(1963)
Reviewed By-Paul Cooke Director : Roger Corman Scripted : Robert Dillon & Ray Russell Starring : Ray Milland , Diana Van der Vlis , Harold Stone & John Hoyt
The sixties ‘B’ movie gem from legendary movie king Roger Corman continues to shine thanks to the shiny DVD format. An enjoyable viewing experience to relive and revel once more in a movie that was ahead of its time. Albeit viewed with eyes that have since seen movies that far surpass its almost biblical science fantasy storyline , the film still embodies a consciousness of its patriarchal status for what has followed on in its wake. Immediately what dawns upon the viewer is the blinding fact that this regular late night player , particularly during the home view black and white television years of the Seventies , is that this new formatted experience delivers up the Sci Fi classic in its rightful glory of gleaming colour.
The simple tale of a journey into insanity plays out with an intrusive invasion upon a nations innocence , that in today’s desensitized environment barely warrants a first viewing from a demographic expectant of impressive modern CGI. Here the searing monstrosities that are revealed at the startling finale are still far better rendered without any fake blue screen enhancements. Ray Milland's eyes reflect a vacuous soul that has eaten up more than any mere mortal should ever behold and his saving redemption is offered in the words of a preacher , quoting from the bible as his plea of redemption is within his own hands after all.
With the added addition of an audio track with Director Roger Corman it is unfortunate then that all is not as could be hoped from such a mouth watering extra. He talks about how his original script was of a drug taking saxophonist who experiments with the ‘X’ drug and he really seemed up for this but was coaxed out of the idea , thankfully for all concerned what is delivered on disc is exactly what played at the cinemas. Perhaps a younger Roger Corman would have made for a better audio interaction , as sadly listening to his stilted tones were not what was anticipated. Most endearingly it is in the visual workmanlike skill of his Direction that puts back sides in seats and none more so than the revelation that still is '‘X’: The Man With X Ray Eyes'.
A startling vision of its time and one that would make for a fascinating updated reinterpretation for this time , but for the present it is a pretty well offered budget label DVD package that is well worth the price of admission. Keep your eyes peeled for it , but under no circumstances remove those designer sunglasses when looking directly up at the sun.
Presentation : Wide Screen Ratio 1:85:1 Release : MGM Home Entertainment Coding : NTSC Region 1 Sound : Mono Extras : Original Trailer / Director Audio Commentary / Movie Prologue / 16:9 Enhanced
Film: 4.0 Bitch Slaps Picture: 3.5 Bitch Slaps Sound: 3.5 Bitch Slaps Extras: 2.0 Bitch Slaps Overall: 3.5 Bitch Slaps
