Creature Unknown

Average customer rating:

Great monster, so-so on everything else

A Cold Blooded Killer

A Satisfying Straight-To-DVD Monster Flick

A THROWBACK TO THE FIFTIES

As bad as I expected it to be

Creature Unknown
Starring: Kristin Herold , Chase Masterson , Chris Hoffman , Maggie Grace , and Cory Hardrict
Director: Michael Burnett
Manufacturer: Razor
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00020X8F2
Release Date: 2004-06-29

Customer Reviews:

Great monster, so-so on everything else.......2007-09-13

I must come out and defend this movie for one simple reason - the monster. In this age of CGI, it's quite refreshing to see a very high quality monster suit worn by an actor. CGI has gotten so good in big budget movies that it's indistinguishable from reality, but lower budget movies that can't afford the real good stuff always have bad CGI. You instantly know it isn't really there. Bless Creature Unknown for making the effort to create an old-school rubber suit that looks absolutely great (no wrinkles, bending fingers, or blatant seams), and is really *there*. For creature fans, you can't beat it, and you get to see a LOT of it. Even quite a bit in broad daylight. There's nothing to hide on this suit. Bravo for the monster!

The rest is, of course, completely forgettable. There was a little more of an attempt at character building than you usually get with popcorn B movie horror, but the plot is nothing new in any way. As other reviewers have said, there's also the ridiculous. First is the biker chick genetic engineer with a lab out in woods. What is the bunker-like underground building she's using? How did she get it? How does she afford supplies?

There are also many moments of "well...well...HELLO!" such as when the main protagonist tells the biker chick scientist that she's holding his father's (or maybe grandfather's, I forget) shotgun. And...that's it. He doesn't insist on having it back, doesn't ask how she got it, doesn't make any accusation of her robbing from the cabin. One character is attacked in what should clearly be a fatal scene, then later he turns up with just a bad stomach-scratching. This was clearly a cut-away death scene, the creature had him on his back and was toothily moving in for the easy kill, then the scene cuts. Later the guy's OK with no explanation ("Yeah, he had me, but then this mountain lion came outta nowhere and scared him off"). It's those little things that stick out like a sore thumb constantly and guarantee B movie status.

Oh well, there's always that creature and he looks excellent. I could have been spared the drool in a couple of scenes (does every damn critter have to drool?), but if you love the creatures then this movie is very good for that. Ignore the same-again plot, fast-forward through the petty, typical arguments, and check out that great monster. I'd say fast forward through the entirely unnecessary and blatantly gratuitous shower scene, but you get a great look at the creature at the same time. Besides, I'm sure most out there find the T & A less tiresome than I.

So, don't expect a fresh plot, exciting new twists or stellar cinematography. Just dig that monster!

A Cold Blooded Killer.......2007-04-07

This is one of those cheapee direct to video schlockfests that you find yourself watching the whole thing and then saying, "God, I can't believe I actually watched that whole movie". It's the classic setup of a groups of kids out in the woods who get slaughtered by a guy in a rubber suit. Nothing wrong with that, I love that kinda thing, but it just looks and flows like any other B horror movie of recent years. I can't put my finger on what it is, but all of these low budget movies have a look about them I don't like. Whether it's Andre the Butcher, Arachnia or whatever, something is wrong. At least in the good ol days even the microbudget movies were shot on film and looked like REAL movies, now everything looks like it was shot on someone's snazzy digital equipment and was probably shown on the sci-fi channel at some point. So yeah, a lizardman is killing these kids off. Sure, there's an attempt to add more depth and a twist in the plot, but essentially that's it. The lizardman was created by a sexy, gun toting, biker chick scientist(only in the movies, my friends, only in the movies). I don't know squat about genetics and such, but I'm pretty sure that injecting lizard DNA into a human won't turn them into a rampaging, rejuvinating lizardman. Plus, the film's title is misleading because you find out what it is. But in the end all is well and of course there's an explosion(courtesy of the handy dandy flammable gas tank that's just hanging around the creature's lair). All in all, this was moderately entertaining schlock fare. It's 100% heckle material all the way, so make sure you don't watch it alone. The film doesn't go the crappy CGI route, instead leaving us with a good ol fashioned lizardman outfit. Hey, if you're making a schlock film anyhow, might as well go with it, right? I'd certainly rent before buying. Better yet, sucker a friend into renting it so you can see it for free.

A Satisfying Straight-To-DVD Monster Flick.......2005-08-13

Sparing you a briefing of the weak and equally useless plot, "Creature Unknown" is one of those direct-to-DVD horror flicks that are more fun than they are scary. The reason it's worth three stars is the monster. Ignoring the recent craze of CGI, the crew created a full-body suit for the actor playing the creature -- and the hard work certainly payed off. The costume is very realistic and keeps the viewer interested. But, sadly, that's all there is to this movie. The only reason you should rent "Creature Unknown" is if you're a monster fan who enjoys the simple pleasure of seeing a murderous creature rip apart naive teenagers (including decapitations and gut-slashing). Not to mention, decent special features such as bloopers, a documentary on the film, and a documentary on the creature.

A THROWBACK TO THE FIFTIES.......2005-04-08

I guess since I just watched the abominable DEADLY SCAVENGERS last night, viewing CREATURE UNKNOWN was like GONE WITH THE WIND. At any rate, this movie reminds me a lot of those tacky scifi films from the fifties. Although the creature's effects are by no means state of the art, they are much better than the cockroaches in the aforementioned Scavengers flick. And I give the screenwriters credit for coming up with an unexpected "twist" at the end regarding the identity of the genetically mutated lizardman. The actors won't make us forget truly good actors, but they passed the easy on the eye test, and you'd appreciate that after watching the cast of the once again aforementioned Scavengers movie. All in all, my wife and I were entertained, and we're hard to please sometimes, but when comparing this to the uh oh once again aforementioned Scavengers movie, this one is a gem.

As bad as I expected it to be.......2005-02-26

This movie has a poor plot, cheesy effects and forced acting. 'Prom Night' is a masterpiece next to this movie and with the exception of Chase Masterson, it would be a major accomplishment for any of the actors in this film to end up on the Surreal Life.

The Chase Masterson Collection: Creature Unknown/Dark Woods

Average customer rating:

The Chase Masterson Collection: Creature Unknown/Dark Woods
Starring: Chris Hatton Michael Burnett , Chase Masterson , and Maggie Grace
Manufacturer: Razor
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ASIN: B0007LFPMA
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Average customer rating:

KIller Mud in Scotland!
A Quatermass film without Quatermass
Before the X-Files: there was X, The Unknown...
Vivid Sci Fi Thriller That Still Packs A Punch
"How do you kill mud?"

X - The Unknown
Starring: Dean Jagger , Edward Chapman , Leo McKern , Anthony Newley , and Jameson Clark
Director: Leslie Norman
Manufacturer: Anchor Bay
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ASIN: 6305807892
Release Date: 2000-07-11

Amazon.com

Hammer Studios' attempt to replicate the success of the superior Quatermass films gives us a kinder, gentler hero, the polite and soft-spoken Dr. Royston (played with almost paternal kindness by American Dean Jagger). When the populace of the area surrounding a bottomless fissure in an abandoned quarry is devastated by a rash of lethal radiation burns, Royston tries to convince authorities of the possibility of a life from deep within Earth that has surfaced to feed to a rather skeptical reception. Sure enough, the sludge from 20,000 fathoms is spotted pouring down the road like a self-contained lava flow, headed for the military's own nuclear reactor. Director Leslie Norman can't quite match that taut, wound up quality of his inspirations, The Quatermass Xperiment and Quatermass 2, but he creates an inky-black atmosphere with moody night shooting and heaps on the horror with blistery, blotchy burns that culminate in the gooey remains of a man whose flesh is found melting off his skeleton--one of the most startling moments of any Hammer picture. A young Leo McKern can be spotted as a reporter and Anthony Newley is a whining soldier. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

KIller Mud in Scotland!.......2006-08-30

Hammer continued their fine triumvirate of monochrome science-fiction pictures with X the Unknown. Although this has somewhat been overshadowed by the films it was jammed in between - QUATERMASS 2 and CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN it still retains enough to interest any fan of the genre. It is important for marking the first major contribution to the world of Hammer for Jimmy Sansgter, who would go on to write some of their most famous films as well as direct three in the early 1970's. Like most Sangster screenplays it borrows liberally from other areas, most notably in this case from Nigel Kneale and his Quatermass series and it is also quite light on actual narrative. However a number of relevant cultural concerns form the basis of the film; the fear of radiation, the fear of the atomic bomb and the fear of science in general. The dichotomy between military might and scientific reason is also played out, and some scenes are rather reminiscent of Doctor Who's regular conflicts with the Brigadier and UNIT. Science and mankind have created the threat (which is basically primordial radioactive mud) and science also succeeds in vanquishing the threat. The mistrust and paranoia of progress and science had yet to strike in British cinema, but the other regular target of Hammer authority and bureaucracy are once again highlighted as being inefficient barriers to our expert hero. The token American lead this time is Dean Jagger, who is actually very good. Perhaps not Hammer's most memorable film, but great fun nonetheless

A Quatermass film without Quatermass.......2005-10-22

The success of the first Quatermass film begged for a sequel. However, Nigel Kneale would not turn over his creation to the hands of the Hammer Studios screenwriters. So they created Dr. Royston, nuclear physicist. When for no apparent reason, a fissure in the earth opens and releases a seething oozing nightmare to feed nightly on the English countryside, its proximity and relationship to a nuclear facility leads Dr. Royston to investigate. The menace builds as the creature's appetite increases. The stark black and white cinematography and matter of fact performances by low-key veterans such as Dean Jagger as Dr. Roysten and Leo McKern as an investigator enhance the documentary flavor of the film lending the appearances of the monster a strikingly horrific tone. Two of the deaths that occur in the course of the film are surprisingly graphic for a film of this period. There are some unsettling moments that lend particular life to the film as when a scientist is lowered into the fissure to see if he can spot any sign of the creature (he does). All of this is overlaid with a striking score by James Bernard. Once again, the British X-rating is played up in the film's title. Supposedly, Dean Jagger refused to work with the director originally chosen for the picture, Joseph Losey, because Jagger resented working with a suspected communist. One can only wonder what Losey would have done with the film. I believe this film was the first monster of this kind to be presented on screen. The resemblance to the monster in Joseph Payne Brennan's famous short story Slime may be more than coincindental. But while Brennan's creature emerges from the ocean floor, this creature is some sort of inner earth dweller and the scientific mumbo jumbo used to explain the creature strikes the only really false note in the film. The film is effectively packaged with a short documentary on Hammer horror films and an interesting trailer for the film. The print looks and sounds good. Watch for Anthony Newley in a small part.

Before the X-Files: there was X, The Unknown..........2005-02-19

X-THE UNKNOWN is low budget,soft-on-sfx, super creepy sci-fi sleeper of the ilk of THE DAY THE EARTH CAUGHT FIRE.The ensemble cast led by American Dean Jagger keep a British stiff-upper-lip approach to hidden terror cleverly BxW low-balled by the Hammer Consortium that usually assaulted senses with the bloodiest blood the screen ever bled. But X-ster's play it very cool so suspense builds until the radioactive "whatcha'macallit" rolls into town BLOB STYLE with style. If this sounds lame,it isn't. Very good acting; tremendously eerie lighting,art design, music;and determination to resist temptation to a glowing "melt-fest"climax make X-The Unknown "mud in your eye"classic sci-fi...

Vivid Sci Fi Thriller That Still Packs A Punch.......2005-01-12

In this present day we as movie audiences have become largely used to huge big budget sci fi extravaganza's filled with mind blowing special effects and not much character development aimed almost solely at the youth market. In the light of this type of entertainment you would think that a viewing of an effort such as Hammer Studios "X - The Unknown", from the mid fifties relying as it does on minimal special effects and a low budget to tell its story would be somewhat of a let down. However after recently viewing this effort again after many years that belief could not be more wrong if it tried. Here we have one of the earliest efforts from Britian's famed Hammer Studios who became more famous for later reviving the Dracula and Frankenstein characters but who in actual fact did superb earlier work with this effort and the famed Quatermass films. "X- The Unknown", is a classic example of where an original and intriguing story combined with realistic characters are put ahead of letting special effects lead the story. What we have here then is an arresting little thriller that slowly builds its tension and provides most of its thrills from its eerie atmosphere and from what is implied or left off screen. It proves what the earlier filmmakers at studios like Hammer were capable of achieving often on shoe string budgets and tight production schedules.

The story of "X - The Unknown", begins innocently enough with a routine army exercise in a marshy field where the soldiers are locating planted radioactive heads with geigar counters. However something strange begins to happen and very quickly a fissure opens up that unleashes horrific radio active waves that cause severe burning when in contact with humans. Dr. Royston (Dean Jagger), a scientist from the local research station is brought in to investigate however he is baffled by what has caused this disturbance. When other incidents are reported of people experiencing severe radiaction burns Dr. Royston, despite the opposition of his supervisor John Elliot (Edward Chapman),begins to develop a theory that what is causing these attacks is an ancient entity from the centre of the earth that has been released by the opening in the fissure and is now on the move trying to find food from other radioactive sources. When the hospital is raided by the force and an orderly is killed by being literally melted away Dr. Royston backed up by Inspector McGill (Leo McKern) who believes totally what the doctor is trying to do, decides that action must be taken to destroy this prehistoric mass before it grows any bigger from feeding on any available radioactive substances. As time runs short and panic among the local population rises alarmingly Dr. Royston continues his experiments to try and find a way to destroy the mass and eventually discovers a means of possibly doing it with the use of high frequency waves. Duplicating the experiment in a larger form on the edge of the fissure with the help of assistant Peter Elliot (William Lucas),he manages to lures the mass out of the fissure with some radioactive material upon which he manages to disintergrate the mass.

The real strength in "X - The Unknown", lies in the total conviction that the main characters bring to their playing when faced with a potentially exciting story that because of the budget had to rely on minimal special effects to get the terror across to the audience. Full marks must go to lead cast members; veteran Hollywood actor Dean Jagger, Edward Chapman, William Lucas and especially a young Leo McKern for playing their parts seriously and never for one moment losing their conviction in the parts they are playing. Dean Jagger at first glance may have seemed an odd choice to take on the lead role in this all British Hammer thriller however he is the calm rational centre of the story and teams especially well with Leo McKern as his loyal support in his efforts to destroy the radioactive mass threatening the country. Of interest in the cast also are later Hammer regular Michael Ripper in the role of Sgt. Grimsdyke and a very young Anthony Newley as one of the two young soldiers placed on guard duty at the fissure who become the victims of the radioactive mass. "X- The Unknown", despite its small budget does boast some splendid photography and the plentiful nighttime shooting really enhances the eerie quality of much of the story. With much of the story taking place in mist shrouded marsh lands at night the natural landscape plays an important role in bringing this story to life and the sound effects employed to accompany the radioactive mud on its rampages through the countryside also were first rate. Despite the small budget the special effects however sparse in "X - The Unknown", are first rate for the time. The scenes of civilians seemingly melting before the viewers eyes when in contact with the radioactive mass are unforgettable and really were the forerunners to Hammer's justly famous decomposition scene at the end of their classic "Horror of Dracula", a couple of years later. The horrid mass itself when it finally does show itself is similiar in appearance to that from the legendary "The Blob", and despite the technical advancements since this time in computer imagery it still is very effective.

Films like "X _The Unknown", certainly come from an earlier and in many ways simpler era of movie making however I feel efforts such as this are just as effective as entertainment as the splashy blockbusters we see nowadays in the cinemas. The real power in an effective sci fi or horror effort should always be in what is implied or only shown sparingly. Whether that was the original intention or not of the filmmakers in "X - The Unknown", is impossible to say but what we are left with is a highly effective and quite chilling little horror tale that keeps the interest up to the final frame. Radioactive mud terrorising the countryside at first thought might not seem too frightening but it is an original idea where the mass almost has a brain of it's own and is a great twist that helps build the suspense. To see one of Hammer Studios earliest efforts in the field of horror where later they became one of the leaders make sure you catch "X -The Unknown", soon.

"How do you kill mud?".......2004-03-21

X - The Unknown (1957) is a superior science fiction/horror film from Hammer Studios. The film stars Dean Jagger, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for the film 12 O'Clock High, as Dr. Adam Royston, Leo Mckern as Inspector McGill, and Edward Chapman as John Elliot, director of the atomic plant where Royston works.

The movie takes place in Scotland, and starts off showing a group of army men in training on locating radioactive material using a Geiger counter. Soon a fissure cracks open in the Earth, and a couple of the men suffer radiation burns. Royston is called in to try and determine the source of the radiation, but he has no answers. Soon, others begin to suffer from such burns, and radioactive materials go missing from various locations like the local hospital and Royston's secluded lab. Royston develops a theory, one too fantastic to be believed, but one that's soon proved correct to everyone's horror. Seems a creature of energy has risen from deep within the Earth, one that can kill instantly, and needs radioactive materials to feed on to survive. Essentially, it's a giant ball of mud, one that continues to grow the more it feeds. How do you kill a ball of mud? Royston has an idea, but the cure may prove to be worse than the disease as destroying the creature may cause an explosion of atomic proportions.

Dean Jagger is the star, no doubt about that, as he shows it throughout. The rest of the actors, while very good, are pretty much along for the ride. One of the best elements about this film is the intelligent story line. The creature isn't even show until about an hour into the proceedings, but the viewer's attention is kept tightly focused as the suspense builds and the story unfolds. And I have to say, the effects were quite good and even a bit more graphic than I would have expected, especially the scenes where some poor unfortunate comes into contact with the creature. Think of what happened to Toht, the character played by Ron Lacey, at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) and you'll understand what I mean.

The picture provided on this disc looks very good, with minimal signs of deterioration in a few scenes. Special features include an original trailer for the film, and a World of Hammer episode entitled Sci-Fi. Also included in the case is a reproduction of a promotional poster for the film. All in all, an excellent example of early British sci-fi that's intelligent, suspenseful, and extremely well made.

Cookieman108

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Creature Unknown
Starring: Chase Masterson
Director: Michael Burnett
Manufacturer: Razor
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0007TKNW4
Release Date: 2005-02-08

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Prime Time Divas
Starring: Prime Time Divas-Creature Unknown Slammed
Manufacturer: Razor Digital Entertainment
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ASIN: B000F1IO1Q
Release Date: 2006-06-13

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