Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Attack of the Crab Monsters Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 7, 2020

These days, directors are lucky to put out a picture every two or three years, taking a significant amount of time to perfect their endeavors, slowly adding to filmographies. In 1957, Roger Corman put in the work, overseeing the release of eight movies, refusing to slow down while in the midst of creative and financial opportunities. “Attack of the Crab Monsters” is one of these offerings, with Corman and screenwriter Charles B. Griffith attempting an atomic age creature feature, looking to the sea for inspiration as automobile-sized crabs become the source of all agony. However, “Attack of the Crab Monsters” isn’t entirely consumed with destruction, with the production trying to introduce a little sci-fi to help with the oddness of a short but punchy effort.

Scientists and sailors arrive on an island in the Pacific Ocean hunting for a lost crew of researchers. Of course, such a mission isn’t simple, with the unit on the prowl for evidence while crossing unstable ground, with the land previously subjected to nearby nuclear tests. Rising to power are enormous mutant crabs with telepathic powers, using their victims to fuel their intelligence, gradually making the island uninhabitable to help corner their prey.

What’s great about “Attack of the Crab Monsters” is Corman’s impatience. He’s not waiting for a big reveal, taking just four minutes to introduce the titular menace, who manage to snip off the head of a curious sailor. It’s this sudden violence and resulting indifference to the loss (adding unintentional laughs in the movie) that get “Attack of the Crab Monsters” up to speed in a hurry, with pace nicely managed by the helmer. That’s not to suggest the effort skimps on exposition (the usual low-budget form of padding), but Corman is more interested in monster moves this time around, merging physical attacks with traditional scientific malarkey.

Attack of the Crab Monsters Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Listed as a "New 2K scan of the fine-grain print," "Attack of the Crab Monsters" delivers an impressive viewing experience. The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation provides a surprisingly sharp view of facial particulars, with close-ups wonderfully detailed, examining makeup and wounds, along with aging specifics. Monster activity is equally vivid, highlighting the technical limitations of the titular creature. Locations are dimensional, along with interiors as the action heads into caves and lingers around research areas. Decorative additions are easily surveyed. Delineation is comfortable, preserving frame information. Source is in strong shape.

Attack of the Crab Monsters Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix provides clear dialogue exchanges, detailing offerings of exposition and panic without distortion. Accents are sharp as well. Scoring supports comfortably, adding satisfying instrumentation to suspense stings and general moods. Atmospherics on the island setting are intact, with the sounds of rolling waves often competing with the actors. Monster attacks are a bit more frenzied but not uncomfortable

Attack of the Crab Monsters Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historians Tom Weaver, John Brunas, and Mike Brunas.

• "A Salute to Roger Corman" (26:04, SD) is an appreciation piece for the famous director/producer, with many past collaborators sitting down to share their feelings about the man and his legacy. The line-up includes Peter Fonda, Joe Dante, Peter Bogdanovich, Harry Dean Stanton, Phil Tippett, James Horner, Dick Miller, and Jack Hill. Corman appears as well. The overall vibe of the featurette is positive, with the interviewees sharing their memories of being involved in the "Corman Film School," learning about production frugality and efficiency, also offered a chance to work their way into a directorial position after time spent in the trenches. The gang offers gratitude for their opportunities, but they also communicate the realities of life on one of his productions, with Corman often favoring young talent to keep up with the sleepless trials of a shoot. Discipline and opportunity are also highlighted, with Fonda especially aware of the industry chances Corman provided.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:02, HD) is included.

Attack of the Crab Monsters Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Attack of the Crab Monsters" sticks with the Corman playbook, dealing only with the basics in technical finesse, but he hires a capable cast to sell the horror, and production achievements, including underwater photography, are appealing. As B-moves from the 1950s go, "Attack of the Crab Monsters" has entertainment value, even though it doesn't have much of a wow factor.