Category: Aliens

  • A Trip to Jupiter

    A Trip to Jupiter

    (9/10) While derivative of Georges Méliès’ space voyages, Segundo de Chomon’s silent short from 1909 is a tour de force of innovative camera use, seamless special effects and stunning artwork. Now the apprentice becomes the master. A Trip to Jupiter (Le voyage sur Jupiter). 1909, France. Directed by Segundo de…

  • A Message from Mars

    A Message from Mars

    No rating: lost film New Zealand’s first science fiction film is also the first ever film involving a Martian and an alien visitation to Earth. The 1903 movie was based on a popular stage play, which was successively filmed again in 1913 and 1921.  A Message from Mars. 1903, New…

  • An Excursion to the Moon

    An Excursion to the Moon

    (6/10) In 1908 Spanish master filmmaker Segundo de Chomon directed a carbon copy of Georges Méliès’ A Trip to the Moon. The result is professional, but uninspired.  An Excursion to the Moon (Excursion dans la lune). 1908, France. Directed by Segundo de Chomon. Inspired by novels by Jules Verne and…

  • A Voyage Around a Star

    A Voyage Around a Star

    (4/10) An astronomer travels to woo the lady in stars by enclosing himself in a soap bubble in this 1906 short film by Gaston Velle.  A Voyage Around a Star (Voyage autour d’une étoile). 1906, France. Directed by Gaston Velle. Cinematography: André Vanzel. Produced for Pathé. IMDb score: 6.0. Tomatometer:…

  • The Astronomer’s Dream

    The Astronomer’s Dream

    (7/10) Georges Méliès’ French short film was an important step in the development of the science fiction movie, even if it should probably be categorised as a fairy-tale. The film, depicting an astronomer dreaming of a crazy moon entering his room and eating him, was a leap forward for special…

  • A Trip to the Moon

    A Trip to the Moon

    This 1902 film about a trip to the moon and an encounter with aliens is in many senses the first of its kind, notable for its large budget, entertaining and fantastical story, state of the art special effects and lavish, moving sets. A true benchmark not only for sci-fi films,…