Hangar 18 [VHS]

Hanger 18 tells the story of how a satellite, launched by a NASA space shuttle/orbiter, collides with an Unidentified Flying Object, causing the death of an American astronaut in the process. When the UFO crashes on Earth, the U.S. Air Force and NASA recover it, and take it to a manned lunar receiving station in Texas. There, they uncover some hidden secrets that soon take the scientists by surprise. And makes the Government nervous. At the same time, two of the shuttle astronauts who witnessed the incident in space, are "blamed" for the other astronaut's death, and try to clear up the situation, by hunting for the UFO. The government tries to prevent the two from locating the UFO, but to little or no avail. That situation leads to something even more drastic made by the CIA and The Department Of Defense.

Like the classic film Capricorn One, Hanger 18 does a remarkable job of playing on the government conspiracy angle, and at the same time, deals with the ancient astronaut theory. The subplot involving the two astronauts trying to clear their names is also good, as is the storyline about the scientists trying to unlock whatever secrets are in the flying saucer.

And it also had a wonderful cats of veterans. Darren McGavin, Gary Collins, James Hampton, Pamela Bellwood, Robert Vaughn, William Schallert, Joseph Campenella, and Bill Zuckert among others. Though one wishes that James Brolin, Roy Thinnes, or Tom Berenger had been in the role played by Collins. Collins did a good job, however, if I had been the casting director, I would have picked one of those three.

Overall, a very good and entertaining film. One of the best in the hall of science fiction. If you enjoy watching the X-Files and other films about flying saucers, then you will definately enjoy this film.


Sci-Fi classic movie   November 25, 2009
Alexander Lazarenko
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I watched this movie long time ago when I was teen and at that time I really loved it. I am big fan of sci-fi movies. I was and I still and this is why I bought it now. I did not expect perfect quality. I doubt it is possible to find a copy of this movie with descent quality. But after watching it I realized I still love this movie. I am really surprised how it is possible to make such nice FX almost 30 years ago and I love main idea of this flick.

If you like sci-fi and watched this movie long time ago I would recommend to buy and watch it again. Otherwise you probably will not understand my excitement.

p.s. I still want to watch again Capricorn One movie.


Prophetic and forward looking, even if a bit dated   January 12, 2006
Dr. C. H. Roberts (USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I first saw Hanger 18 when it played on network television years ago. I never forgot it and through the miracle of Amazon.com I was able to get it, at the time, on VHS. This is one of the best dramatic and seriously acted presentations of several reportedly real UFO stories: Roswell, Wright-Patterson AFB, etc. In this historical-fiction account, the true life stories have been somewhat conflated to produce a composite of all of them. The film shows its age in terms of the quality, the special effects, etc, but that notwithstanding, it is still an excellent production and well worth getting.


a very well made little thriller about ufo's,cover ups,and what aliens may be doind here   May 24, 2006
John D. Page (usa)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

this little thriller(from sunn classic studio) is a great little movie that can also be watched by your kids.
while on a mission to launch something into orbit,a space shuttle sees a ufo.when the object is launched it hits the ufo and sends it crashing to earth and kills the man outside the shuttle.
to cover up, the pilot,and co-pilot are blamed for the death and a team is sent to find and study the ship.
this is low-buget but the action and drama to come are all well handled and this is a fun and thought provokeing thriller.


hanger 18   March 26, 2000
linda harry (texas,america)
8 out of 11 found this review helpful

I love this movie its a must see. the starteling truth behind this could be so scary. I was a little girl when this movie was made in my home town. I remember getting to stay up and watch them film this movie. my father was an extra in this movie too. I always loved this movie and now that i am an adult i still love this movie