Fabulous Films, out now

In a future where all flora is extinct on Earth, an astronaut is given orders to destroy the last of Earth’s botany, kept in a greenhouse aboard a spacecraft.

Visual effects genius Douglas Trumbull’s 1972 directorial debut is still a visual treat, the 25-foot model of the main spaceship, Valley Forge, impressing nearly 50 years later. This is the sort of leisurely sci-fi that you could get away with pre-Star Wars, but nowadays feels slow, even at under 90 minutes. The screenplay is notably by Michael Cimino, Steven Bochco and Deric Washburn – the first two would go on to bigger things.

Bruce Dern is astro-botanist Freeman Lowell, who refuses to follow an order to destroy biodomes of rare plants. He goes rogue, killing his crew mates, and sets of with drones Huey, Dewey and Louie, planning to protect his precious cargo at all costs. Again, as it’s early 70s, the ending might not be as upbeat as you’d expect, and the message is very clear – look after the planet or risk this outcome.

Verdict: Fabulous Films’ budget DVD release only features a trailer, but if you’re looking for standard definition adventure, the visual effects will still wow. 8/10