Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Attack of the Beast Creatures Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 28, 2023

Filmed in 1983, “Attack of the Beast Creatures” (a.k.a. “Hell Island”) is a tiny monster movie before tiny monster movies became all the rage in the decade, boosted by the tremendous success of 1984’s “Gremlins.” Director Michael Stanley and writer Robert Hutton don’t have a decent budget, but they have access to a forest, some actors, and a collection of little puppets, setting out to create a horror picture about survival in a remote location. “Attack of the Beast Creatures” isn’t a hugely cinematic experience, but there’s some charm in the deadly attacks of little ghouls and the humans struggling to make sense of the situation before they’re eaten alive. It’s not always a compelling endeavor, but when Stanley and Hutton get around to making a mess of things, the effort is enjoyably goofy.

In 1920, somewhere in the North Atlantic, a group of passengers and crew members have managed to survive the sinking of the Obelisk. They’re tired, hungry, and scared, huddled together inside a lifeboat as they search for help on the open water. Arriving on a mysterious island, John (Robert Nolfi) and Philip (Frank Murgalo) lead the way to safety, handling concerns and complaints from Morgan (John Vichiola), Gordon (Kay Bailey), Diane (Lisa Pak), and Cathy (Julia Rust). Unable to find any inhabitants, the gang prepares for a long stay, searching for food and shelter, coming across acidic water instead. As they make their way across the island, a threat is discovered in the form of little Beast Creatures, with the tribal monsters hiding everywhere, ready to feast on the humans, who are unprepared to fight back against such a determined enemy.

The sinking of the Obelisk isn’t a major moment in “Attack of the Beast Creatures,” as such cinematic spectacle costs money, which this production doesn’t have. Instead, the picture opens on the aftermath, with survivors thrown together into a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean, trying to make sense of everything that’s happened. There’s no rescue coming for them, and the boat quickly drifts away from the scene of the sinking, leaving the gang alone to deal with their panic. Characterizations aren’t precise in “Attack of the Beast Creatures,” but a few emerge with some clarity, including Morgan, a senior citizen focused on his own well-being, disregarding concerns from others as he pushes his way around. Cathy is frightened, unable to process her current situation. And there’s John, who takes command of the disaster, trying to bring order as the boat makes its way to the island.

“Attack of the Beast Creatures” reaches land, which should inspire a more exploratory atmosphere to the endeavor, but that doesn’t quite happen. Instead, there’s a lot of walking to help pad the run time, watching the gang move through forests over and over, which doesn’t help the film’s pacing. Occasional horrors arrive, including the discovery of acidic water, with Pat (Frans Kal) taking one for the team as he tries to drink from a stream that melts his face off. Whoops. “Attack of the Beast Creatures” covers the discovery of berries (which, oddly, aren’t harmful) and the starting of fires, with John using the warmth to make his move on Diane, picking the worst time to bring romance to a desperate situation of survival.

The Beast Creatures eventually show up in the “Attack of the Beast Creatures,” with the stiff but speedy puppets adding some excitement to a movie that desperately needs any screen activity it can find. The monsters love to snack on humans, taking bites out of the characters along the way, quick to overwhelm the survivors, who don’t have much in the ways of defense. These are the “Gremlins,” “Ghoulies,” and “Critters”-style sequences, and they offer genre fans a little kick as the main players suffer and the little guys devour, eventually graduating to traps as the story(?) unfolds. There’s certainly not a lot of filmmaking finesse during the Beast Creature appearances, but the production sells speed of movement and ferocity relatively well, doing something with puppets that keeps the picture compelling. Or at least breaks up the punishing monotony of watching actors walk, walk, and walk some more. That 80-minute run time isn’t going to reach itself, people!

Attack of the Beast Creatures Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers a "restoration of the original theatrical version from the 16mm camera negative." Those who've been raised on the VHS version of "Attack of the Beast Creatures" are sure to be happy with the Blu-ray release from AGFA, as it provides a nicely filmic viewing experience for the scrappy, low-budget feature. Color is inviting, offering defined hues on costuming and natural skin tones. Greenery is pronounced, capturing the look of forest travel. And blood is distinct, with rich reds throughout. Detail reaches as far as possible, exploring facial surfaces and tattered clothing. Beast Creature puppetry is also open for inspection. Island distances are preserved. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavier but film-like. Source is a bit roughed up in spots, with a few lengthy, deep scratches and some chemical damage.

Attack of the Beast Creatures Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix also struggles with some wear and tear, dealing with source issues and the quality of the production, leading to a few barely intelligible lines. Most of the track is intact, with passable dialogue exchanges. Scoring supports with a clear synth presence. Beast Creature attack sound effects are appreciable.

Attack of the Beast Creatures Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• VHS Version (81:39, SD) of "Attack of the Beast Creatures" is included.

• Partial Commentary features director Mike Stanley.

• Interview (8:47, HD) is a dual chat with director Mike Stanley (joined by two Beast Creature puppets) and writer Robert Hutton. Stanley opens with the initial idea for "Attack of the Beast Creatures," which involved the process of acid burning off a character's face. Development ensued, with scripting challenges handed to Hutton, who worked on his lifeboat concept, trying to do something interesting with it. The creation of the Beast Creature is detailed, examining the development of monstrous movement and noises. Technical challenges are recalled, including the recording of the score, with the composer doing the work for free.

• Test Footage (19:30, HD) offers a look at early Beast Creature photography and footage from "Hell Island."

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

Attack of the Beast Creatures Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Attack of the Beast Creatures" struggles with momentum and a sense of danger, only coming alive at certain moments when the monsters swarm and attack. The acting isn't particularly strong, with some of the cast making oddball choices, but there's a faint sense of personality to help the cause, especially with Vichiola and his take on the unredeemable self-serving creep of the group. This isn't a heated understanding of forest survival, and horrors aren't around every corner, but "Attack of the Beast Creatures" has periodic inspiration for the B-movie that it is. It's amusing when it isn't completely boring, and the Beast Creatures make a fine addition to the 'Lil Creeps subgenre of the 1980s, offering more defined violent interests than the competition.