The Beast Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

The Beast Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman November 23, 2021

There's something maybe just a bit ironic to the fact that the United States is often perceived as being on the crass side by at least some of its global neighbors, but at the same time, there's a probably undeniably repressed aspect to some elements of American culture that may be due in part to the pervasive influence of what might be called a Puritan streak. In that regard, it may be salient to note the Arrow's UK branch released The Beast , a film which depicts both animal copulation as well as prosthetically "enhanced" bestiality, way back in 2014, but it's only now getting a release by the folks on this side of the pond. The Beast is one of the most notorious films by Walerian Borowczyk, which in and of itself is saying something, and for those wanting a broader look at the Polish director's work, it looks like Arrow UK actually put out a box set of films by Borowczyk called Camera Obscura: The Walerian Borowczyk Collection, which included The Beast. As discussed in one of the supplements included on this release, some previously shot material that Borowczyk was initially planning on including as part of Immoral Tales, but which was later excised, is used here as interstitial material which may or may not be dream sequences.

As mentioned above, The Beast had a previous release on Blu-ray by Arrow's UK branch. Those wanting a plot summary are encouraged to read Svet Atanasov's The Beast Blu-ray review of that version. My oft repeated mantra of "different reviewers means different opinions" is once again in effect, and those who care about scores may see that mine may differ slightly from Svet's.

The Beast Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The Beast is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Arrow Video with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.67:1. While the back cover of this release offers a generic "new high definition digital transfer of the uncut 98 minute version", it also states there's an insert booklet which, perhaps due to a production error, the review copy I was sent didn't include, and so I can't offer any verbiage on the transfer that may have been included. This is a largely winning looking transfer, and if I'm just slightly less pleased with it than Svet evidently was, it's due mostly to some variances on display that tend to crop up between the previously shot outdoor "beast" material and some of the newer, largely set bound, scenes. Most of the interior sequences offer a nicely robust palette and generally quite commendable detail levels. Things are a bit less consistent in the outdoor material, and there are also a few variations in grain resolution between the two settings. There's no major damage to report aside from some minor wobble during credits. My score is 4.25.

The Beast Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Beast features an LPCM Mono track in the original French which is generally quite appealing, especially with regard to the bright harpsichord cues culled from the writing of Domenico Scarlatti. There are occasionally goofy sound effects, especially in the beast sequences, which reverberate with decent force. Dialogue is presented cleanly and clearly throughout, and I noticed no issues whatsoever with regard to any age related wear and tear. Optional English subtitles are available.

The Beast Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

While separated by the space of several years, this US edition of The Beast seems to offer some of the same supplements as the now long ago UK version, along with some other supplements which look to be exclusive to this edition. A bit more information about some of these can be found in Svet's review of the UK edition.

• Documentaries

  Introduction by Peter Bradshaw (HD; 1:45) is from 2014, and can also be accessed under the Play Menu.

  
  

  The Making of The Beast (HD; ) offers camera operator Noel Very in interstitials as well as silent behind the scenes 16mm footage from the shoot.

  
  

  Frenzy of Ecstasy (HD; 4:22)

  
  

  The Profligate Door (HD; 13:17) is an interesting piece with curator Maurice Corbet offering a demonstration of Borowczyk's "sound sculptures".

  
  

  Boro Brunch (HD; 7:37) features several collaborators who worked with Borowczyk. In French with English subtitles.

• Commercials offers some of Borowczyk's work in this genre.

  Holy Smoke! (HD; 9:57)

  
  

  Tom Thumb (HD; 1:52)

  
  

  The Museum (HD; 1:52)

• Gun Point (HD; 11:04) is an anti-hunting short which Borowczyk shot and edited.


• Behind Enemy Lines Documentary (HD; 5:16) offers some background information on Gun Point and can be accessed under the Gun Point Menu.


• Theatrical Trailer (HD; 4:02) is in pretty rough shape and does have some censored imagery.

While the back cover advertises a booklet, my copy had none, per my comments in the video section, above. A DVD Copy is also included.

The Beast Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Uptight Americans had probably best not apply to view The Beast, and with tongue planted firmly in cheek I'd also suggest that any potential male audience members (no pun intended) with a bit of anxiety about any size issues stay far, far away from this film, as both real life and pretend animals in the film are seen to be very well endowed in some extremely graphic imagery. This is a surprisingly sweet film, despite its bestiality (and that's another sentence I never thought I'd be writing). Technical merits are generally solid and the supplementary package very appealing for those who may considering making a purchase.