Lifeforce 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Lifeforce 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov December 28, 2025

Tobe Hooper's "Lifeforce" (1985) arrives on 4K Blu-ray courtesy of Imprint Films. The supplemental features on the release include multiple audio commentaries; archival programs with Tobe Hooper; archival program with actress Mathilda May; archival program with actor Steve Railsback; vintage production and publicity materials; and a lot more. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.

While studying Halley's Comet, a space shuttle crew discovers a massive alien spacecraft. Inside the spacecraft, a small team of astronauts encounters giant bat creatures as well as three very beautiful humanoids placed in big capsules. The only person to return alive from the mission, together with the three humanoids, is Colonel Tom Carlsen (Steve Railsback, The Stunt Man, The Survivalist).

Soon after, the shuttle is discovered in Earth's orbit. A new team of astronauts is then quickly dispatched to determine what has happened to its crew. They discover the humanoids and bring them back to Earth, where a group of scientists begins examining them. But one of the alien creatures -- played by the gorgeous Mathilda May -- suddenly comes alive and begins sucking the 'lifeforce' off anyone brave enough to cross its path. When the alien creature enters London, a deadly plague is unleashed.

Based on Colin Wilson's novel The Space Vampires, Toby Hooper's Lifeforce has to be seen to be believed. It is one of those films that simply defy categorization -- it is utterly ridiculous, perplexingly ambitious, yet unquestionably very entertaining. Indeed, it is a big-budget mish-mash that only Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus could have greenlighted.

It is difficult to tell exactly what Lifeforce was meant to be. On one hand, it appears Hooper was aiming to deliver a lavish sci-fi film that was at least partially inspired by Hammer's output. Indeed, stylistically, the final act borrows a lot from Roy Ward Baker's Quatermass and the Pit. On the other hand, the more graphic visuals clearly suggest that there was a desire to infuse Lifeforce with the type of intensity that is typically found in straightforward horror films. Unsurprisingly, the final result is a very awkward hybrid of a film that feels like an unfinished experiment where random footage was quickly put together.

What makes Lifeforce even more amusing, however, is the fact that all of the above-mentioned footage is frequently quite beautiful. It was done on a very large scale -- the massive set designs immediately reveal that money was not an issue for Hooper and his team -- and at least some of it creates the impression that while viewing Lifeforce one is in fact viewing a misunderstood epic film.

The acting is equally amusing. The likes of Aubrey Morris, Peter Firth, and Michael Gothard do a very respectable job, and their characters look rather authentic. However, Patrick Stewart and especially the very elegant Nancy Paul very much appear out of sync in the film.

Possibly the biggest surprise, however, is the presence of a truly powerful orchestral soundtrack created by the legendary Henry Mancini (The Pink Panther). From the opening credits until the lavish finale, the music is treated as a separate character. Occasionally, it is even used to completely redirect the entire film.

Lifeforce was lensed by cinematographer Alan Hume, who before joining Hooper's team collaborated with John Glen on Octopussy and A View to a Kill.

Lifeforce 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Imprint Films' release of Lifeforce is a 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack. The two 4K Blu-rays and the two Blu-rays are Region-Free.

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 #1-13 are taken from the Blu-ray with the International Cut of the film.
Screencaptures #17-24 are taken from the Blu-ray with the Theatrical Cut of the film.
Screencaptures #27-32 are taken from the 4K Blu-ray with the International Cut of the film.
Screencaptures #35-39 are taken from the 4K Blu-ray with the Theatrical Cut of the film.

The release introduces 4K restorations of the International Cut and Theatrical Cut of the film on 4K Blu-ray and Blu-ray. In native 4K, the two versions of the film can be viewed with Dolby Vision and HDR grades. I chose to view the International Cut with Dolby Vision. I also spent time with the International Cut on Blu-ray and the Theatrical Cut on 4K Blu-ray.

I have only one other release of Lifeforce in my library, which is this Region-B release, produced by Arrow Video in 2013. I used it to do several comparisons.

There are three areas where I noticed meaningful discrepancies, but these discrepancies can be described as meaningful improvements in only two of the three. First, in native 4K, the dynamic range of the visuals is better. Darker footage featuring primary red and primary blue demonstrates this improvement most convincingly. Elsewhere, select darker nuances and some highlights are strengthened and expanded as well. However, the previous presentation already handles the same areas very convincingly, so I think that these improvements will be trickier to spot and appreciate. Second, the 4K restorations of both versions of the film produce sharper visuals. On a larger screen, this improvement is mostly easy to notice in native 4K and in 1080p on the Blu-ray. However, the discrepancy between the 4K restorations and the previous presentation is not consistent in all areas of the film -- some of the special effects impact sharpness -- so the majority of the smaller upticks in quality become insignificant. The Dolby Vision grade also darkens the darker material, where it is already too difficult to spot the improvements. On my system, the darker areas looked mostly great with Dolby Vision, but I already like how the previous presentation of the film performs there. Finally, the 4K restorations produce visuals with superior density levels. However, I suspect this is the improvement that the overwhelming majority of viewers will not appreciate. In native 4K, grain fluctuations are more pronounced, but the visuals are still very tight, while in 1080p on the Blu-ray, the same areas are slightly better balanced with equally convincing grain exposure. The previous presentation of the film matches the density levels of the new 1080p presentation of the 4K restorations pretty closely. Ultimately, I believe that there is slightly more to see and like on the 4K restorations of both versions of the film, with the native 4K presentation likely being the all-around winner because of its most noticeable improvements in the dynamic range of the visuals. However, the previous presentation of the film is still very satisfying.

Lifeforce 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Each version of the film can be viewed on 4K Blu-ray and Blu-ray with English DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 and English LPCM 2.0 tracks. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature. When turned on, they appear inside the image frame.

I prefer the LPCM 2.0 track, mostly because I find its dynamic intensity more appropriate for a 1980s film. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track can be a tad too aggressive in select areas of the film, leaving the impression that it is a much more recent production. However, on the LPCM 2.0 track, there are a few areas where transitions, especially where action and Henry Mancini's score interact, could have been rebalanced a bit. All in all, both tracks are excellent, so choosing the right one to view the film with is all about your preference. While revisiting the International Cut, I did not encounter any anomalies to report in our review.

Lifeforce 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

4K BLU-RAY DISC ONE - INTERNATIONAL CUT

• Commentary One - in this archival audio commentary Tobe Hooper shares interesting information about some of the more notable differences between the two versions of Lifeforce, the production history of the film, the blending of different genre elements that provides it with its identity, and the structure of the narrative. Hooper also talks about his relationship with Golan-Globus Productions. The commentary is moderated by filmmaker Tim Sullivan.

• Commentary Two - in this audio commentary, make-up effects designer Nick Maley explains how he became involved with Lifeforce and some of the initial dilemmas he faced, as well as how the various dummies used in the film were designed and made. Maley also spends a great deal of time discussing his relationship with the legendary make-up designer Stuart Freeborn (Star Wars, 2001: A Space Odyssey). The commentary is moderated by filmmaker Michael Felsher.

• Commentary Three - in this archival audio commentary, visual effects supervisor Douglas Smith shares plenty of information about his contribution to Lifeforce. Also, Smith explains how many of the large sets -- like the ones seen in the prologue of the International Cut -- were built. The commentary is moderated by filmmaker and critic Howard S. Berger.

• TriStar Trailer - presented here is an original TriStar trailer for Lifeforce. In English, not subtitled. (2 min).

4K BLU-RAY DISC TWO - THEATRICAL CUT

• Isolated Music and Effects Track - presented as LPCM 2.0.

BLU-RAY DISC ONE - INTERNATIONAL CUT

• Commentary One - in this archival audio commentary Tobe Hooper shares interesting information about some of the more notable differences between the two versions of Lifeforce, the production history of the film, the blending of different genre elements that provides it with its identity, and the structure of the narrative. Hooper also talks about his relationship with Golan-Globus Productions. The commentary is moderated by filmmaker Tim Sullivan.

• Commentary Two - in this audio commentary, make-up effects designer Nick Maley explains how he became involved with Lifeforce and some of the initial dilemmas he faced, as well as how the various dummies used in the film were designed and made. Maley also spends a great deal of time discussing his relationship with the legendary make-up designer Stuart Freeborn (Star Wars, 2001: A Space Odyssey). The commentary is moderated by filmmaker Michael Felsher.

• Commentary Three - in this archival audio commentary, visual effects supervisor Douglas Smith shares plenty of information about his contribution to Lifeforce. Also, Smith explains how many of the large sets -- like the ones seen in the prologue of the International Cut -- were built. The commentary is moderated by filmmaker and critic Howard S. Berger.

• Cannon Fodder: The Making of Lifeforce - a fascinating documentary film that chronicles not only the production history of Tobe Hooper's Lifeforce, but also the rise and fall of Cannon. The documentary features various interviews with associate producer Michael J. Kagan, Tobe Hooper, editor John Grover, art specialists Tom Adams and Roger Stewart, actor Aubrey Morris (Sir Percy Heseltine), and make-up artist Sandra Exelby, amongst others. In English, not subtitled. (70 min).

• Q&A with Tobe Hooper - presented here is a recording made on March 11, 2004, at San Francsco's Fearless Tales Film Festival, where Tobe Hooper appeared for a double bill of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2and the U.S. premiere of his film Toolbox Murders. After the screening, Hooper answered various questions with the writers ot Toolbox Murders, Jace Anderson and Adam Gierasch, during a Q&A session moderated by Calum Waddell. In English, not subtitled. (22 min).

• Dangerous Beauty - in this archival program, French actress Mathilda May, a former ballet dancer, recalls how she won the role of the Space Girl in Lifeforce and discusses her initial impressions of director Tobe Hooper. In English, not subtitled. (16 min).

• Space Vampires in London - in this archival program, Tobe Hooper recalls how Lifeforce came to exist (as well as its current title), and discusses the business environment at Cannon at the time when the film was made, the work of the crew the that assisted him, etc. In English, not subtitled. (10 min).

• Carlsen's Curse - in this archival program, actor Steve Railsback (Col. Tom Carlsen) discusses his contribution to Lifeforce and recalls how some of the footage from outer space was filmed. In English, not subtitled. (8 min).

• Stills Gallery - presented here is a large collection of archival production stills and promotional materials for Lifeforce. (12 min).

• Theatrical Trailers - presented here are two vintage theatrical trailers, the TriStar trailer and the Cannon trailer, for Lifeforce. In English, not subtitled. (4 min).

• TV Spot - presented here is a vintage TV spot for Lifeforce. In English, not subtitled. (1 min).

BLU-RAY DISC TWO - THEATRICAL CUT

• Interview Outtakes - presented here are outtakes from Mark Hartley's documentary Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films, featuring Tobe Hooper, writer (VFX sequences) Michael Armstrong, editor John Grover, and sound designer Vernon Messenger. The bulk of the information that is shared in the outtakes addresses the production, editing, and publicity history of Lifeforce. In English, not subtitled. (46 min).

• Isolated Music and Effects Track - presented as LPCM 2.0.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

• Screenplay - a proper copy of the dialogue screenplay for the long version of Lifeforce. 64 pages.

• Press Kit - a reproduction of the original 1985 press kit for Lifeforce.

• Daybill - a reproduction of the original 1985 Australian daybill for Lifeforce.

• Lobby Cards - eight deluxe full size reproductions of original lobby cards for Lifeforce.

• Lobby Poster - a reproduction of an original lobby poster for Lifeforce.

• Theatrical Poster One - a full-color matte laminate 27" x 40" folded print of the original poster for Lifeforce.

• Theatrical Poster Two - a full-color matte laminate 27" x 40" folded print of the original alternate poster for Lifeforce, promoted as Space Vampires.

Lifeforce 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Independent American companies like Cannon Films and some of its European competitors, typically the ones that were operated by Italians, often prepared lavish packages for their newest films to promote to potential buyers at Marché du Film, an event hosted by the Cannes Film Festival. During the 1980s and 1990s, this was the biggest and busiest film market. (It still is). I have seen some incredible packages that were offered there and own materials from a few. Imprint Films' collector's combo pack release of Lifeforce is a stunning package that would have made the owners of Cannon Films, Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus, proud to have it at Marché du Film. After it was restored in 4K, Lifeforce looks terrific on 4K Blu-ray and Blu-ray, too. If it is one of your guilty pleasures, grab this incredible release for your collection. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.