The Land Unknown Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Land Unknown" boasts a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded presentation in its native 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio. Kino's efforts have resulted in a presentation that effectively utilizes a high-quality film scan. While occasional minor specks are present, the film overall remains in pristine condition. Throughout the film, photography ranges from crisp sequences to those with inherent soft optics, though the high-definition upgrade is palpable. Particularly notable is the intact fine film grain which lends authenticity to the visual experience.

Despite the strengths, the transfer does exhibit some shortcomings. The material appears to be sourced from the same master as its prior 480p DVD release, offering only a marginal improvement in resolution. The hearty grain structure does reveal texture and definition, as seen on the actors' faces and even the rubbery T-Rex façade. However, issues like edge enhancement and light halos around contrasting edges detract from the natural presentation, impacting grain thickness and consistency. Stock footage used in the film fares worse, marred by excessive fuzziness that renders certain shots unclear. Gray scale remains stable, with commendable black levels and contrast enhancing the Antarctic setting.

The preservation of the original CinemaScope ratio reinforces the authenticity of this HD transfer. The organic film grain shows shifts in density correlating with stock footage usage, while fine details and gray scales are remarkably reproduced. Age-related defects such as dirt, scratches, marks, and tears are minimal, contributing to what is likely the best home video presentation of this classic adventure film to date.

The audio presentation of "The Land Unknown" on Blu Ray features a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo track that stands out for its superb clarity and fidelity. This strong lossless audio presentation meticulously preserves the original sound design of the film. Despite the absence of the dynamic punch typical of modern productions, dialogue clarity is impeccable, ensuring an authentic and engaging listening experience. The optional English subtitles further contribute to making this a highly accessible release.

The DTS-HD Master Audio track ensures the film’s score, crafted by the uncredited team of Henry Mancini, Heinz Roemheld, Hans J. Salter, and Herman Stein, retains purity with satisfying high peaks. Though some lines exhibit minor inconsistencies due to the original recording methods, they remain appropriate given the period and budget constraints of the production. Overall, the sound mix maintains solid fidelity and stability, demonstrating minimal age-related issues beyond a slight softness inherent in the original mono soundtrack.

In summary, this Blu Ray provides what is likely the best audio presentation of "The Land Unknown" available on home video to date. It effectively balances period-authentic sound character with modern clarity, ensuring a listening experience that respects the film's vintage essence while delivering a clear and stable audio track.

The Blu-ray extras of "The Land Unknown" are expertly curated, enriching both casual viewers and aficionados with a robust set of special features. The audio commentary by film historians Tom Weaver and David Schecter is particularly insightful, offering a comprehensive production history and musical analysis enhanced by archival comments from the film’s cast and crew. The Animated Image Gallery is a short yet engaging montage of high-quality promotional stills accompanied by the film's music. Additionally, the disc includes the film's original trailer and trailers for several related genre films, adding nostalgic value and context.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Film Historians Tom Weaver and David Schecter: In-depth production history, music highlights, and archival cast and crew comments.
• Animated Image Gallery: A montage of 32 promotional stills set to selections from the film’s music.
• The Land Unknown Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Bonus Trailers: Includes trailers for One Million Years B.C., War-Gods of the Deep, The Land That Time Forgot, At the Earth's Core, The People That Time Forgot, The Island of Dr. Moreau, and The Neptune Factor.

"The Land Unknown" serves as a nostalgic yet thrilling plunge into the genre of classic B-movies, portraying a compelling narrative set amidst a prehistoric jungle discovered during an Antarctic expedition. The story revolves around Commander Hal Roberts (Jock Mahoney) and his team, whose scientific mission derails after a storm forces their helicopter to land in an unexpectedly tropical crater. Not only do they encounter formidable predators like dinosaurs and man-eating plants, but they also meet Carl Hunter (Henry Brandon), a survivor from a decade-old expedition.

Despite the constrained budget resulting in at times laughably outdated effects—such as rubber dinosaurs and overused lizard footage—director Virgil Vogel maintains a steady pace and injects palpable excitement throughout the film. The screenplay, penned by Laszlo Gorog, is straightforward but supported by enthusiastic performances, especially from Mahoney and Patterson (billed as Shawn Smith). The clever cinematography by Ellis Carter adds visual flair, despite the occasional use of obvious sound stages.

Technically, "The Land Unknown" reflects its era's limitations and ambitions. Initially conceived to be shot in color, budget cuts led to its eventual black-and-white presentation, which retains a quaint charm. Mechanical dinosaurs and stock footage fill gaps where today's CGI might lead, and creative efforts manage to bring the film's adventurous essence to life. Universal's expenditure on this project didn't fully translate into groundbreaking visuals but did produce a film ripe with the charm and enthusiasm of 1950s sci-fi.

Overall, "The Land Unknown" may not rank alongside genre-defining titles like "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms," but it offers a memorable visit to a bygone era of filmmaking. Its camp value and spirited execution make it an enjoyable watch for fans of vintage sci-fi escapades.

"The Land Unknown" delivers a nostalgic dive into old-school sci-fi adventure. The film notably showcases imaginative elements such as man-eating plant life and gigantic prehistoric dinosaurs, providing an engaging viewing experience suitable for audiences of all ages. The performances, particularly that of Shawn Smith, are commendable, bringing an added layer of charm to the feature. Despite its age and the corresponding difference in special effects quality compared to modern standards, the creativity and ambition behind the visuals remain impressive.

Kino has executed the Blu-ray debut of this film with high proficiency, offering solid improvements in both video and audio quality. The addition of an informative commentary track significantly enhances the viewing experience for fans interested in deeper insights. This release marks a considerable upgrade from the previous Universal DVD, making it a worthwhile purchase for genre enthusiasts and collectors alike.

In conclusion, "The Land Unknown" is a fun old-school genre adventure. The film's showcase of man-eating plant life and gigantic prehistoric dinosaurs makes it worth a view. Shawn Smith (a true beauty and talent) also stands out as a great member of the cast. This old-school adventure is great fun and will please audiences of all ages. While the special effects might be different than modern films, the creativity is unabashedly superb. The release sports strong video and audio and is well worth consideration.