UFO Hunters (I) (2008–2009) User Reviews

Definitely Watchable

[ManOWar003 · 7/10 · 19 May 2009]

I do agree with some of the sentiments of the other comments here for "UFO Hunters". But, dammit, I like this show.

I've always been a sucker for "In Search Of...", "Unsolved Mysteries" and the like. Not because I wholly believe the material presented, but for the shear presentation of it all.

As far as "UFO Hunters" goes, it seems that the third season has taken a hat, drawn little pieces of paper with locations and/or historical references written on them, then tacked the "UFO" acronym onto it. Ta da! "Nazi UFO's"! I am glad, though, that the show is not airing on the "Sci-Fi" Channel, not to say that putting it on the History Channel suddenly gives "UFO Hunters" automatic credence. I do find that most of the experiments and analysis are done in earnest. Kevin, if I remember correctly, is the new science team member. I loved his reactions in his first episode listening to Bill automatically jump to wild possibilities. And that's what it's all about; the possibilities. He has since backed off a bit in his skepticism, and I'd like to see him take a stronger opposing stance. Here's hoping...

Is this a documentary in the strictest sense? Probably not. Any apparent "written scenes" are done so for clarity's sake. Bill can be ridiculous in his assertions, like the uncle who drops by and tries to convince you to invest in his gambling machine business. His exuberance and passion about the subject, though, makes for some good television. And I appreciate the continued mystery, the new analysis of old cases and even the "let downs" at discovering that a rumor is probably untrue.

Mostly older U.F.O. material warmed up.........

[merklekranz · 6/10 · 21 October 2008]

First, "U.F.O. Hunters" is slightly better than another series by "The History Channel" called "Monster Quest". Although both documentaries appear to be chasing smoke, the experiments by John Tindall elevate "U.F.O. Hunters" to slightly above average. The various episodes are a hit or miss affair, with "Invasion Texas 2008" the most recent report. Although a believer - skeptic balance is presented, Bill Birnes of "U.F.O. Magazine" comes across as insincere, trying to defend an indefensible position. If you enjoy "fringe science", quirky characters, questionable research, biased investigations, and searching old "crash sites", this is for you. - MERK

Has its good qualities.

[IhaveOpinions · 6/10 · 2 March 2021]

If you can get past the gimmicky "hey, people think this is cool/I think I'm cool" , flashy, lame overly dramatic crap, catering to the stupis, it definitely has some very interesting things. The research is cool, the case they study are cool, but their.. or HIS constantly trying to be "cool" or him concluding everything is "definitely extraterrestrial" even when there's no conclusive evidence and/or it even suggests otherwise, can be a bit tiresome.

Almost unwatchable

[allondro-2 · 3/10 · 2 April 2009]

I have tried to give UFO Hunters a chance, but the producers aren't on my side. The premise of investigation is interesting, and the incidents investigated are intriguing, but too much time is wasted on shaky, vertigo inducing, extreme zoom shots of vehicles and scenery. I understand that the hand held camera is considered the way to shoot television nowadays, but my twelve year old son could be a better cinematographer than this. Often, whenever something truly interesting is shown, it is on screen for mere seconds, or is blurred. The underground base episode, for instance, went on for most of an hour about the layout of the alleged base, and when maps were provided, they were on screen for 3 seconds (I timed it). I guess if the show were more visually appealing instead of a visual assault on the senses I would be able to continue watching it. This show epitomizes the difference between reality TV and documentary TV, the difference between sensationalism and journalism.

How did they get a 2nd season?

[heltons01 · 4/10 · 11 January 2009]

I'll be honest. When I first started to watch this series I thought that it would be more serious, but I was way off. If you cannot tell that it's scripted then you haven't watched it enough. When you go into the "fringe" side of science or the paranormal, you need to stay a skeptic. Granted, a couple on the show are to an extent, but William Birnes has no business on this show. I'm pretty sure though he was the biggest reason History bought the idea and put it on the air. The science part is nice and it does help some what in explaining a few possible situations, but other than that there is just way too much "its alien and it was a flying saucer and you need to believe it" and it just ruins the show. I used to enjoy the ufo shows, but this is just way off and the fact that the History channel is putting money and time into it is sad. Heck, the narrator has more air time than anyone.

Waste of time!!

[helzendergarkus · 1/10 · 5 December 2021]

The team have many questions but never find any answers. Every episode is just a waste of time. They are constantly searching.... And that's the whole show in a nutshell!

Not very Responsible

[stevenmacgregor · 1/10 · 21 May 2021]

If these were "responsible" and "Scientifically-minded" individuals, they would NOT title this piece with "Aliens". Its completely irresponsible to call this an "Alien" that s contained in this Episode. Bill Birnes is a Nut Case anyways, so that explains it. He Dresses like a "Top Gun" pilot, and I dont think he even has a Pilots License!

Serious or sense of humour

[petrolheadcr · 1/10 · 3 September 2018]

This program cannot be a serious review of E.T sightings . When are people going to move on from blurred lights in the sky etc! It's not the 80s now. Technology is too good to pass this rubbish of for ETs, and what' ETs are so super advanced that they need torches on their aircrafts even tho we have the technology of perfect night vision and have done for decades, Abducted by aliens, religious figures really being ETs, seriously, I watched one this morning and all witnesses gave completely different descriptions of the same blurred 3 lights . The program itself makes the cast look stupid. Maybe get a proper job and some medication or simply label the program as a comedy.

Interesting show with awful subtitles

[sebpopcorn · 5 March 2009]

I quite like this show and they do investigate some interesting cases but the subtitles are just awful. I know that sounds like a petty complaint but if you've seen it you'll know exactly what I mean.

If they're playing a recording or phone call they flash up subtitles. Not just ordinary subtitles but each individual word appears on the screen in a random place really quickly until you find yourself wanting to look away because it's just so annoying. It's not like you can't understand what's being said so it's purely a design choice.

Other than that it's a pretty good show if you're interested in this kind of thing.

Terrible

[quentinandrewscom · 2/10 · 28 May 2021]

I'm all for investigating possible UFO/UAP but this show is so bad it's insulting to the viewer. I stopped by episode 7... I think I'll go watch the X-Files again, it has more plausible episodes.

Photographic techniques

[driller703 · 2/10 · 23 May 2012]

I love the show. The audio tracks are fine. The subjects are well chosen. The shows are well done, and the cast is great. The problem I have is the extremely distracting photography. I cannot fathom why any such technique would purposely be utilized in a show containing serious subject matter. The camera goes in and out of focus, and randomly zooms in and out. It shakes all around, and there is sometimes static on the screen. I could go on and on. I, as many others do, take this subject seriously. It is a shame that the video is so terribly distracting. Either hire a competent cameraman, or fire the Director of Photography.

Stephen J Brown DDS, JD Harrisonburg, VA

Exposed conspiracy cross-breeding Cows & Humans inside womb of COWS for elite to buy spare body parts show got canceled.

[ActorAndrewFord · 8 February 2016]

Ufologist Bill Birnes shared inside details dealing with U.S. and the global elite dark agenda, sick-minded projects and the UFO (Nazi UFO?)scientific factual connection catching them in the act 3- times!...then the show got canceled mysteriously?...Elite obviously control the media! Wake up people.

Birnes knows that the History Channel canceled UFO Hunters for a variety of reasons, including the high cost of the show, internal changes at the network, and also because some of the episodes such as on Area 51 were revealing too much information. But unless your a programmed average idiot you can see obviously those facters don't limit other shows that are merely entertainment going 12-Seasons so why would a highly publicaly sought after current subject as UFOs only go 3 seasons with the network Rep. saying to Birnes before the season was over "You steeped on things bigger than you...this is your last season so enjoy it"?!!!.

One episode about anomalies and secret alien bases in the Dulce, New Mexico area (The actual Rosewell) was particularly controversial.

In the program, they spoke with tribal police officers who described seeing various strange animals such as foxes with heads of rabbits. Gabe Valdez, a former state trooper, witnessed a helicopter hovering over a dead cow-- the cow was with calf, so a veterinarian was called to remove it. According to Valdez, what they found was a bovine fetus with a human head, and he took photos of it which were featured in the episode which aired in March of 2009.

In April of 2009, a bill was submitted in the Senate to make it a crime to interbreed humans and animals...SCIENCE FACT! Only a average idiot who cannot just would continue to pretend to be a skeptic that there are no conspiracy. The show being canceled is proof positive if not he content itself.

My review removed because... i was right? show canceled, guess so.

[joelreitzloff · 1/10 · 27 September 2013]

I had nothing but bad, yet professional, things to say about this show. and my review somehow was removed. i find it very interesting as i was the harshest critic by far and yet didn't sweat or call names or anything.

love, hardcore believer who is disgusted with the way you make the phenomenon look.

my review doesn't not contain ten lines show is terrbile world better place without it there isn't much else to say. i put a lot of effort into my last review and it was removed. wouldn't be surprised if the show has the ability to remove posts from its page but who knows

Really interesting cases but ...

[emem123aa · 4/10 · 4 August 2021]

You had very, very interesting stories to tell us about, but what you did during their realization is really, really poor. What you created is like sci-fi, not reality, thanks to your fancy animations and special effects which in theory had to improve ... (what !?)

Guys, to be professional, you need to behave and work like such people. You are far away from it ... Wasted a great opportunity to do something excellent, to tell stories with passion, to show how reliable you are, it's not enough to have a diploma. It is important to show that no matter what effects you use, your material / films won't change the final effect !

Pretty variable and spoiled by the lack of objectivity of its lead investigator

[dr-43007 · 2/10 · 8 July 2020]

Episode on Nazi aspects revealed only that the Nazi were some years ahead technologically as a result of its leadership's drive to develop an advanced weapons superiority. The base of a water tower was shown - in all probability - to be exactly that. Zero evidence of any alien involvement yet the programme concluded that - German scientists were helped by alien technology so this must have transferred to the US after the war. Talk about making the facts fit the theory.......!

mildly entertaining not-very-scientific nonsense

[Brucey_D · 3/10 · 20 November 2018]

This show attempts to apply a veneer of scientific investigation to eye-witness accounts of UFOs (of which there are many, often deserving of further examination). It is an interesting premise but one that is not done justice, either in content or execution.

Some gripes on the latter point are that the camerawork is terrible, and the editing focuses on repeated animations of dubious relevance and shaky shots of people talking nonsense.

But the content is worse. In the UK maybe we get a different dubbed version or something but just to highlight two episodes;

1) the USO episode spends a lot of time looking for the wreck of a "Piper Cherry-O-key" , and sonar is explained as "bouncing radio waves off the ocean floor". Duh.

2) in the 'invasion Illinois' episode (I think) "mysterious lights" appear in the sky. Every year. On Halloween night. Yeah, that's a UFO.... They "scientifically" assume that three lights (almost certainly chinese lanterns drifting in near-still air) must be 'connected somehow' and spend a lot of time building a weird contraption that (obviously) doesn't work. Must have been an Alien craft then...

Anything that they can't explain is obviously the work of Aliens.... and that the show was cancelled was obviously because of some conspiracy theory or other.

This show doesn't really do what it says on the tin; the science element is usually weak and there is nearly always a leap taken (from very shaky foundations) to the conclusion that there must be Aliens, UFOs, government cover-ups, etc etc. If you are already of this mindset, watch away and have your prejudices reinforced, I am sure you will enjoy it (despite the lousy camerawork). If you instead have an open mind, have your credulity exercised, and don't assume that anything 'factual' or 'scientific' is actually robustly so.

3/10 from me, and I think I being generous.