Bombed out in space with a spaced out bomb! John Carpenter’s cult sci-fi classic Dark Star gets a 4K UHD release and a Blu-ray edition from Fabulous Films, featuring two cuts of the film, and packed with brand new and archive extras (including a feature length documentary), along with repro stills and posters, and a Limited Edition online exclusive clamshell/o-card package with a highly collectable Dark Star patch.
From John Carpenter (Halloween, The Thing) and Dan O’Bannon (Alien, Total Recall) comes this brilliantly clever and darkly funny parody of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Originally a 72 minute USC student film, Dark Star, about astronauts on a dysfunctional intergalactic mission, was expanded into a theatrical release after producer Jack Harris encouraged Carpenter and O’Bannon to add an extra 15 minutes. This special edition includes both versions and is packed with exclusive bonus features that dive deep into the film’s controversial production, groundbreaking special effects, and formidable legacy.
Described by The Guardian as “a smart, cynical look at space travel”, Dark Star is an innovative sci-fi comedy that proved a huge influence on the smash hit TV series Red Dwarf. With memorable stoner dialogue (“Don’t give me any of that intelligent life stuff, just give me something I can blow up”) from O’Bannon, who also stars in the film and would rework many of the themes in in his script for Alien, the film features, as the infamous ship’s mascot alien, Nick Castle – who would go on to play ‘The Shape’ in Carpenter’s iconic horror Halloween.
This definitive 4K restoration has been expertly restored from the original 35mm film reels; the soundtrack has been digitally enhanced and fully restored in Dolby Digital 5.1, ensuring the most immersive viewing experience yet. So kick back and set off on a zonked out space journey with a picture so sharp it might puncture a beach ball alien!
SYNOPSIS: Four bored astronauts are assigned to destroy unstable planets — but end up filling their time with sun-lamp tanning, playing with a mischievously plastic-looking alien mascot, and conversing with their ship’s increasingly erratic AI. As the mission unravels, a rogue “smart bomb” gains self-awareness and starts questioning its existence, believing itself to be a god. With catastrophe looming, only one crew member—an ex-surfer—finds an unorthodox way to return to Earth: riding a piece of debris back home like a cosmic surfboard.
EXTRAS:
- Let There Be Light: The Odyssey of Dark Star: 2010’s feature-length documentary, directed by Daniel Griffith, exploring the making of Dark Star, featuring exclusive interviews with actor Brian Narelle (Lt. Doolittle), cinematographer Doug Knapp, art director Tommy Lee Wallace, visual effects artist Greg Jein, voice artist Cookie Knapp, producer Jack Harris, and USC alumni Jeff Burr. Also includes archival interviews with John Carpenter and the final recorded interview with Dan O’Bannon
- Sci-fi author Alan Dean Foster discusses Dark Star‘s impact.
- Brian Narelle (Lt. Doolittle) shares behind-the-scenes stories.
- Trivia
- 3D Guide to the Dark Star Ship.
- Full-Length Audio Commentary by Super Fan Andrew Gilchrist.
- Written Introduction by Dan O’Bannon.
- NEW Reproduction of the original press book.
- NEW Mission Log
- NEW Essay by journalist and author Michael Doyle, from his forthcoming book Bringing Darkness Instead of Light: Conversations with John Carpenter
- NEW Two reproduction UK quad posters
- NEW Reprinted set of 8 Original Publicity Lobby Cards
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: A strictly Limited Edition (of 500) clamshell and o-ring 4K UHD package, including a Dark Star Mission sew-on patch (while stocks last), will be available only via the Fabulous Films Website
