That was an excellent one.

Stylish but barely mediocre overall

Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies

A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

Like others I've read, Pinocchio in Space was as early and positive science fiction experience for me. In 1964 the New York World's Fair was just beginning with all its future exhibits, the space race was heating up and I was watching Astroboy. It was a great time my imagination was ignited. This film helped do that more. I am not going to give away any plot spoilers but note that some scenes are mentioned in the next paragraphs.The theme of a destroyed but great culture undone by its technology was haunting. Giant creatures jumping out at me was also a new experience. Back then I had not seen Forbidden Planet but watching Pinocchio now I note that the walk through towering Martian technology is strongly reminiscent of the still functioning Krell laboratory depicted in the 1955 classic. Even some of the sound effects are similar.I also find it fun that the film makers tried also to be educational by adding various space facts while admonishing children to apply themselves to school. In short it was a lot of fun, especially Arnold Stang as "Nurtle the Turtle" an alternative to Jiminy Cricket. (I can not say all the shows I have heard his voice in but others of my generation will know him.) Of course the film also improbably mixes in fantasy and magic, including a whale who can propel himself through space with his spout. But for me it all worked. Probably a bit dated for older kids today but the young and the young in heart will still enjoy this animated morality tale.

I'm transferring my VHS copy of this film to DVD right now and I'm re-appreciating the hard work to make this above average animated sci-fi fantasy. Great character design reminiscent of the Fleisher era Popeyes. Lots of imaginative monsters. The animation is never lazy, lots of full character shots of walks and runs and good "acting" to go with the voice track. I mistakenly thought this was an example of the early Japanese animation like Astro Boy. It's actually French-Belguim. I saw this when it came out in the sixties when I was about 12 or 13. At the Knob Hill theater in Oklahoma City. Probably co billed with something like Hercules vs The Vampires.

I remember being amazed when I saw this aired on television in 1978 and am glad to have it on DVD! I tend towards science fiction and so I gravitated more to this non-Disney like approach to the wooden little boy story! Space ships, left over alien technology, alien intelligence (Murtle?), mutant monsters, space flying whale (Monstro!), memorable songs, good, very good, animation and design and just overall a very enjoyable and most worthy of praise for the people who all worked to bring this project through!!! My recommendations for any age! There should have been more science fiction type animated movies with even this level of animation( which is in actuality very, very skillful and superb)I distinctly remember from the documentary contained in the DVD that this is not a product of the United States. Which is also an amazing fact. There could have been other animation houses doing more interesting work than from warner bros., Disney, hanna barbera, and other animation companies....

wow i was beginning to think i'd imagined the whole thing. i actually did see this in the 70's as a child , i was beginning to think this was some sort of shared delusion with my brother.....i'm glad it's real ;)