Quatermass and the Pit Blu-ray Review

The 1.66:1 framed AVC encode for "Quatermass and the Pit" presents an engaging visual experience despite not being sourced from a new scan. The level of detail throughout the film is acceptable, characterized by nice warm colors albeit with a noticeable orange push in some scenes. This being the first colorized film in the series, hues are rendered effectively, especially in the period-specific fashion and environment. While skin tones are natural, shadows tend to be murky, and fine details can appear somewhat recessed due to occasional softness in the image and instances of print damage.

Despite not leveraging a fresh scan, the AVC encoded image remains enjoyable with satisfactory delineation. The presentation captures fibrous costuming details and the texture of elements like wet clay in the pit discoveries vividly, enhancing the film's dimensionality. Facial features, especially during moments of sweaty tension and London street scenes, retain enough clarity to convey the narrative's suspense-filled atmosphere. The source material exhibits a moderate amount of grain typical of older films but is relatively clean with no significant damage that hinders viewing quality. Overall, for a 1960s genre film, this transfer strikes a balance between celebrating the film’s aged authenticity and delivering an acceptable modern viewing experience.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray of "Quatermass and the Pit" delivers a solid experience, reflective of its 1967 source material from Hammer Productions. The 2.0 DTS-HD MA track stands out with clear dialog and precise sound effects. This mono track exhibits less harshness compared to its predecessor "Quatermass II," likely due to advancements in recording technology and better-preserved elements. The dialog is crisp and clean, and the scoring offers acceptable orchestral surges, keeping instruments identifiable without overshadowing the film's narrative. Sound effects are sharp, providing a clear identification of disaster zones and alien activity.

Meanwhile, the English 5.1 DTS-HD track ventures beyond the 2.0 mono, extending the soundscape and affording additional room for sound effects and orchestral scores to breathe. Despite most scenes feeling more like a 3.0 mix, with dialog front and center, the surrounds and subchannel become more active during the film's climactic third act, around the one-hour mark. Notable are the telekinetic energy effects which rumble and roar through the back channels, bringing a subtle yet effective presence of LFE despite a notable inactivity below 50Hz. Both tracks are immaculate, free from hiss, crackle, distortion, or dropouts, catering to different preferences—whether one leans towards the original narrow mono sound design or the slightly more expansive remix offered by the 5.1 track.

The Blu-ray release of "Quatermass and the Pit" offers an extensive selection of extras, celebrating both the production and its lasting legacy. Notable inclusions comprise three insightful commentaries, providing diverse perspectives from historians, filmmakers, and the original creators. The disc features a range of interviews with key figures such as actors Julian Glover and Hugh Futcher, shedding light on their personal experiences and the film's meticulous production process. Additionally, specialists like Academy Award®-winning FX artist Brian Johnson and clapper loader Trevor Coop provide technical insights that broaden understanding of the behind-the-scenes efforts. Complementing these interviews is archival content like "World of Hammer – Sci-Fi," trailers, TV spots, and visual galleries, completing the package for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

NEW audio commentary with film historian Bruce G. Hallenbeck: Insightful analysis.
NEW audio commentary with filmmaker Constantine Nasr and author/film historian Steve Haberman: Detailed discussion.
NEW interview with actor Hugh Futcher: Casting journey insights.
NEW interview with special effects artist Brian Johnson: Technical aspects explored.
NEW interview with clapper loader Trevor Coop: Career origins shared.
NEW interview with focus puller Bob Jordan: Anecdote about on-set dangers.
Interview with author Judith Kerr: Personal stories from Kneale's spouse.
Interview with actor Julian Glover: Comprehensive career reflections.
Interview with actor/writer Mark Gatiss: Broad focus on contributions.
Interview with filmmaker Joe Dante: Personal fandom discussed.
Interview with author Kim Newman: Engaging analysis of themes.
Interview with Hammer Film historian Marcus Hearn: Detailed series development.
Audio Commentary with director Roy Ward Baker and writer Nigel Kneale: Original creators' insights.
World of Hammer – Sci-Fi: Overview of Hammer’s sci-fi films.
Theatrical Trailers: Two promotional trailers.
TV Spots: Marketing snippets from original broadcast.
Alternate U.S. Credits: Version under "Five Million Years to Earth" title.
Still Gallery: Extensive collection of promotional imagery.

"Quatermass and the Pit," the third installment in the Quatermass saga, represents a significant evolution from its predecessors. Hammer Productions revives the classic character after a decade-long hiatus, updating the narrative with Roy Ward Baker at the helm and Andrew Keir as Professor Quatermass. This film stands apart from its earlier counterparts, largely due to the shift from 1950s black-and-white production values to a fully colorized presentation with enhanced special effects and makeup, aligning with the more sophisticated sci-fi productions of the late 1960s.

In this iteration, the story veers away from action-centric tropes, opting instead for a more intellectual approach. The plot centers around an excavation in London uncovering a mysterious capsule initially mistaken for a World War II bomb. Inside, researchers discover insect-like creatures resembling ancient depictions of evil entities, leading Quatermass to suspect Martian origins. The narrative is dense with dialogue, contributing to a slow build-up that some viewers may find lethargic. Yet, Keir's portrayal injects a distinctly British charm that differentiates this film from its predecessors.

The film's pacing may challenge some audiences, as it takes nearly an hour for the investigative setup to transition into an intense alien invasion scenario. Once the action does escalate, the tone shifts dramatically from a PG-esque mystery to a harrowing and violent climax. Despite its deliberate pacing and dialogue-heavy scenes, "Quatermass and the Pit" is a captivating blend of big-budget sci-fi, horror elements, and classic British filmmaking aesthetics. While some may long for the grittier action of earlier Quatermass entries, this film's thoughtful examination of extraterrestrial threats and compelling performances ensure it remains an engaging and memorable conclusion to the series.

"Quatermass and the Pit" is an intriguing addition to the Quatermass series, diverging significantly from its predecessors with its color format, new lead actor, and different directorial approach. Andrew Keir steps into the titular role with a performance steeped in British sensibility, contrasting Brian Donlevy's portrayal. The narrative, crafted by Nigel Kneale, introduces thought-provoking design elements related to alien evidence, but sometimes falters in maintaining an engaging suspense. The climax offers a satisfying London-destroying spectacle, although the overall pacing may leave some viewers yearning for a more sustained tension.

The technical presentation on the Blu-Ray release is commendable. The film has been restored with an aspect ratio of 1.66:1 AVC and offers audio options including English DTS-HD MA 5.1 and English DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono. Scream Factory has enriched the package with a plethora of extras, promising to satisfy even the most dedicated aficionados. Among the notable inclusions are multiple insightful audio commentaries, brief but valuable interviews with cast and crew members, and a wealth of vintage footage such as interviews and episode excerpts that illuminate both the historical context and production intricacies of the film.

Scream Factory's Blu-Ray release of "Quatermass and the Pit" is a treat for classic sci-fi fans, despite its divergences from earlier series entries. The exhaustive array of bonus features and solid technical specifications make it a must-have for collectors, even if the film itself is arguably the weakest in the trilogy. While it may not conclude Professor Quatermass's saga on a high note, its unique narrative and visual elements offer ample entertainment value. For those seeking to complete or enrich their classic sci-fi collection, this release stands as a worthy recommendation.