Pinocchio in Outer Space (1965)

Like others I've read, Pinocchio in Space was as early and positive science fiction experience for me. In 1964 the New York World's Fair was just beginning with all its future exhibits, the space race was heating up and I was watching Astroboy. It was a great time my imagination was ignited. This film helped do that more. I am not going to give away any plot spoilers but note that some scenes are mentioned in the next paragraphs.The theme of a destroyed but great culture undone by its technology was haunting. Giant creatures jumping out at me was also a new experience. Back then I had not seen Forbidden Planet but watching Pinocchio now I note that the walk through towering Martian technology is strongly reminiscent of the still functioning Krell laboratory depicted in the 1955 classic. Even some of the sound effects are similar.I also find it fun that the film makers tried also to be educational by adding various space facts while admonishing children to apply themselves to school. In short it was a lot of fun, especially Arnold Stang as "Nurtle the Turtle" an alternative to Jiminy Cricket. (I can not say all the shows I have heard his voice in but others of my generation will know him.) Of course the film also improbably mixes in fantasy and magic, including a whale who can propel himself through space with his spout. But for me it all worked. Probably a bit dated for older kids today but the young and the young in heart will still enjoy this animated morality tale.

Well! Looks like I'm not alone out there in having seen this "unusual sequel" to Disney's original. I just happened to see this on my neighbors beta player away on back in 1978!(or '79). In fact this stands as the very first time I ever saw anything on home video anywhere! I was 100% amazed at the idea of watching a cartoon this way! I even asked him,"Wow,how'd you do that?! Anyway,I never forgot it and all I can recall is the plot as described here. Poor little Pinnochio has returned to wooden form and now has to risk being his own timber fire by flying to Mars! (Wouldn't he have burned up either on re-entry or on the way up??) I forget how he becomes an actual boy again but for the sheer sake of nostalgia and a great child-hood memory I'll rate it 8 stars! I know that even if I get to watch it again it wont be as it was the first time but it's really the only way (besides in your mind & photos/home movies) that one can truly revisit childhood!It's not Disney but it's okay in my book. Oh! ...and Happy 40th Anniversary,wherever you are! I can't find you on video anywhere. Edited on March 11th, 2011 : I was finally able to track down an affordable copy on VHS on Amazon.com and it's finally in my possession. HOORAY!!! Amazing how much I'd forgotten about it. If any of you are still seeking it, give that same site a look.

...despite the fact that they made him a blonde... It's true that while this film is a visual departure from the Disney version (as it should be, IMO), it does have some elements that make it enjoyable nonetheless. The songs ("In the Little Toy Shop", "Goody Good Morning" and "Doin' the Impossible") are very decent and fun to listen to. Then there's the combination of a classic fairy tale and the space age (Pinocchio saves the Earth from Astro the flying whale). Throw in Arnold Stang (Nertle the Turtle), some scary intergalactic mutants, an atomic blast, and you've got...well, a decent 60's animated movie about a puppet saving the world.

"Pinocchio in Outer Space" may not be in the same "all time classic" league as the Disney "Pinocchio", but what it lacks in budget and grandeur it makes up for in imagination and well-crafted ambience. Rather than being a lame attempt to cash in on the audience's good memories of the Disney version, this film is actually an exercise in the classic science-fiction "what-if" scenario. And it works. It has some of the most evocative outer-space scenes ever animated, with some truly haunting extra-terrestrial landscapes and a host of alien monsters sure to thrill the still young-at-heart. It's not for everyone, but for those who can find themselves enthralled by its peculiar charms, this film is a gold mine of Sunday morning kraft dinner bliss.