Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		5.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Forbidden World Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 24, 2019

Refusing to give up on his dream of recreating the success of “Alien,” producer Roger Corman makes a second attempt at replication with 1982’s “Forbidden World.” Having already created a knock-off with 1981’s “Galaxy of Terror,” Corman actually recycles a few of the film’s sets for the follow- up production, once again exploring the horror of futureworld space tourism and weird science, only here the budget has been severely trimmed, containing the action to a few rooms inside a genetic research station. Limitations are noticeable, but that doesn’t stop director Allan Holzman, who tries with all his might to make something exciting within B-movie boundaries, keeping monster grossness plentiful and exploitation needs satisfied for the most part, but such goodness is stuffed into a somewhat dull endeavor that’s missing necessary surges of suspense. It’s certainly sci-fi, but thrills are lacking here, despite the presence of goopy gore.

Summoned to a genetic research lab, Mike (Jesse Vint) has arrived to take care of a special mutant problem, with the scientists creating a monster in “Subject 20,” which has started causing trouble. Joined by his loyal robot, SAM-104, Mike digs deeper into the happenings around the facility, investigating rooms and the local females before he’s finally confronted by Subject 20’s deadly wrath. Facing a mutant who’s eager to clear the station of humans, Mike encounters a seemingly unstoppable beast that’s picking off the team one-by-one.

“Forbidden World” opens with a display of the “Galaxy of Terror” sets, used here to depict Mike’s travel time with SAM, with the pair shifting into lightspeed to avoid enemies and make their way to the station. Holzman doesn’t have much story here, but he has those James Cameron sets, which are blended with some space shoot-out footage from “Battle Beyond the Stars.” Corman isn’t about to let anything go to waste.

Once inside the research station, “Forbidden World” becomes its own thing, following Mike as he tries to make sense of all the experimentation going on the facility, with the scientists weirdly calm as they coexist with their most dangerous creation, considering it to be a breakthrough in the race to solve galaxy-wide hunger issues. Of course, Subject 20 isn’t capable of being tamed, soon transforming into a black creature that lives in the shadows, claiming employees during snack breaks while senior officials try to decode their abomination. While death is everywhere, Holzman has a to-do list from Corman, breaking up the action to showcase sex scenes with Mike and the staff, putting a pause on the monster antics to give viewers a few cheap thrills.

There are two versions of the movie on this disc: “Forbidden World” (77:14) and “Mutant” (82:02), which is available here as a “2K scan of the only existing film print.”

Forbidden World Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Another Roger Corman sci-fi endeavor returning to Blu-ray, "Forbidden World" was first issued in HD back in 2010. Shout Factory brings the title back to disc with a new "4K scan of the original film elements," giving the AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation a needed refreshing to best bring out the low-tech look of the movie. Improvement is plentiful here, with stronger, more compelling detail encountered throughout the viewing experience. Ship interiors are open for study, along with creature particulars, identifying some limitations when it comes to the special effects. Makeup work is handled with more sharpness, offering goopy particulars. Colors are exact, offering lively instrument panel glow and natural skintones, which support the effort's extensive nudity. Creature hues are also inviting. Delineation is comfortable, never slipping into solidification. Source is in strong shape, with no major areas of damage.

Forbidden World Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix reaches the limits of production audio, though dialogue exchanges are on the quiet side, requiring a little volume riding to get things up to expectations. Exposition is shared with clarity, just not power, but true intelligibility is not an issue here. Scoring shows more heft, with a stronger synth push throughout the film, supporting suspense sequences, and some musical mutant communication is defined. Sound effects are pronounced, keeping up with all the sci-fi additions, and creature violence is secured. Hiss is present during the listening experience, and some mild buzzing is present during the first act.

Forbidden World Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Mutant" features commentary by director Allan Holzman.

• Making Of (34:15, SD) examines the genesis of "Forbidden World" with help from cast and crew interviews, with the endeavor hatched in a hurry by producer Roger Corman, who hired Holzman to recycle a few sets from "Galaxy of Terror," coming up with a space chase opener, while the script would eventually be hammered out months later. Such speed required a capable crew, with most of the gathered professionals in awe of Corman, working hard to impress the industry legend. Casting is detailed, including trouble encountered while trying to find two female leads for the feature, with nudity requirements complicating the shoot. On-set pranks are shared and creature messes are examined, with the special effects artists putting themselves in harm's way to showcase mutant barf. The notorious preview screening of "Forbidden World" is recalled, with comedy elements horrifying Corman, who demanded all jokes be taken out. Aaron Lipstadt shares his hasty 2nd unit directorial education, and a particularly nightmarish anecdote is shared concerning the use of real dead animals on the set.

• Interview (6:27, SD) with Corman is a brief exploration of "Forbidden World," with the producer sharing his desire to use all of his studio, happy to recycle sets from previous productions. He admits influence from "Alien," but also claims credit for the film's plot, only regretting his decision to change the "Mutant" title before release. Casting is examined, locations are shared, and special effects are detailed. Corman also covers post-production hurdles and his own expectations for the feature.

• Interview (14:22, SD) with John Carl Buechler dissects the special effects in "Forbidden World," with the subject articulating his eagerness to work with Corman, hoping to move on to direction after spending time with the producer. Offered three weeks prep to deliver gushy highlights for the film, Buechler makes sure to praise the production team, which worked long hours in horrible conditions to make movie magic. The interviewee is proud of "Forbidden World," celebrating what it managed to pull off, and he shares a few of his personal highlights from the feature.

• Image Gallery (4:16) offers poster art, a newspaper ad, concept art, lobby cards, film stills, publicity shots, and BTS snaps.

• Radio Spot (:35) is presented.

• T.V. Spots (1:16, HD) provide three commercials for "Forbidden World."

• And Theatrical Trailer #1 (1:13, HD), Theatrical Trailer #2 (2:28, HD) and Theatrical Trailer #3 (3:09, HD) are included.

Forbidden World Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

For a movie created on a limited budget, "Forbidden World" doesn't look bad. There's ambitious creature effects and plenty of bloody encounters, and while there's little expanse to the film, the production makes the details count, filling the frame with labs to explore and hallways to sneak down. There's not much energy to showcase as a horror endeavor, as scares are limited, along with performances. The look of the effort is open for appreciation, but those expecting a full-throttle creature feature with a ripping pace are probably only going to find disappointment.