UFOs: Past, Present, and Future/UFOs: It Has Begun

“UFOs: Past, Present, and Future” is a documentary film released in 1974 that delves into the intriguing realm of unidentified flying objects, spanning from historical sightings to those in the contemporary era. The documentary was re-released in subsequent years, notably in 1976 and 1979, under the title “UFOs: It Has Begun,” aligning with the heightened public interest in UFOs, especially after the release of Steven Spielberg’s iconic film, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”

Directed by Ray Rivas and based on the book “UFOs: Past, Present, and Future” by Robert Emenegger, the film offers a comprehensive look at various UFO sightings and encounters. The narrative is enriched by the voices of renowned figures like Rod Serling, Burgess Meredith, and José Ferrer. The documentary uniquely blends dramatizations, interviews with government officials, scientists, and selected footage to provide a holistic perspective on UFO phenomena.

A significant highlight of the documentary is its exploration of ancient religious texts and historical records that seemingly allude to extraterrestrial encounters. From biblical accounts to ancient Roman and Greek texts describing “phantom chariots,” the film delves deep into mankind’s age-old fascination with the unknown.

However, beyond the historical, “UFOs: Past, Present, and Future” also delves into modern-day sightings and encounters, including testimonies from military officials and astronauts. The documentary’s approach, blending historical context with modern-day accounts, offers viewers a comprehensive understanding of the enduring mystery of UFOs and humanity’s quest to understand the unknown.

Overview

“UFOs: Past, Present, and Future,” alternatively titled “UFOs: It Has Begun,” is a seminal documentary from 1974 that delves deep into the enigmatic world of unidentified flying objects. Directed by Ray Rivas and inspired by Robert Emenegger’s book of the same name, the film offers a panoramic view of UFO encounters, spanning ancient history to the modern era.

Narrated by the iconic voices of Rod Serling, Burgess Meredith, and José Ferrer, the documentary seamlessly weaves together dramatizations, firsthand interviews, and archival footage. It begins by exploring ancient religious texts, such as the Book of Ezekiel, and historical accounts from various civilizations that hint at possible extraterrestrial encounters. These ancient tales of “phantom chariots” and celestial beings set the stage for the film’s exploration of more recent UFO sightings.

The documentary doesn’t just rely on historical anecdotes; it delves into modern-day testimonies from military officials, astronauts, and scientists. These accounts bring to light the U.S. government’s interest in UFOs, especially in the post-war era, and their subsequent investigations into these phenomena.

A particularly intriguing segment of the film discusses a rumored UFO landing at Holloman Air Force Base, complete with a dramatized representation of the event. While the authenticity of such claims remains debated, the documentary presents them in a compelling manner.

Cast and Crew

“UFOs: It Has Begun” is a documentary that delves into the mysterious world of unidentified flying objects and the potential existence of extraterrestrial life. Here’s a breakdown of the cast and crew based on the information provided:

Top Cast:

Rod Serling: Narrator
Burgess Meredith: Narrator
José Ferrer: Narrator

Director:

Ray Rivas

Writers:

Based on the book “UFOs: Past, Present, and Future” by Robert Emenegger

The documentary is a blend of dramatizations, interviews, and archival footage. It explores ancient religious texts and historical accounts that hint at possible extraterrestrial encounters, such as the Book of Ezekiel. Additionally, the film delves into modern-day testimonies from military officials, astronauts, and scientists, shedding light on the U.S. government’s interest in UFOs and their subsequent investigations.

The narrators, Rod Serling, Burgess Meredith, and José Ferrer, lend their iconic voices to the documentary, guiding viewers through the various segments and providing context to the presented evidence and testimonies.

Ray Rivas, the director, ensures a seamless flow of the narrative, blending historical context with modern-day accounts to offer a comprehensive view of the UFO phenomenon.

Reception

“UFOs: It Has Begun” is a documentary that delves into the enigmatic realm of unidentified flying objects and the potential existence of extraterrestrial life. The reception of the documentary, as gathered from reviews on Letterboxd, is varied:

Positive Reception: Some reviewers appreciated the documentary for its exploration of the ’70s UFO craze. They found the narration by Rod Serling to be a highlight, adding a sense of gravity and intrigue to the subject matter. The inclusion of figures like Jacques Vallee and J. Allen Hynek, along with discussions about inter-meshing universes and cattle mutilations, was seen as a testament to the documentary’s depth.
Mixed Reception: Other reviewers felt that while the documentary had its moments of intrigue, it often jumped from story to story without clear transitions, making it hard to follow. The narration and mystical flute music were appreciated, but the continual recitation of anecdotes was found to be monotonous by some.
Critical Reception: A few reviewers felt that the documentary was more of an information overload rather than a structured presentation. They felt that it lacked a proper narrative flow, making it challenging to internalize the content. Some also commented on the cultural shift, noting that the fear and fascination surrounding UFOs in the ’70s are not as prevalent today.

In conclusion, “UFOs: It Has Begun” is a reflection of its time, capturing the heightened interest in UFOs during the 1970s. While it has its moments of intrigue and presents a wealth of information, its reception is mixed, with some appreciating its depth and others finding it hard to follow.

Impact on Ufology

“UFOs: It Has Begun” stands as a testament to the 1970s era when interest in UFOs and extraterrestrial life was at its peak. Its impact on ufology can be understood in the following ways:

Mainstream Exposure: Released during a time when UFO sightings and reports were becoming increasingly common, this documentary provided a mainstream platform for discussions on the subject. By presenting both historical and contemporary accounts, it brought the topic of UFOs to a wider audience, making it more accessible and less fringe.
Credibility through Narration: With the involvement of renowned figures like Rod Serling, Burgess Meredith, and José Ferrer as narrators, the documentary gained an added layer of credibility. Their association lent a serious tone to the subject, making viewers more inclined to consider the presented information.
Historical Context: By delving into ancient texts and historical accounts that hinted at possible extraterrestrial encounters, the documentary provided a broader context to the UFO phenomenon. This historical perspective allowed viewers to see UFOs not just as a modern-day curiosity but as a longstanding part of human history.
Influence on Future Works: The documentary’s comprehensive approach, blending interviews, dramatizations, and archival footage, set a precedent for future works on the subject. It showcased how a documentary could be both informative and engaging, influencing subsequent filmmakers and researchers in the field of ufology.
Stimulating Debate: By presenting a mix of testimonies, from military officials to scientists, the documentary encouraged viewers to question, discuss, and debate the existence of UFOs and extraterrestrial life. It played a role in stimulating public discourse and fostering a more open conversation about the unknown.

FAQ

What is the main focus of “UFOs: It Has Begun”?

The documentary delves into the world of unidentified flying objects, exploring both historical and contemporary accounts of UFO sightings and potential extraterrestrial encounters.

Who are the notable narrators in the documentary?

The film is narrated by renowned figures Rod Serling, Burgess Meredith, and José Ferrer, lending it a sense of gravity and intrigue.

Does the documentary provide historical context to the UFO phenomenon?

Yes, the documentary delves into ancient texts and historical accounts that hint at possible extraterrestrial encounters, providing a broader perspective on the UFO phenomenon.

How was the documentary received by the public?

The reception was mixed. While some appreciated its depth and the narration by iconic figures, others found it hard to follow due to its structure and presentation.

What impact did the documentary have on the field of ufology?

“UFOs: It Has Begun” played a significant role in mainstreaming the discussion on UFOs, providing historical context, and influencing future works on the subject. It reflected the era’s fascination with the unexplained and the extraterrestrial, stimulating public discourse and fostering open conversation about the unknown.

Conclusion

“UFOs: It Has Begun” stands as a compelling exploration into the vast and mysterious realm of unidentified flying objects and potential extraterrestrial encounters. Released during the 1970s, a time of heightened interest in UFOs, the documentary captures the zeitgeist of its era, weaving together both ancient and contemporary accounts to present a comprehensive narrative. With the authoritative voices of Rod Serling, Burgess Meredith, and José Ferrer guiding the narrative, the film gains an added layer of gravitas, urging viewers to consider the presented information with a discerning mind.

The documentary’s strength lies in its ability to bridge the past with the present, showcasing that humanity’s fascination with the unknown is not just a modern phenomenon but has deep historical roots. By presenting a mix of testimonies, from military officials to scientists, it offers a multifaceted perspective on the UFO discourse.

However, like any work that delves into the uncharted territories of the unknown, “UFOs: It Has Begun” has its share of skeptics and critics. While it has been lauded for its depth and comprehensive approach, some find its structure challenging to navigate.