The packaging states that this film became the highest-rated original movie in network history but the SCI FI Channel isn’t really known for producing great films.  The packaging also states that this movie is “Starship Troopers meets Army of Darkness!”  I’m not sure that reviewer from whom this quote was taken, even saw this film.  The only thing it has in common with Starship Troopers is bugs and the only thing it has in common with Army of Darkness is Bruce Campbell.

Bruce Campbell stars as Dr. Ivan Hood, a cocky astronaut who returns to Earth after a 40-year cryogenic space nap to discover civilization destroyed and the planet enslaved by a race of giant alien termites. But when Hood is captured, he begins to plot the impossible: escape his captors, track down the long-missing President, and build a rebel army to destroy these insect overlords. In a desperate time ruled by head chomping bugs that spew green crap, can one brave hero lead a not-very-bright world to freedom?

Video comes to us in 1.77:1 anamorphic widescreen.  The transfer looks quite good.  Artifacts aren’t apparent. Black levels are deep and yet still detailed. Colours are well balanced for the most part.  This is the kind of transfer you expect from a made for television film.  The audio comes to us in DD 5.1 Surround sound.  The surrounds are used moderately to some effect but are generally lacking.  Dialogue is clean and clear and always well balanced.  The low ends could have used a bit of an enhancement considering the amount of action, explosions and weapons fire going on in this film.  There’s also a 2.0 stereo track which is only slightly less appealing but still solid.

The extras department isn’t overly stocked.  The DVD opens with trailers for Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn, Man with the Screaming Brain, Dead & Breakfast and Lightning Bug. These trailers are also viewable from the extras menu.  The main extra is a commentary with director Josh Becker and star Bruce Campbell.  There’s a lot of enthusiasm and plenty of reminiscing by the two involved. It’s a fun track to listen to as are most of Bruce Campbell’s commentaries.  There’s a behind-the-scenes piece running around 2.5 minutes that is nothing more then random shots on set.  Most of the shots are of the effects and stunt work.  Could have benefited from some interview footage but the scene with Campbell trying to get up the dirt hill made it a worthwhile viewing. The next extra is a storyboard gallery comprising just over 50 storyboards that make up the beginning of the film.  This gallery could have easily been made into a storyboard to film comparison but you don’t always get whatcha want. The final extra is a lame Bruce Campbell bio.  Much of it is taken from his bio If Chins Could Kill and a few interviews in genre magazines.  There isn’t any new information in the bio that any fan of Campbell’s wouldn’t already know.

This film is neither Starship Troopers nor is it Army of Darkness.  This film is an obvious tribute to the films like Planet of the Apes and Spartacus.  In fact, this film is so much like Planet of the Apes (among others) that I’d almost go as far as saying it was a direct rip-off. Where this film shines is the over-the-top acting of Bruce Campbell who is just so funny.  Well, Campbell and the ludicrous storyline of course.  If you’re looking for a crazy B-movie then this might be worth checking out.  If you’re more into the mainstream Hollywood film, stay far away from this bad boy. It may have some new packaging but Alien Apocalypse is still the same old schlock.

Review By Robert Harding