The Beast Within Blu-ray Review

Kino Cult’s Blu-ray presentation of "The Beast Within" utilizes the same master as the previous Scream Factory release, but benefits from increased technical specifications. The film is delivered in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, with a 1080p transfer sourced from well-preserved 35mm elements shot using Panavision anamorphic lenses. The higher bitrate (typically 35–40Mbps) and use of a dual-layer BD-50 disc provide improved compression and result in stable grain reproduction, enhanced image stability, and deeper black levels. This allows shadows and textures within darker sequences, such as cellar scenes or moonlit exteriors, to maintain impressive clarity and fine detail without introducing significant noise or artifacts.

The color palette remains faithful to the film’s gothic aesthetic, presenting muted tones that suit the moody style, though blacks are rendered deeply and the overall contrast is handled well. Subtle variances exist—Kino’s transfer appears slightly darker than Scream Factory’s, though this does not come at the expense of detail. Imperfections such as dirt are minimal and do not detract from the viewing experience. Facial details and texture retain naturalism, giving the performances dimensionality and depth that engage the viewer. Overall, while this release does not reach the refinement of a modern 4K restoration, it is a technically sound and authentic presentation that preserves the intended look of the original film.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "The Beast Within" is delivered via English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio, closely replicating the film’s original Dolby Stereo release. Optional English SDH subtitles are included, a feature absent from previous editions. The audio track offers excellent clarity across all elements—dialogue, musical score, and sound effects—ensuring that each component is presented with precision and robust fidelity. The mix demonstrates impressive separation, allowing the listener to distinguish between foreground and background details with ease.

Dialogue remains consistently clean, crisp, and free from hiss or distortion, reflecting careful mastering. The soundtrack, composed by Les Baxter, is particularly effective and maintains a strong presence in the mix, amplifying the film’s tension and atmospheric edge. Throughout the audio presentation, effects and music are balanced well against the dialogue, creating an immersive sonic experience that is both dynamic and faithful to the original theatrical intent.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "The Beast Within" delivers an impressive and comprehensive selection of extras, seamlessly gathering content from previous Arrow Video and Scream Factory editions while adding an exclusive TV spot. The supplements are anchored by three insightful audio commentaries—one pairing director Philippe Mora with historian Calum Waddell, another reuniting Mora with lead actor Paul Clemens, and a third featuring screenwriter Tom Holland and filmmaker Rob Galluzzo—each providing a unique blend of behind-the-scenes anecdotes and production details. The standout "I Was a Teenage Cicada" documentary dives into the film’s creation through extensive interviews and archival content, while "Storyboarding the Beast" allows viewers to explore the visual development with narration from Mora. Promotional materials include the original theatrical trailer, radio spots, and the aforementioned exclusive TV spot.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Philippe Mora & Calum Waddell: Director and historian in a Q&A-style discussion.
• Audio Commentary with Philippe Mora & Paul Clemens: Director and lead actor share production memories.
• Audio Commentary with Tom Holland & Rob Galluzzo: Screenwriter and filmmaker deliver a conversational track.
• I Was a Teenage Cicada: The Making of The Beast Within: Documentary with interviews and behind-the-scenes insights.
• Storyboarding the Beast: Narrative walkthrough of original storyboards with Philippe Mora.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.
• TV Spot: Exclusive promotional television advertisement.
• Radio Spots: Original radio ads for the film.

Directed by Philippe Mora and scripted by Tom Holland, "The Beast Within" (1982) stands out as a memorable oddity within the monster horror genre, gaining cult appeal over the years despite tepid initial reception. The film blends Southern Gothic atmosphere, werewolf mythos, and unique insectoid horror, creating a distinctive narrative grounded in psychological and physical transformation. The plot centers on newlyweds Eli and Caroline, whose misfortune in rural Mississippi leads to Caroline’s assault by a monstrous entity, setting up the tragic origins for their son Michael. Seventeen years later, Michael's mysterious illness compels his parents to return to Nioba, unearthing dark town secrets and triggering a spree of monstrous violence. Despite some meandering narrative elements and an ostentatious opening, the film gradually builds to reveal the origins of its grotesque antagonist, steadily layering suspense.

One of the film’s defining aspects is its impressive practical effects and make-up work—most notably the infamous transformation scene where Michael's body erupts to reveal the monstrous cicada-inspired creature within. This sequence, famous among horror aficionados, stands as a hallmark of early 80s body horror. Performances from Ronny Cox, Bibi Besch, and Paul Clemens are committed and effective. Cox and Besch anchor the film with gravitas and emotional intensity, while Clemens displays clear range capturing Michael’s conflicted innocence and growing menace. While the story may not offer tight plotting throughout, Holland’s script injects enough raw energy, Southern Gothic flavor, and psychosexual metaphor to maintain viewer engagement.

Overall, "The Beast Within" succeeds as a bizarre yet entertaining monster film, elevated by its atmospheric visuals, gruesome effects, and willingness to embrace pulp horror conventions. Forgotten in the shadow of genre landmarks at release, it now stands recognized for its ambitious mythology and unforgettable set pieces that continue to engage horror fans decades later.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of The Beast Within gives overdue attention to a cult favorite that has long existed under the radar of mainstream horror appreciation. The film itself, a mid-tier but much-loved entry from the early ‘80s, combines Tom Holland’s unnervingly strange script with impressively gruesome special effects, resulting in a creature feature experience that stands out for its sheer audacity and entertainment value, even if it doesn’t top “best of” lists within the decade’s genre output.

Technically, the Blu-ray offers a notable step up from prior editions. The video transfer is improved, exhibiting better clarity and detail, and the addition of subtitles enhances accessibility. Kino Lorber expands the supplemental package as well, compiling almost all previously released extras along with some new content, making this edition an excellent archival presentation for both longtime fans and those newly discovering the title.

In conclusion, while The Beast Within may not have achieved broad recognition, the Kino Lorber Blu-ray edition firmly cements its place as a must-own for cult collectors and aficionados of offbeat horror. The superior A/V quality and robust suite of extras deliver an engaging and rewarding revisit to a truly unique horror film, making this release an easy recommendation for enthusiasts looking to expand their collection with something distinctive.