Yongary, Monster from the Deep 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Yongary, Monster from the Deep 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 15, 2025

1967’s “Yongary, Monster from the Deep” is a Korean production trying to give the local film industry their own big creature during the kaiju boom of the 1960s. Co-writer/director Kim Ki-duk certainly has a beast in the eponymous terror, and while introductions are lengthy in the endeavor, he eventually gets around to city-stomping action, becoming the destructive focus of the picture, joined by a few human characters. “Yongary, Monster from the Deep” isn’t a lively movie, taking its sweet time to get going, and even when it does unleash hell, pacing issues remain. However, there’s fun to be had for the most patient, as the handmade presence of the offering has its charms. And the helmer isn’t afraid of adding a little weirdness, creating a handful of memorable moments in the effort.

Il-woo is a Korean scientist who’s trying to maintain focus on his work, but trouble rises from the deep when the government discovers an earthquake that keeps expanding, making its way to civilization. Il-woo jumps into action, joined by his girlfriend Soona and her little brother, Icho, fighting to understand what’s going on while the government sets up shop, beginning a debate with the military over proper procedure and evacuation. The crack in the Earth turns out to be an open door for Yongary, a large monster seeking revenge on those who awakened him and satisfy his ravenous appetite for fuel. As the military sends their best to try and stop Yongary before he destroys Korea, Il-woo puts his faith in science, working on a way to kill the monster while Icho slips out on his own, determined to meet the beast as his curiosity gets the best of him.

Yongary doesn’t make a first major appearance in the feature until the 30-minute mark, giving the first act over to the human participants. We meet the gang as they deal with a wedding and a strange prank from Icho, who steals a light ray gun from Ill-woo’s lab, using it to create unbearable itchiness for the bride and groom. Icho is a little monster, and there’s more of that in “Yongary, Monster from the Deep,” but there’s a waiting period to see the real beast of the picture, which falls into kaiju cinema tradition. However, in this endeavor, downtime isn’t exactly the stuff of riveting cinema, watching government officials debate the military, and there’s a space journey as Korean intelligence picks up on potential nuclear activity in the Middle East, generating a sequence of exploration and potential disaster.

“Yongary, Monster from the Deep” eventually gets to the kaiju, who emerges in a foul mood, ready to destroy the local city. The production allows plenty of time for Yongary to do his thing, placing the creature in a miniature wonderland of rolling tanks, flying helicopters, and a landscape of crushable buildings. The feature is soon divided into Yongary chaos and Ill-woo science, as the young genius begins to experiment with ideas to help take down Yongary when military efforts only seem to enrage him. And there’s additional time with Icho, who brings out the light ray gun for additional mischief, and even engages in a little dance party with Yongary, which is a moment of lunacy the movie could use more of.

For additional information and analysis, please read the 2016 Blu-ray review.

Yongary, Monster from the Deep 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Screencaps are taken from the Blu-ray.

"Yongary, Monster from the Deep" was previously issued on Blu-ray in 2016, and returns with a new UHD release from Vinegar Syndrome, listed as "presented in Dolby Vision HDR and newly scanned and restored from its 35mm interpositive." Improvements are immediately understood here, as the new scan manages to pull more detail out of feature, delivering a textured look at the world of miniatures presented by the production. Frame particulars are open for inspection, including a clearer look at tech limitations and special effects. Skin particulars are appreciable, exploring varied ages on the human cast and the rougher ways of the rubber monster. Exteriors are deep and wide, securing a good look at the locations and the manufactured city. Interiors are dimensional as the movie visits government buildings and science labs. Color is crisper, with a deeper feel for space-y blues and decorative reds. Yongary retains his intended look, and character costuming delivers varied hues, including bright pinks. Blacks are deep throughout the visual experience, and highlights are tasteful. Grain is nicely resolved. Source is in good condition, with a few scratches and very brief discoloration.

Yongary, Monster from the Deep 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix offers a straightforward appreciation of "Yongary, Monster from the Deep," leading with defined dialogue exchanges. Performances are fully understood, along with changes in voices and dramatic emphasis. Scoring offers some signs of age, but stays mostly stable, with satisfactory support and instrumentation. Sound effects are appreciable.

Yongary, Monster from the Deep 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features film historians Steve Ryfle and Kim Song-ho.

• Commentary #2 features film historian Samm Deighan.

• "Daegoesu Younggari" (48:15, SD) is "all that remains" of the original Korean cut of the feature, sourced from videotape.

• Interview (20:32, HD) is a 2019 chat with suit maker Keizo Murase about his career and work in the realm of kaiju cinema. Receiving inspiration from the original "Godzilla," Murase left his farm life to work with filmmakers, immediately tasked to create new creatures. The interviewee is asked about his used of goat fur on creations for "King Kong vs. Godzilla," eventually trading notes with Rick Baker after the 1976's remake of "King Kong." Technical achievements on 1977's "The Mighty Peking Man" are also identified, including the surprising precision of the visual effects, and a polite mention of CGI usage in monster movies is provided, with Murase missing the feeling of weight and depth in the frame when creating handmade screen adventures. Talk turns to "Yongary, Monster from the Deep," and Murase get into production details, highlighting his personal contributions to the picture and the creation of the fire-breathing effect, which went much better than the same idea on a "Gamera" production that nearly burned down the entire set. He also shares his desire to make dinosaurs one day, playing in the "Jurassic Park" sandbox.

• "Yongary: The Birth of Korea's Monster" (19:18, HD) is an examination of "Yongary, Monster from the Deep," featuring interviews with writer Kim Hyun-Jae, monster movie expert Hong Gi-Hun, and film researcher Park Sang-Kyu. The interviewees detail the "monster boom" period of filmmaking in the 1960s, the development and execution of "Yongary, Monster of the Deep," use of locations, and the discovery of the original Korean cut of the movie.

• "Yongary: An Introduction" (7:37, HD) is an appreciation piece from film historian Sean Rhodes.

• Image Gallery (1:00) collects film stills.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

Yongary, Monster from the Deep 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Yongary, Monster from the Deep" isn't a triumph of cinematic pacing, going very slow with most everything it offers, including lengthy sequences of Yongary in agony. However, there's are filmmaking pleasures to sample as the production generates a tiny world of details for the creature to destroy, providing entertainment value for fans of kaiju endeavors. And a little boogie with the big guy doesn't hurt either, making for a few memorable moments.