The Mysterians (VHS)

A classic of Japanese sci-fi, THE MYSTERIANS combines the alien invasion and kaiju (giant monster) sub-genres. When the military investigates the puzzling disappearance of an entire village, they uncover the culprit, an enormous robot. They also encounter the alien Mysterians, who have left their own decimated planet seeking asylum on Earth. All they ask is a portion of land...and some Earth women to repopulate their species! Incensed, the people of Earth declare war on the Mysterians, which leads to the revelation of the aliens' sinister secrets. However, Earth stands little chance against the technologically advanced beings unless a group of scientists can come up with a super weapon to use against them. THE MYSTERIANS was the first widescreen and color film made by the Toho studio, and was directed by Ishiro Honda, who directed many kaiju and sci-fi films, including the first GODZILLA. Among the many highlights is an acclaimed score by Akira Ifukabe.