Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

From Beyond 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov March 22, 2025

Stuart Gordon's "From Beyond" (1986) arrives on 4K Blu-ray courtesy of 88 Films. The supplemental features on the release include exclusive new audio commentary by critics Kim Newman and Sean Hogan; new program with star Jeffrey Combs; new program with star Barbara Crampton; new program with writer/producer Brian Yuzna; archival interviews; promotional material; and more. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.

The Resonator

If H.P. Lovecraft is not mentioned anywhere in the opening or closing credits of From Beyond, very few people, if any, will immediately see the connection between the two. It is a legitimate connection. One of Lovecraft’s many popular short stories is the source of the original material for From Beyond, which was carefully tweaked by several people, one of whom is director Stuart Gordon. The connection many people, and virtually every connoisseur of contemporary horror films, will quickly see will be between From Beyond and Hellraiser. However, there is no legitimate connection here. From Beyond was released in 1986 and Hellraiser in 1987, and it just so happens that the stories they tell have a lot in common. In fact, they have so much in common that it is borderline suspicious they did not share any of their core talent.

In From Beyond, Dr. Edward Pretorius (Ted Sorel) and his assistant Crawford Tillinghast (Jeffrey Combs) create a giant machine that can activate the pineal gland in a revolutionary new way. Once the activation is in progress, the human mind plugs into an entirely different reality, dominated by strange, often incredibly vile creatures. When Dr. Pretorius steps into the new reality and disappears, Tillinghast, having overloaded his pineal gland while doing research work, shuts down the machine and suffers a massive nervous breakdown.

Soon after, Dr. Katherine McMichaels (Barbara Crampton), intrigued by a detailed report on Tillinghast’s condition, visits the heavily guarded mental facility where he is kept. Despite some resistance, Dr. McMichaels then convinces another medical professional to run tests on Tillinghast’s brain which, much to everyone’s surprise, reveal that not a tumor, as speculated, but his pineal gland is responsible for his massive nervous breakdown. After overcoming additional resistance, Dr. McMichaels also arranges to have Tillinghast released and, under her supervision, accompany her to the house where he and Dr. Pretorius built their machine. A former NFL player-turned-freelancing security guard named Bubba Browniee (Ken Foree) is called in to escort Dr. McMichaels and keep an eye on Tillinghast.

Once the trio reaches the house, Dr. McMichaels is shocked to discover that the machine is still there and undamaged, so she convinces Tillinghast to let her sample what it can do. Tillinghast, still tormented by memories of his temporary transition into the different reality during the research process, reluctantly agrees, and moments after he turns it on, all hell breaks loose.

While the unlocking of the portal to the ‘other side’ is done differently, stylistically From Beyond and Hellraiser do a lot of the same things to impress their audience. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this is where the gap in quality between the two becomes unmissable. It is instantly recognizable in multiple areas, too.

Stuart Gordon’s direction is overwhelmingly one-dimensional, prioritizing shock value through instant visual gratification. For this reason, while From Beyond is not completely devoid of a proper horror atmosphere, it is impossible to describe it as an atmospheric horror film. While making the best of its modest budget, it cooks up a few decent sequences with over-the-top graphic visuals and uses them as gut punches to leave a lasting impression. (Gordon’s biggest hit, Re-Animator, does the same. However, the gut punches in it keep coming and effectively transform it into a gross endurance test). Clive Barker’s work in Hellraiser is of different quality. It also produces a lot of over-the-top graphic visuals, but it creates a special atmosphere that quickly becomes the biggest strength of the narrative.

From Beyond 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

88 Films' release of From Beyond is a 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack. The 4K Blu-ray is Region-Free. However, the Blu-ray is Region-B "locked".

Please note that some of the screencaptures included with this article are taken from the 4K Blu-ray and downscaled to 1080p. Therefore, they do not accurately reflect the quality of the 4K content on the 4K Blu-ray disc.

Screencaptures #1-19 are from the Blu-ray.
Screencaptures #24-32 are from the 4K Blu-ray.

The release introduces a 4K makeover of From Beyond which can be viewed with HDR. I viewed it in its entirety in native 4K and later spent time with its 1080p presentation on the Blu-ray.

The overall quality of the 4K makeover is very, very good. It gives the entire film a stable, healthy, and very attractive organic appearance. It is a very convincing appearance, too. On my system, delineation, clarity, and depth always gravitated between excellent and outstanding. I did notice a few momentary small drops in quality during some of the darkest material, but it is easy to tell that they are inherited limitations. Image stability is outstanding. I did not encounter any traces of problematic digital corrections. Color reproduction and balance are convincing. All primaries and supporting nuances look very healthy and lush. The HDR grade enhances these qualities very well, and some of the graphic visuals can look mighty impressive. In a few areas, I felt that a bit of yellow-ish/creamy yellow became just a tad too prominent, but do not think that the color temperature or overall balance were affected negatively. I assume that these areas simply could have been managed slightly better. The density levels of the visuals are terrific, so on a larger screen, they can look great. I think that this is one of the two big reasons to view the film in native 4K. The second reason is color reproduction. I tested several areas of the 1080p presentation and some of the lushness that emerges in native 4K is absent there.

From Beyond 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are three standard audio tracks on this release: English LPCM 2.0, English LPCM 4.0, and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature.

I started viewing the film with the LPCM 2.0 track, but then tested various areas of it with the other two tracks. I feel that the LPCM 4.0 and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track are preferable. When The Resonator is activated and the gory fun begins, there is unique dynamic movement that is missing on the LPCM 2.0 track. It is effective and works well in this film. All dialog is very clear, sharp, and healthy. Stability is great, too.

From Beyond 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

4K BLU-RAY DISC

• Commentary One - in this new audio commentary, critics Kim Newman and Sean Hogan point out that the original material for From Beyond comes from a very short story by H.P. Lovecraft, which initially was rejected by "every single professional paying market". The commentators then address the content of the short story and how it is expanded/further developed in From Beyond, the new characterizations (and the actors and their acting style), and the overlapping of the unique contrasting material that gives the film a contemporary identity. (The erotic/fetish element is rightfully highlighted). There are some interesting comments about the film's promotional campaign and reception.

• Commentary Two - in this archival audio commentary, Stuart Gordon, Brian Yuzna, Barbara Crampton, and Jeffrey Combs recall their collaboration on From Beyond. The commentators share interesting information about the shooting process in Rome, Italy; how various sequences were done; the sexual content; the quality of the special effects, etc.

• Don't Bite the Pineal Gland - in this program, Jeffrey Combs discusses how he landed his part in Re-Animator and consequent collaboration with Stuart Gordon in From Beyond. Combs then discusses the production process in Rome, Italy, and the evolution of his acting career. In English, not subtitled. (31 min).

• All Aboard the Love Machine - in this program, Barbara Crampton discusses the casting process that landed her the part in From Beyond and recalls what it was like to work with Stuart Gordon and other cast members. Crampton confesses that she still has a "special relationship" with Jeffrey Combs. In English, not subtitled. (36 min).

• Back From Outer Space - in this program, Ken Foree reveals how he accidentally entered the film business, and recalls how he was cast to play his character in From Beyond, his interactions with Stuart Gordon and other cast members, and some of the hilarious confusion he experienced while playing Bubba Brownlee. In English, not subtitled. (32 min).

• Monster Unleashed - in this program, Brian Yuzna discusses his background and explains how he fell in love with cinema. Yuzna also comments on his work in the film industry, love for sci-fi/horror/fantasy films, and involvement with From Beyond. In English, not subtitled. (33 min).

• Reflections with Stuart Gordon - in this archival program, Stuart Gordon reveals how From Beyond came to exist and discusses its over-the-top material and identity. In English, not subtitled. (9 min).

• Lost and Found - in this archival program, Stuart Gordon and James Ousley (Sony Technical Services) address the cut footage that was MPAA demanded were taken out of the work print of From Beyond. Also included are additional comments by John Dunn (telecine colorist/Ascent Media). The cut footage was reinserted into the current version of From Beyond. In English, not subtitled. (5 min).

• Richard Band - in this archival program, composer Richard Band discusses his approach to scoring From Beyond and some particular harmonies he wanted for key material. In English, not subtitled. (5 min).

• Storyboards - presented here is a gallery of storybords.
  
  1. Introduction
  2. Katherine Freed
  3. Bubba's Death
  4. Hospital
  5. Fourth Appearance

• Trailer - presented here is a vintage trailer for From Beyond, used by Empire International. In English, not subtitled. (1 min).

• Stills - presented here is a gallery of vintage promotional stills for From Beyond. Silent. (4 min).

BLU-RAY DISC

• Commentary One - in this new audio commentary, critics Kim Newman and Sean Hogan point out that the original material for From Beyond comes from a very short story by H.P. Lovecraft, which initially was rejected by "every single professional paying market". The commentators then address the content of the short story and how it is expanded/further developed in From Beyond, the new characterizations (and the actors and their acting style), and the overlapping of the unique contrasting material that gives the film a contemporary identity. (The erotic/fetish element is rightfully highlighted). There are some interesting comments about the film's promotional campaign and reception.

• Commentary Two - in this archival audio commentary, Stuart Gordon, Brian Yuzna, Barbara Crampton, and Jeffrey Combs recall their collaboration on From Beyond. The commentators share interesting information about the shooting process in Rome, Italy; how various sequences were done; the sexual content; the quality of the special effects, etc.

• Don't Bite the Pineal Gland - in this program, Jeffrey Combs discusses how he landed his part in Re-Animator and consequent collaboration with Stuart Gordon in From Beyond. Combs then discusses the production process in Rome, Italy, and the evolution of his acting career. In English, not subtitled. (31 min).

• All Aboard the Love Machine - in this program, Barbara Crampton discusses the casting process that landed her the part in From Beyond and recalls what it was like to work with Stuart Gordon and other cast members. Crampton confesses that she still has a "special relationship" with Jeffrey Combs. In English, not subtitled. (36 min).

• Back From Outer Space - in this program, Ken Foree reveals how he accidentally entered the film business, and recalls how he was cast to play his character in From Beyond, his interactions with Stuart Gordon and other cast members, and some of the hilarious confusion he experienced while playing Bubba Brownlee. In English, not subtitled. (32 min).

• Monster Unleashed - in this program, Brian Yuzna discusses his background and explains how he fell in love with cinema. Yuzna also comments on his work in the film industry, love for sci-fi/horror/fantasy films, and involvement with From Beyond. In English, not subtitled. (33 min).

• Reflections with Stuart Gordon - in this archival program, Stuart Gordon reveals how From Beyond came to exist and discusses its over-the-top material and identity. In English, not subtitled. (9 min).

• Lost and Found - in this archival program, Stuart Gordon and James Ousley (Sony Technical Services) address the cut footage that was MPAA demanded were taken out of the work print of From Beyond. Also included are additional comments by John Dunn (telecine colorist/Ascent Media). The cut footage was reinserted into the current version of From Beyond. In English, not subtitled. (5 min).

• Richard Band - in this archival program, composer Richard Band discusses his approach to scoring From Beyond and some particular harmonies he wanted for key material. In English, not subtitled. (5 min).

• Storyboards - presented here is a gallery of storybords.
  
  1. Introduction
  2. Katherine Freed
  3. Bubba's Death
  4. Hospital
  5. Fourth Appearance

• Trailer - presented here is a vintage trailer for From Beyond, used by Empire International. In English, not subtitled. (1 min).

• Stills - presented here is a gallery of vintage promotional stills for From Beyond. Silent. (4 min).

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

• Cards - four collectible art cards for From Beyond.

• Poster - double-sided poster.

• Cover - reversible cover with vintage poster art.

From Beyond 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

In From Beyond, The Resonator unlocks a portal to a place that is as weird and violent as the one that emerges in Hellraiser. However, while both come from the 1980s, these films are quite different, and I think that the latter is vastly superior. It has better characters, superior atmosphere, and, unquestionably, a much more impressive bag of visual tricks. This combo pack release from 88 Films presents a very good 4K makeover of From Beyond with a terrific selection of exclusive new and archival bonus features. I think that fans of the film will be very happy to have it in their collections. (A standalone Blu-ray release is available for purchase as well). RECOMMENDED to the fans.