Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

The Beast in Space Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 27, 2023

1980’s “Beast in Space” is an offering of low-budget sci-fi from director Alfonso Brescia, who works very hard to deliver the basics of space exploration with limited resources. It’s more “Star Trek” than “Star Wars,” with the helmer hoping to go one step beyond the usual marketable elements by adding a few hardcore sex scenes to the mix, bringing some spice to the endeavor, which could really use all the distractions it can find.

“Beast in Space” sets up a mission for Captain Madison, who’s out to discover more concerning news about a dangerous substance on the planet Antalium. He’s joined by his crew, including Sondra, a lover who’s plagued by nightmares concerning a dark presence. Her fears are realized when the team lands on the planet, with beastly Onaf ready to dominate Sondra and complicate the journey for Madison, who’s forced to fight his way through enemy territory.

“Beast in Space” is a surprisingly dry viewing experience, with the production trying to seem quite serious as it follows Madison and the crew on their journey, hoping to sell a more technical mission with nonsense jargon. Brescia doesn’t do much about pacing either, with exploratory scenes in space and on the alien planet dragging on for what feels like an eternity, only snapped back to life when absolute insanity is encountered (the gang comes across two horses mating which, naturally, turns on all the women). While the moment is absurd, “Beast in Space” could use more signs of life, with most of the fun found in the first act, where Madison gets into multiple bar fights while trying to seduce fellow space rangers.

The Beast in Space Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as a 2K scan of the 16mm original negative. Detail reaches as far as possible, with a decent sense of skin particulars and costuming. Model work also carries some texture, along with beastly makeup. Colors are appealing, offering brighter primaries with space travel outfits and displays. Greenery is distinct, and skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavy but film-like. Source has some very mild wear and tear.

The Beast in Space Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA deals with some age, but dubbed dialogue exchanges are clear, keeping performances easy to follow. Scoring favors an electronic sound, offering necessary support and balance. Sound effects are blunt but appreciable.

The Beast in Space Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Space Amnesia" (10:23, HD) is an interview with actor Vassili Karis, who describes "Beast in Space" as a "beautiful turd," setting the tone for the conversation. In fact, Karis doesn't really remember anything about the production or the final cut, looking to a rewatch to inspire something to share about the professional experience, but there's very little to offer besides a general feeling that director Alfonso Brescia made a huge mistake in making the movie.

• "Space Lover" (22:34, HD) is an interview with actor Lucio Rosato, who recounts his formative years in the theater, eventually making his way into film gigs. Accepting an offer to appear in "Beast in Space," Rosato didn't really think much about the acting challenge, happy to be there and interact with beautiful women. Memories from the shoot are shared, and co-stars are recalled. Appreciation for director Alfonso Brescia is also provided.

• "Space Oddity" (9:10, HD) is an interview with actor Venantino Venantini, who details his relationship with director Alfonso Brescia, highlighting his place in Italian cinema. Some information about the "Beast in Space" shoot is shared, and the interviewee also explores his career as a painter.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

The Beast in Space Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Beast in Space" offers periodic eroticism, but nothing sensual, going through the motions with the exception of alien participation, which reveals some sexual violence to go along with pure oddity. This should be a fun film, as the production puts some time into the sci-fi elements, trying to sell a genre experience. However, most of "Beast in Space" falls flat, offering little pace and excitement to help boost the big screen experience Brescia is looking to create.