Arise! Then sit down again and watch a DVD

The SubGenius movie is here. Will your mind survive? (Arise DVD Review)

Arise is a celebration of everything camp, a nod to the wonders of vintage stock footage, pseudo-propaganda and free-wheeling spiritual rebellion. SubGenii and “normals” alike are prompted to take a simultaneously toxic and therapeutic voyage through their spiritual history. The video leaves few stones unturned. Every prominent religious and spiritual path is alluded to, then bashed and blasphemed to the max by classic SubGenius parody.

The reckless journey starts with 3D computer animation depicting a fleet of UFOs flying over a dazzled naked woman and an alluring, mountainous landscape. All fades to black and Rev. Ivan Stang abruptly makes his presence known by pointing back at the viewing audience and screaming “what the hell do you think you’re doing?! Dragging your butt through the day, selling body and soul to a bunch of bland normals; Acting stupid so they’ll think you’re one of them.” Stang reveals the “simple answer” to the unjustices and annoyances associated with being an “abnormal”—J.R. “Bob” Dobbs and the Church of the SubGenius, naturally.

SubGenius terminology, catch-phrases and doctrines are cleverly introduced by narrator Hal Robins, highlight clips from past events, or the ramblings of random Subgenii. Another popular topic is SubGenius products, ranging from pamphlets, The Book of SubGenius, and t-shirts to the Ordained Minister kit. The video dates itself by prompting fans to send their $20 to J.R. “Bob” Dobbs so that the “saucers” pick them up on X-Day to participate in an intergalactic lovefest. One (horribly dressed) reverend rants that even Mother Teresa would roast in hell if she didn’t give “Bob” her $20. Nothing did end up happening on X-Day, July 5th, 1998, except for a rip-roaring party full of crazy people. Mostly likely, the whole shenanigan was a brilliant parody of the false prophecies spewed out by religious organizations such as Jehovah’s Witnesses.

There’s plenty of hilarious moments on the DVD, such as the subtitle “Original music score by D.K. Jones, World’s Greatest Composer” and former frontman of Devo, Mark Mothersbaugh’s comment on “the conspiracy.”

If you want to get hip to what the Church of SubGenius is all about and can’t be bothered to read the Book of the SubGenius, Arise! is a great place to start. “Bob” encourages slack, so feel free to sink into a recliner and let Stang pummel your brain into mush.

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