Robert Chipman
Welcome to my column dedicated to the appreciation of physical media supplements called: Feature Presentations. The goal of this column is not to say whether a film is good or bad and worth picking up or not—I would like to highlight the discs that go the extra mile and provide film fans with enough tasty tidbits to satisfy even the hungriest of cinephiles. With all that out of the way, today’s article will focus on Vinegar Syndrome‘s release of Voyage of the Rock Aliens.
Vinegar Syndrome’s Halfway to Black Friday sale, back at the end of May, included announcing two surprise titles. One of these, Scared to Death, fit right up Vinegar Syndrome’s alley, but there was a second title that left some, myself included, scratching their heads: Voyage of the Rock Aliens. A low-budget, forgotten mid-80s musical? In my article detailing my Halfway to Black Friday pick-ups, I said, “a lot of this 1984 film does not appeal to my senses.” It would be fair to say I was somewhat skeptical.
And that skepticism was warranted. I popped the disc in and, while not hating the film, found myself not enjoying the movie as much as I wanted. I’m not positive that I understand the plot, but it’s the tale of aliens coming to Earth, finding love, and the kooks who live here while singing many a-tunes along the way. And sing they do. Unfortunately, musicals are not one of my favorite film genres, so Voyage of the Rock Aliens is not a film that caters to my sensibilities. If you like cheesy ’80s films and a heaping dose of musical numbers, Voyage of the Rock Aliens may be right up your alley. For me, some of the music was catchy, and Michael Berryman’s supporting role got some chuckles out of me, but at the end of the day, it’s not a movie I would pick up if I didn’t have a Vinegar Syndrome subscription.
As is customary with Vinegar Syndrome, the release comes with a thick cardboard slipcover. The case features a reversible sleeve with the slipcover artwork on one side and alternative artwork on the other. As I tend to do, I flipped the sleeve to the reversible artwork as it differentiates from what the slipcover offers, allowing all artwork the chance to shine.
On the supplemental material side of the release, Vinegar Syndrome included an extended making-of documentary, “Embarking on a Voyage: The Making of an Alien Dance Rock Opera.” The documentary is a five-part, 40-minute making-of covering the film from its initial conception through its current reappraisal. While only a handful of the cast and crew appear, there is plenty of behind-the-scenes information for Voyage of the Rock Aliens fans. Highlights for me include a story told by Michael Berryman about the dangerous use of a chainsaw during one scene of the film and the attempts at getting the opening title sequence done correctly. The runtime is wall-to-wall with other informational goodies dispensed for those who need to understand the intricacies of the film.
The other bonus feature, “Where Are They Now: Reuniting the Band Rhema in the 21st Century,” is an extended featurette with members of the band, Rhema, seen throughout the film as the titular Rock Aliens. Vinegar Syndrome compiles an almost 50-minute interview with the band Rhema. Members Jeffrey Casey and Marc Jackson record together while Craig Quiter and Gregory Bond are on-camera separately. The last member, Patrick Byrnes, offers his thoughts to this featurette via audio-only. The band members get together to discuss how Rhema came about, how they happened upon the production of Voyage of the Rock Aliens, and the aftermath of their band since the film’s release.
Each member of Rhema offers their thoughts and opinions, though Casey and Jackson dominate much of the runtime. Not to say this is a bad thing. Casey and Jackson work well at bouncing remembrances and thoughts off each other, creating an entertaining dynamic that alternates between informational and self-deprecating. All of the Rhema members contribute plenty of production information and musical history from the perspective of their band. While “Where Are They Now” doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it is an entertaining and funnier than expected history lesson for a forgotten film and the band that production employed.
There isn’t a trailer provided on the disc, and while not essential, I always feel something is missing. It’s on YouTube, so not a big loss, just would have rounded out the package nicely.
And there you have it! The Vinegar Syndrome release of Voyage of the Rock Aliens reminded me of the Shout! Factory release of Teen Wolf. When you look at the supplemental material, you might assume the release is slacking. Upon watching what Vinegar Syndrome cooked up, the two extra features were lengthy and well-crafted—probably more deserving than what the film deserves. I might be the wrong person about recommending Voyage of the Rock Aliens. It didn’t strike my fancy, but there are plenty of people among us who I’m sure will adore the film. Vinegar Syndrome went above and beyond to gift fans of Voyage of the Rock Aliens or fans who have yet to check it out something to smile about. I’d recommend the disc if you’re familiar with the movie or if the idea of a cheesy ’80s musical is something that gets you excited. If that’s something you shake your head at, this release isn’t for you; to each their own.
