Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

Quatermass 2 Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 15, 2019

A sequel to 1955’s “The Quatermass Xperiment,” 1957’s “Quatermass 2” returns actor Brian Donlevy to the titular role, this time sending the good professor out to investigate the appearance of strange meteorites and inspect the inner workings of a mysterious refinery. Val Guest returns to directorial duty, coming up with another reason to remain with the older detective and his particular sense of defiance when it comes to government orders and alien invasions.

“Xperiment” was a strange but compelling feature, with Donlevy offering an encouraging level of authority with the B-movie particulars. “Quatermass 2” doesn’t have the same depths of oddity, but it provides another enjoyable genre ride, with the professor setting out to infiltrate alien activity and challenge a local community numb to the deadly plans in their backyard. Once again, Donlevy is an easily agitated force for justice, making the somewhat silly plot come across coolly procedural with his commitment, backed by a capable cast who manage to sell the dangers of meteorite gas and mysterious black goo.

Quatermass 2 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Billed as a "New 2K scan of the only surviving film print," "Quatermass 2" comes to Blu-ray with an AVC encoded image (1.75:1 aspect ratio) presentation. The source has some rough patches, with a few missing frames and periodic scratches, and speckling is common. Day-for-night photography gives the feature an oppressively dark look at times, but clarity is better when outside of extreme processing demands. Detail survives, isolating facial particulars, including Donlevy's agitation, with a thin coating of sweat visible in most close-ups. Locations retain depth, delivering a full view of the refinery setting. Costuming also sustain textures, dealing with office wear and tougher militaristic uniforms. Alien events are appropriately goopy.

Quatermass 2 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix is a bit more chaotic than clear, with surges of scoring threatening distorted highs. Instrumentation isn't precise, but the feature's suspense needs are met. Dialogue exchanges are satisfactory, with speed and emphasis preserved. Sound effects are acceptable, capturing alien activity and gunfire, which handles with a louder snap. Some mild fluctuations in volume are encountered along the way.

Quatermass 2 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features film historian Ted Newsome.

• Commentary #2 features film historians Steve Haberman and Constantine Nasr.

• Commentary #3 features director Val Guest and writer Nigel Kneale.

• Interview (20:56, SD) with Guest charts his rise with Hammer Films, put in charge of "The Lyons in Paris," one of the company's rare forays into comedy. Guest recalls his experience with the "Quatermass" movies, attempting to bring a sense of reality to the sci-fi realm through cinema verite, trying to give the work an unusual spin. Cast and crew accolades are shared, while the production's battles with weather and star Brian Donlevy's loose toupee are recounted. Guest examines other career achievements, including his time on 1970's "When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth." The interviewee closes with an assessment of Hammer's downfall, with the company eventually unable to keep up with the changing times.

• Interview (3:10, HD) with special effects assistant Brian Johnson starts on a rather unexpected note, with the interviewee sharing how the crew would gather above Guest's open on-set caravan to watch the director romance a series of women during the shoot. Creative achievements are shared, including mention of the group effort required to achieve creature horrors.

• Interview (1:41, HD) with third assistant director Hugh Harlow is a very brief recap of his early career momentum with Hammer Films, and he fondly recalls Donlevy's toupee troubles.

• "World of Hammer" (25:39, SD) is a 1990 episode of the recap show (hosted by Oliver Reed), which takes a lengthy look at Hammer Films and their attempts to create science fiction.

• Still Gallery (3:12) collects publicity shots, film stills, international poster art, newspaper ads, and lobby cards.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:54, SD) is included.

Quatermass 2 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Quatermass 2" doesn't improve on the original feature, but it manages to sustain an interesting level of concentration on weird science and troubled characters. It's talky, but retains effective moments of horror, with Guest saving most of his action for the finale, making sure the audience leaves with a sampling of mayhem to go with an era-specific slice of government paranoia.