Dark Star (1974) – Film Review

Director: John Carpenter
Cast: Dan O’Bannon, Brian Narelle, Dre Pahich
Certificate: PG

By Roger Crow

Back in 1982, I used to watch every late-night Friday movie on TV – all three channels before Channel 4 arrived. And one of those many nocturnal treats was John Carpenter’s cult sci-fi comedy Dark Star.

This blissfully low-budget glorified student movie was a fine showcase for multi-skilled co-star, editor and effects wizard Dan O’Bannon.

It was also the progenitor of Alien, which Dan moved on to when a big budget version of Dune collapsed.

“Unstable worlds”

The story is simple. Two decades into a mission destroying unstable worlds, a bunch of bearded stoner guys, who have barely aged, are recovering from the loss of their Captain. On board is an alien who looks like a beach ball with feet, and then all hell breaks loose when one of the sentient bombs malfunctions and threatens to blow up the ship.

The cast are okay, not great, and the effects are beautifully low-fi. For fans of Carpenter’s The Thing remake, there’s a wonderful on-screen graphic which foreshadows the base in that 1982 movie, while the blister dome at the rear of the ship is an echo of a moment in Alien that might have happened. (A love scene in a transparent dome would have been interrupted by a corpse).

The film is a lot of fun, and it looks and sounds great in the new 4K UHD release. The box set is out of this world. In the nice chunky box are two reproduction UK quad posters, a set of eight publicity lobby cards and a fun booklet with cartoons and notes. However, you’ll need strong glasses or perfect eyesight to read some of the booklets – the print is tiny.

“Outstanding”

There’s also an impressive fabric patch, and aside from the UHD disc, there’s also a Blu-ray version. Plus, commentary from a fan, Andrew Gilchrist.

As box sets go, this is outstanding and an absolute must for Carpenter aficionados.

More than 50 years on and Dark Star still shines.

Roger Crow( Writer )

Adopted Yorkshireman Roger Crow developed a passion for film and TV in the 1970s and 1980s. He has been a published film and TV reviewer since the 1990s; a world travel and restaurant critic since the noughties, and for the past decade has assessed the pros and cons of live gigs and theatre productions around the UK. His ideal day would involve reviewing a performance of Bat Out of Hell, followed by a Pad Thai while being serenaded by Texas on a cruise around Europe.
crowsfeat.com; nostalgiahhh film podcast

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FAQs – Dark Star (1974) 4K UHD & Blu-ray

What is Dark Star about?

Four bored astronauts roam space blowing up unstable planets – until a sentient “smart bomb” questions existence and an alien that looks like a beach ball causes chaos.

Who made it and who stars?

Directed by John Carpenter – co-written by Carpenter and Dan O’Bannon. Cast includes Dan O’Bannon, Brian Narelle and Dre Pahich.

Why is it important?

A cult, ultra-low-budget sci-fi comedy that parodies 2001 – a springboard for Carpenter and O’Bannon, influencing Alien and later shows like Red Dwarf.

What versions are included?

Both cuts – the original 72-minute student film and the expanded theatrical version.

How has it been restored?

New 4K restoration from the original 35mm elements – with a digitally enhanced, fully restored 5.1 soundtrack.

Any notable in-jokes or links to later Carpenter films?

Yes – the beach-ball alien and deadpan ship graphics foreshadow gags and aesthetics Carpenter fans will recognise.

What special features are included?

Feature-length documentary Let There Be Light: The Odyssey of Dark Star – interviews and behind-the-scenes pieces – sci-fi author discussion – 3D ship guide – trivia – full audio commentary by super-fan Andrew Gilchrist – written intro by Dan O’Bannon – new press book reproduction – new “Mission Log” – new essay by Michael Doyle – two repro UK quad posters – eight repro lobby cards.

Is there a collector’s package?

Yes – an online-exclusive limited clamshell and o-ring 4K package with a sew-on Dark Star mission patch.

What physical goodies come in the standard box?

Repro UK quad posters, eight lobby cards and a booklet with cartoons and notes – plus both 4K UHD and Blu-ray discs in the set.

Who will enjoy this edition?

Carpenter completists, cult-film fans and anyone curious about the scrappy, inventive origins of modern sci-fi comedy.