Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Doctor Cyclops Blu-ray Movie Review

A must-see science fiction experience with remarkable special effects

An enormously entertaining science-fiction spectacle that holds up to this day, Doctor Cyclops is a classic B-movie gem that shouldn't go overlooked by true cineastes. The film bears historical significance as one of the earliest three-strip technicolor productions ever released and was nominated at the Academy Awards for its exceptional special effects by Farciot Edouart and Gordon Jennings. Produced by Dale Van Every (Love Birds, Desert Nights), Doctor Cyclops is a maddeningly entertaining classic that must be seen and appreciated.

The brilliant (but absurdly mad!) scientist Dr. Thorkel (Albert Dekker) has a nefarious plan up his diabolical sleeve. The mad genius (also known as: Doctor Cyclops) invites a group of renowned scientists to visit his scientific laboratory and witness his inventions first-hand. It isn't long before Doctor Thorkel is joined on site by Dr. Mary Robinson (Janice Logan), Dr. Rupert Bulfinch (Charles Halton), Bill Stockton (Thomas Coley), and the less-scientific Steve Baker (Victor Kilian).

The science-smart gals and guys are astonished by the inventions laid before them and events become increasingly interesting as the creations of Doctor Cyclops come into play. One of the mad scientists top inventions is a device capable of shrinking living-beings (and he started by experimenting on a full-size horse... before moving on to the scientists brought to his laboratory). Shrunk by the device, the heroes of the story must overcome the diabolical Doc.

With the group shrunk down to miniature sizes, things become dangerous in a heartbeat. Joined by a now-miniaturized Pedro Caroz (Frank Yaconelli), the (possibly former?) assistant, the group becomes so small they must join forces to even raise a fork (so to speak). Can the dastardly Doctor Cyclops ever be defeated? Will the scientists ever return to their normal heights?

"I've done it! I've created a space saving device for collectors! Bwahahahaha!"

One aspect of the film that sets it apart from so many other genre productions of the time- period is the inventive special effects that were crafted by Farciot Edouart and Gordon Jennings with love and care. The visuals are distinctive and creative throughout the experience. The film utilizes the Technicolor photography to great effect, too. The cinematography by Henry Sharp (Duck Soup, The Hidden Hand) helps to give the visual palette the distinctive flair necessary for a great B-movie romp.

There's a playful music score composed by Gerard Carbonara (Pacific Blackout), Albert Hay Malotte (The Girl from Calgary), and Ernst Toch (The Cat and the Canary) to lead the way as well. The film sounds distinctive and the compositions add to the overall fun. The zany adventure element to the science fiction score keeps things interesting.

Directed by Ernest B. Schoedsack (King Kong, The Most Dangerous Game), Doctor Cyclops is a genuinely entertaining slice of classic B-movie adventure and science-fiction. The film is highly enjoyable and it takes audiences on a trip that is well worth discovery (and re-acquaintance). In developing the screenplay by Tom Kilpatrick (Whispering Enemies, Adventures in Silverado), Schoedsack crafted a unique cinematic gem that shines brightly to this very day. A classic that is a enormously entertaining experience. Doctor Cyclops is B-movie science-fiction at its absolute best.

Doctor Cyclops Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from distributor Kino Lorber, Doctor Cyclops has received an exceptional 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 (full frame). The Technicolor production received a brand new 4K restoration. This is a first-rate transfer which is a breathtaking revelation for the film.

Without a doubt, this is a outstanding transfer of the film with exceptional color reproduction, depth, and overall detail in the image. The three-strip Technicolor visuals are such a huge part of the film's charm and with this top-notch restoration, fans of classic B-movie gems will certainly find Doctor Cyclops to be an essential viewing with the exceptional 4K scan. Doctor Cyclops has never looked better than it does on this newly-remastered Blu-ray.

Please Note:

The opening sequence of the film does contain some strobe light effects which some may be sensitive to viewing.

Doctor Cyclops Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release has received a superb DTS-HD Master Audio mono audio presentation. The film has an engaging and exciting mono sound mix. Even despite the age of the source and its elements, this is nonetheless a engaging track which does a stellar job of presenting both dialogue and music. As a science-fiction production, the track has enormous creativity in spades. Optional English subtitles are provided.

Doctor Cyclops Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Film Historian Richard Harland Smith

Trailer from Hell (SD, 2:28) features Jesus Trevino as he discusses the classic pulp feature-film Doctor Cyclops with a clear amount of love for the material. While the piece is a short snippet about the film, it's certainly a worthwhile watch for fans.

Doctor Cyclops Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2:02)

The release also includes trailers for other releases available from distributor Kino Lorber: Cobra Woman (SD, 2:08), The Undying Monster (SD, 1:05), and The Land Unknown (SD, 2:11).

Doctor Cyclops Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

An enormously entertaining science-fiction film with plenty of camp and B-movie excitement to keep things interesting, Doctor Cyclops is a must-see classic that deserves a spot in the collection of every passionate film enthusiast. The production design is outstanding and the special effects are ahead of their time (in every sense of the word). Brilliantly realized by director Ernest B. Schoedsack (the director behind the original King Kong), Doctor Cyclops should be considered a must-see genre gem. The Blu-ray release features a new 4K restoration that presents the film at its absolute best. The release comes highly recommended.