well. Grain is generally tightly resolved, but it and clarity and vary noticeably during some of the old school composited effects.

Extra Terrestrial Visitors Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Extra Terrestrial Visitors features English and Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono options. There's not a huge difference between these two tracks, though I'd probably give a slight edge to the Spanish language track in terms of midrange and low end vibrancy, but this is a decidedly incremental difference. Both tracks offer a fluid listening experience, though both do have a bit of background hiss evident. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly throughout. Optional English subtitles are available.

Extra Terrestrial Visitors Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• The Simon's Jigsaw: A Journey Into the Universe of Juan Piquer Simón (HD; 1:41:22) is a really interesting overview of the life and career of Juan Piquer Simón. Subtitled in English.


• A Weekend in Hell (HD; 14:23) is an interview with actor Emilio Linder. Subtitled in English.


• Composing the Cosmos (HD; 19:02) is an interview with soundtrack composer Librado Pastor. Subtitled in English.


• A Private Concert from Librado Pastor (HD; 8:41) offers Pastor at a Korg keyboard. Tangentially but somewhat hilariously given the context of this film, one of my own very first professional recording experiences was with a Korg, and I remarked to the engineer how that brand name is a reversed version of a famous word coined by Robert A. Heinlein for Stranger in a Strange Land.


• Alternate Pod People Opening Credits (HD; 2:17)

Additionally, a Soundtrack CD consisting of four cuts sung by Ian Sera is included. Librado Pastor briefly talks about the original LP version in the Private Concert featurette.

Extra Terrestrial Visitors Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

I mentioned in my Alien from the Abyss Blu-ray review how that release might be alluring more due to its supplements than the actual feature. That may well be the case again with regard to this release, even if this release doesn't have the son of the filmmaker providing a glut of supplements. Technical merits are generally solid and even without the involvement of a family member the supplements are very enjoyable, for anyone who may be considering making a purchase.