Mysteries from Beyond Earth

Typical '70s miscellany of paranormal subject matter: some of it worthwhile, most of it junk, and so hopelessly muddled together that it renders even the halfway interesting stuff pointless. Kinda-sorta based on Ralph Blum's "Beyond Earth: Man's Contact with UFOs," this film steps outside the bounds of the book to embrace a jumble of nonsense from black masses to psychokinesis to the hollow earth theory. A good example of the film's utter indifference to accuracy: narrator Lawrence Dobkin yammering about Tiahuanaco (and its alleged link to Atlantis) over dark, grainy footage of Teotihuacan (i.e., not Tiahuanaco). Folks who have read Blum's book should see "Mysteries from Beyond Earth" for its brief--but interesting--excerpts of Blum's chat with scrupulously honest UFO abductee Charles Hickson. Otherwise, I can't recommend this.

Mildly amusing if you're in the right mood; irritating if you're not. Dobkin wasn't doing himself any favors by appearing on-camera in that ridiculous toupée and ascot.

This is a classic 1970's cult film, and therefore must be viewed in that context. Attempting to review the film from a current day perspective is unfair. Viewed from the proper perspective, this film is a wonderful and delightful, and fun adventure into the unknown of UFO's, ghosts, clones, telepathy, Atlantis, ancient astronauts, witchcraft, the Bermuda Triangle and more. This film is an journey into the mysticism that was so prevalent during the 1960's and 1970's. For those who long for a good ride in the "way back" machine, this is your film. People were much less cynical and had a greater zest for mystery and adventure. This film provides that vehicle.

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 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. ∞

Once upon a time, my sister used to work at a mom and pop video rental store (remember those? LOL) and every so often, she'd bring home some old tapes that the store no longer wished to carry. One of these tapes was a little documentary, maybe made for television, called "Mysteries From Beyond Earth". Having always had an interest in the unknown, I took a look at it and since then, it has become one of my favorite productions on the subject of strange. Hosted by Lawrence Dobkin, this lovely documentary gives you a basic look at such subjects like UFOs, Bigfoot, psychic energy, ghosts, ancient aliens, black holes, lost civilizations, even the morals of cloning before it was scientifically possible. Through interviews, you will meet the people who have experienced such things as alien abduction, hauntings, UFO encounters, and even a woman who claims to be a witch. While the movie might be a little dated, it is no less interesting, especially for those who wonder whether or not aliens have visited this planet or whether ghosts and physic energies are real. After all, although its been over thirty years since this movie was made, people are still encountering things that cannot be explained. So, if you're one of those folks who has a passion for the unknown and you like to see old, vintage docs on the subject, check this out. I believe it may even be on you tube.