Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

The Beastmaster 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 22, 2021

After achieving a career-changing breakthrough hit with 1979’s “Phantasm,” writer/director Don Coscarelli aimed to advance his standing in the industry with a bigger feature. Paying tribute to the sword-and-sandal movies of his youth, Coscarelli delivers “The Beastmaster,” which merges old- fashioned screen heroism with fantasy interests of the 1980s, gifting the world a new type of warrior with the ability to communicate and partner with animals while facing the ugliness of pure evil. “The Beastmaster” and its this-is-rated-PG? highlights don’t necessarily translate to riveting sit, but the imagination of the production is often impressive, especially when executed on an obviously lower budget. 1982 gave us the austerity of “Conan the Barbarian,” but Coscarelli’s endeavor is more of a romp with monsters and battles, and it’s easy to track the helmer’s intent with the picture, even if it doesn’t always reach its full potential.

In the fantasy world of Aruk, Maax (Rip Torn) seeks to control the land, using black magic and sacrifice to maintain authority over the weak. Tasking his witches to kill the unborn son of the king, baby Dar (Marc Singer) manages to survive, raised as a hunter with the ability to telepathically communicate with all creatures. Recognizing the horrors coming for him as Maax’s power grows, Dar soon teams up with Seth (John Amos), young Prince Tal (Josh Milrad), and an assortment of animals to infiltrate Maax’s kingdom and learn his weakness. Along the way, Dar develops feelings for Kiri (Tanya Roberts), a slave and Tal’s cousin, who’s caught up in Maax’s wicked ways.

A loose adaptation of an Andre Norton novel, “The Beastmaster” endeavors to understand the rise of Dar, charting his development from a child to a man, and one with special abilities that allow him to team up with a pair of ferrets, a golden eagle, and a panther (actually a painted tiger) to deliver justice. He’s also armed with a sword, giving Singer ample opportunity to showcase his blade-swinging abilities as he jumps around the frame in nothing more than footwear and a loincloth. Coscarelli has admitted in numerous interviews that he was removed from the editorial process on “The Beastmaster,” and a lack of storytelling leadership really shows throughout Dar’s adventure. The movie tends to take its time wherever it goes, creating sluggishness that’s meant to pass for careful exploration, hurting the overall pacing of the effort, which is too long and easily winded.

Dramatic throttling aside, there’s plenty to explore in “The Beastmaster,” which tracks Dar’s progress around the land, meeting strangers and monsters everywhere he goes. The screenplay (by Coscarelli and Paul Pepperman) strives to fill the movie with menacing encounters, generating opportunities for action and some level of horror, including Dar’s run-in with giant bat-like creatures. The human element of the tale is well-stocked with characters as well, finding Seth and Tal appealing additions to the heroic crew, and Kiri provides the picture with a love interest of sorts, as long as one doesn’t follow the bloodlines too closely. Maax is an acceptable villain, though Torn is a strange choice to play a fantasy baddie, rocking an oversized nose for some reason. While “The Beastmaster” deals with Maax and his power play, the story isn’t entirely interested in the main creep, offering an ending that tacks on an additional 20 minutes after the tale naturally climaxes, hinting that Coscarelli is more dedicated to the slam- bang experience of the film than its dramatic possibilities.

The Beastmaster 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Screenshots are sourced from the Blu-ray disc.

Vinegar Syndrome includes a note stating that the original negative for "The Beastmaster" has likely been destroyed, with the company using a 35mm interpositive to create the 2160p image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation. The note also identifies some print damage and fluctuating grain. While some issues are present, the viewing experience delivers a bright look at the frame particulars of "The Beastmaster," finding detail exceptional throughout. While some slight cinematographic softness is present at times, sharpness handles well with skin specifics, including textured facial surfaces and full body muscular displays. Costuming is fibrous, surveying flowing robes and tiny, animal skin loincloths. Distances are dimensional, reaching deep into California locations. Colors emerge with power, capturing bright blue skies and warm desertscapes. Skintones run a little hot at times, but remain natural. Eye color on Tanya Roberts pops, as does greenery. Delineation is comfortable with rich blacks, preserving frame information with the effort's extensive use of limited lighting. Firelight and explosions handle with more exciting highlights, especially in the chaotic finale. As previously warned, grain isn't consistent, but it's managed with care, providing film-like texture.

The Beastmaster 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

While a 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix is provided for surround enthusiasts, the 2.0 DTS-HD MA is more interesting, offering power with scoring cues, which retain precise instrumentation, leading with a hearty orchestral sound that often carries the film's screen energy. Dialogue exchanges are distinct, with sharp performances and balanced dramatic escalation. Sound effects are compelling, moving from screeching and roaring animals to the metallic clinks and clangs of wartime sword battling.

The Beastmaster 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (40 pages) contains concept art, poster art, and essays by Michael Gingold and Don Coscarelli.

UHD:

• New Commentary features director/co-writer Don Coscarelli and co-writer/producer Paul Pepperman.

• Archival Commentary features director/co-writer Don Coscarelli and co-writer/producer Paul Pepperman.

Disc 1:

• Theatrical Version (118:27, HD) of "The Beastmaster" is included.

• New Commentary features director/co-writer Don Coscarelli and co-writer/producer Paul Pepperman.

• Archival Commentary features director/co-writer Don Coscarelli and co-writer/producer Paul Pepperman.

• "The Beastmaster Chronicles – Chapter One: Gateway Coscarelli" (10:34, HD) introduces viewers to a world of appreciation for the feature, with filmmakers Joe Lynch, Adam Wingard, and Robert Cargill offering their viewing memories and obsession with the endeavor. The making of "The Beastmaster" includes interviews with Don Coscarelli, Paul Pepperman, and actor Marc Singer. The creators walk through the origin story of the project, providing a loose adaptation of Andre Norton's original novel, only to find Hollywood refusing to make the project. Salvation arrived with producer Sylvio Tabet, who agreed to finance the project. Coscarelli closes with a vehement rejection of comparisons to "Conan the Barbarian," noting how his movie came out three months after the Arnold Schwarzenegger classic.

• "Chapter Two: A Lion Doesn't Have to Say He's a Lion" (19:42, HD) goes into casting with Tanya Roberts, John Amos, and Josh Milrad joining the interview roster. Coscarelli admits he had little control over the hiring process, highlighting near-misses with Demi Moore and Klaus Kinski, and he shares his frustration with the labor involved when dealing with animals and kids. Joined by assistant producer Frank K. Isaac Jr. and makeup effects artist Mark Shostrom, Coscarelli delves into production complications, experiencing struggles to find the right location while experiencing "creative interference" from Tabet's company.

• "Chapter Three: Gasoline, Mortars, Diesel Fuel and Lots of It" (19:45, HD) goes into production challenges over the course of the 12-week shoot, with the actors facing bitter cold while half-naked. Animal trainer Boone Nar examines his role on-set, managing different animals and intensity, while Marc Singer shares respect for his creature co-stars, actually discussing this honor with them during production. Practical effects for the climatic battle are detailed, resulting in massive explosions. Makeup achievements on monsters are also celebrated. And Coscarelli closes with appreciation for cinematographer John Alcott.

• "Chapter Four: A Blade of Grass" (11:47, HD) introduces costume designer Betty Pecha Madden, who shares her inspiration for the outfits in "The Beastmaster," while Coscarelli and Milrad share their initial uncertainty over the revealing loincloths. Props are examined, with Coscarelli showing off certain items he kept from the production. Also included is a tribute to the sword-making in the film.

• "Chapter Five: Close Your Eyes and Write" (10:10, HD) provides an overview of the post-production process, with Coscarelli ultimately kicked out of the editing room after his initial cut was deemed too short. Composer Lee Holdridge arrives to explain his creative motivations, offered two weeks to write the music for "The Beastmaster." Sound designer Jeremey Hoenack provides an understanding of the sonic space of the picture.

• "Chapter Six: Hey, Beastmaster's On!" (11:52, HD) offers first impressions of the finished film, with Coscarelli sharing how the theatrical cut doesn't represent his vision. The picture's cult legacy is examined, with cable showings saving "The Beastmaster" after its dismal, botched theatrical release. And some tales are shared concerning the hunt for the lost negative.

Disc 2:

• "Special VFX Version" (118:27, HD) of "The Beastmaster" is included, featuring new touch-ups by Coscarelli.

• New Commentary features director/co-writer Don Coscarelli and co-writer/producer Paul Pepperman.

• Archival Commentary features director/co-writer Don Coscarelli and co-writer/producer Paul Pepperman.

• "The Saga of 'The Beastmaster'" (55:07, HD) is a 2005 making-of for the picture, which collects interviews with actors Marc Singer, Tanya Roberts, and Josh Milrad, production designer Conrad E. Angone, co-writer Paul Pepperman, and co-writer/director Don Coscarelli. The documentary examines the early years for Coscarelli and Pepperman, with the partners making their way through the film business, finding a hit with "Phantasm." Trying to create a heroic adventure with a bigger budget, the men began work on "The Beastmaster," dealing with a lengthy pre- production process and casting choices, also scoring big time with cinematographer John Alcott, who brought visual expertise to the production. Anecdotes from the shoot are shared, with the actors dealing with animals and cold weather. Some character analysis is offered as well. Post- production blues are highlighted, as Coscarelli was blocked from editing the feature. The movie's journey from a box office disappointment to a cable staple is also detailed.

• Super 8 Home Movies (27:39, HD) presents terrific 8mm BTS footage from the making of "The Beastmaster," taking cameras to location shooting and set construction. Commentary from Coscarelli and Pepperman is included, providing memories and lessons learned while making the picture.

• Still Gallery (9:10) collects concept art, BTS snaps, press kit pages, news coverage, and poster art.

• Outtake Footage (2:25, HD) gives fans of "The Beastmaster" and Tanya Roberts a little more to appreciate. Clips are presented without sound.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:13, HD) is included.

The Beastmaster 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Beastmaster" is fairly aggressive for a film aimed at young audiences, with ample nudity, graphic violence, and scenes of child sacrifice giving the movie an unexpected edge. Coscarelli has some difficulty finding his way through the picture, which has more than a few painfully low-budget moments, but he has an atmosphere of derring-do in mind, which he achieves at multiple stops in the film, helped along by an enthusiastic, "Battlestar Galactica"-esque score from Lee Holdridge. "The Beastmaster" is ambitious, which is its saving grace, laboring to deliver a strange world and weird inhabitants while paying tribute to sword-slashing entertainment. Coscarelli doesn't always have exquisite timing, but he has a vision for the fantasy adventure.