Mysteries From Beyond Earth (1975)

This documentary has always remained memorable ever since I first saw it on KDOC 56 once upon a time, eventually recording it to add to My collection of Occult videographic arcana, sharing it from time to time with interested parties {sometimes segments during parties}.I titled this missive 'Journeys Into The Occult' because of the seemingly changing name of the presentation from 'Mysteries From Beyond Earth' to 'Journeys From Beyond Earth', though I seem to recall it also being called "Journeys Into The Occult" when I saw it. So it occurred to Me recently to search online for this title, though at first it was daunting. I did not even know the name of it, nor the host or date, just that it appeared to be from the "70's". I do love the earthy colorations, mannerisms, folksy music, focus on Nature, The Occult, wallpaper, appliances, toys, and wood paneling.Hosted by Lawrence Dobkin {10 Commandments, Patton}, whom I learned more favorably also played "Col. Alvin B. Kinciad" in 'Inside Out' from Knight Rider - one of two of what I refer to as "the 'A Team' episodes" - the other being 'A Plush Ride'. I thought he looked familiar! It is also quite amusing that he scurries away nervously after the potent Church of Satan segment, obviously very disturbed, with incorrect passive-aggressive commentary based upon reactive fear, belying his role as proposed impartial narrator. Apparently, it was his one and only documentary hosting.The rest of the presentation features many of the subjects I have always been fascinated by, inspirational relations driving one to actually participate in these experiences and experiments. A video documentation of all those books studied, from Edgar Cayce to Seth Speaks, tomes on Kabbalah to the Goetia, parapsychology, unexplained anomalies, psychic abilities, mysterious monoliths, crypotozoology, etc., an overall wide range of Occult lore.Since possessing the Time/Life "Wizards & Witches" and "Mysteries of The Unknown" book series, reading the "Man, Myth, & Magic" series at libraries, Fate magazine, and more, all of which evolved one into a veritable walking, talking, breathing encyclopedia of The Occult. Always more than just a spectator for something 'weird', but a serious study and application, an actual practitioner oneself.From the Kirlian Photography segment to Witchcraft & Satanism, to the varied oracles, are all complementary tools & techniques to help sharpen, maximize, and stimulate latent abilities as part of the total cerebrum and natural senses; and time and again, it is evident that via the scientific method, science fiction frequently becomes science fact, and that every legend carries a nugget of truth. What Witches and Warlocks have been operating of course throughout history, science will someday perhaps explain in technical terms. Ergo, "What is more important is not so much the particular ingredients in a bowl of soup, but the overall taste." {paraphrased, LaVey} Overall, this presentation is a fine introduction into the world of Parapsychology, offering basic samples into many of the techniques, history, experimentation, and realms of the Occult. A study into what Magus LaVey identified as that "large gray void between psychology and religion". It is human nature to explore the inner and outer reaches of existence. If the Church of Satan segment is the personal religion, the rest is like a macrocosm of The Black Earth displaying the Mysteries of Nature, which one resonates with, projects, incarnates, and manifests. ∞

Most people today are familiar with History Channel's "Ancient Aliens" series and other assorted pseudo-history programming; however, this sort of thing has been around for a long time.This particular example of woowoo dates from 1975, and it certainly won't disappoint. It has UFO's, ancient astronauts and the Bermuda Triangle. I recommend it, not for it's insightful themes, or revelations of hitherto unknown knowledge, but rather as something of a guilty pleasure. If you've seen "Chariots of the Gods" and other assorted TV programs, or if you're curious as to where TV programs such as the aforementioned "Ancient Aliens" got their start, hopefully you'll find this particular example of such things entertaining.

1st watched 11/21/2002 - 4 out of 10(Dir-George Gale): Overly topic-filled documentary primarily about un-explained phenomenons like UFO's and the paranormal. At times this was interesting to watch, but by the end of the movie you were so filled with so many different topics that seemed to be cramed into the film that it didn't have a major effect in any area. The most covered topic of UFO's was the most well done and if they would have stuck to that it would have made a much less information-filled 95 minutes and would have allowed more thought and focus on the subject. There were many of these films that came out in the 70's and I have to admit this is one of the better ones despite it's imperfections. It at least tried to give you the facts without glamorizing everything which is typically done in this variety.

This was shown on some American channel several years ago as part of its "100% Weird" series of movies. Essentially its an ineptly assembled assortment of various topics related to the "Unexplained" including UFOs, Black Masses, and (I don't remember specifically, but how could it not?) the Loch Ness Monster.It begins with a quotation of the opening lines of HG Wells' War of the Worlds spoken over what seems to be some footage of the special effects from Plan 9 from Outer Space. Things fail to pick up thereafter.