Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 29, 2023

A Czechoslovakian and Yugoslavian co-production from animator Dusan Vukotic, 1981’s “Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy” is a live-action cartoon from the helmer. It’s a take on the creative process, exploring the runaway imagination of a writer coming into contact with his own creation, experiencing all the curiosity and madness such a meeting involves. It’s a wild comedy from Vukotic, who eventually allows the film to spin out of his control, but the set-up is involving, dealing with sci-fi examination, mild eroticism, and domestic pressures, generating a unique atmosphere of exploration as matters grow stranger by the minute.

Robert (Zarko Potocnjak) is a struggling author trying to work his way through his latest novel, concerning the exploits of alien visitors Andra (Ksenia Prohaska), a “she-robot,” and her young charges, Targo (Rene Bitorajac) and Ulu (Jasminka Alic). Dealing with his wife, Biba (Lucie Zulova), and everyday demands, Robert is losing his patience, but he’s life changes radically when Andra, Targo, and Ulu pay a visit to Earth, eager to understand more about humankind and their creator, causing trouble wherever they go.

Robert wants to be a successful sci-fi author, and his method to get into character is put on a space helmer and brainstorm ideas. He’s a man dedicated to his art, but the art has trouble coming together, with Robert facing distractions from apartment building neighbors, employment demands, and Biba, who’s growing weary of the supportive spouse role. “Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy” soon slips into fantasy mode with the arrival of Andra and the children, with one of them in possession of a monster toy he periodically unleashes. They arrive on an island, looking to meet Robert, helping him out by turning Biba into a silver cube, and they have a strong curiosity about human life, looking to the writer for answers.

Humor is present in “Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy,” and Vukotic does well when realizing Robert’s panic, juggling alien experiences with the rest of his life, remaining drawn to Andra’s robotic abilities (she’s a machine who assumes a homemaker position) and her sensuality, experiencing a special connection. There’s entertainment value in the bustle of characters trying getting involved in Robert’s discovery, and alien events are wonderfully bizarre at times, giving the picture a few boosts of oddness.

Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as a "new scan of 'Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy' with restoration by Craig Roberts for Deaf Crocodile," and "Blu-ray authoring by David Mackenzie of Fidelity in Motion." Detail provides softer textures on skin surfaces and costuming, and monster events are reasonably defined. Island and village tours are dimensional, and interiors retain a milder sense of decorative additions. Colors are respectfully refreshed, preserving the golden presence of the aliens, and their glowing blue transportation. Style choices carry passable primaries, and nature is distinct. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is decently resolved. Source is in good condition.

Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The LPCM 2.0 mix delivers balanced dialogue exchanges, handling performance choices, alien activity, and moments of hysteria without slipping into distortion. Sound effects are clear. Scoring handles with decent instrumentation and dramatic support.

Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (14 pages) include an essay by film historian Jennifer Lynde Barker.

• Commentary features film historian Samm Deighan.

• Animated Shorts (HD) from Dusan Vukotic include "Cow on the Moon" (10:40), "Piccolo" (9:30), "1001 Drawings" (14:24), "The Substitute" (9:48) and "Ars Gratia Artis" (8:55).

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Vukotic doesn't have an ending for "Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy," giving in to growing chaos to provide enough screen activity to fill a final act. There's more of the monster and community terror, and while technical achievements are excellent, such bedlam turns a tale of weird encounters into something aggressive, shedding the charm of the opening hour. There's still so much to enjoy here, with "Visitors from the Arkana Galaxy" an enjoyable ride of idiosyncrasy and fantasy, with a strong creative presence from the production.