The Bubble And First Spaceship On Venus - Hidden Gems!

[@kylebunn4860]

I think one reason Eastern Bloc movies of that time are so impressive is because they made fewer and spent more on those they did make because they were State-approved and considered showcases for both their culture and their technology.

[@terrytalksmovies]

Also Russia in particular had a very long history of SFX movies.

[@keithwright1621]

I would have liked for you to mention the Venusian shadows blasted into the wall of a destroyed building ala Hiroshima. That really hits home as far comprehending the massive disaster that overcame the Venusians.

[@terrytalksmovies]

It did. I stood at ground zero in Hiroshima in 2019. Nuclear weapons should never be used.

[@spike012002]

Hi Terry. I watched The Bubble on the big screen in Melbourne in 1970. It was the first time I'd seen a 3D movie that didn't use the red/blue glasses. The Polaroid "Space Vision" 3D was very effective. When the plane flew across the screen, the wing stuck out from the screen prominently, as did the broom used by the man pasting up the billboard. Storywise, "The Bubble" somewhat resembles the 1963 Twilight Zone episode "Valley Of The Shadow."

[@terrytalksmovies]

Yep. It's not totally original but it does have its own lane to travel down.

[@denniskristos3800]

I experienced "The First Spaceship On Venus" in a theatre during its original theatrical run and saw it for a second time along with "Journey To The 7th Planet", "Ghidrah The Three Headed Monster, "The Mysterians" (2nd time also) and "Horrors Of The Black Museum" at a Dusk to Dawn drive in marathon. I bought the Snap Case packaged Image DVD of "TFSOV" back in the early 2000s and several years later found, downloaded and burned a fan subbed copy of "Der Schweigende Stern" from a private P to P movie site. What a difference those missing minutes made... The production design of the Kosmoskrator's interior sets was heavily influenced by the late 50's through the late 60's Scandinavian design aesthetic so popular in Europe at that time.

[@terrytalksmovies]

That's a good point. It's groovily like an Ikea spaceship design.

[@DJW1959Aus]

All I can say is WOW.😀

[@captlazer5509]

The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951) had a very cool spaceship both inside and out. Understated and nothing you could identify as product repurposed. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright had a hand in it is why. Also it had a very in your face message against war. Which is why it holds up for me. But yeah I love the look of The First Spaceship On Venus. The Bubble, I have on DVD, it comes with 3D glasses. Wish other films would do that. I'm not the biggest 3D fan, but I just like to see a film in its original version. Good recommendations Terry!

[@terrytalksmovies]

For me, I can take or leave 3D. Same with IMAX. I just want the film and the story as a first principle.😀

[@ironjade]

The DVD version of "The Bubble" is an inferior red/cyan anaglyph. The Blu ray is the vastly superior polarised version but you'll need a 3D tv to watch it. Good luck finding one. 🍀

[@captlazer5509]

@ironjade original film stock and cinematography were never high-end, but I'm glad to know there's a better version of a title not well known.

[@fredblonder7850]

“The Bubble” is an excellent movie, sort of like an extended episode of “Twilight Zone”. If you re-make it with a larger budget and better effects, you get “Dark City”.

[@terrytalksmovies]

I'm a heretic. I didn't love Dark City.

[@fredblonder7850]

@@terrytalksmovies I don’t ask you to like it. I’m only pointing out that it and “The Bubble” have similar plots: The protagonist(s) are the only people who recognize that they’re trapped in a simulation being run by a mysterious outside force, and every other person in the simulation is following some script provided by the controlling force. The fact that they’re not also under control is due to some malfunction, and is not part of the simulation.

[@timeliebe]

I saw THE BUBBLE in 3-D when it was reissued in the 1970s. I felt it, like a lot of Arch Obler's movies, was slow and tended to drag-not something his radio show did when I heard it on Armed Forces Network growing up in the 1960s! AFN tended to play a lot of classic radio drama in the evenings back then, which meant that I heard William Conrad as Matt Dillon, Eve Arden in her long-running comedy series OUR MISS BROOKS, and the SF Series X MINUS ONE along with LIGHTS OUT.

[@terrytalksmovies]

The script could've been tighter, definitely.

[@theresasilvia8407]

First Spaceship on Venus was my first exposure to Eastern European science fiction and I loved it. When I finally got to see the original version, it was a bit like going from the Raymond Burr version of Godzilla to Honda’s original.

[@terrytalksmovies]

Yeah, I can see that analogy being valid. It's a much better version, by far.

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

5:45 -- Terry, you are just *soooooooo* subtle!!!! 😆😆😆😆😆

[@terrytalksmovies]

But not inaccurate. 😀

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

@@terrytalksmovies Hee hee -- yes, I was not at all questioning the veracity of your visual punchline! 😁

[@johnpjones182]

The Cosmostrator 1 is the coolest spaceship ever! I really should see the extended version some day.

[@terrytalksmovies]

It's on YT as The Silent Star.

[@marSLaZZ66]

5:20 Well done !! 😂🤣😂🤣

[@terrytalksmovies]

IKR?

[@IvorPresents]

I found "First Spaceship" in my DVD collection called Fifty Classic Sci-Fi movies, most are not, None the less I am glad to have it in my collection. In 1960, I was twelve. I saw this at the small Roosevelt theater in Queens. I liked the movie, What was it a twelve year old boy would not love. It had the neatest Space ship, a robot. threatening goo.. but best of all, a very alien looking Venus. I think I was too young to understand all of what was going on, but it it kept me watching. When everything became available on VHS. I found a copy. I picked up a lot after twenty years. Like it even better now. in spite of the surprise ending. you know it bothered me as a kid,. I did not think it was fair. however today I admit. It makes no sense at all.

[@terrytalksmovies]

It's sorely underrated in the genre, possibly because of the edited US version and lots of poor quality copies of it.

[@jeffmartin1026]

I recently saw The FIrst Spaceship on Venus and I found it to be much more interesting than I thought it would be. I'm glad to see that you gave it a good review. I will have to look up The Bubble sometime soon.

[@terrytalksmovies]

Try YT. Look up The Silent Star.

[@joseluisherreralepron9987]

"Der Schweigende Stern"...the Silent Star. My best friend is German and I asked him to translate the title years ago. A really interesting film with some striking imagery. The 3-D in "The Bubble" is astonishingly well done...the famous "beer tray" sequence is totally worth the price of admission. The full-length version is currently being restored by The 3-D Film Archive; I have the earlier, cut version.

[@terrytalksmovies]

It works really well. Beautiful film and ambitious AF!

[@adambenton9673]

These both look wicked awesome! I always appreciate the pre-planned gold nuggets. Can't wait to watch

[@terrytalksmovies]

Enjoy!

[@411curt]

I love the original Der schweigende Stern (The Silent Star) version of "First Spaceship on Venus." I agree that there are details and changes that make the original a more rewarding viewing experience. For example, at the end of "First Spaceship on Venus," it looks like the African space traveler is left behind on Venus and he yells, "You're leaving me?" as the rocket takes off. In "The Silent Star," the African space traveler deliberately sacrifices himself and remains behind so the rocket can safely return to Earth. He calls out, wishing the surviving crew a safe journey. Plus, "The Silent Star" ends with the surviving travelers speaking about how the Venusians destroyed themselves with their technology. The travelers advocate for world peace and brotherhood and the movie ends with the crowd joining hands in solidarity. Whereas "The First Spaceship on Venus" has the travelers say that they must use technology to rebuild Venus and explore other planets. Then shows one of the space travelers hugging his wife. Very different messages.

[@terrytalksmovies]

Yep, so much more character in the full version of the movie. It's a more worthwhile experience.

[@brianartillery]

I have a model kit of the 'Cosmostrator', made by Pegasus Hobbies, from a few years ago. It's a beautiful object. 'The Bubble' is a new one to me, too - and I like the sound of it. Arch Oboler made another odd science fiction movie that I have seen once, ages ago, and that is 'The Twonky'. Have you seen this? I rather liked it, despite it's twee name.

[@terrytalksmovies]

I've seen a shitty VHS transfer of The Twonky. Probably need to find a better one and rewatch it.

[@DansTravels5823]

I saw the First Spaceship on Venus when MST3K covered it. Since then I periodically search for it but only find the US version available. It’s the same issue with some of the Russo/Finnish movies they covered. I also hope they release The Bubble in 3D one of these days.

[@terrytalksmovies]

Look on YT under The Silent Star and you'll find the full version, I'm told.

[@garfieldsmith332]

Thanks! Buying you a coffee.. or a tea.

[@terrytalksmovies]

Thanks so much, Garfield. That will buy a lot of coffee beans for the espresso machine. Really appreciate it. 😀 BTW, the full version of First Spaceship is on KZbin somewhere under 'The Silent Star'.

[@garfieldsmith332]

@@terrytalksmovies Thanks. I will look for that on KZbin.

[@kaboombox1581]

I just saw that the Bubble is here on KZbin, will check it out. I’ve been a long time fan of Silent Star/First Spaceship on Venus.

[@terrytalksmovies]

First Spaceship is so carefully crafted. Love that production design.

[@sirbeercan1916]

It took me years to find The Bubble since I didn't remember its name in the 70s. Also, it's in 3D if you can find a version of it.

[@terrytalksmovies]

I know but I'm okay with the 2D version of it.

[@erikbrobyn9763]

Thanks for another awesome episode, Terry!

[@terrytalksmovies]

It was fun to do, too. Thanks!

[@timetraveller6643]

The Eastern Block special effects quality is probably a reflection of the budget. State funded Pro-Soviet sci fi is going to look better than your avarage Republic Pictures drive in B flick.

[@terrytalksmovies]

I'm in favour of state subsidised art, except Baz Luhrmann movies which get government subsidies but are really shitty films.

[@inanimatecarbongod]

Well for once I'm ahead of you on something! I wasn't familiar with the German film but I have seen The Bubble many years ago at Mu-Meson Archives... and it was the 3D version too. Unfortunately 3D and I have never got on, wearing glasses over glasses has never really worked and my eyes/brain (both useless things) couldn't really put the two images properly. Agree with you about the ending being weak but on the whole I remember liking it.

[@terrytalksmovies]

It had to happen some time. 😀

[@garfieldsmith332]

I saw First Spaceship On Venus when it first came out. Of course back then I had no idea it was not an American film. I have a pretty good dvd of the American version. Been pondering whether to get the bluray or not. Not to sure about the print quality. I wish some company would produce a bluray or 4K of both the Americanized and East German versions. The stills you show are incredible. P.S. Do you know where the East German version is available?

[@terrytalksmovies]

Looks like the blu-ray is the full version, so you're better off with that. I got myself a slightly illicit download.

[@dogzdad123]

Terry: "The First Spaceship on Venus" pops up frequently in its English dubbed version on KZbin. Both the print copy and voice looping are of poor quality. I was amazed by the superior screen grabs you showed from the film. The Eastern bloc countries of that era did remarkable visual stuff...although by today's standards, a bit hokey (Crawlicopter...really?) I was impressed by a couple of scenes of the cosmonauts walking towards their spaceship. You are pleasantly fooled into believing that their ship is full sized! If I get a chance to rewatch, I will not stop thinking of the actors as a dead-ringer for Chris Nolan...LOL! "The Bubble"...haven't seen that one. But the premise sounds like it was the precursor to Steven King's short-lived TV series here in the US called, "The Dome". Wouldn't surprise me if King (or the studio) purposely "lifted" this concept from the older film. Your thoughts? Looking forward to the live chat this weekend. BTW: "MEOW" on your hat.

[@terrytalksmovies]

Try looking up The Silent Star on YT for the full version of Spaceship. King reinterpreted a lot of older media and made it his own. Cujo is just Old Yella dialed up to 11.

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

Just ordered a used copy of the (SciFi) book -- $10US plus shipping. Thanks!

[@terrytalksmovies]

Nice one!

[@willcorlett7630]

I agree that First Spaceship on Venus is well worth watching, especially if you can get to see the full film not the cut down americanised version - I did a quick check and it appears here on You Tube under the Silent Star. The special effects are excellent for its time and this is possibly because the German and Polish film makers (as did the Russians and Japanese) took their science fiction a bit more seriously and funded it appropriately. Often a shame that these good films were taken by the B Movies distributors in the US and handed over to the likes of Roger Corman (don't get me wrong I like a lot of his cheap as chips films) who either cut them down to match the needs of double features or inserted their own shots into the original which really did not fit I will have to find the Bubble, but it reminds me of a Twilight Zone or Outer Limits episode

[@terrytalksmovies]

The Bubble does have a TZ OL feel but it does the format well.

[@geraldmartin7703]

I saw The Bubble in its' theatrical re-release circa 1975. It's new title was "Fantastic Invasion of Planet Earth". The 3-D was hit or miss, unfortunately.

[@terrytalksmovies]

The 3D seems superfluous.

[@grantman7181]

good reviews on tubi I am watching Australia gangsters suburban gangsters glad to see you alive today if I grew up in Sydney I would have been bullied to death have a good weekend Terry

[@terrytalksmovies]

Thanks. I got bullied in Sydney and I survived. A sense of humour and resilience are super powers.

[@brettrobson5739]

Agree with most of what you said about The Bubble. I just found the ending a bit disappointing. The Venus movie is a classic.

[@terrytalksmovies]

Yeah. The Bubble didn't land well.

[@jackfriend4u]

couldn't find a copy of "The Bubble" (or 'Fantastic invasion of Planet Earth") on amazon bar a currently unavailable VHS...but it at least led me to Steven Soderberg's film "Bubble" which I've been looking for a while. you're right about the wonderful design work of both the European films of this period (including Ikari X1) and the Japanese (Toho Company?). as for anyone being offended by any socialist messages in "First Spaceship...", theyd also presumably be pissed with Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek stuff which has a similarly idealistic non-capitalistic future. I think Star Trek made 'villains' in Deep Space Nine of the ultra-capitalists the Ferenghi? them with the big ears!! "The Bubble" using studio backlots and giving some sense to it is inspired. the only other "humans in a zoo" moment that really comes to mind is in "Slaughterhouse Five". i hope The Bubble gets put on Blu-ray and given some love by a worthy company. "Five" seems to be available for a price on amazon prime.

[@terrytalksmovies]

Five is worth tracking down. I believe Imprint also still have it for sale.

[@ironjade]

I saw "The Bubble" in the cinema when it was re - released c.1982. Although the movie is rubbish, the SpaceVision 3D is still the best I've ever seen. The scene in the bar where the drinks tray floats off the screen and out into the cinema is particularly memorable: everyone in the audience reached out and tried to touch it. Sadly everything else sucks: the acting is dire, the plot makes no sense and the sets seem to be whatever was within walking distance. Even so, when the restored longer version, made from a copy found in the late Debra Walley's home, appears I'll definitely buy it. Arch Oboler kicked off the 1950s 3D stampede in 1952 with "B'Wana Devil" but didn't make another 3D movie until "The Bubble" in 1966. The SpaceVision system, invented by 3D expert Robert Bernier was also used in the equally dreadful, alleged comedy, "Flesh for Frankenstein". Unfortunately Robert Bernier was a perfectionist and took so long to set up the shots that director Paul Morissey sidelined him and took over. Again the 3D is stunning but otherwise there's no reason to sit through it.

[@terrytalksmovies]

I've yet to see a 3D movie that meaningfully gained from 3D. 😀

[@ironjade]

@@terrytalksmovies Most of the 50s classics are better in 3D because they were designed for it. Many modern movies have the process added afterwards to little effect, 2 and a half D if you will. Those actually shot in 3D, like Tibor Takacs' "Spiders" are often pretty good.

[@wadeheaton123]

Der Schweigender Stern means The Silent Star

[@terrytalksmovies]

It does. The movie is on YT as The Silent Star, in its complete form.

[@greenmonsterprod]

I have to say I saw both of these movies via MST3K. On the one hand, I thought "First Spaceship on Venus" was actually pretty good. It has great visuals and is trying for a more inventive plotline, along with some pretty impressive production values. On the other hand, "The Bubble" really turned me off. It takes forever for the protagonists to realize anything is wrong, the lack of information gets pretty annoying after a while, and I just got the impression Oboler was trying for some profound statement on the universe, man's determination, God, conformity, and whatever, but in a really boring way. "Twilight Zone" and "Outer Limits" did such things in a more entertaining way, and in less time. I prefer Oboler's radio work, especially for "Lights out".

[@terrytalksmovies]

The unknown nature of the aliens in The Bubble makes it more interesting. All the speculation by the humans is pure guesswork and none of it is ever confirmed.

[@RodneyAllanPoe]

I think Arch Oobler also made science fiction and horror radios shows - Stephen King mentions him in DANSE MACARBE.

[@terrytalksmovies]

He did.

[@RodneyAllanPoe]

I never knew he made movies. 🙂

[@saltraker9652]

How does The Bubble mesh with Stephen King's "Under the Dome?"

[@terrytalksmovies]

Ask Steve. He's on Twitter. 😀😉

[@ZoinkBnoink]

I've located the Silent Sea on KZbin & will check it out. There's a rabbit hole here... see ya on the flip side! Thanks for the review. 😊

[@terrytalksmovies]

Always a pleasure.

[@taker68]

Communist block filmmakers didn't have penny pinching studio execs (who are contemptuous of sci-fi) breathing down their necks. Making a hit wasn't the primary goal. I've seen First Spaceship on MST3K so would love to see it subbed and complete. Sp Stephen King must have seen The Bubble before writing Under The Dome. Although also sounds like an Outer Limits episode.

[@terrytalksmovies]

It has an OL/ Twilight Zone feel about it, definitely.

[@carlrenzi]

How to know if "The First Spaceship On Venus" is the American version or not?

[@terrytalksmovies]

Try finding The Silent Star on KZbin. That's the good version.

[@timeliebe]

Yep, soon as you said "Food pills would give you constipation", I thought "And liquid food would give you the runs like you wouldn't believe!" 🤢 The version you're watching looks a LOT better than the US version I've seen a few times, both in its original form and MST3K-ified. Every time the print looks like crap, with badly faded colors and the Black astronaut being so underlit as to make his facial expressions difficult to make out.

[@terrytalksmovies]

The longer version is definitely better. It enhances the characters and looks terrific.

[@PuncherOfAbs]

American’s redub off over seas films with the patience of a teen who fast forwards to the good parts when watching a video from block buster video lol.

[@terrytalksmovies]

I always want to see the the full version of the movie. Truncated versions are always lacking.

[@PuncherOfAbs]

What coincidence I just asked another movie KZbinr about this movie as it was the first 3D movie I’d seen in the theater. It double featured with a 3d kung fu movie called dynasty. I’m talking about bubble. The only movie that kind of reminds me of this one is the attack of the slime people.

[@terrytalksmovies]

I haven't seen Attack of the Slime People in a loooong time.

[@PuncherOfAbs]

@@terrytalksmovies I’ve been diving into my obscure 50s movies. The navy versus the night monsters is also kind of fun