Prince of Space Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.0

Prince of Space Blu-ray Movie Review

Prince of Space is a science-fiction adventure. Featuring a story by Masaru Igami (Robot Detective, Kamen Rider), Prince of Space is a Toei feature production exploring a condensed storyline of the television series. There were originally multiple cuts of the feature – including a two part option. Distributor Shout Factory has only provided the short condensed cut on the release – running 57 minutes. The extended theatrical cut isn’t provided. Produced by Sanehiko Sonoda (House of Terrors, Kaigun), Prince of Space stars Tatsuo Umemiya, Hiroko Mine, Takashi Kanda, Ushio Akashi, Ken Hasebe, Junji Masuda, and Jôji Oka.

The aliens have arrived. Planet Earth is under invasion. The intergalactic aliens are determined to steal a new and powerful form of rocket fuel. Now it is up to the Planetary Prince (Tatsuo Umemiya) to defeat Phantom Ambassador (Jôji Oka). Can the heroes defeat the alien invaders?

Tatsuo Umemiya delivers a solid performance as the Planetary Prince. Jôji Oka also impresses as the Phantom Ambassador. The supporting cast of characters includes Sachiko Shibasaki (Hiroko Mine), Inspector Takeda (Takashi Kanda), Dr. Maki (Ushio Akashi), Newsreporter Tabei (Ken Hasebe) and Colonel Watanabe (Junji Masuda). The supporting cast members have fun with their respective roles, too.

The cinematography by Masahiko Iimura (A Haunted Turkish Bathhouse, Return of the Sister Street Fighter) is one of the highlights of the feature. The visual language of the storytelling is effective – creating something special for audiences. The black and white visuals create a compelling visual aesthetic.

Edited by Yoshiki Nagasawa (Snake Woman's Curse, The Drifting Avenger), Prince of Space is a mixed bag. The edit is quite short and much of the content has been condensed. This is unfortunate as the production started out as a lengthy television series – and then was re-cut with an extended feature version and two separate parts. The version provided here is quite short at only 57 minutes and it is disappointing that a longer version isn’t provided.

The production design by Shûshi Nakamura (Bullet Train, The Ballad of the Sea of Genkai) is effective for old- school charm. Even though some might find the production design elements over-the-top, that is essentially why it is so charming in the first place. The designs create a sense of style that is fun to experience.

Composed by Katsuhisa Hattori (Banner of the Stars, Infinite Ryvius), Prince of Space is an effective score and one that adds to the filmmaking. Hattori created music that is engaging and enjoyable. The music is great as a backdrop to the action scenes.

Written by Shin Morita (Invasion of the Neptune Men, Ninja in Moonshade), Prince of Space has a silly and over-the-top script. Even so, the script is fun. The zany and silly elements make it what it is – an entertaining and charming old-school science-fiction adventure. This is something audiences can appreciate. At the same time, the film is so condensed that is obvious a lot of the television series material is missing.

Directed by Eijirô Wakabayashi (Yararete tamaru ka, Kyôfu no majo), Prince of Space is worth seeing for the old-school b-movie elements. The science-fiction adventure aspects are a lot of fun. Prince of Space isn’t a perfect film – for one thing, it is a short cut of a much longer television series – but it does offer entertainment for genre audiences.

Prince of Space Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Shout Factory, Prince of Space is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The transfer is only of the shorter 57-minute-long version. The print is one of the weakest ones in the box- set.

The high-definition transfer is often faded looking on the release – with weak definition and visual clarity – many specks and a lot of dirt on the print – some telecine issues. The transfer doesn't appear as crisp as a modern high-definition scan does. It could have benefited from a new 2K or 4K scan.

Prince of Space Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Blu-ray release is presented in Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (with English subtitles). The audio on the release is decent sounding and despite sounding reasonably solid it is not as crisp and it lacks the precise detail of the best lossless audio presentations. The audio could have used a better restoration but is acceptable overall.

Prince of Space Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There were no supplements on the release.

Prince of Space Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Prince of Space is entertaining. The feature-film has solid action and adventure. The science-fiction elements are fun. The Blu-ray release features an outdated looking master. There are no extras. Nonetheless, genre fans will want to check it out. Recommended.