Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.5

The Terror Within Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 10, 2021

A full decade after the release of 1979’s “Alien,” and producer Roger Corman was still in the business of ripping it off. The concept of a malevolent beast from beyond attacking characters in a confined space gave director Ridley Scott a classic movie, but Corman views “Alien” as an unlimited resource, with 1989 “The Terror Within” another knock-off from his company. To be fair to the Hollywood legend, the feature does take place on Earth, and the creature causing all the trouble is a mutant, but the rest of the effort is the same old xenomorph-ian stuff, this time finding Andrew Stevens in the hero role, taking on a grotesque beast who enjoys killing survivors of a deadly plague. The villain also does other stuff to the locals, which manages to drain any possible fun factor out of this incredibly dull endeavor.

In the future, 99% of Earth’s population has been wiped out by a lab-grown plague, leaving the residents of the underground Mojave Lab cautious when it comes to engaging with the wild. They’ve lost contact with a nearby base, leaving Hal (George Kennedy) on edge as supplies begin to dwindle, while two of the crew have recently been killed while hunting around the area. Out to collect the bodies, David (Andrew Stevens) discovers a mutant threat (a.k.a. “gargoyles”) in the area, bringing a civilian into the lab for study. Unfortunately for the Mojave Lab gang, the civilian is pregnant with a mutant baby, exposing the survivors to certain doom as the little monster grows into a major threat.

There’s really not much of a movie here, as “The Terror Within” is primarily a waiting game for something exciting to happen. It’s a slow-burn feature out of necessity, as the tiny budget only allowing for a few outdoor adventures, while the rest of the film plays out on a few sets, with the actors doing most of the heavy lifting when it comes to dramatic emphasis. As these things go, the performances are acceptable, with Stevens committing to growing unease, and Kennedy produces sweat and panic as the panicky leader of the lab. Beyond that, “The Terror Within” doesn’t build much suspense, relying on “Alien” elements to get things moving, including a bloody birth scene, and a good amount of the action takes place inside a giant ventilation system, giving director Thierry Notz (“Watchers II”) a to-do list of horror cliches to check off. And there’s the mutant menace, who’s main function is to kill men and sexually assault women, and one can just picture Corman licking his lips when developing this unsavory story detail.

The Terror Within Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "The Terror Within" provides a brighter viewing experience for the low-budget endeavor. Location work in the Mojave Desert provides vivid greenery and deep distances. Skin particulars are clear, surveying age on the actors, and makeup achievements are equally appreciable, especially with rubbery monster shots. Interior decoration retains detail, along with fibrous costuming. Decoration is also explored, securing distinct primaries with computer panels and equipment. Skintones are natural. Delineation is precise. Grain is heavy and film-like. Source is in excellent condition.

The Terror Within Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix for "The Terror Within" offers a basic listening event for a production that wasn't too attentive to any sort of sonic nuance. Some sibilance issues are present, and age-related issues are generally brief. Dialogue exchanges are clear, capturing excitable thespian choices. Scoring supports as necessary, with acceptable instrumentation. Sound effects are louder, making monster visits appropriately intense.

The Terror Within Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Trailer (1:49, HD) is included.

The Terror Within Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Terror Within" is unpleasant at times, leaning on shock value to make through an uninspired script. It's periodically gory, and there's the central image of the mutant rampaging through the facility, but Corman keeps the production on a tight leash, and Notz doesn't try to subvert expectations, making sure the feature remains as routine as possible, transforming a post-apocalyptic game of death into B-movie sameness.