Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959) - The Hunt for Edward D. Wood, Jr.
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Original Poster


Plan 9 From Outer Space - VHS, DVD, DVD-R, Blu-ray, Laserdisc, Betamax, 8mm, Video-On-Demand
a.k.a. Grave Robbers From Outer Space
a.k.a. Plan 9 aus dem Weltall - VHS
a.k.a. Vampiros del Espacio - VHS
a.k.a. 9-es Terv a Világűrből - DVD
a.k.a. Espectros del Espacio
a.k.a. Plan 9 del espacio sideral
a.k.a. Piano 9 da un altro spazio
a.k.a. Plano 9 do Vampiro Zombie

GET THIS MOVIE -> (opens new window)
Directed by Edward D. Wood, Jr.
Written by Edward D. Wood, Jr.
Wood regulars
Carl Anthony
Conrad Brooks
Criswell
David De Mering
Ben Frommer
Karl Johnson
Tor Johnson
Tom Keene
Bela Lugosi
Dudley Manlove
Paul Marco
Tom Mason
Mona McKinnon
Duke Moore
Lyle Talbot
Vampira
Gregory Walcott

Additional cast
John "Bunny" Breckinridge
Joanna Lee
Reverend Lynn Lemon
Norma McCarty
J. Edward Reynolds

Plot
A mysterious alien empire, worried that Earth's escalating arms race will lead to the destruction of the Universe, decide to raise the Earth's dead as a scheme to conquer the world.
'Wood'-ness
This is it. The big one. This is the one we remember Ed for. It's all here: lousy sets, hammy acting, bad dialogue, inane plot. This is the ultimate Ed Wood movie.

The second in the "Kelton Trilogy" (after Bride of the Monster and followed by Night of the Ghouls), Plan 9 is the cement that holds the three together.

Adapted into comic book form by Malibu Press.
Best Line
"You see? You see? You're stupid minds! Stupid! Stupid!" - Eros (played by Dudley Manlove)
File Under
Ed Acting, Horror, Sci-Fi

VIDEO RELEASES

PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE

The best known of all of Ed's films, Plan 9 From Outer Space has also enjoyed the most mass market releases. Below are all the versions I have identified so far. If you know of any additional releases, contact me at rhindle@hotmail.com.


VHS

Plan 9 From Outer Space (VHS-1)Manufacturer: unknown
Video Format: NTSC

Plan 9 From Outer Space (Nostalgia Merchant)Manufacturer: Nostalgia Merchant
Video Format: NTSC

Plan 9 From Outer Space (Mostalgia Merchant 2)Manufacturer: Nostalgia Merchant
Video Format: NTSC

Plan 9 From Outer Space (Something Weird)Manufacturer: Something Weird Video
Video Format: NTSC

Plan 9 From Outer Space (Sinister Cinema)Manufacturer: Sinister Cinema
Video Format: NTSC

Plan 9 From Outer Space (GoodTimes)Manufacturer: GoodTimes
Video Format: NTSC

Plan 9 From Outer Space (Rhino) Manufacturer: Rhino Home Video
Year of issue: 1994
Video Format: NTSC
Comments: The opening credits have been altered to reflect current copyright ownership: i.e. "Wade Williams Collection".


Plan 9 From Outer Space (Admit One)Manufacturer: Admit One
Video Format: NTSC

Plan 9 From Outer Space (Englewood)Manufacturer: Englewood Entertainment
Video Format: NTSC


Plan 9 From Outer Space (Hypnotic)

Manufacturer: Hypnotic Video
Video Format: Region1 - NTSC
Comments:


Plan 9 From Outer Space (Palace)Manufacturer: Palace Video
Video Format: PAL
Comments: Pre-Certification UK release.

Plan 9 From Outer Space (Mondo)Manufacturer: Mondo Movie
Video Format: PAL
Comments: UK release.

Plan 9 From Outer Space (Gremlin)Manufacturer: Gremlin
Video Format: PAL
Comments: UK release of the computer game. Came with free copy of the movie.

Plan 9 From Outer Space (PAL-1)Manufacturer: unknown
Video Format: PAL
Comments: UK release that seems to use the same source as the Englewood Entertainment edition.

Plan 9 From Outer Space (PAL-2)Manufacturer: unknown
Video Format: PAL
Extras: "The Stars Reveal All About Ed Wood"
Comments: UK release. "The Stars Reveal..." seems to be the interviews used in the Passport DVD release.

Plan 9 From Outer Space (Australian)Manufacturer: unknown
Video Format: PAL
Comments: Apparently an Australian release.

Plan 9 From Outer Space (Hollywood House)Manufacturer: Hollywood House Video
Video Format: PAL
Comments: An Australian release.

Plan 9 From Outer Space (Gremlin-Germany)Manufacturer: Gremlin
Video Format: PAL
Comments: German release of the Gremlin computer game. Like the UK release, it came with a copy of Plan 9 on video.

Plan 9 From Outer Space (PAL-German)Manufacturer: unknown
Video Format: PAL
Comments: German release that seems to use the same source as the Englewood Entertainment edition.

DVD

Plan 9 From Outer Space (Passport DVD) Manufacturer: Passport Video
Year of issue: 1999
Video Format: Region 0 - NTSC
Extras: "The Ed Wood Story" • Trailers for Glen or Glenda, Bride of the Monster, The Sinister Urge, The Bride and the Beast and Plan 9.
Comments: The opening music bars with the accompanying DCA logo have been removed and the film opens with Criswell.

The entire film and the extras have a "PV" in the lower right hand corner. It is often distracting.

"The Ed Wood Story" consists of interviews with Johnny Depp, Martin Landau, Dolores Fuller (incorrectly identified as Ed's wife), Vampira, Johnny Legend, & Bela Lugosi, Jr. Dolores Fuller even takes the time to mercilessly slag Sarah Jessica Parker as "unprofessional." Also has the complete footage of a post-hospital interview with Bela Lugosi (parts of which are seen in Ed Wood: Look Back In Angora). Although called "The Ed Wood Story" on the cover, it should not be confused with The Ed Wood Story: The Plan 9 Companion (a.k.a.Flying Saucers Over Hollywood: The Plan 9 Companion).


Plan 9 From Outer Space (Image DVD) Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
Year of issue: 2000
Video Format: Region 1 - NTSC
Extras: Complete additional film; Flying Saucers Over Hollywood: The Plan 9 Companion
Comments: This edition features a restored print that is on par or superior to any other print I have seen.

'ed.'s Choice' Award


Plan 9 From Outer Space ('Destroy All Humans' edition) Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
Year of issue: 2005
Video Format: Region 1 - NTSC
Comments: This edition was given away as a pre-order bonus for buying the video game Destroy All Humans. It apparently is identical in content to the normal Image release.

it comes in a basic cardboard sleeve.


Plan 9 From Outer Space (Autographed Edition) Manufacturer: Legend Films
Year of issue: 2005
Video Format: Region 1 - NTSC
Extras: Colorized and restored B&W versions of the film. Audio Commentary by Michael J. Nelson. Vintage commercials by Ed. "The Lost Plans 1 - 8." Ed Wood home movies.
Comments: This is the limited edition of Plan 9 from Legend.


Plan 9 From Outer Space (Legend Films) Manufacturer: Legend Films
Year of issue: 2005
Video Format: Region 1 - NTSC
Extras: Features everything in the Autographed Edition above plus a text information track.
Comments: You know, I wrote the text track on this one. I think you'll like it.

'ed.'s Choice' Award




Plan 9 From Outer Space (Rifftrax) Manufacturer: Rifftrax
Year of issue: 2009
Video Format: Region 0 - NTSC
Extras: Audio Commentary by Mighael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett. Comedy song by the Rifftones.
Comments: This fetaures a new recording by the Rifftrax crew, distinct from the previous Legend release of Plan 9, which featured only Mike. You can watch the film (in B&W only) either with or without the commentary.


Plan 9 (Cult Classic)Manufacturer: Cult Classic Video
Format: Region 0 NTSC
Comments: No-frills release.

Plan 9 From Outer Space (Synergy) Manufacturer: Synergy
Year of issue: 2008
Video Format: Region 1 - NTSC
Extras: None that I know of.


The Ed Wood Collection - A Salute to IncompetanceManufacturer: Passport
Video Format: Region 1 - NTSC
Comments: This is a 2 disc DVD set that features six Ed films: Glen or Glenda, Jail Bait, Bride of the Monster, The Violent Years, Night of the Ghouls and Plan 9 From Outer Space.

It also features the same "Ed Wood Story" found on the previous Passport DVD of Plan 9.


Plan 9.1 From Outer Space Manufacturer: Apprehensive Films
Year of issue: 2009
Video Format: Region 0 - NTSC
Extras: This new production by Ernie Fosselius (Hardware Wars) features the original Plan 9 as a bonus


The Bela Lugosi BoxManufacturer: unknown
Format: NTSC
Comments: DVD set featuring Glen or Glenda, Bride of the Monster and Plan 9 From Outer Space, among others.

Plan 9 From Outer Space (Avenue One DVD) Manufacturer: Avenue One
Video Format: Region 0 - PAL
Comments: Apparently comes in either a bright green case (shown) or a standard black one.

Plan 9 From Outer Space (PAL DVD) Manufacturer: unknown
Video Format: Region 2 - PAL
Comments: UK release that apparently uses the same print as the Image release.

Like the US release above, this edition includes Flying Saucers Over Hollywood: The Plan 9 Companion as bonus material.

Plan 9 From Outer Space (Retro-Media) Manufacturer: Retro-Media
Video Format: Region 2 - PAL
Comments: UK release in a tin case.

Plan 9 From Outer Space (Australian) Manufacturer: Payless
Video Format: Region 0 - PAL
Comments: Australian release.

Plan 9 From Outer Space (Australian) Manufacturer: unknown
Video Format: unknown
Comments: Another Australian release.

Plan 9 From Outer Space / Terror of Tiny Town Manufacturer: "DVD Movie Classics"
Video Format: Region 0
Comments: A DVD release that also features the 'famous' midget western, The Terror of Tiny Town.


Ed Wood DVD COllectionThis is a release from the Netherlands that includes Bride of the Monster, Plan 9 from Outer Space and Glen or Glenda.

Australian 2-packManufacturer: unknown
Format: Region 3 PAL
Comments: Australian 2-pack includes the non-Ed film She.

Australian 3-packManufacturer: unknown
Format: Region 3 PAL
Comments: Australian 3-pack includes the non-Ed films Nosferatu and W.C. Fields titles.

DVD-R

Plan 9 From Outer Space (Hypnotic)

Manufacturer: Hypnotic Video
Video Format: Region1 - NTSC
Comments:


Blu-ray

Plan 9 From Outer Space (Blu-ray) Manufacturer: Legend Films
Year of issue: 2012
Video Format: Region A
Extras: Features everything in the standard DVD above.
Comments: Yes, it includes my text commentary track.

'ed.'s Choice' Award

Laserdisc

Plan 9 From Outer Space (LD) Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
Video Format: NTSC

The Ed Wood Collection: Plan 9 From Outer Space / Jail Bait / Night of the Ghouls Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
Video Format: NTSC
Comments: This 'collection' laserdisc contains not only Plan 9 From Outer Space, but also Jail Bait and Night of the Ghouls.

The Essential Worst Films of Edward D. Wood, Jr. Manufacturer: Pioneer
Video Format: J-NTSC
Comments: A Japanese three disc collection, the set contains Plan 9 From Outer Space, as well as Glen or Glenda and Bride of the Monster.

The films are in English with Japanese subtitles.

Although the package indicates the discs are in CAV and CLV format, it is unclear which movies are in which format.

There is also apparently a booklet of some kind in the package.

Betamax

Plan 9 From Outer Space (Beta)Manufacturer: Nostalgia Merchant
Video Format: NTSC

8mm / Super8

Plan 9 From Outer Space (8mm Silent)Manufacturer: Heritage Films
Format: 8mm silent
Comments: UK release.

I have received reports that some versions have subtitles, but I cannot confirm this. My copy does not.

The film has been edited to tell a brief version of the full movie.

Scene breakdown is thus:
-Opening Credits
-"Flying saucers over Hollywood"
-The ghoul invades the Trent House / Inspector Clay rises from the grave
-The ghouls gather at the space ship
-Jamie and Kelton arrive at the ship / end fight w/ ship explosion
-"The End" (w/ silhouette of Criswell)

Plan 9 From Outer Space (8mm Sound)Manufacturer: Heritage Films
Format: 8mm sound
Comments: UK release.

Should contain the same scenes as the silent version.

Plan 9 From Outer Space (8mm Sound - Complete US)Manufacturer: Red Fox
Year of issue: unknown
Format: Super8 sound
Comments: A complete sound release on 5 reels.

Plan 9 From Outer Space (8mm Sound - Complete - UK)Manufacturer: Derann
Year of issue: circa 1980
Format: Super8 sound
Comments: A complete sound release on four reels.

Video-On-Demand

Plan 9 From Outer Space (8mm Sound)Manufacturer: Rifftrax/Legend Films
Format: DIVX download
Comments: Legend has not only released a VOD version of their DVD listed above (sans extras, of course) under Mike Nelson's Rifftrax brand, Nelson and his MST3K cohorts Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett joined him on a "three riffers" version available as both a VOD and an .mp3 download.

They can be obtained from the Rifftrax web site and from Amazon.



GRAVE ROBBERS FROM OUTER SPACE

The original title of Plan 9 From Outer Space, this title was never used on a mass market release. As the title was changed only after Ed turned the movie over to the producers, a copy with the original title may exist, but has not surfaced so far.


No Image AvailableN/A


PLAN 9 AUS DEM WELTALL

i.e.: "Plan 9 From The Universe"

This is the title Plan 9 From Outer Space was released under in West Germany


VHS

Plan 9 aus dem Weltall Manufacturer: unknown
Video Format: PAL
Comments: German release also listed above.


VAMPIROS DEL ESPACIO

i.e.: "Vampires from Space"

This is the title Plan 9 From Outer Space was released under in Argentina


VHS

Vampiros del Espacio / La Venganza de la Muerte Manufacturer: unknown
Video Format: NTSC
Comments: Release from Argentina containing both Plan 9 From Outer Space and "La Venganza de la Muerte" a.k.a. Night of the Ghouls. It is subtitled in Spanish.


ESPECTROS DEL ESPACIO

i.e.: "Spectres from Space"

This is the title Plan 9 From Outer Space was released under in Brazil. (I think. -ed.)


Espectros del Espacio I can find no release under this title. To the left is a lobby card.

Note the limited use of the original Plan 9 artwork.


9-ES TERV A VILáGűRBőL

i.e.: "Plan 9 from Space"

This is the title Plan 9 From Outer Space was released under in Hungary


DVD

9-es Terv a Világűrből Manufacturer: Forum Home Entertainment
Video Format: PAL, Region 2
Comments: Unknown.


OTHER ALTERNATE TITLES

The following are additional International titles that I have currently found no releases for. If you have any releases under any of these titles, please contact me.


No Image Available Plan 9 del espacio sideral (Venezuela)
"Plan 9 of the Sidereal Space"

Plano 9 da un altro spazio (Italy)
"Plan 9 From Another Space"

Plano 9 do Vampiro Zombie (Portugal)
"Plan 9 of the Zombie Vampire"




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