Grindhouse Double Shock Show: Wars of The Robots (1978) / It's Alive (1968) (DVD)

War Of the Robots (1978, Color, 103 minutes): An army of androids from beyond the solar system is sent to earth to kidnap its greatest scientist in a desperate bid to save their home planet from extinction. A team of space rangers is sent on a daring rescue mission, leading to a final cataclysmic battle in space, as Earth tries to hold off a mass invasion by the robot fleets.

This lavish Italian production comes on the heels of the phenomenal success of American director George Lucas' groundbreaking Star Wars - and its influence is apparent (watch for the light sabers!). Director Alfonso Brescia alternated between gladiator, mafia and space operas in his thirty year filmmaking career. Star Antonio Sabato is the father of well-known American TV personality, Antonio Sabato, Jr.

Starring Antonio Sabato, Yanti Somer, Malisa Longo, Patrizia Gori; Directed by Alfonso Brescia.

It's Alive (1968, Color, 80 minutes): In a subterranean labyrinth beneath the remote mountain home of a deranged madman lurks a hideous creature that lives on human flesh. Three victims, imprisoned in the volcanic hell-hole, plead for their lives to their diabolical captor as they desperately attempt to escape their fate - a quick meal for the monster. This low-budget shocker from notorious Z-budget director, Larry Buchanan (The Eye Creatures, Zontar - The Thing from Venus, Mars Needs Women) stars Tommy Kirk, one-time Disney teen heart-throb. Kirk starred in many Disney live-action classics in the 1950s, including Old Yeller, The Shaggy Dog, Swiss Family Robinson and The Absent-Minded Professor.

Starring Tommy Kirk, Bill Thurman, Shirley Bonne, Annabelle MacAdams, Coveth Ousterhouse; Directed by Larry Buchanan.

• science fiction