Quatermass and the Pit Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

Quatermass and the Pit Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 15, 2019

The cinematic saga of Professor Quatermass and his innate ability to discover trouble from another planet comes to a close with 1967’s “Quatermass and the Pit.” While the initial two efforts were B&W productions with an American lead, Hammer Films goes full color and British with the second sequel, bringing in Andrew Keir as the professor, with Quatermass newly tasked to decode evidence of a Martian invasion that’s been restarted during a mass transit excavation project.

“Quatermass and the Pit” isn’t built for action, with director Roy Ward Baker and writer Nigel Kneale giving their educated hero a more intellectual challenge for this round of alien exploration. While Kneale goes deep with his sci-fi invention, it doesn’t result in a nail-biting picture, as most of “Quatermass and the Pit” resembles more of a radio play, with long stretches of dialogue defining the viewing experience. The lack of energy diminishes the effectiveness of the chilling discoveries presented, with a general lethargy creeping into the movie the longer it refuses to dig into its potential as a bizarre thriller. Hammer Films isn’t interested in paying for anything more than a grand finale.

Quatermass and the Pit Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.66:1 aspect ratio) presentation doesn't appear to be a fresh scan of "Quatermass and the Pit," but it still remains an enjoyable viewing experience, even with visible age and chunkier grain. Detail is acceptable, with fibrous costuming and textured pit discoveries, watching hands work through wet clay. Facial particulars are present, capturing sweaty reactions to mysterious discoveries. And London street encounters are dimensional. After two B&W features, the "Quatermass" saga enjoys color for the first time, and hues are acceptable, working with louder period fashion and decoration, while more militaristic sights retain colder grays and blues. Skintones are natural. Delineation is adequate. Source is in fine condition, without major elements of damage.

Quatermass and the Pit Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix offers proper clarity, defining dialogue exchanges as exposition is traded and more horrified reactions are detailed. Sound effects are sharp, identifying disaster zones and alien escalation. Scoring is comfortable, supporting with acceptable surges of orchestral power, keeping instrumentation identifiable.

Quatermass and the Pit Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features film historian Bruce G. Hallenbeck.

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

• Commentary #3 features director Roy Ward Baker and writer Nigel Kneale.

• Interview (6:40, HD) with Hugh Futcher examines the actor's casting journey, and Baker's general wariness of the performer's squeamishness, making sure to point out the artifice of his sets after Futcher passed out during a previous production after being exposed to a fake hypodermic needle.

• Interview (5:10, HD) with special effects technician Brian Johnson shares his love for the original "Quatermass" T.V. program. The interviewee also points out the crew effort for "Quatermass and the Pit," how studio space was used, and how specific special effects were executed.

• Interview (8:26, HD) with clapper loader Trevor Coop examines his career origins, working on commercials before receiving his first studio job with "Quatermass and the Pit." Coop discusses the production's legendary crew (many would go on to win an Academy Award for "Superman") and his own fandom of the original BBC show. Most interestingly, Coop shares some anecdotes about Baker's impatience, learning to skip caution to keep the helmer from exploding at the cast and crew.

• Interview (2:23, HD) with focus puller Bob Jordan shares a brief tale about the dangers of dealing with flying props.

• Interview (17:56, HD) meets with author and illustrator Judith Kerr, who was married to Kneale. The interviewee recounts her first date with the screenwriter and the general experience of being with him, especially as his career heated up with the "Quatermass" series. Kerr discusses the initial BBC shoot, the enduring legacy of the material, her preference for "Quatermass and the Pit," and Kneale's ability to create prescient stories during his career.

• Interview (30:43, HD) with Julian Glover is a lengthy, somewhat rambling discussion of the actor's experience with "Quatermass and the Pit," starting with the straight offer he received from Hammer Films for the work. Glover mentions familiarity with the BBC series, and his approach to characters, dealing well with Baker and his co-stars. Other topics include stunt work and physical effects, working with Hammer, and the industry's reliance on special effects. Glover closes with an assessment of the social context in the "Quatermass and the Pit."

• Interview (20:04, HD) is a conversation with actor and writer Mark Gatiss.

• Interview (11:34, HD) spends time with Hammer enthusiast Joe Dante, who offers his appreciation for the company and their genre interests. "Quatermass" history is recounted, along with production history on "Quatermass and the Pit," and Dante shares his personal moviegoing memories. Talk of Kneale's contribution is included, along with an overview of special effects, dramatic themes, and the long legacy of the series.

• Interview (30:47, HD) chats with novelist Kim Newman.

• Interview (12:56, HD) tries to summarize the "Quatermass and the Pit" event with Hammer historian Marcus Hearn, who emphasizes how important the series was to the company. Development of "Quatermass and the Pit" is detailed, with Baker hired and casting achieved, while billing issues generally disregarded work from Andrew Kier. Filming locations are explored, scoring is celebrated, and personal highlights are shared.

• "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.

• Alternate U.S. Credits (:27, HD) showcase the "Five Million Years to Earth" title.

• Still Gallery (5:49) collects film stills, publicity shots, BTS snaps, international poster art, newspaper ads, and lobby cards.

• T.V. Spots (1:25, SD) present two commercials for "Quatermass and the Pit."

• And Theatrical Trailer #1 (2:32, HD) and Theatrical Trailer #2 (2:37, HD) are included.

Quatermass and the Pit Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Quatermass and the Pit" features interesting design elements, especially with alien evidence, and performances are commanding, with Keir capable in the titular role, doing something much different than Brian Donlevy (admittedly, his cantankerous grandpa presence is missed, but Keir's fidgety Britishness seems more in line with the part). There's destruction in the last act to exit with a sizable London-rattling bang, but missing is a sustained sense of the unknown, with Kneale trying to turn the picture into a battle of wills between military professionals and scientists on the verge of a major discovery concerning the origin of life on Earth. He's successful, but it results in a frustratingly dull movie, and one that doesn't send Professor Quatermass off on a high note.