Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

The Monolith Monsters Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 29, 2019

There are cinematic monsters for every star in the sky, but there comes a time for every horror fan when a break from malicious creatures is needed. 1957’s “The Monolith Monsters” aims to provide a different kind of fright feature, eschewing matters of the flesh to offer sheer power from deep space. Meteor fragments are the major source of destruction in the picture, with little black shards scattered around a California desert town becoming a real issue when they get wet. In a way, “The Monolith Monsters” is a precursor to Joe Dante’s “Gremlins,” only instead of cuddly Mogwai turning into a reptilian menace, the film offers the strange sight of tiny rocks transforming into deadly towers, offering just the right amount of instability to threaten life on Earth. The production certainly wins points for originality.

“The Monolith Monsters” does try to find inspiration from science, using threat from approaching meteorites to inspire a different kind of alien invasion movie. The production isn’t campy, working very hard to sell the concept of meteorite fragments that rapidly increase in size when exposed to water, delivering a sincere level of panic and confusion as a band of scientists, teachers, and journalists attempt to figure out what’s going on the desert, with concern multiplied when a rainstorm hits the area.

There’s a human problem to deal with as well, as those exposed to the fragments find their flesh hardening, giving the story a ticking clock as medical science races to decode the power of the meteor fragments before stiffness spreads across the community. It’s a decent offering of grounded terror, but I suspect most viewers are here to watch massive black spikes surge skyward before snapping off, crushing anything that’s on the ground. “The Monolith Monsters” has plenty of that, but it takes roughly an hour to really showcase property destruction, as most of the movie consists of characters researching the evidence, botching solutions, and, in the case of one couple, trading googly eyes to make sure the audience is invested in the human side of things. There’s defined formula to the feature, and it could use a steady offering of meteor fragment mayhem, but what’s here is enjoyable, detailed in charming miniature work and thespians well-trained in the art of horrified reactions.

The Monolith Monsters Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation handles the visual reach of "The Monolith Monsters" quite well. Detail is strong throughout, picking out beads of sweat on the California natives, and geological examinations retain specific textures. Makeup effects are open for study, along with town particulars. Costuming is also fibrous, displaying crisp professional wear. Delineation is satisfactory, preserving frame information with evening encounters. Grain is film-like. Source is in fine shape, with mild speckling and scratches. An alternate 2.00:1 aspect ratio is also provided for viewing enjoyment.

The Monolith Monsters Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix provides some interesting weight for "The Monolith Monsters." Meteor growth and destruction offers compelling low- end, making the titular menace something to enjoy. While slight hiss is present throughout the listening event, dialogue exchanges are clear, giving performances a boost as concern grows and panic sets in. Scoring is sharp, with strong instrumentation and support.

The Monolith Monsters Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features film historian Tom Weaver and film music historian David Schecter.

• Commentary #2 features film historian Mark Jancovich.

• Still Gallery (7:23) includes publicity shots, film stills, BTS snaps, poster art, lobby cards, and a newspaper ad.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:05, SD) is included.

The Monolith Monsters Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There's a tinge of disappointment with "The Monolith Monsters" once it becomes clear it's not going to be the chaotic production it initially promises. There's no sustained rampage of growing meteor fragments, with disaster movie cues limited to the final act. However, "The Monolith Monsters" remains enjoyable and appealingly strange, supplying strong performances and a rare presentation of geological concern. Special effects are amusing, while tech credits overall are solid, keeping the picture away from becoming a shoddy, schlocky event. It could be crazier in many ways, but what's here is very entertaining.