X the Unknown [Blu-ray]

Overview

X the Unknown is a well-crafted imitation of the Quatermass British sci-fi pictures of the 1950s. A group of soldiers on maneuvers in Scotland stumble across a gravel pit which emanates an unusual amount of radiation. Several deaths occur before the radioactive material is mysteriously stolen. Researcher Dr. Adam Royston (Dean Jagger) speculates that the thief is some sort of inhuman monstrosity dwelling at the Earth's core. He points out that past radioactive disturbances have been occurring at 50-year intervals, each followed by sudden deaths and the disappearance of the material. Royston suggests that the unknown monster has been resuscitated by humankind's recent atomic experiments. Sure enough, the monster manifests itself as a huge slab of glowing radioactive mud (laugh now if you must -- you won't laugh when you see it). X the Unknown works well within its limited budget; unfortunately, many TV prints have been truncated, robbing some of the best horrific moments of their full impact.

Product Details

Release Date:	02/18/2020
UPC:	0826663207262
Original Release:	1956
Rating:	NR
Source:	Shout Factory
Region Code:	A
Presentation:	[B&W]
Sound:	[Dolby Digital Mono]
Language:	English
Time:	1:20:00
Sales rank:	15,839

Special Features

New audio commentary with film historian/filmmaker Ted Newsom; New "The Men Who Made Hammer: Jimmy Sangster" featuring an interview with film historian/editor/publisher, Little Shop Of Horrors Richard Klemensen; Theatrical trailer; 1080p High Definition; SDH subtitles

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Dean Jagger	Dr. Adam Royston
Edward Chapman	John Elliott
Leo McKern	Insp. McGill
William Lucas	Peter Elliott
Marianne Brauns	Zena
John Harvey	Maj. Cartwright
Peter Hammond	Lt. Bannerman
Michael Ripper	Sgt. Grimsdyke
Anthony Newley	Pvt. Spider Webb
Ian MacNaughton	Haggis
Kenneth Cope	Pvt. Lancing
Edwin Richfield	Old Soldier
Jameson Clark	Jack Harding
Jane Aird	Vi Harding
Michael Brooke Jr.	Willie Harding
Frazer Hines	Ian
Neil Hallett	Unwin
Norman MacOwan	Old Tom
Neil Wilson	Russell
John Stone	Gerry
Archie Duncan	Sgt. Yeardye
Edward Judd	2nd Soldier
Michael Brook	Willie Harding
Michael Brooke	Willie Harding
Max Brimmell	Hospital Director
Angela Crow	Bit Part
Brown Derby	Vicar
Raymond Dudley	Bit Part
James Bernard	Composer

Technical Credits

Jimmy Sangster

Leslie Norman	Director
Joseph Losey	Director
Anthony Hinds	Producer
Les Bowie	Special Effects
Jimmy Sangster	Screenwriter
Michael Carreras	Producer,Executive Producer
Mickey Delamar	Producer
Alfred Cox	Sound Effects
Mike Sale	Sound Effects
Jack Curtis	Special Effects

Editorial Reviews

X the Unknown is a treat for fans of 1950s science fiction films. While it is not a classic of the genre, it's a very well-made and quite entertaining little flick. X lacks the high-cost special effects found in modern sci-fi movies (and even in many of those of the 1950s as well), but it really doesn't need them. Under Leslie Norman's efficient, effective direction, X delivers the requisite thrills and chills that many bigger-budget affairs fall short on. And what effects it does have, while modest, are more than serviceable. Jimmy Sangster's screenplay is similarly modest yet powerful. Sangster knows that the plot -- and the manner in which the details of the plot are revealed -- is paramount in this kind of film, yet he still manages to throw in small nuances that help to flesh out the characters, especially the minor roles. He even breaks a traditional rule for sci-fi-ers of the period by having an innocent child actually die from an encounter with the threat -- a seemingly small point, but actually rather shocking. The cast is fine throughout, with Dean Jagger and Leo McKern filling the lead roles with all the seriousness required. X the Unknown is hardly innovative, but it's a crackerjack piece of entertainment.

All Movie Guide - Craig Butler