6.7 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Rocks from a meteor which grow when in contact with water threaten a sleepy Southwestern desert community.
Starring: Grant Williams, Lola Albright, Les Tremayne, Trevor Bardette, Phil Harvey (I)Horror | 100% |
Sci-Fi | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 3.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
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 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 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.
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.
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