Blue Underground hits classic sci fi fans with a bit more cheese right along side with their impressive release of the blood-soaked classic Contamination. Produced by the legendary Harry Allan Towers, HG Wells' The Shape of Things to Come makes its DVD debut and unlike its release date partner, there's no blood to be found here. It's a parent and kid friendly sci-fi adventure that can be enjoyed by the whole family on a lazy Sunday afternoon or with your friends as a late night cult treat. Either way there's something to be gained here by the cinematically innocent or fans of the so bad it's good world of cinematic oddities.

Set sometime in the distant future (your guess is as good as mine) The Shape of Things to come tells the story of how the robot wars have forced the residents of earth to scurry to the moon to repopulate. When New Washington (I'm assuming New New York was OK) is attacked by a stray cargo ship it's brought to light that Omus (played by the devilishly cool Jack Palance) intentionally attacked New Washington and has overthrown Nikki to take over Delta Three. What is Delta Three you ask? well, I'm glad you did, Delta Three is a distant planet that contains the miracle drug Ridic-2Q that cures issues of extreme radiation (and what appears to be a necessity in this new future). It's up to a couple of wet behind the ears "earth children" (Kim and Jason) and their esteemed scientist fathers to put a stop to the evil Omus, put Nikki back in control and retain a decent supply of Ridic-2Q for the populous. Did I mention the rebuilt robot that tags along and happens to enjoy quoting poetry and classic literature? You bet!

As I stated earlier, this flick is cheese ball fun from start to finish, so don't even bother going in thinking it to be anything else. The Shape of Things to Come is one of those ridiculously over the top sci fi visions of the future that we all grew up with and came to know and love. Outrageous computers that control more than they should, domed cities, robots with tubing for arms and legs (that can teleport even!) and apparently this is one of those futures where there's no GAP or Old Navy because everyone wears the same crazy space outfit (every day even!). When our "space commanders" visit Delta Three or other planets (much of the film takes on these planets), they oddly enough look more like a Midwest farming community than a distant planet (what did you expect?). Anyone who would even consider taking this film in as a slice of serious cinematic history would need to have a check up from the neck up. Besides, if this is an actual vision of the future, then you can count me in! What a vison it is!

Blue Underground continues their trend of top-notch DVD transfers with The Shape of Things to Come. Aside from the occasional spec or bit of grain, this is a near spotless transfer. Any anomalies here are evidence of the films source material. Colors are quite sharp and vibrant exhibiting deep blacks and not even a hint of digital atifacting. Taking into consideration the films soft focus look, the image comes across quite nicely.

Audio is presented in both a French and English Mono track and also fares quite well. Nothing to blow the roof off the house here, but dialogue is clear with really no evidence of distortion or background noise (not much anyway).

Extras include a French theatrical trailer, TV Spot and a poster and still gallery.

Fans of the world of weird sci fi cinema rejoice, you'll most likely find much to enjoy within. As we've come to expect from Blue Underground, they've treated this title with the utmost respect and given it the red carpet treatment on DVD. While this flick is certainly not for all tastes, those who do have a craving should leave the table ultimately satisfied.

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