Heavy Metal 1981

This film is composed of various animated vignettes that delve into science fiction themes, all intertwined by the presence of a glowing green orb that embodies “the sum of all evils.” This orb is first seen drifting through space prior to the film’s title introduction.

Soft Landing / Grimaldi

In the vastness of deep space, a space shuttle opens its doors, releasing a 1959 Corvette that plunges toward Earth. After landing in a crop field, the driver, Grimaldi, races to a remote mansion. Upon his arrival, he is greeted by his daughter, who witnesses him open a container containing a glowing green orb. Suddenly, Grimaldi’s body melts, and the orb advances toward the frightened girl, revealing itself as “the sum of all evils” in the universe and announcing that she holds untapped powers. The orb then proceeds to share tales of its existence and influence.

Harry Canyon

In a barren desert excavation site, a scientist discovers a glowing green sphere. As one alien touches it, he immediately disintegrates. This segment shifts to a dystopian New York City in 2031, where a cab driver named Harry Canyon](/actor/john-candy) picks up a punk passenger. Tensions escalate when the punk brandishes a gun and threatens Harry, who swiftly activates a secret weapon in his cab, disintegrating the thug. As the chaos unfolds, Harry encounters a stunning woman with red hair fleeing from a man named Rudnick and his thugs. He chooses to help her, taking her to the police station, but shortly after, she confesses that she is pursued for knowledge about the Loc-Nar. Their connection intensifies, leading to a night together, but the next day brings trouble as Rudnick’s goons threaten Harry for the woman’s whereabouts. As the plot thickens, Harry becomes embroiled in a web of danger, deception, and survival, highlighted by a dangerous deal with Rudnick which turns unexpectedly deadly.

Den

Present-day teenager Den finds the Loc-Nar, mistaking it for a meteor, in his backyard. While experimenting with lightning, he accidentally harnesses its power, launching him across space to a strange planet where he transforms into a larger, muscular version of himself. He becomes embroiled in a human sacrifice led by a nude priestess and ultimately rescues Katherine, a technique that leads to high-stakes intrigue involving the priestess and rival factions vying for control of the orb.

Captain Sternn

The narrative shifts to a large space station near Jupiter where Captain Lincoln Sternn, charged with an array of crimes, undergoes a trial. Pleading not guilty, he employs a character witness who inadvertently reveals more of Sternn’s malevolent history. The tension escalates as chaos erupts in the courtroom, and Sternn’s hasty decisions lead to deadly consequences.

B-17

In the midst of World War II, a B-17 bomber crew faces treacherous situations where their aircraft is taunted by the Loc-Nar. After multiple crew fatalities and supernatural occurrences, the co-pilot’s harrowing experiences culminate in survival against grotesque transformations caused by the orb, leading to a haunting conclusion.

So Beautiful and So Dangerous

Back on Earth, the Pentagon faces bizarre incidents provoking a scientist’s attention, while an unexpected abduction intertwines human fate with alien encounters. Amid comedic and chaotic happenings, interactions between androids and Earth women lead to unintended agreements and relationships aboard a colossal spaceship.

Taarna

The Loc-Nar seeks a powerful warrior, Taarna, who rises from her sanctuary to challenge the barbarian leader and protect her people. Her journey is fraught with sacrifice, culminating in a confrontation that determines the fate of her world against the malevolent will of the Loc-Nar.

Grimaldi (Coda)

The culmination of Taarna’s sacrifice resonates through dimensions, awakening Grimaldi’s daughter, who escapes just as the mansion implodes. In a twist of fate, she encounters Taarna’s mount, destined to become the next guardian against the reemergence of malevolence shaped by the Loc-Nar, hinting at a continuation of this eternal battle.