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Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0082354001322
Label: Plexifilm
Manufacturer: Plexifilm
Number Of Discs: 1
Publisher: Plexifilm
Release Date: October 28, 2003
Sales Rank: 51836
Studio: Plexifilm
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Editorial Review:
Amazon.com:
This peculiar, rather warped feature is a product of the highly original mind of the late "musician-thinker" Sun Ra (the former Herman "Sonny" Blount, an accomplished jazz pianist and bandleader). The 82-minute, 1974 film melds effects that are straight out of '50s Japanese sci-fi, politics reflecting '60s racial radicalism, and the overall vibe of '70s blaxploitation films, with some African-Egyptian mythology thrown in for good measure. It isn't exactly a masterpiece of cinema; the production values are mediocre, the story is thin (Ra, who co-wrote, portrays an alien who offers oppressed African Americans the opportunity to seek their "alter-destiny" in outer space; complications ensue before his spaceship departs with true believers on board), the acting amateurish. But it's entertaining--Ra's array of costumes (especially his headgear) is impressive, and we do at least get a taste of his Intergalactic Solar Arkestra's heady brew of avant-garde jazz. --Sam Graham
Description:
DESCRIPTION:Science fiction, blaxploitation, cosmic free-jazz and radical race politics combine when Sun Ra returns to earth in his music-powered space ship to battle for the future of the black race and offer an "alter-destiny" to those who would join him. Intentionally created as an homage to the low-budget science fiction films of the 50's and 60's, SPACE IS THE PLACE became a visual embodiment of Sun Ra's Afro-Egyptian myth of salvation in outer space. The special effects, outrageous plot line and apocalyptic message harmonize with the otherworldly score and a climactic live performance by one of the most innovative and profound groups in jazz history. After having traveled through space in a yellow spaceship propelled by music, Sun Ra finds a planet he believes could serve as a new home for the black race. Returning to earth, he lands in Oakland, California circa 1972 and has to battle The Overseer, played by Ray Johnson (from 1971's DIRTY HARRY), a supernatural villain exploiting the black people. The Overseer, the FBI, and NASA -- who are after Ra's Black Space Program -- attempt to assassinate Ra, who escapes into space with his followers before the destruction of Earth. Cosmic blaxploitation cum sociological critique, SPACE IS THE PLACE defies categorization. It is at once a platform for Sun Ra's radical racial philosophies, an indictment of the government's policies in Vietnam-era U.S., cult camp flick, sci-fi movie and concert film with unforgettable performances by the Intergalactic Solar Arkestra. Since its extremely limited release in 1974 -- the film played very briefly in San Francisco and New York -- SPACE IS THE PLACE has become an underground legend spoken about but never seen, and if so, in poorly dubbed bootlegs or in the severely adulterated 1992 VHS version.
Average Rating: 
Rating:  -
Appropriately named a blaxploitation film, Space is the Place does more harm than good in promoting "blackness", in spite of its attempts to weave in sophisticated technological and mythic themes. It is an arduous task finding positive representations and ideas amidst the white noise of drugs, bitches, pimps, and, well, noise. Ironically, part of the process is not understanding, as finally clarified in Sun Ra's concert approaching the end of the film.
The good versus evil, religious, ... Read More
Rating: -
this film is pretty nice but not nearly as great as the documentary A Joyful Noise. I highly recommend purchasing A Joyful Noise first because it provides a deeper look into Sun Ra.
Rating: -
I picked up this curious period piece of psychedelic, indie-fueled moviemaking some time ago. Sorry now I waited so long to view it. It's a delightful combination of '70's pop culture, science fiction fantasy, Sun Ra musical storytelling through his Inter-Galactical Outer Space Archestra, and black pride allegory that manages to be quite on point.
Initially, I was too fascinated by the imagery and music to think much about any message. In retrospect, Sun Ra is a spiritual being from ... Read More
Rating:  -
What a simultaneously hysterical with fits of lucidity presentation! The running battle between Ra and "Overseer" is a great subtext. Gives some insights into the man, somewhat in spite of Sun Ra's best efforts to stay a "Mystery". The cheesey effects and over the top acting has to be viewed as an ultimate camp cult movie. A JOYFUL NOISE is almost as bizarre, but probably more accessible. Most of the charm is that you can't tell whether he is plain nuts or goofing with you. I understand this was very ... Read More
Rating: -
What a great super-fly atmosphere, Oakland in the early 70s.
Ra has some great parts, and as always the music is tops.
SPACE IS THE PLACE!
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