The Land Unknown Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

The Land Unknown Blu-ray Movie Review

A mysterious land of dinosaurs and man-eating plants awaits.

“They don't make them like they used to.” - Anonymous

This is a saying which causes me much aggravation given that storytelling and a love for the craft of filmmaking is generously found in so many fields of filmmaking today. While there is some truth to the saying (and one can even sense that now with the way in which a large effects film like Avengers: Endgame can demolish box-office records) the truth is that genre filmmaking, such as today's modern CGI blockbuster, holds its roots in the classics of yesteryear which inspired them.

The Land Unknown is an example of this inspiration. The film is an old-school genre picture that palpably demonstrates how much energy and excitement can be created around a monster-movie concept without a big-budget for the CGI department of today's modern technical wizards. These cinematic make-up and prosthetic effects artists crafted worlds from the ground up with their own singular imaginations.

The film focuses upon a small group of explorers who head out across an Antarctic region looking to expand upon their scientific research. The team is led by the head-honcho Commander Hal (Jock Mahoney) and the group is capably aided by the beautiful and smart journalist Margaret (Shawn Smith). In setting out on this quest, the team finds themselves thrust into the chaos of a storm that destroys their helicopter and strands them on an island. This isn't any ordinary island, however. It's a land filled with man-eating plants, giant creatures, and prehistoric dinosaurs!

What? Is there something behind me?

While the dinosaurs are made out of rubber and prosthetic and you can sometimes tell it's being acted out by a man wearing a giant dinosaur costume, the film has a clear enthusiasm for its genre roots and is a total blast for anyone willing to go on a fun B-movie adventure. The film has excitement and thrills (just as the movie-trailers foretell). The Land Unknown wears its genre-infused heart on its sleeve.

Based upon a story written by Charles Palmer (The Sellout, Lost Boundaries), the film's screenplay was written by Laszlo Gorog (The Affairs of Susan, The Mole People). The story is fairly straightforward. Nothing too unsurprising happens with regards to the plot. (Note: If you're watching this for a surprise ending, you're watching the wrong movie.) Yet the script is loose and fun and audiences can really find something to grasp on to with this terrific genre film.

The cinematography by Ellis Carter (King of the Rocket Men, The Invisible Monster) is a great aid to the storytelling. With the fast-paced direction of Virgil Vogel (The Six Million Dollar Man, The Sword of Ali Baba), The Land Unknown is an often overlooked gem in the adventure genre. For audiences looking for a fun weekend Matinee flick, look no further. Here's your answer.

The Land Unknown Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The release is presented on Blu-ray with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded presentation in the original 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio. This is an impressive presentation by Kino. The film scan utilized is excellent. The film has only occasional minor specks of print wear and is in terrific condition. The photography has some sequences with soft optics but for the most part it has a crisp look and the presentation is admirably upgraded with the high-definition video. Fine film grain is also intact.

The Land Unknown Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Land Unknown is presented with a lossless audio quality DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo track. This is a strong lossless audio presentation which preserves the sound design of the film. The clarity and fidelity of the audio is superb. While the film's presentation might not have as much of the punch or oomph of modern productions, the dialogue clarity is terrific. The release includes optional English subtitles.

The Land Unknown Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by film historians Tom Weaver and David Schecter

Animated Image Gallery (HD, 1 min. 48 sec.) is a video-montage including high-quality prints of photography from the film's production.

The Land Unknown Trailer (SD, 2 min. 10 sec.)

Trailers are also included for the following films: One Million Years B.C., War-Gods of the Deep, The Land That Time Forgot, At the Earth's Core, The People That Time Forgot, The Island of Dr. Moreau, and The Neptune Factor.

The Land Unknown Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Land Unknown is a fun old-school genre adventure. The film's showcase of man-eating plant life and gigantic prehistoric dinosaurs makes it worth a view. Shawn Smith (a true beauty and talent) also stands out as a great member of the cast. This old-school adventure is great fun and will please audiences of all ages. While the special effects might be different than modern films, the creativity is unabashedly superb. The release sports strong video and audio and is well worth consideration.