Zombies of the Stratosphere [DVD] [1952] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

First, a note. ZOMBIES OF THE STRATOSPHERE marked the science-fiction film debut of actor Leonard Nimoy. He plays Narab - one of the Martian "zombies" - and actually has a few lines in the film. I was kind of surprised Amazon didn't list him as an actor - since Nimoy's presence might actually lend to increased sales of this DVD set.

In the space of three years (1949-1952), Republic Pictures put out 3 "rocket man" serials - all using the same rocket suit for the hero. Only the hero's identity changed. The first of the 3 was KING OF THE ROCKET MEN - starring Tristram Coffin as the hero in the suit, Jeff King. Then came RADAR MEN FROM THE MOON - starring George Wallace as the hero in the suit, Commando Cody. Finally, six months later, came ZOMBIES OF THE STRATOSPHERE - starring Judd Holdren as the hero in the suit, Larry Martin. All three are worthy serials and all deserve recognition. But only 1949's KING OF THE ROCKET MEN episodes achieved after-market success - later compiled into a standalone film release titled LOST PLANET AIRMEN, released in 1951.

EDIT - Originally, I said that 1952's RADAR MEN FROM THE MOON was turned into a 1953 TV series titled COMMANDO CODY - SKY MARSHALL OF THE UNIVERSE. Not true. While the "Commando Cody" name made the transition to the series, the part of Commando Cody was played by Judd Holdren (Larry Martin in the ZOMBIES serial) and the story line was significantly different. Thanks to George Fergus who pointed that out in his comment.

The plot of ZOMBIES OF THE STRATOSPHERE, even now, could be believable. An alien race (Martians) is dying and their planet is slowly becoming unable to support life. To remedy this, the Martians come up with a delicate but ingenious plan. At a certain time during Earth's rotation around the Sun, the Martians discovered that they could "blast" the Earth out of its orbit - and move Mars into Earth's place. To do this, they need to place a super-powered hydrogen bomb at a strategic point - detonating it at a precise moment.

Unfortunately for them, a group of scientists (Larry Martin, in particular), has become curious about certain crimes perpetrated in order acquire the material to build the bomb. And he, and his rocket suit, are on the case.

All 3 serials were made available on VHS years ago. The first 2 are already available on DVD. This release of ZOMBIES OF THE STRATOSPHERE completes the process of putting good quality DVDs of all these serials in the public's hands. If you're a fan of Republic serials (or the "rocket man"), I urge you to get all three serials on DVD. You'll enjoy all three immensely.

I saw this on TV as a kid and have always had a soft spot for the cheesy plot and clumsy dialog. This set is a good transfer.

Zombies of the Stratosphere (Republic Studios, 1952) was the second serial featuring the popular new hero "Commando Cody" alias "Rocketman". The fist serial (With the introduction of Rocketman) was titled "King of the Rocket Men", and the third installment was "Zombies of the Stratosphere". What made the character unique was his ability to use a rocket powered flying suit to stop crime and to protect earth from evil forces from space. Zombies of the Stratosphere dealt with our hero preventing Martian invaders from using a hydrogen bomb to blow Earth away from the Sun so that Mars can take its orbital place. Leonard Nimoy (Star Trek fame) plays one of the three Martian invaders, Narab. I like all three serials of this making frankly because the character potrayed is so cool. I can find no wrong in these serials and I thnk some critics over kill the review of these serials. The special effects were done superbly in the days they were produced. I have often wondered why the production companies don't produce another feature film using the original flying suit produced in the serials indicated.

Zombies of the Stratosphere was budgeted at $172,838 although the final negative cost was $176,357.
Larry Martin (Commando Cody) played by Judd Holdren, and Sue Davis (Aline Towne). All the special effects in Zombies of the Stratosphere were produced by the Lydecker brothers(Exclusive to Rebulic Effects team. The film is presented in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio and The disc includes a trailer for Zombies of the Stratosphere. These serials were an influence for The Rocketeer movie. This serial is very watchable and it will hold your interest. It's a fun movie and a good film to watch to escape everyday life. I gave it five stars for acting, plot, and originality. Enjoy.

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STUDIO: Cheezy Flicks Ent
RATED: Unrated
RUNNING TIME: 167 minutes
SPECIAL FEATURES:
*Trailers
*Vintage commercials

Director: Fred C. Bannon
Writer: Ronald Davidson
Cast: Judd Holdren, Aline Towne, Wilson Wood, Lane Bradford, Stanley Waxman, John Crawford, Craig Kelly, Ray Boyle, Leonard Nimoy