War of the Colossal Beast Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image for "War of the Colossal Beast" is presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio derived from a new 2K scan of the fine-grain film element. This presentation significantly upgrades a feature that has historically been underappreciated in the home video market. The remastering successfully preserves a robust level of detail, bringing out the nuanced work in makeup and costuming. Outdoor scenes and interior warehouses are represented with compelling dimension, and delineation remains satisfactory throughout. The brief color sequence that ends the film pops pleasantly, thanks to the pristine condition of the source material, albeit with minor judder and speckling, and occasional jumpy frames.

Shout/Scream Factory's work on this title is commendable. Their remastering retains a touch of vintage charm with minimal dirt and scratches, presenting the imagery as film rather than a digital transfer. Thin grain adds to the authenticity without evidence of compression issues. However, slight vertical rolling is noted, particularly around a 23-minute mark scene involving Joyce. The grayscale is robust yet well-managed, with the black levels of the police sergeant's uniform near crush but adequately controlled and contrast yielding bright whites, even if mid-tones fall slightly. Sharpness and detail are excellent, drawing out facial textures and clothing details impressively considering the low-budget origins. Except for some stock footage and composites, the film consistently performs well in HD, likely surpassing its original theatrical quality. Hence, the final moments in color are mostly mundane except for Joyce’s attire.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA audio presentation of "War of the Colossal Beast" brings a blend of clarity and dramatic emphasis to the film's dialogue exchanges, despite minor sibilance issues. The sound mix effectively highlights the grunting of the Colossal Man, elevating the creature's intimidation factor, though the sound does fuzz out occasionally. Musical scoring, although not precise, sets appropriate moods and enhances violent encounters, with a minor anomaly noted around the 59-minute mark that may be either an artistic choice or an inherent issue.

In terms of overall audio quality, the DTS-HD mono track delivers a decent level of clarity, though not without imperfections. Dialog is generally clear, yet some static can be detected in the background. The audio does not suffer from popping or skipping, maintaining consistency throughout the film. The score's range does exhibit some muddiness on both ends, attributed to its natural aging. However, the track remains functional and stable, performing within the expectations for a mono mix of this vintage.

The Blu-ray extras for "War of the Colossal Beast" provide an insightful and enriching experience for enthusiasts, combining historical retrospections with technical dissections. One of the notable features is the engaging commentary by film historians C. Courtney Joyner, Donald F. Glut, and Eric Hoffman, which delves into their personal connections and nostalgia for monster films, along with their contributions to Famous Monsters magazine. "Size Matters: Bert I. Gordon at American International Pictures" offers an in-depth retrospective of Gordon’s career highlighted by interviews with industry experts and Gordon himself, charting the director’s endeavors in creating iconic giant monster films from the 1950s. Also included is an alternate B&W ending of "War of the Colossal Beast" and the original theatrical trailer, providing comprehensive context and alternate perspectives.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Discussion by film historians C. Courtney Joyner, Donald F. Glut, and Eric Hoffman.
• Size Matters: Bert I. Gordon at American International Pictures: Retrospective featuring interviews and archival footage.
• Alternate B&W Ending: The conclusion of War of the Colossal Beast without its color climax.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer in standard definition.

In 1958, director Bert I. Gordon returned with "War of the Colossal Beast," an unofficial sequel to his earlier film "The Amazing Colossal Man." The film attempts to capture the plight of former soldier Mike Manning (Dean Parkin), now mutated and disfigured due to a US nuclear test. This sympathetic angle latches onto the concept of a man trapped in his own monstrous skin. The narrative, while rooted in typical '50s sci-fi conventions— including dedicated scientists and military personnel— eschews romantic subplots in favor of focusing on a more humanistic struggle. Gordon effectively reuses scenes and makeup elements from his previous work, "The Cyclops," to present Manning's harrowing visage. The giant shots, while not groundbreaking, provide the necessary visual cues to maintain engagement.

The film introduces new characters and avoids leaning too heavily on its predecessor's storyline, although it does rely on flashback footage to pad its runtime. Unfortunately, this results in a narrative that barely stretches to an hour. Despite the lean effects and often-derided production values, the film includes elements of humor and satire, particularly when depicting bureaucratic inefficiencies and the struggles between governmental agencies. Remarkably, the film doesn't opt for a standard military assault on the giant, but rather an attempt to save him. This nuanced approach differentiates it from other genre films of the era, where giant creatures are usually met with brute force.

Sally Fraser stands out with a commendable performance as Manning's sister, bringing depth and empathy to her role. This focus on familial bonds and the human condition adds an unexpected layer of emotion to what is otherwise a straightforward giant-monster narrative. Gordon's use of practical effects, including half-face makeup indicating Manning's disfigurement, reinforces the tragic humanity beneath the monstrous exterior. Despite its flaws, "War of the Colossal Beast" retains certain merits through its emotional undertones and innovative, if minimalist, production techniques.

War of the Colossal Beast on Blu-ray showcases a fascinating blend of classic monster movie elements and technical prowess. The transfer quality stands out, presenting sharp visuals and a cleaner image compared to previous releases. The black-and-white presentation maintains a stable contrast, ensuring that the eerie atmosphere of this 1958 film is preserved. Grain is visible but not overwhelming, providing an authentic cinematic experience that retains the original film’s charm. The audio, presented in a mono track, is clear and crisp, although it lacks the depth of modern sound mixes. However, it serves the film well, ensuring dialogue and the quintessential monster roars are appropriately balanced.

The film itself offers a unique narrative angle that sets it apart from typical genre entries. While it may lack the character depth found in its predecessor, The Amazing Colossal Man, War of the Colossal Beast compensates with a more engaging and even gruesome storyline. The make-up effects and colossal beast's design are notable for their time, enhancing the horror elements with a level of creativity that elevates the sequel. It is noted for its boldly downbeat ending, providing a surprising twist that adds a layer of depth to what could otherwise be dismissed as schlock horror.

Overall, War of the Colossal Beast is better than its reputation might suggest. It captures an intriguing narrative that keeps it from being merely a footnote in monster movie history. While ultimately entertaining yet forgettable for general audiences, it holds significant appeal for monster movie aficionados and Gordon fans. The Blu-ray format does justice to this vintage flick, making it a worthwhile addition for collectors and enthusiasts.