Battles on the Astral Plane

About This Movie

Battles on the Astral Plane is this offbeat piece from Jon Raymond that kind of dances around the whole Mortal Kombat craze. It's got this dry, reflective tone that feels like Raymond's trying to poke fun at the whole genre while still crafting something unique. The pacing is a bit on the slower side, which might not sit well with everyone, but it allows those weird, practical effects to really breathe. You can see shades of his later work in the characters, who have this strange depth despite the absurdity of their surroundings. No big-name director here, and that's part of its charm; it feels like a true labor of love from someone who's more about ideas than just flashy visuals.

This film is somewhat of a hidden gem and didn't see much in terms of distribution, which adds to its intrigue among collectors. There are a few VHS copies floating around, but they’re not easy to find, and the DVD release is even scarcer. Its peculiar blend of humor and self-awareness seems to attract a specific crowd, making it a topic of discussion at collector meet-ups. You might find a few dedicated fans who appreciate its unique perspective, but overall, it hasn't gained widespread recognition, which keeps the interest alive.