It! The Terror from Beyond Space Blu-ray Review

It! The Terror From Beyond Space" makes a visually compelling return to Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber, boasting a 1080p transfer with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded via MPEG-4 AVC. Sourced from a commendable new 2K scan of the 35mm fine grain master, this release significantly surpasses previous efforts. While a few minor blemishes and density fluctuations remain, the overall presentation is crisp and deeply immersive. Notably, facial definitions and space uniforms are sharply rendered with well-preserved grain structure, offering viewers a refined visual experience. The grayscale rendition is particularly convincing, providing substantial depth and density throughout.

The restoration work strikes an excellent balance between preserving the original film's qualities and enhancing its presentation for modern viewing. The nature of the improved scan eradicates prior processing artifacts like edge enhancement, fostering an organic appearance. Despite the occasional soft shot and some speckling, the overall feel is authentic and fresh. Shadows and black levels, vital given the film’s thematic reliance on low-light scenes, are adeptly managed, though blacks could achieve deeper richness. The film’s iconic visual effects sequences retain their vintage charm yet appear somewhat rough in comparison to the cleaner footage.

Overall, this Blu-ray release offers aficionados a substantially refined and nostalgic revisit to this classic sci-fi thriller. It skillfully enhances the visual narrative while respecting the film’s intrinsic qualities, rendering it a worthwhile acquisition for fans and collectors alike. Players must support Region A or be region-free to handle this disc effectively, underscoring the technical precision expected in home cinema setups wishing to explore or revisit "It! The Terror From Beyond Space.

The audio presentation of "It! The Terror from Beyond Space" on Blu-ray comes with a single English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track that offers a generally clear and engaging listening experience, complete with optional English SDH subtitles. While the dialogue is distinctly audible and maintains clarity, certain sections exhibit a slight flatness and an unexplained shift in audio dynamics that, although not distracting, may be noticeable to discerning listeners. Despite its age, the track delivers a commendable dynamic intensity consistent with late 1950s cinema, free from dropouts or distortions.

The DTS-HD 2.0 mix, albeit on the puffier side, supports the narrative effectively. Dialogue occasionally reveals a hoarse quality, and the musical score sometimes smears into a less defined mid-range. Nonetheless, the mix remains free of static or popping, ensuring audibility across all scenes. The track successfully captures the creature's resonant growls and howls, contributing to the film's mood and atmosphere. Furthermore, the sound effects complementing the spaceship's operations enrich the soundscape with sci-fi elements like gadget sounds and the monster's forceful interactions with metallic barriers.

In conclusion, while the audio track isn't flawless and shows minor limitations typical of its era, it remains a solid representation of the film’s original sound design. The combination of clear dialogue, immersive effects, and subtle musical cues provides an appropriately atmospheric backdrop to the film's suspenseful sci-fi narrative.

The Blu-ray extras for "It! The Terror from Beyond Space" are a comprehensive exploration of the film's legacy and its genre. The standout is a trio of audio commentaries that provide rich insights into the movie's creative decisions, historical context, and thematic resonance. Tom Weaver, along with Bob Burns, Larry Blamire, and David Schecter, delivers a particularly engaging commentary focused on the film's initial impact and its production nuances. Meanwhile, Craig Beam offers an analytical take on script evolution and technical choices, while Gary Gerani explores the film's influence on subsequent genre works. Additionally, Craig Beam contributes to an informative featurette that looks at sci-fi horror evolution, alongside a vintage trailer adding nostalgic value. These thoughtful and well-researched extras are essential for enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of this iconic film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary featuring Tom Weaver, Bob Burns, Larry Blamire, and David Schecter: Insightful track covering the film’s genesis.
• Audio Commentary featuring Craig Beam: Analytical discussion on script and technical choices.
• Audio Commentary featuring Gary Gerani: Examination of the film’s genre influence.
• tidbITs: Ephemera From Beyond Space: Craig Beam discusses 1950s sci-fi horror evolution.
• Trailer: Vintage U.S. trailer offering a nostalgic glimpse into the film’s original presentation.
• KLSC Trailer Gallery: Collection of trailers from related genre films.

Edward L. Cahn's "It! The Terror From Beyond Space" serves as a seminal piece of sci-fi cinema, setting a foundation upon which many modern classics have built. This 1958 film is often cited for significantly influencing later films such as "Alien," and it stands as a crucial point of reference in the genre's history. The film's narrative simplicity—an alien entity sabotaging a crew aboard a spaceship—provides a compelling framework that has been replicated and evolved in numerous sci-fi narratives. Despite its brevity at just 69 minutes, the movie effectively harnesses fear through its claustrophobic setting and taps into space-era anxieties, ensuring an engaging experience for viewers. Its themes of isolation and survival continue to resonate, underscored by a strong sense of patriotism as the crew operates with military precision.

Visually, the creature design, portrayed by Ray "Crash" Corrigan, is both a strength and a limitation. While Corrigan brings a certain gravitas to the role, the suit's fit often betrays its intended menace, stripping away some plausibility for a modern audience. The constraints of its era are evident, with the creature's portrayal often relying on atmospheric back-lighting to maintain suspense. Nonetheless, for its time, the film plays with psychological horror, managing to leave audiences spellbound with its portrayal of suspense and terror that stems from being pursued in such confined quarters.

"It! The Terror From Beyond Space" continues to be celebrated as an enduring piece of cinematic history. It's replete with archetypal elements that have sustained the genre’s evolution over decades. While its plot may lack the complexity of contemporary narratives, its influence is unmistakable. This Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber enables today's audiences to revisit this classic piece of sci-fi lore with appreciation for its historical significance and its establishment of enduring genre conventions.

"It! The Terror from Beyond Space" is a seminal sci-fi film that laid the groundwork for many space horror narratives. Its influence is evident in iconic films like "Alien" and "The Thing," owing to its timeless concept of fear and survival against an unknown threat. The film, with its brisk pace, introduces the terrifying creature mere minutes into the runtime, capturing the era’s classic sci-fi charm. The cast's dedicated performances invigorate the well-trodden material, enhancing its enduring appeal. As a piece of pre-space travel nostalgia, it effectively sets up a narrative formula that resonates across decades.

The Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber revitalizes this classic with a stunning new 2K master, significantly enhancing the audio and visual experience. This meticulous restoration breathes new life into the film’s vintage aesthetics, ensuring that modern audiences can appreciate its original ambiance. Complementing the superior A/V quality is a robust selection of exclusive bonus features, which delve deeper into the film’s creation and legacy, offering fans both insight and entertainment.

In conclusion, "It! The Terror from Beyond Space" remains a fun and engaging film that captures the essence of 1950s sci-fi horror. Its influence on subsequent genres is unmistakable, and Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release does an exemplary job of preserving and celebrating this influence. Whether you are a collector or a casual viewer, this release is highly recommended for its historical significance and outstanding presentation.