Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		5.0

Robot Monster 3D Blu-ray Movie Review

Robot Monster is a film with an interesting reputation with cineastes. Considered by some as one of the worst films ever made, Robot Monster has still managed to garner a huge cult following over the years (with many appreciating the zaniness of the film and the comedic elements). Produced by Phil Tucker (Broadway Jungle, Death Riders), Robot Monster is an early 3D feature made on a shoestring budget compared to major Hollywood productions.

Yet the amazing implementation of 3D in Robot Monster is one element of the film that made is stand out upon release and that has also helped it to maintain relevancy to this day. Executive produced by Al Zimbalist (Valley of the Dragons, King Dinosaur), Robot Monster stars Claudia Barrett, Selena Royle, John Mylong, Gregory Moffett, Pamela Paulson, and George Barrows. John Brown provides the voice of Ro-Man. 3-D Film Archive has lovingly restored Robot Monster. Any 3D fan should be curious to experience this cult classic in 3D.

The world is no longer the same as it once was. A giant cosmic terror has caused most of humanity to be wiped out. The human race is now near extinction and there are few survivors. The last few survivors of an alien apocalypse are now struggling to survive while pushing themselves to stand up against the big alien foe, Ro-Man the Monster (George Barrows).

Ro-Man (referred to as a moon monster) is a alien that looks like a ape (while wearing an oversized helmet). Ro-Man follows orders given out by the “Great Guidance” and pushes forward with bringing extinction to the human race.  Ro-Man also has developed feelings for a girl, Alice (Claudia Barrett).

It is up to Roy (George Nader) to save Alice from the clutches of Ro-Man and protect her from the alien race. The encounters with Ro-Man are strange and confounding to all – and the stakes for survival are high as well. Even young Johnny (Gregory Moffett) finds the alien creature confounding. How can the last surviving humans overcome the alien creature?

What can one say about the performances? A lot of the performances are over-the-top and a bit hokey on the whole. The cast doesn’t exactly have the acting chops of a first-rate Hollywood production. Yet the cast has a lot of fun with the film. The entire ensemble cast seems glad to be participating in the production – conceived of as a 3D science-fiction project from the start. The most impressive actor participating in the film is Gregory Moffett, who provides the film with plenty of genuine comedy. Impressive for such a young age, the performance added a lot to the charms of Robot Monster.

The special effects by David Commons (No Escape, The Moon Is Blue) and Jack Rabin (Cat-Women of the Moon, War of the Satellites) are surprisingly a lot more fun that one might expect given the reputation the film has garnered. The effects are highly effective looking for a low-budget production. There are also additional effects added with creature-feature action scenes and these add to the kitschy charm.

The costumes by Henry West (Tarzan’s Hidden Jungle, Adventures of Casanova) add to the production. West certainly did something unique with the design for the “Robot Monster” Ro-Man. Though the costume is simplistic and silly in most respects, it is iconic as a B-movie design. The design made an impression on the cult fanbase and has inspired some cosplay. An essential part of the B-movie fun.

The cinematography by Jack Greenhalgh (Adventure Island, The Devil Diamond) is more impressive than expected given the quick-and-done nature of filming. The film looks great in the restored version and the black-and-white cinematography adds to the charm of the film. A solid effort by Greenhalgh.

The score composed by Elmer Bernstein (Ghostbusters, An American Werewolf in London) is one of the greatest highlights of the film. With a composer as important as Bernstein is it any wonder some fans helped to make Robot Monster a cult film? The score is entertaining and engaging to listen to – a fun part of the experience and an essential part of the film.

Edited by Merrill G. White (The Brave One, Red Snow), Robot Monster might not be the best film in the editing room. This is clearly one area where Robot Monster shows some of its weaknesses that are undeniable. The pace is sometimes a slog and the filmmaking isn’t as well edited as it could be. Nonetheless, Robot Monster is surprisingly never a bore. The editing isn’t so bad, after all.

The screenplay by Wyott Ordung (First Man Into Space, Target Earth) is a mess in some respects and has a lot of over-the-top and hammed up elements. Yet the script is entertaining and the dialogue is often surprisingly funny (intentional or not). The concept and story might not break any new ground but it works well for a silly B-movie. It’s not a script that ever attempts for high-art – that’s the charm.

Phil Tucker (Dance Hall Racket, The Cape Canaveral Monsters) directed a fun and over-the-top monster movie and creature-feature with Robot Monster 3D. Despite the poor filmmaking the film displays in several regards, Robot Monster is entertaining, charming, and fun. For a film with such a “bad-film” reputation, there’s a lot more to appreciate here than to toss under the buss. A fun bad movie. It shouldn’t even necessarily qualify as bad, should it? One might argue that’s why it is so beloved.

Robot Monster 3D Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Bayview Entertainment in collaboration with 3-D Film Archive, Robot Monster 3D is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 MVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 full frame. The film has been lovingly restored from the best available elements – some of these original elements are in outstanding condition while other elements are not as impressive looking (and occasional shots briefly resemble standard-definition). Most of the transfer is exceptionally sharp and crisp. Outstanding work was done by 3-D Film Archive. The 3D effects are impressive and showcase an abundance of depth and interesting effects. (Even the opening credits popping off of my screen in 3D was stunning.)

The elements that aren't in the best condition have some deterioration that was due to the original conditions of those elements. These shots sometimes have frames that are repeated because the transfer needed to have continuous synchronization for the left and right eye. Even despite the occasional flaws of the image, the overwhelming reaction to this 3D presentation was one of complete wonder. The 3D restoration is so lovingly handled by 3-D Film Archive – the 3D and its implementation rivals that of big-budget Hollywood productions. A testament to the love of these 3D archivists and their clear affection for restoring and celebrating vintage 3D. No 3D fan should go without seeing this amazing restoration.

Robot Monster 3D Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono. The lossless audio presentation is engaging on the whole and works well within the presentation. The lossless encoding is effective and good work was done from the 3-D Film Archive. The audio track does exhibit some hiss and the audio elements aren't as well preserved as the video elements, but the track is never too harsh to listen to and it is certainly far more engaging sounding than one would expect for a lower-budget vintage 3D film. Perfection might not be achieved but the results are clearly handled with some degree of care.

Optional English SDH subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing are provided.

Robot Monster 3D Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The menu selection includes the BD3D default (for selecting the feature-film 3D Blu-ray playback) but the release also provides optional anaglyph 3D and standard 2D viewing options. Viewers can select which presentation option they would prefer to watch on the release menu. The Blu-ray release also comes with a pair of anaglyph 3D glasses for those who are not equipped to view the film with native 3D displays.

Audio Commentary by Greg Moffett, Mike Ballew, Lawrence Kaufman, and Eric Kurland

Prologue – Stardust in Your Eyes (1953) is presented before the main feature-film presentation of Robot Monster 3D. The prologue video features star Slick Slaven. The footage is taken from a 4K scan of the original 35mm master positives (left/right).

Post Feature-Film Presentation:

Was I A Man (2022) features special restoration credits in 3-D and highlights the song performed by The Other Favorites (Josh Turner and Carson McKee). The special credits play immediately after the main presentation has concluded.  

Memorabilia Gallery (2023) showcases vintage newspaper advertisements, film posters, lobby cards, and publicity stills in 3- D. The memorabilia gallery was created by Charles Barnard.

3-D Bonus Content (HD, 1:03:52) includes:

3-D Trailer (2023) is a new trailer created for Robot Monster.

Memories of a Pooped Out Pinwheel (2022) features a discussion with star Greg Moffett as he discusses his involvement with filming on Robot Monster over the course of four days during March 1953. Moffett talks about the first time he viewed the film and subsequent experiences he has had with the film being presented. Moffett also talks about the legacy of the film and the reputation it has garnered as a cult classic with some audiences (even though the film has an equal reputation as a notorious bad film).

Travels Through Time & Space (2023) is a new slideshow presentation of vintage 3D photography as narrated and presented by stereoscopic historian Hillary Hess.

Side Streets of Hollywood 3-D Insert (1953) features an eight-minute-long presentation of Dance of the Blonde Slaves Revenge and Madonna and Ger Bubbles, available for the first time with a polarized 3D presentation. The presentation has been restored with a 4K scan from the original 35mm camera negatives (left/right).

Adventures in 3-D (1953) is a newly restored 3-D comic book presented page-by-page with the support of Carl Scheckel (of Carl's Comix).

Return to Bronson Canyon (2006) features star Bob Burns wearing the original Robot Monster helmet of actor George Barrows. Featuring Automatic Billion Bubble Machine effects from Jonathan Sloman and Jack Theakston.

Whatever Happened to Ro-Man? (2009) is a special short film featuring Eric Kurland as Ro-Man. The short was produced by the Stereo Club of Southern California.

Before & After Restoration Demo

2-D Bonus Content (HD, 37:34) includes:

Saving Slick (2023) is a short documentary film produced by Sean Thrunk. The short film explores the 1950's nightclub comedian Slick Slaven. The film explores the revival of the 3D film in 2003.

Robot Monster (1953) original trailer is provided.

3-D Movies in Los Angeles (2023) features a special selection of trailers promoting other 3D feature-films.

Monster from Mars (1956) showcases the opening title credits for the re-release of Robot Monster under the changed title of Monsters from Mars.

Trailers from Hell (2014) features director Joe Dante exploring the legacy of Robot Monster and the re-issue trailer. The piece is provided courtesy of Trailers from Hell.

Mistakes & Innovations (2023) features Bob Furmanek discussing the original footage for the film and the "Double Film" (3-D Blinkey") footage.

Robot Monster Diaries promotional spot about the book featuring interviews with cast and others associated with the production and release of Robot Monster.

Rescuing Ro-Man (2023) is a documentary short film from director Sean Thrunk exploring how the discovery of lost 35mm prints (rescued in 1990) helped to save the 3-D footage.

The supplemental package also provides:

Bela Lugosi – You Asked For It (In 2-D) is a live television performance with actor Bela Lugosi. The piece has been restored from the 16mm kinescope.

Bela Lugosi – You Asked For It (In 2-D with Audio Commentary featuring Bela Lugosi historian Gary D. Rhodes)

Robot Monster 3D Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

3-D Film Archive is doing some of the best work being done in the entire Blu-ray stratosphere. The archival work done by Bob Furmanek and the rest of the team is phenomenal. Robot Monster 3D certainly is a revelation on 3D Blu-ray. The "so-bad-it's-good" cult classic is given new life with a stunning restoration.

Not only do viewers get a great cult film in 3D, the selection of bonuses is impressive and one can easily spends hours with the absorbing supplemental content – much of it presented in 3D. This is a great release and even if one doesn't experience the same level of cult-love some have for the main feature, the extras are bountiful and essential for 3D aficionados. A must-own release for 3D enthusiasts. Highly recommended.