Science fiction has long been considered by some experts to be a lesser genre than traditional dramas and character studies. Because it lends itself so easily to exploitation, science fiction isn’t always given the respect it deserves. Sure, it tends to be a box office winner, as evidenced by the fact that more than half of the all-time domestic grossing films fit easily in that genre (with at least two more – Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and Shrek 2 – marginally related as genre films). Still, some still consider science fiction something not to be taken seriously. It is for this reason that “legitimate” film directors might shy away from science fiction in lieu of more important or significant projects. However, many directors got their start or their earliest fame from working in science fiction and other allegedly exploitative and pulp genres. This week’s release of Prometheus reminds us that even though Ridley Scott has directed historical epics (Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven), military action films (Black Hawk Down), crime thrillers (American Gangster) and straight dramas (Thelma & Louise), he got his start in science fiction with Alien and Blade Runner. Scott isn’t the only director to begin a successful career in science fiction. Here are seven other directors who started out or received some of their earliest success in this genre.

The Alamo Drafthouse was already planning to turn the heat up on this summer by looking ahead to the past – celebrating the 30th anniversary the massive 1982 months that made the middle of the year famous for movies. Their marquee already included The Thing, Tron, The Wrath of Khan, Poltergeist and more. Now, the “more” part of that is about to expand. As special badges go on sale (80 bucks gets you the original 8 films), Team Alamo is announcing 7 more flicks to the tour. That includes Class of 1984, The Dark Crystal, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Secret of NIMH, Vice Squad and Pink Floyd: The Wall. How they knew that NIMH was my security blanket as an elementary school kid is anyone’s guess. This event was already an awesome trip down memory lane, and now it’s even greater. What’s fantastic here isn’t just the re-release of a ton of excellent movies, it’s the diversity on the board here. Speaking of which, here’s the full schedule, so grab a calendar and a few markers:

The Daybreakers directors urge us to go grab our own cameras, to be Willem Dafoe and to have faith in a Dark Crystal sequel.

Back on track once again for this edition of This Week in Blu-ray, where it is time to recover from the hangover of Fantastic Fest and get back into the spirit of buying Blu-ray rather than hamburgers at the Alamo Drafthouse.