1960s-era drive-in flick a ‘cerebral’ DVD arrival

Arguably the most cere- bral drive-in movie ever made, Wesley E. Barry’s minimalist but mega-brained 1962 cult sci-fi film Creation of the Humanoids at last joins the DVD ranks, via Dark Sky Films ($14.98). It’s our …

DVD pick of the week

Part ontological meditation, part contemporaneous civil-rights parable, this post-apocalyptic gem pits the Klan-like Order of Flesh and Blood, led by the strident Cragis (Don Megowan), against a race of well-meaning, ever-evolving automata (called “clickers” by their bigoted human overseers) initially developed as slaves to help mankind’s nuclear-war-depleted ranks.

When Cragis learns that his own sister Esme (Frances McCann) is “in rapport” with a clicker named Pax (David Cross), he vows to home-wreck that happy relationship.

While slight on action — the movie is virtually a filmed play — “Creation” more than compensates with Jay Simms’ at once thoughtful and witty script, Mr. Barry’s low-key (indeed, nearly no-key) direction, Ted Rich’s garish pop-art set designs, veteran Hal Mohr’s colorful cinematography and Universal Pictures legend Jack Pierce’s robotic make-up effects.

And though not perfect, Dark Sky’s new digital transfer represents a major improvement over long-withdrawn VHS versions we’ve seen.

Dark Sky’s disc includes a bonus second feature, Antonio Margheriti’s 1965 Italian space opus War Between the Planets, plus theatrical trailers and vintage drive-in intermission ads.

The same label also issues the jaw-dropping 1965 campfest Frankenstein Meets the Space Monster in a separate edition ($14.98), another must for couchside drive-in buffs.

Tele-video

Comedies of all stripes and eras dominate the week’s TV-on-DVD slate. Warner Home Video continues the misadventures of Tom Wopat and John Schneider in The Dukes of Hazzard: The Complete Sixth Season and introduces the “Friends” spin-off Joey: The Complete First Season (four-disc, $39.98 each), starring Matt LeBlanc as the eponymous hero.

A 1980s alien icon beams down in Alf: Season 3 (Lions Gate Home Entertainment, four-disc, $39.98), while MPI Home Video returns to the 1960s with The Doris Day Show: Season 3 (four-disc, $39.98).

A&E Home Video contributes Kids in the Hall: Complete Season 4, 1992-1993 (four-disc, $59.95), augmented by a new “Kids” audio commentary, previously unseen archival footage, fan-favorite sketches and more.

The supernatural holds sway in a pair of shock series. MPI Home Video’s Dark Shadows Collection 24 (four-disc, $59.98) assembles another 40 episodes of the popular goth soap, along with bonus interviews, while Walt Disney Home Entertainment debuts the 2005 update of the original Darren McGavin show The Night Stalker: The Complete Series (two-disc, $29.99), starring Stuart Townsend in the title role.

Warner Home Video issues two bonus-packed collections from Cartoon Network’s “Adult Swim” bloc — Samurai Jack: Season 3 and The Venture Bros.: Season One (two-disc, $29.98 each).

For reality TV fans, A&E unleashes Rollergirls: The Complete Season One (four-disc, $39.95), an up-close and personal look at the all-girl Texas roller derby, outfitted with generous extras.

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