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Quatermass 2
List Price: Unknown [Buy now and save at Amazon]
Think of everything typically associated with '50s sci-fi -- a guy in a cheap rubber monster suit, awful special effects, poor pacing, and a lack of color. Though these expectations certainly aren't unfounded, Quatermass 2 (released theatrically in the U.S. as Enemy From Space) stands out among the drek as one of the best-written and most tense films of this era of science fiction. The titular professor discovers a conspiracy involving a collective alien intelligence that has taken over a plant in a rural area, its reach threatening to expand globally. As is the case with the similar Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Quatermass 2 holds up remarkably well after over 40 years, and the quality of the disc rivals that of the film.
Video: A sheet enclosed with the disc noted the lack of quality in the first 2 minutes of the film. Although the first two minutes are incredibly grainy, as promised, the quality improved dramatically with the appearance of the opening titles. Considering its age, the transfer for Quatermass 2 is, for the most part, as good as can be expected. The image is clear and crisp, the transfer having been made from an undamaged and mostly clean print. Dust and the like are minimal and never distracting. However, the last half hour of the film in particular is of varying quality. A number of scenes in the latter part of Quatermass 2 are incredibly grainy, particularly in darkly-lit portions. Presumably these were the best elements available to Anchor Bay, and considering the age and relative obscurity of the film, the video does not disappoint.
Audio: As is to be expected with a film of this age, the mono soundtrack overall is hardly reference quality, but it is free of hiss and distortion.
Extras: The most notable supplement is the feature length commentary with director Val Guest and Nigel Kneale. Hammer fans will probably enjoy the commentary, and although it suffers from extended periods of silence and hardly inspires enthusiasm on the part of the listener, the commentary does reveal some interesting tidbits. Guest and Kneale give an excellent impression as to how ahead of its time Quatermass 2 really was. Though not particularly engaging, I never found the commentary to be overly boring at any time. Also included is the film's American trailer and a somewhat-interesting 25 minute documentary focusing on Hammer's sci-fi titles (including, but not solely centered around, Quatermass 2).
Conclusion: Although Hammer is best known for producing some of the finest works of cinematic horror in the history of the medium, Quatermass 2 is an excellent example of the diversity of the studio and the brilliance of an underrated period of science fiction cinema. Those who are interested in the best of '50s science fiction will certainly want to pick up Quatermass 2, especially considering that the disc (which retails for $30) can easily be found under $20 shipped online. Recommended.
Video: A sheet enclosed with the disc noted the lack of quality in the first 2 minutes of the film. Although the first two minutes are incredibly grainy, as promised, the quality improved dramatically with the appearance of the opening titles. Considering its age, the transfer for Quatermass 2 is, for the most part, as good as can be expected. The image is clear and crisp, the transfer having been made from an undamaged and mostly clean print. Dust and the like are minimal and never distracting. However, the last half hour of the film in particular is of varying quality. A number of scenes in the latter part of Quatermass 2 are incredibly grainy, particularly in darkly-lit portions. Presumably these were the best elements available to Anchor Bay, and considering the age and relative obscurity of the film, the video does not disappoint.
Audio: As is to be expected with a film of this age, the mono soundtrack overall is hardly reference quality, but it is free of hiss and distortion.
Extras: The most notable supplement is the feature length commentary with director Val Guest and Nigel Kneale. Hammer fans will probably enjoy the commentary, and although it suffers from extended periods of silence and hardly inspires enthusiasm on the part of the listener, the commentary does reveal some interesting tidbits. Guest and Kneale give an excellent impression as to how ahead of its time Quatermass 2 really was. Though not particularly engaging, I never found the commentary to be overly boring at any time. Also included is the film's American trailer and a somewhat-interesting 25 minute documentary focusing on Hammer's sci-fi titles (including, but not solely centered around, Quatermass 2).
Conclusion: Although Hammer is best known for producing some of the finest works of cinematic horror in the history of the medium, Quatermass 2 is an excellent example of the diversity of the studio and the brilliance of an underrated period of science fiction cinema. Those who are interested in the best of '50s science fiction will certainly want to pick up Quatermass 2, especially considering that the disc (which retails for $30) can easily be found under $20 shipped online. Recommended.
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