Humanoids from the Deep Blu-ray Review

Shout! Factory presents a stunning new edition of "Humanoids from the Deep" in a limited-edition SteelBook, now featuring a 4K scan of the Uncut International Version from the original camera negative. The prior 2010 release on a BD-25 with a 16X9 friendly 1.78:1 presentation has been upgraded to an MPEG-4 AVC-encoded BD-50, restoring the picture to its native 1.85:1. This latest transfer outshines its predecessor, eliminating previous issues like boosted brightness levels and slight color bleeding in the reds. The new remastered version offers improved black levels and better retention of natural skin tones, presenting a more organic look with visible grain structure.

The underwater scenes, showcasing green seaweed and algae, are particularly noteworthy for their clarity and vibrant coloration. Reputed Los Angeles Times film critic Linda Gross commends Daniel Lacambre's cinematography for its interesting, stylized liquid imagery. In this edition, the underwater photography is clean and visually appealing, enhancing the film's aesthetic appeal. Despite a few white specks and light scratches, this remastered print stands as a significant improvement. Encoded with a main video bitrate averaging 36000 kbps, the feature implements high-quality video standards to deliver an immersive viewing experience.

The audio presentation for "Humanoids from the Deep" on Blu-ray has been meticulously remixed, utilizing a DTS-HD Master Audio Dual Mono track (1567 kbps, 24-bit) derived from the original monaural source. Previously, the initial Blu-ray release contained an LPCM Dual Mono track (2304 kbps, 24-bit). This remix captures the dialogue and sound effects with a notable degree of fidelity. However, in the opening scene post-main titles, the dialogue may be difficult to discern due to the film's low-budget origin and the distance of characters from the camera. Adjusting your sound system to stereo or a similar mode can aid in better front-channel dispersion. Beyond this initial difficulty, dialogue becomes clearer, and sound effects, such as speed boat motors, explosions, and general chaos, are adequately rendered.

James Horner's score, although described by some as derivative of Jerry Goldsmith's work, complements the film with a sinister and ominous undertone that effectively conveys a sense of impending doom. Horner's use of screechy violins and throttling drums evokes memories of Bernard Herrmann’s iconic score for "Psycho." Despite critiques, Horner's effort is a serious and noteworthy contribution to the genre. The audio quality of his score on this Blu-ray mirrors the remastered high fidelity of BSX Records' 2011 soundtrack album, devoid of any tape hiss, pops, or crackles.

Presented in English 2.0 mono DTS-HD with optional English SDH subtitles, this audio track offers a narrow but clear experience. Viewers may need to raise their system’s volume to fully appreciate the mix. Dialogue remains mostly crisp throughout, with minor clarity issues predominantly during the film's chaotic finale. While mild hiss can be detected, there is no evident crackling, distortion, or dropout, ensuring an overall clean auditory experience.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Humanoids from the Deep" are comprehensive and engaging, offering a rich exploration of the film's background and production nuances. The featurette "The Making of Humanoids from the Deep" includes interviews with key contributors, providing insightful commentary on the film’s development. Deleted scenes are preserved in excellent visual condition, though some lack audio. The Leonard Maltin interview with Roger Corman offers a brief yet informative discussion. The disc also includes multiple theatrical trailers showcasing variations in aspect ratios and film-related artifacts. Additional promotional materials, such as TV and radio spots and a new still gallery, offer a look at the film's marketing history through diverse media.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Humanoids from the Deep: Interviews with key filmmakers and actors.
• Deleted Scenes: Excised footage, some without audio.
• Leonard Maltin Interviews Roger Corman: Brief discussion about the film.
• Theatrical Trailers: Three trailers with varying aspect ratios and artifacts.
• TV Spot: A widescreen promotional clip.
• Radio Spot: An audio-only promotional piece.
• NEW Still Gallery: Images from marketing campaigns, including publicity stills, set photos, and advertising materials.

Barbara Peeters, known for directing films like "Summer School Teachers" and "Moving Violation," faced unprecedented challenges with "Humanoids from the Deep." Originally titled "Beneath the Darkness" to attract talent, the script underwent significant changes that transformed it into a sexploitation sci-fi horror film inundated with sensationalistic elements such as sea monsters and gratuitous violence. The changes were so stark that Peeters and lead actress Ann Turkel publicly disassociated themselves from the final product, claiming the added scenes of gore and nudity were not part of their original vision. These controversial modifications, directed by Jimmy T. Murakami, included extensive re-shoots and editing, resulting in tonal inconsistencies. Despite its altered narrative, the film remains a quintessential Roger Corman production, adeptly blending social mayhem and grotesque visuals.

The movie's plot centers around the unintended consequences of industrial DNA manipulation by a cannery company, leading to grotesque sea creatures that prey on and mate with human women. While some elements of Peeters's original direction are evident, the intrusive footage detracts from narrative coherence. Yet, this amalgamation of conflicting visions doesn't completely undermine its impact; the social and biological chaos infused into the plot provides the signature Corman spectacle. The movie's reception was polarized; it generated considerable box office revenue and became a cult classic largely due to its lurid content and behind-the-scenes controversies. Despite mixed critical reviews, "Humanoids from the Deep" has maintained its notoriety and appeal among fans of exploitation cinema, standing as a testament to New World Pictures' daring and provocative approach during the late '70s and early '80s.

The 2023 Blu Ray release of "Humanoids from the Deep" in SteelBook packaging is an intriguing offering for fans of vintage horror cinema. Boasting superior picture quality over Shout!'s 2010 Blu-ray, this release features vibrant colors and enhanced clarity that bring the eerie undertones of Rob Bottin's creature designs to life. Rob Bottin, renowned for his later work in special effects, began to establish his iconic status through the water creatures in this film. The SteelBook packaging is not only visually appealing but also adds a collectible aspect to this release, making it a worthwhile upgrade for aficionados.

On the content front, the bonus materials replicate those from previous Shout! Factory DVD and Blu-ray releases. Included are "The Making of Humanoids from the Deep," a 23-minute featurette with interviews from key figures such as special effects artist Chris Walas and executive producer Roger Corman, among others. This edition also includes seven deleted scenes, albeit some with missing audio stems, a brief 3 1/2-minute interview with Roger Corman by Leonard Maltin, multiple trailers both U.S. and German, a TV spot, a radio spot, and an expansive animated still gallery featuring 88 promotional and on-set images.

However, it is worth noting that this U.S. release lacks some significant content found on the OFDb Filmworks editions in Germany. Absent are an audio commentary with editor Mark Goldblatt, and two featurettes titled "The Deep End" and "The Corman Sounds." Additionally, the German release includes "The Directors: Roger Corman" documentary, providing a broader historical perspective on Corman’s career.

In conclusion, while the absence of certain extras may be a minor disappointment, the exemplary visual quality and included bonus features make this SteelBook an essential addition for dedicated fans. For those who already own the previous Shout! releases, this enhanced version offers enough merit to justify an upgrade, particularly for collectors and admirers of Rob Bottin's early work.