Special Features: |
- Booklet (six pages) contains an unedited essay by Samuel R. Delany.
- Commentary features director Stuart Orme and editor David Yardley.
- "The Puppet Grand Master" (29:04, HD) presents a summary of Robert Heinlein's career and creative viewpoints, through interviews with a few writers and admirers. Biographical information is provided, creating shape to the author's world view, having lived through World War I, the Depression, and spending time in the military before illness ended his career. The interviewees make a clear point about Heinlein's respect for the sci-fi literary community, sharing personal interactions, but the featurette does underline his restless political beliefs, including longstanding support for the Vietnam War. Hollywood adventures for Heinlein are identified, including controversy with Roger Corman over the true inspiration for 1958's "The Brain Eaters." The author's considerable influence over readership and government ambition closes out the exploration.
- "Get Slugged" (10:57, HD) sits down with actress Julie Warner, who admits she never heard of Heinlein before making "The Puppet Masters." After her audition, research was in order, along with concentration on creating reality for this world, with the cast trying to play things as seriously as possible. Warner details character motivation and reflects on her co-stars, also denying any major tinkering with the screenplay. Her memories of working with the slugs, identifying many of the technical achievements in the picture. And she shares continued fan interest in "The Puppet Masters," which is a popular topic during her convention appearances.
- "Strange Invasion" (8:45, HD) moves on to Keith David, who's a bit more guarded about his filming experiences on "The Puppet Masters." Praise for Donald Sutherland (along with a few enigmatic comments about the actor's process) and fond memories of co- stars such as Will Patton and Eric Thal. David shares his love for death scenes and his feelings on sci-fi fans, and discusses the enduring legacy of "They Live" and "The Thing."
- "Alien Me, Alien You" (8:36, HD) conversation with Richard Belzer, who doesn't really mention "The Puppet Masters" much beyond his audition and performance choices, preferring to veer off into conspiracy theories involving aliens, JFK, and secret levels of government, labeling himself a "coincidence theorist."
- "Larry Odien Pulls the Strings" (13:48, HD) is a chat with the refreshingly animated creature designer of "The Puppet Masters." Odien recounts his entrance into the industry (inspired by "Jaws"), eventually working his way to Greg Cannom's shop. Odien shares concept art concerning the development of the slugs, working through various designs before settling on a stingray-inspired shape. Camera tests are included, perfecting the look of the alien enemies, and Odien discusses production interruption due to the Northridge Earthquake. The creature guy also shares his personal collection of slugs, showing off props rescued from the trash, and a special slug display plaque offered as a wrap gift.
- Image Gallery (2:46) provides a better look at Odien's creature designs.
- Theatrical Trailer (1:45, SD)
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