Roger Corman's Cult Classics Triple Feature: Attack of the Crab Monsters/War of the Satellites/Not of This Earth

Shout! Factory has released a lot of films under the Roger Corman's Cult Classics banner—mostly drive-in movies that Corman produced during the 1970s and '80s—but this collection features three ultra-low-budget movies from the 1950s directed by Corman himself. A bizarre entry in the sub-genre of atomic era giant-creature features, Attack of the Crab Monsters (1957) stars Russell Johnson as engineer-turned-action-hero Hank Chapman, who leads his scientist colleagues in battle against giant mutant crabs with psychic powers, while trying to escape from an inhospitable island. Capitalizing on Sputnik and the ensuing space race, War of the Satellites (1958) has Corman regular Dick Miller in a rare leading role as low-key hero Dave Boyer for a tale that pits American astronauts against extraterrestrial infiltrators sabotaging an attempted satellite launch (replete with primitive special effects using repurposed toys). The original 1957 Not of This Earth—the cult movie highlight of the set—is an alien-invasion flick with dimensional portals and cold-blooded vampirism set in suburbia, starring Beverly Garland as Nadine, a savvy, smart-talking nurse. While there are no masterpieces here—and no essential B-movie landmarks—all three films are unexpectedly entertaining, especially given the budget limitations. Boasting remarkably good transfers, extras include audio commentaries on Attack of the Crab Monsters and Not of This Earth by cinema historians Tom Weaver, John Brunas, and Mike Brunas; the interview featurette “A Salute to Roger Corman”; and trailers. A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)