Somewhere in a far flung galaxy lies the planet of Jillucia. Once a peaceful utopia, it has now fallen under the control of the Gavanas Empire, a warlike race ruled by the ruthless Emperor Rockseia. Desperate for help, the leader of the Jillucian people launches eight Liabe seeds into space – glowing orbs that, according to legend, will each summon a powerful warrior to the planet’s aid. The seeds are followed into the void by Princess Emeralida and loyal Jillucian soldier Urocco, who attempt to find the prophesied protectors of their home world: ex-military commander General Garuda and his robot companion Beba-2, thrill-seekers Shiro and Aaron, gambler Jack , aristocrat Meia and swordsman Hans, who has a deeply personal score to settle with the Gavanas Empire...

1978's Uchū Kara no Messēji (Message from Space) was the Toei Company's answer to Star Wars, which was released the year before. Director Kinji Fukasaku, who would go on to direct Battle Royale, leads an international cast that includes Sonny Chiba, Vic Morrow and Etsuko Shihomi.

Considering the time of its release, it's quite an impressive movie. A lot of the effects still hold up today. And I couldn't help wondering whether Mel Brook's Spaceballs (1987) took a little inspiration from this as well as the obvious spoof of Star Wars it was portraying.

This "The Masters of Cinema Series" edition is available on Blu-ray for the first time in the UK from a restoration of the original film elements by Toei.

It includes a limited edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Scott Saslow [2000 copies]; Limited edition reversible poster [2000 copies]; 1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray from a restoration of the original film elements supplied by Toei; Original Japanese audio; Optional English dubbed audio; Optional English subtitles.

Extras include a new audio commentary by Tom Mes; Message from Earth – archival documentary featuring interviews with Sonny Chiba and Kenta Fukasaku; Brand new appreciation of the film by film writer Patrick Macias; Stills gallery and Trailers.

This is an important and rather significant sci-fi movie that does stand on its own two feet. While it was obviously inspired by Star Wars, it never truly feels like it's borrowing ideas wholesale. It's certainly worth picking this up now it's finally available in such a wonderfully presented edition.

8

Nick Smithson