Mutant Aliens Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.5
Overall		3.5

Mutant Aliens Blu-ray Movie Review

Mutant Aliens is a quirky and offbeat exploration of intergalactic science-fiction adventure and old-school Americana. Produced by creator Bill Plympton, Mutant Aliens premiered at the esteemed Sundance Film Festival on January 24^th, 2001. Mutant Aliens became a cult underground title in distribution with small film festivals. Starring Dan McComas, Francine Lobis, George Casden, Matthew Brown, Jay Cavanaugh, Amy Allison, Christopher Schukai, Kevin Kolack, Vera Beren, and Bill Plympton.

Earl Jensen is an astronaut who sets off on an intergalactic mission before becoming stranded in space on an unusual planet. The planet is one that is inhabited by strange and otherworldly alien creatures which strangely mimic the look of various human body parts (such as fingers and tongues). Spending every moment on the peculiar planet, Earl Jensen is no ordinary astronaut and his journey is one that is full of surprises.

Meanwhile, Earl’s grown daughter (who has lived a life away from her astronaut dad) is now an astronomer into some kinky lovemaking with her boyfriend (with the animated lovemaking sessions involving a bizarre flurry of images of rhinoceros, volcanos, and even a moving train). The intense lovemaking session is interrupted by the unexpected return of father Earl – back from the far reaches of outer-space. Can Earl and his daughter reconnect and make up for lost time?

The cinematography by John Donnelly (Hair High, Mondo Plympton) is one of the highlights of the production. Mutant Aliens is a gorgeous looking production. The cinematography makes a solid impression. The animated visuals are highlighted well by Donnelly.

Composed by Hank Bones (Slide, Hair High) and Maureen McElheron (Mondo Plympton, The Tune), Mutant Aliens is a well-done score. Bones and McElheron are both talented composers. With an impressive score, Mutant Aliens is a well-done and the score is a perfect backdrop to the film.

Edited by Anthony Arcidi (I Married a Strange Person!, Cartoon Sushi), Mutant Aliens is well-paced. Mutant Aliens is an energetic edit. The style of the editing is precise and works well for the sci-fi elements.

The animation is the greatest strength of the production. The stunning hand-drawn animation is creative fun. There is so much worth appreciating about the animation. The attention to detail and the fantastic style is remarkable. The beauty in the animation and its quirky sensibilities is at the heart of the film.

Written and directed by Bill Plympton (I Married a Strange Person!, Idiots and Angels), Mutant Aliens is another offbeat animated film by the creative. Plympton is a talent and someone with a freewheelin’ style that is distinctly original. There is nothing else out there that feels quite like a Plympton film or creation. Mutant Aliens is bizarre from beginning to end and will appeal to enthusiasts of strange independent animation.

Mutant Aliens Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Deaf Crocodile, Mutant Aliens is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.66:1 widescreen. The high-definition video is quite impressive. The transfer looks crisp and clear on the release. The animation is well reproduced and wonderful detail is present in the image.  The filmic scan retains the authentic style of the feature production.

Mutant Aliens Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The lossless audio encoding is well-done throughout. The audio provides superb detail and clarity. The score is well integrated into the sound presentation. There is much to appreciate about the lossless presentation.

Mutant Aliens Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The limited edition comes packaged in a deluxe chipboard artbox with beautiful artwork. The release includes the standard edition housed inside of the deluxe artbox. The standard edition includes key artwork, too. The release also includes a well-done booklet.

2025 Audio Commentary by Adam Rackoff, James Hancock, and Plymptoons Studio Manager John Holderried

2003 Audio Commentary by Bill Plympton (as produced for the original DVD release)

The Plympton Diaries (SD, 1:30:09) is a feature-length making-of documentary.

Interview with Bill Plympton (HD, 32:16)

Hot Dog (HD, 5:44)

The Cow Who Wanted To Be A Hamburger (HD, 6:05)

Mutant Aliens Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Mutant Aliens is a quirky and offbeat animated film by creative visionary Bill Plympton. Plympton makes films like no one else. There is nothing else to even compare to. Mutant Aliens is unique and strange. Enthusiasts of independent animation will want to see this animated feature, once a rare film that mostly screened at indie festivals. The Blu-ray release provides an excellent high-definition transfer, lossless audio encoding, and an impressive selection of bonus features. Recommended.