Up From The Depths Reviews | The Mysterians (1957)

[@prodprod]

I saw this movie in a matinee when I was around ten -- fifty-four years ago now -- which was the absolute perfect age and perfect time to see it. The whole opening is permanently imprinted on my mind -- the fire "burning from the roots" -- the village lost in the landslide, the road that's so hot it burns the tires of the jeep -- and then the impossible appearance of Mogera -- burrowing out from the side of hill. It's all so deliriously wonderful -- from the perspective of a ten-year-old. The Markoites rolling toward the Mysterian fortress, the endless blasting warfare -- the incredible score. It's just one of those eternal youthful movie pleasures. NMS

[@philr5497]

I feel exactly the same. The 1st music that I remember.

[@connormclernon26]

My grandfather was in this movie. He was one of the generals

[@UpFromTheDepths88]

That's so cool!

[@pcu9284]

your grandfathers a legend

[@joeysullivanTM]

That's awesome

[@connormclernon26]

@@joeysullivanTM he was one of the human generals at the UN. He didn’t have a big part. He was American

[@joeysullivanTM]

@@connormclernon26 that's awesome my dude! Congrats for him! He's a legend alright

[@scado5679]

I'm glad you're reviewing all of these unique kaiju movies, some of these old Showa movies are really underrated. Here's to hoping you'll do Atragon next!

[@kyleswi764]

This is the definition of a mid 50’s sci-fi movie

[@MrScottx]

What you are saying is that this is Great!

[@logandothewarlock6043]

Thanks for reminding me that this movie exists! :D (more for the quarantine watchlist)

[@gamera2351]

I can't express how happy I am to see you doing more Showa era Toho movies!!! As always, this review was excellent. You did such a fantastic job. Thank you for having such a great channel. I hope you do Varan the Unbeleivable next week. 😀👍

[@MrSmartAlec]

I've loved this movie since I was a kid watching it on Chiller Theater back in the 60's. Still think Mogura is the coolest.

[@azmike3572]

Would that have been hosted by Chilly Billy?

[@MrSmartAlec]

@@azmike3572 Yep, Chilly Billy Cardilly !

[@azmike3572]

@@MrSmartAlec Were you a teenager in Pittsburgh in '67?

[@MrSmartAlec]

@@azmike3572 Yep, 13 though not in Pittsburgh. Grew up in Weirton, WV about 30 miles east.

[@azmike3572]

@@MrSmartAlec If you watched "Come Alive" back then, you might have seen our band play our record on it--"It Ain't No Big Thing", a Pittsburgh hit by The Electrons, released in August '67. You can hear it again here on KZbin. We played a lot of gigs in Weirton, Morgantown, and Wheeling.

[@williamporter7596]

I first heard about The Mysterians in the 70s in a book on sci-fi movies. Took me another couple of decades to finally acquire it and watch it and I wasn't disappointed. For it's time it had great FX work and a decent story.

[@johnzeller1338]

I love this movie as a kid. My cousins and I went to a Wednesday matinee, remember those, to see it for only 35 cents when it first came out. Also saw Godzilla and Rodan at the some theater. Those were good times. Thanks for the memories!

[@edwardharley9]

Me too. the movie was 25 cents, the hot dog was 15 cents. the pop was 10cents. my allowance was 50 cents so it went well.

[@stevesasaki2454]

This looks great! Never heard of it before but these aesthetics are right up my alley. Thanks for the great content my man

[@themagus5906]

I was lucky enough to see "The Mysterians" (Japanese title "Earth Defense Force") in a theater in 1967 on a Saturday matinee. They even showed it in "Perspecta-Sound" which sounded almost like stereo. As a kid, I felt the same as watching a blockbuster today. I also saw "Battle in Outer Space" (the sequel) in the theater. I paid 50 cents to watch "2001: A Space Odyssey" back then. Saw lots of great movies that people today will miss out on without a big screen and big sound systems. I'm also fortunate enough to own a remaining copy of "The Mysterians" on DVD from Tokyo Shock; now out of print.

[@maxbrandt6]

Mogura looks like he constantly trying to get the best reception with those moving TV set antennae on his head! I remember watching this ages ago late at night, not knowing what it was and wondering when Godzilla was going to show up.

[@TwentySeven1337]

I love this movie! I recommend getting the DVD for the commentary.

[@HolyCross9]

For some reason my DVD copy doesn't have audio commentary.

[@pare5markes909]

Great review

[@thehussiteking]

Mysterians sounds like a name of an alien race in the Showa-era Godzilla films

[@Godzillatronus2021]

It is-kinda

[@Zeno2806]

It quite literally is, Moguera is canonically a Godzilla monster too, so it's pretty much a given the mysterians invaded the same Earth Godzilla lives in, meaning it's the same cinematic universe in a way. Actually, I think most of Toho movies are canonically set in the same universe, what with all the monsters cameos and nods and all that stuff

[@7superdaimajin]

Sounds like the Mysterons from Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons.

[@alevine1951]

@@Zeno2806 "Canonically?" Wow. And 2x.

[@jesusramirezromo2037]

@@Zeno2806 Mysterians is one of the few movies outside the showa continuity It takes continuity with itself, The war in space, and its semi-remake Battle in outer space

[@troytheguilty]

When I was little the robot was spooky especially the night scene when you see its eyes through the trees if i remember right

[@troytheguilty]

@JapaneseGiant Lizard1234 could be cool

[@brocksamson7164]

I could never forget that sound every time it appeared!

[@DeathKhan]

One I've not seen, but will definitely need to look into now.

[@theearnmoreyouagainmoreres8250]

Brilliant film making the effects are stunning and practical with computer effects

[@RosasRex]

Bro your channel is Criminally underrated. Also, I'm so happy you gave it a good score lmao this was always one of my favorites

[@tshid10t3]

Glad to see you checking out these other Showa era Toho films. I'm looking forward to more on the way.

[@tokendave80]

You know I've had this movie for 10 years and haven't watched it.

[@2150dalek]

Go for it, it's pretty action packed.

[@henrytoledo4103]

No i did not know that you had it for 10years, well hurry and watch it cause i wanna barrow it when you get done, lol

[@oldrocker74]

I remember watching this film back in the early 1960's.

[@Sierlea]

Aw yea, the Mysterians! One of Toho's classic alien invasion flicks

[@davidcouch6514]

This was the first Sci~Fi I could see at the Drive-In; I had to just hear about Rodan and The Blob, etc from my older brothers. The “peculiar oddity” I was most amazed by was a “standup bathtub.”

[@JAMESLEVEE]

This was one of my faves as a kid! It's a couple of years older than I am, and popped up on TV a lot in my younger days. IIRC, the Mysterians came from a planet that is now the asteroid belt. Their war shattered the planet (hence the asteriods), and the survivors settled on Mars. I think their women either died out over time, or only the men escaped, and somehow cloned themselves, or used some kind of longevity drug over the thousands of years since the destruction of their homeworld (called Mysteroid in the movie).

[@MGWFilms97]

Will you do the sequel? Battle in outer space(1959)

[@xninewxw7559]

2

[@MGWFilms97]

@@xninewxw7559 3

[@edwardwilliams2438]

As I so vividly recall..I was all of 12 years old..in Detroit, Mich at the Cinderella theater.....Admission price was 35 cents for the matinee and 50 cents for the evening shows. Cheesy bright colors and dramatic orchestrated score...very memorable for a 12 year old. Special effects, asians, even a bit of cheese cake with ladies in the bath....I mean 1957 and being a young impressionable boy....this was very impactful...ala Twight Zone for 70 or so minutes. Who can forget the Markalight weapon from the united States,,,and their slow circling rocket flying force....the lighted flying saucers...wow..plus they were able to land in the water...soooo cool. This movie was lots of fun!!!Thanks

[@briancenti5423]

nothing will ever replace that vaunted toho soundtrack. loved this.

[@brocksamson7164]

I saw this movie when I was about 6 years old and I remember it caused a great impact on me, I remember it vaguely and have looked for it everywhere but I never knew the title of the movie! Thank you for reviewing it! 🙏

[@galacticfilms6431]

I just realize that King Kong versus Godzilla is the first godzilla movie to use stock footage, in the earthquake seen that was stock footage from the Mysterians

[@D.Z.A.-kp8lf]

I had this on VHS back in 1993 and I loved it

[@mandalorianhunter1]

I would like Mogura to return in the monsterverse.

[@mandalorianhunter1]

@JapaneseGiant Lizard1234 hmm that sounds interesting

[@mandalorianhunter1]

@JapaneseGiant Lizard1234 I didn't watch the full movie, but it was alright

[@Aristocles22]

Moguera returned in Godzilla vs. Space Godzilla.

[@mandalorianhunter1]

@@Aristocles22 >.> Yeah A LOT of people know that. Hell most people today know him from that movie then this one.

[@Aristocles22]

@@mandalorianhunter1 Well, this one is decades older. I also forgot that what I just said was mentioned in the video.

[@buddy1065]

Saw this at the All Weather Drive In, Amityville Long Island as a child with my parents. Not sure of the year. Thanks for the memories.

[@rayvenkman2087]

*”This is the voice of the Mysterons.”* Woops, wrong alien species.

[@themagus5906]

これは謎の声です "Kore wa nazo no koedesu!"

[@Devilman666]

List of underappreciated toho movies: Atragon The mysterians War of the gargantuas Frankenstein conquers the world Gorath Rodan

[@geoffcreed7681]

Diablosis Gorath is an interesting inclusion on that list

[@garagefirestudios9802]

@@geoffcreed7681 Dogora?

[@ericpelote998]

@Moon Panther don't KNOW , but they are

[@mechagojira6951]

you got that right Diablosis!!!!!!

[@mechagojira6951]

this guy doing the review of the masterpiece "The Mysterians" says it starts off slow....there's an earthquake, a fire and then that kick ass robot within 10 minutes....it's that Western bias again. Hollywood was doing NOTHING like this in 1957!!!! was Fantastic Planet a great movie...you damn right it was but I like Mysterians better and look at the difference in budgets!!!! ha ha!! I'm sorry but that cartoonish monster was goofy as hell in FP and he's calling Mogera goofy??? it was 1957!!!!!!!!!! and Mogera was cool as hell. Plus imo you have to watch the Japanese versions of these movies to appreciate the good acting. A bad dub can destroy a movie.

[@garfieldsmith332]

Media Blasters release the U.S. version of this film years ago. Now "out of print". It deserves to be cleaned up and released on blu-ray with both the U.S. and Japanese versions.

[@rhuber6386]

Now all you can find of those DVDs are counterfeits. I’m kicking myself for not paying attention to those when they were released.

[@garfieldsmith332]

@@rhuber6386 Same here. I did snag a bunch but this is one I left on the shelf as it was quite expensive. I also kick myself for not picking it up. I have the VHS release and can still view it but it is the English cut version and typical VHS quality.

[@themagus5906]

I got a copy of the Media Blasters release dated 2005 a few years ago as an asked-for Xmas present. It was labeled as one of their "Tokyo Shock" series. It's in Toho-Scope 2.35:1 but no stereo sound. You're right; MB shows no listing for this movie on their website any more. I guess I now have a gold brick. I treasure it like a few other movies in my collection; notably "First Men IN the Moon" in widescreen and stereo. I was also lucky enough to have collected many vinyl soundtrack albums back then upon their initial releases.

[@garfieldsmith332]

@@themagus5906 Yes you have a piece of gold. The last time I saw one here it was 50 bucks Canadian. I do have the VHS, low quality. I also have every Godzilla film and a lot of other Kaiju. I did snag a special DVD version of Godzilla vs. Megalon which has some features the regular DVD did not have.

[@oscarramos5681]

Did you go to eBay or Mercari?

[@cyd9183]

The music in this movie is amazing!

[@themagus5906]

Yes, Akira Ifukube's music deserves a dedicated CD, not just for this movie, but for many others he scored. Would be nice to hear on a high-end stereo system!

[@SuperSirianRigel]

I've actually never seen any footage of this. Except a snipet here and there. So this looks surprisingly interesting. Good job. As always.

[@garfieldsmith332]

When this was release in North America in 1959 and you were a kid at the Saturday movie matinees this was sheer delight. It had aliens, robots, ray guns, space ships, flying saucers. and top of the line special effects. It was the best damn show in tow, as were the many Toho monster and space movie productions. You sat in your seat, ate your popcorn and enjoyed. And oh yes they were top notch state of the art special effects, because at the time the matinee also showed some real low budget Roger Corman movies and also a chapter or two of Flash Gordon or Buck Rogers; and we thought those 1939 special effects were corny. Still these movies have a lot more excitement and adventure going for them than a lot of the movies made today. Low budget "B" movies never grow old.

[@Drforrester31]

I remember thinking this movie starts off really slow. It really does deliver the goods though, and I probably would've really loved it if I first saw as a kid I really hope we get to see some reviews of Toho's sci-fi thrillers like Secret of the Telegian or the Human Vapor!

[@dominickefrim3088]

Please do a review on Giant Robot and Johnny Sakko....

[@russnco]

I loved this as a kid. I used to draw the ray blasters.

[@lipstickzombie4981]

I know Akira Ifukube is most recognized for his Godzilla soundtrack but his music in this movie is epic as well.

[@mqcapps]

Saw it at the movies...great at the time

[@themagus5906]

If you saw it at a movie theatre, you were blessed. I would love to see it on a big screen, in Toho-Scope, with Perspecta-Sound. I was only just born in '57. But I have a widescreen DVD of it and it plays very well on a nice home theatre. Like most old sci-fi or horror pix from back then, you have to look past the cheesy visuals and imagine the story in and of itself.

[@delavalmilker]

Liked! Both the film and the review!

[@Slayerthecrow]

the mysterians were the first Power Rangers, I mean, Colorful suits, giant robots, Red Lider. The only thing that they lack are poses.

[@leesagomez6615]

Saw THIS FIRST time with my DADDY...he loved his monsters... NOW I CAN'T get enough....cool music..

[@peterpiotrowski2245]

Excellent review of a true classic!

[@unclepatrick2]

You said that it not anything we have not seen before. Ironically I saw it when I was 6 years old and I never seen any thing like it.

[@doctorevil7352]

The Mysterians want to repopulate with earth women? Yeah, good luck with that.

[@sirnobody9764]

Doctor Evil that sounds like a hentai plot

[@enricopaolocoronado2511]

@@sirnobody9764 There is a good amount of sci-fi based hentai that deals with that sort of thing.

[@sirnobody9764]

@Enrico Paolo Coronado sauce?

[@themagus5906]

We should have let them. They would have created a generation of Democrat Mysterians, which would have led to their eventual destruction from within.

[@Slitha8]

@@enricopaolocoronado2511oh no you mean worlds and harem or smth

[@BaldPerspective]

Hope you are well, Brandon, & also hope you also get around to reviewing Gorath.

[@ricdale7813]

I Was able too first see this in 1972 on our local Sat Matinee programming. This as well as its sister movie Battle in Outer Space are Top Shelf for their time Sci Fi action movies. Japans SciFi was always more well thought out as far as theatrical and special effects wise in those days. Hats off too the set makers whom devised the Mysteron Power Center props. Class A work.

[@catyear75]

Great review - Now I’ve got to see this ..!

[@razorshark9320]

This looks awesome. Is this film on DVD?

[@ORLY911]

Any plans to look at Dogora?

[@matchanr]

モゲラ最高！😄😄😄😄

[@williamkaiser8067]

You have to go back a long way to '57, but I believe this was my first sci-fi or monster movie I saw in a theater. Being all of 6 years old, it made quite an impression on me. I've loved many Tohos ever since. And you must remain "in period" to enjoy them, I agree. If you are a 2020 person with a 2020 frame of mind you won't get it.

[@brandonb1681]

Never seen this one. Will check it out. Thanks for the vid.

[@waspwild7808]

小さい頃見た覚えがあります。思い出そうとしてこの事ばかり考えていました。宇宙人ミステリアンのモゲラって言うロボットではなかったかな。

[@ryanb45]

Good review. Enjoyed watching all your takes on classic Kaiju films. Any plans to do Gorath? Like The Mysterions theres only a little bit of Kaiju in the film but worth a watch. Unfortunately Maguma was deleted from the English dub of the film.

[@brandoncap6000]

Still gotta give this film a watch! I haven't gotten around to it, but I'm looking forward to it!

[@HolyCross9]

I have this awesome film on DVD!

[@transapient1524]

I have GOT to track this one down already!

[@BecomeUseful]

Awesome vid!

[@johnsmithiimxiii4267]

This one is in the collection.

[@mogueraguh]

Boy, how time sure does fly.. I long to see my mysterian creators again

[@themagus5906]

They remain there on the far side of the moon.....waiting....

[@NOOBTOOB587]

In my opinion the music playing when the army is attacking the dome id hands down the best of the 50s lineup of movies

[@2150dalek]

Just discovered your channel, great an analysis.... I grew up on kaiju movies. But never seen this one, so I downloaded it and watched just now. TOHO-SCOPE film was pretty cool, , mechanical Monster in place of Godzilla..Funky space craft models.Felt like watching an episode of Gerry Anderson's Thunderbirds',

[@BTK710]

I'm hoping you review Matango (1963) too.

[@voidfilan5055]

Wow, just watched this last week on DVD. Kool👍‼️

[@ardalla535]

When I was a kid, I thought the Markolites were the most ingenious things I had ever seen. I think I cried when one of them was destroyed.

[@DominicEzraM]

That’s awesome!

[@raulitotejeda3673]

Donde puedo ver las pelis completas? Gracias!

[@killindylan17]

When you do Varan, you should mention how popular Varans roar was, going on to be reused for baragon and gorosaurus

[@MGWFilms97]

He did. Also, when I watched Rodan(1956 japansese ver) he sounded to much like varan! Maybe its the version I had?

[@edwardharley9]

The best Japanese sci fi ever, except maybe "Parasyte". GO TOHO !!!! We love you here in Canada..

[@Kj16V]

Anyone know where I can stream or download this?

[@bryanmiller6046]

A excellent movie.

[@jgesselberty]

Monster movies that were actually fun to watch.

[@TIGERZY2K]

Mysterians the epic 1950s era Japanese colored Science Fiction movie proves to be the big daddy for Star Trek.

[@billinct860]

I saw this when I was 8 years old. I wasn't old enough to know the actors were Japanese! It seemed to be a great movie at the time and that age.

[@redverse5212]

Do varan movies

[@The_Raven_]

Can't wait for a remake of this

[@cinnamonc4t]

Maybe I'll watch The Mysterians with my mother.. I bet she'll like it!

[@Titan52berg]

At one time, long ago, I really had a strong wish to see this film. After watching these clips, the low-grade, less-than-special effects and those clowns in the muti-colored 'spacesuits'(???)... and that hokey robot with the Michelin Man legs, I'm glad I never did see it!

[@ek9509]

4 stars = Good.

[@ayberkaydogdu1361]

I couldn't find this movie online.

[@Adotch]

Also really good editing

[@antelopefreeway214]

I love this film with its cool machines and weapons (SuperScience!) and big destruction! A tasty treat!

[@serioussam4726]

Look at how many subs you have you should have way more

[@jmalmsten]

As a fan of old school Tokuasatsu there are some embarrassing empty spots in my experiences. The Mysterians is one of them. I need to track down even more of these goofy motion pictures!

[@carltonpoindexter2034]

The designer of the alien aircraft in this movie also designed the alien craft for The War of the Worlds, 1954

[@thebloxconductor1870]

Where can I get this movie

[@BasementDweller_]

Groovy.

[@MrB1923]

Those are some crazy helmets.

[@david-clip]

Wow...👁. 👍🏻

[@SaurianStudios1207]

Despite not doing much, Moguera here still displays more personality and movement than Shin Godzilla

[@ionryful]

Shin Godzilla might not show it, but he's a really tragic character. 'Who Will Know' is sung from his point of view. How is he supposed to act when he doesn't even know what he is?

[@jtcob8486]

This movie deserves a Remake.

[@Godzilla00X]

Not surprising since it was made by the same creators as the showa Godzilla series

[@Neverfate]

I'll always have a soft spot for Moguera. Such a goofy, but awesome robot

[@azmike3572]

I read somewhere he was fashioned from an ancient Japanese warrior, whose name I can't remember.

[@phillyguy8541]

This is one of my favorites after Godzilla.

[@psychotoddler2149]

Is this streaming anywhere?

[@walterfechter8080]

Love that Spy Vs Spy robot!