The Mole People Blu-ray Review

Scream Factory's Blu-ray presentation of "The Mole People" is offered in two aspect ratios, 1.85:1 and 2.00:1, and though there’s no indication of a new scan, the resulting 1080p footage is largely appealing for a film from the 1950s. The transfer displays a robust, well-defined film grain that contributes to a more natural look, except for occasional spikes in grain during specific scenes like the tent before the avalanche. Despite some evident wear and tear, including speckling, scratches, and brief single-frame damage, the detail in costumes and sets remains satisfactory, providing texture to the practical effects and studio environments.

The black and white video benefits from commendable black levels and grayscale. Despite the natural aging signs like speckling, contrast remains intact with rich, deep blacks helping to maintain the film's moody atmosphere, especially in subterranean settings. Shadow separation is notably good, contributing to a sense of depth without falling into black crush. However, grain can occasionally appear chunky and digital, and reel markers point to the use of a release print as the source. This does not detract significantly from enjoyment, but viewers will notice artifacts such as ringing on high-contrast edges.

The AVC encoded image handles the technical demands well across both provided aspect ratios. The 1.85:1 version offers slightly more top and bottom space compared to the 2.00:1 ratio, which trims these areas without losing essential visuals. The consistency in facial detail is better in closeups, with mid-range shots providing enough detail to appreciate the makeup and production design despite its budget limitations. Overall, this Blu-ray edition, while having some flaws typical of films from its era, delivers a gratifying viewing experience that surpasses previous VHS and DVD releases with its increased resolution and cleaner print condition.

The DTS-HD MA Mono audio presentation of "The Mole People" on Blu-ray demonstrates the capabilities of vintage sound engineering while revealing the limitations inherent to a 1950s B-movie. Dialogue is generally clean and clear, although an analog hiss is audible throughout, noticeable to discerning listeners accustomed to modern, pristine audio mixes. Despite this, the score remains impactful and well-produced, effectively supporting the film's action sequences. The mix is balanced adequately, preserving the integrity of the audio despite its age. However, this track cannot quite match the clarity and richness of contemporary soundtracks due to its inherent limitations.

Listeners should expect some mild hiss and occasional crackling, as well as moments where dialogue deteriorates slightly, akin to voices being projected from within a confined space. The score, while distinguished and the most commendable aspect of the audio, sometimes struggles to maintain clarity; commanding drum beats lose their potency, sounding loose rather than crisp. This issue extends to the highs which occasionally fall flat. However, the presentation improves significantly on older editions, providing a noticeably crisper and more natural soundscape. Crucially, there are no breaks, snaps, or dropouts, allowing for a consistent listening experience.

In summary, while "The Mole People" does exhibit characteristic imperfections of its era, Scream Factory’s DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono track offers a commendable restoration that remains true to the original material. The analog hiss adds a layer of authenticity rather than distraction, while the dialogue remains solid and comprehensible. The score's commanding presence enhances the overall audio mix, despite a few moments of auditory degradation. This presentation will satisfy both nostalgic audiences and those seeking a faithful recreation of this classic B-movie's sound environment.

The extras on the Blu-ray of The Mole People present a comprehensive and captivating collection for sci-fi enthusiasts. Critically, they include dual presentations of the film in 1.85:1 and 2.00:1 aspect ratios, allowing viewers to appreciate the movie in its original formats. The new audio commentary, featuring film historians Tom Weaver and David Schecter, provides a wealth of context and production insights. Of particular note is the engaging documentary "Of Mushrooms and Madmen," offering a detailed look into the making of the film, from production challenges to behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Additionally, viewers can enjoy a full-length episode from Mystery Science Theater 3000, which humorously deconstructs the film. Supplementary materials include still galleries and the original theatrical trailer, all contributing to an in-depth retrospective package.

Extras included in this disc:

• TWO PRESENTATIONS OF THE FILM: in 1.85:1 and 2.00:1 aspect ratios
• NEW Audio Commentary: with film historians Tom Weaver and David Schecter
• NEW Of Mushrooms and Madmen: The making of The Mole People
• Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode: The Mole People (2/15/97) in standard definition
• Still Galleries: Movie stills, posters, and lobby cards
• Theatrical Trailer

The Mole People (1956) embodies the quintessential charm of 50s sci-fi/horror through its kitschy production and entertainingly absurd narrative. This overlooked gem from Universal's vault has received multiple Blu-ray treatments, including the full 2.00:1 and 1.85:1 aspect ratios, along with a special Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K) episode. Despite its outwardly serious veneer, the film revels in camp value, evoking a deeply nostalgic joy reminiscent of creature features like Monolithic Monster and Tarantula. It presses all the right buttons for fans of Journey to the Center of the Earth-type adventures and even manages an earnest yet ham-fisted attempt at tackling 50s social-political themes. Notably, the production falls into familiar territory with its heavy exposition, stock footage usage, and diverse burlap-clad costumes that translate into unintentional humor.

Narratively, The Mole People presents a fascinating premise: archaeologists discover an ancient race of albino Sumerians thriving in subterranean darkness on a mountaintop, surviving via their enslaved Mole People. This dichotomy serves as a crude commentary on race relations of the era. The film features archetypal white saviors, who sans subtlety, endeavor to liberate 'beasts of the dark' from oppression. Its undertones of bigoted impiety are glaringly dated, juxtaposing high-minded scripts with the economic production values of an era striding towards cheaper exploitation fare post-Creature from the Black Lagoon. Contributing to this dynamic is Doctor Frank Baxter’s introductory pseudoscientific monologue, adding an overwrought level of misconceived gravitas to what culminates as cherished B-movie fluff.

Technically besieged by budget constraints, director Virgil Vogel navigates with resilience, leveraging Jack Kevan’s memorable creature designs – a legacy that physically lingers in pop culture. The movie teeters between evocative allegory and stock-footage-heavy exploits devoid of deft character development. John Agar's know-it-all portrayal anchors an otherwise cumbersome storyline, yet his unabashedly smug performance is central to the film's lasting appeal and cheesy allure. Ultimately, The Mole People is best enjoyed with the MST3K riffs, which transform it into a veritable cult classic through humorous critique and affectionate mockery.

"The Mole People" is a quintessential 1950s sci-fi B-movie that manages to maintain its charm despite its age. Featuring John Agar in a notable performance, the film is a blend of campy horror and sci-fi that takes itself seriously while portraying men in rubber suits. The initial sluggishness in pacing gives way to a more engaging second act, culminating in a blunt yet memorable ending. The attempt to embed social commentary within its sci-fi adventure narrative is clumsy at best but does not detract from the overall enjoyment for fans of niche 50s B-rated films.

Scream Factory's Blu-ray release does justice to this cult classic by offering a solid video transfer with aspect ratios of 2.00:1 and 1.85:1 presented in AVC encoding. The DTS-HD MA Mono audio track ensures that the film’s sound quality is preserved for modern viewing, and the inclusion of English SDH subtitles broadens accessibility. The Blu-ray is bolstered by an array of bonus features, including the highly amusing MST3K episode, adding significant value for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, "The Mole People" is a charming bit of 1950s kitsch, and the addition of the 1.85:1 framed version of the film as well as the MST3K feature in the already hefty extras makes for a fantastic old-fashioned horror release. While I'm sad Scream Factory wasn’t able to get a new scan for the film’s induction into HD, the features are nearly Collector’s Edition status, and the film itself is a hilariously fun watch as well. Definitely recommended for fans of niche 50s B-rated horror films.