The Thing That Couldn't Die Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.5

The Thing That Couldn't Die Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 16, 2020

In rural America, Jessica (Carolyn Kearney) is a young woman with psychic powers, using her gifts to find water on her Aunt Flavia’s (Peggy Converse) farm. During her routine, Jessica discovers a box that’s been buried for nearly 400 years, with Flavia believing she’s found a fortune. The box actually contains the head of Gideon (Robin Hughes), a warlock who’s ready to hypnotize the locals, hoping to be reunited with his buried body and return to full Satanic power.

1958’s “The Thing That Couldn’t Die” provides an extraordinary test of patience while offering a decent premise capable of providing something in the way of screen scares, or at least unease. Here’s a picture about an unearthed head that turns those who find it into its minions, working toward an end game of a full body reunion. All the screenplay can come up with are lengthy conversations, and director Will Cowan doesn’t even consider the suspenseful possibilities of the story. It’s such a strangely lethargic effort from most involved, with the B-movie only showing signs of life when dealing with disembodied head imagery (for a production that was churned out in under two weeks, the effects are passable), and there’s something amusingly campy about Aunt Flava’s unrepentant greed, always willing to pursue dollars instead of care for the personal safety of others.

The Thing That Couldn't Die Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Listed as a "New 2K scan of a fine-grain film element," "The Thing That Couldn't Die" provides a reasonably textured look at frame particulars during the AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation. While some softness is present, detail emerges with the titular enemy and his rotting head, and costuming remains fibrous, ranging from delicate sleepwear to rugged leather. Decorative elements are preserved, and exteriors are dimensional. Delineation secures evening events and shadow play. Source is in good condition, but speckling is detected, along with a few lengthier scratches.

The Thing That Couldn't Die Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA offers the essentials without severe issues, finding dialogue exchanges hitting a few fuzzy highs at times. Dramatic intent is never limited, with performances intact. Scoring (pulled from different Universal titles) handles comfortably, with a satisfactory orchestral sound. Some hiss is detected.

The Thing That Couldn't Die Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historians Tom Weaver and C. Courtney Joyner.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:56, SD) is included.

The Thing That Couldn't Die Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Thing That Couldn't Die" was used in an eighth season episode of "Mystery Science Theater 3000" (which weirdly isn't included on the disc) and perhaps that's the ideal viewing experience for the picture. Its general avoidance of tension feels too oppressive otherwise, in need of clever mockery to best appreciate the endeavor. Those searching for something scary from the 1950s aren't going to find it here, as "The Thing That Couldn't Die" doesn't bother with darkness, remaining talkative instead. And the ending? It should be the new dictionary definition of underwhelming.