The Monster That Challenged the World Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.5

The Monster That Challenged the World Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 11, 2015

1957’s “The Monster That Challenged the World” is one of many horror features created during the rising years of the Atomic Age, using paranoia and progress to feed B-movie requirements, giving audiences something to be frightened of besides the daily news. Of course, the film now registers as pure silliness, witnessing the discovery and wrath of a giant mollusk at it rises out of the Salton Sea to devour those curious enough to go near it. However, the production shows creative effort rare to the era, working on characterization between attack sequences, trying to shape a personality to the picture instead of simply working through the kills.

“The Monster That Challenged the World” is a misleading title, as the mollusk in question only has enough time to haunt rural California. The monster is a hoot to watch, carrying impressive size but the mechanical stiffness of an early audio-animatronic figure from Disney, defending its undersea realm with all the speed of opening garage door. Still, it racks up an impressive body count, bewildering local military officials and townsfolk, who quickly grasp the oddity of the threat they’re facing. Directed Arnold Laven, “The Monster That Challenged the World” isn’t big on style, but it carries sufficient suspense and shows little hesitance when it comes time to reveal the creature, giving up the goods right away.

The Monster That Challenged the World Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation provides a reasonably clear viewing experience, with detail satisfactory for this style of cinematography. Textures emerge with close-ups and monster particulars, permitting a full look at the stiff but ghoulish creation, with its leathery skin and strange features. Contrast is secure and grain is present. Delineation isn't solidified, with a clear look at dark sections of the beast. Print shows a little distress around reel changes, and speckling is detected.

The Monster That Challenged the World Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix remains true to the era, emerging as more of a blunt instrument, though one that takes some volume to reach a necessary level of engagement. Dialogue exchanges are crisp, with strong dramatic representation that's only chased with a slight hiss. Scoring isn't as muscular as hoped for, but it manages to support without steamrolling over performances. Sound effects are understood, with monster roars coming through loudly, and water-based atmospherics are evocative.

The Monster That Challenged the World Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Tom Weaver.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:35, SD) is included.

The Monster That Challenged the World Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The screenplay by Pat Fielder provides moments with the mollusk, making sure viewers are satisfied with creature encounters and the panicked response to sightings. And there's a sense of social interaction to the endeavor, with semi-dimensional characters bantering and investigating between violent encounters. Not that "The Monster That Challenged the World" is emotionally detailed, but it has humans to follow instead of cardboard cutouts, and the feature isn't entirely padded to meet a run time. As this type of entertainment goes, "The Monster That Challenged the World" is a largely successful B-movie, as good with dramatics as it is delivering cheap thrills.