THE BEAST IN SPACE

THE BEAST IN SPACE

Someone once said that in Italy directors didn't tell producers what kind of film they wanted to make but which US movie they wanted to imitate. While this certainly isn't indicative of all Italian horror and science fiction, and unfairly dismisses the originality of theme, idea, and sheer atmosphere that such mavericks as Fulci, Argento and Bava brought to their work, it does emphasize the habit that several Italian producers had of 'borrowing' successful storylines (both American and European). While several directors in the 1970s were crafting moody horror from traditional Gothic figures or riding the cannibal and zombie chow-line to gory glory, Science Fiction provided a surprising amount of inspiration for business savvy filmmakers as well. While, for the most part, these were never as commercially successful or well made as their counterparts, and lacked the intensity and beauty of Gothic horror, some truly classic examples are easily called to mind, including Bava's Planet of the Vampires (which itself seems to have inspired, in part, Alien), and, to a lesser, campier effect, Antonio Margheritti's space operas. The Beast In Space is neither on the level of Bava's minimal masterwork or even Margeretti's entertaining if daffy thrillers. Directed by Al Bradley and written by Alfonso Bresca and Aldo Crudo, this quirky, kinky, and completely absurd marriage of camp and interstellar sex is more closely related to Luigi Cozzi's god awful (but lovingly made) Star Crash. Using as its inspiration not only the blockbuster potential of US Sci-fi but also (and in this case, more interestingly) the delirious and ingenious smut fest The Beast (directed in 1975 by Walerian Borowczyk), The Beast in Space billed itself as an unofficial sequel to the hardcore Beauty and the Beast opus -- with crazy jump suits and cheesy FX. Starring sex kitten Sirpa Lane, whose tragic life gave us some of the most smoldering sex scenes to ever provoke an erection, Alfonso Brescia's saga is bad filmmaking at its wonderful worst.

More of an excuse to blend together several scenes of outrageous (if not overly graphic sex) than a truly complex plot, The Beast in Space follows the adventures of Captain Larry (Vassili Karis) of Star Fleet and Sondra (Sirpa Lane), a girl plagued by dreams of a monstrous beast using her in the forest. The story open with the Captain drinking some Uranus Milk (ew!) and hitting on sultry Sondra. After a brawl with a trader merchant named Juan Cardaoso, he takes a sample of rare metal from his pocket, beds Sondra, and discovers her nocturnal fears. He realizes that the vial he stole is invaluable and the Star Fleet commands his crew to search an exotic planet for more of the same. Meanwhile Sondra continues having the recurring dream of a hairy dude in a puffy shirt raping her. Once on the mysterious planet a steadily mounting degree of sexual adventures culminate in scenes where the sex appeal is offset by the ridiculousness of the action. Highlights of silly depravity include sexually excited space horses, guys in gold paint fighting with the crew, and cheap versions of lightsabers. Captain Larry meets the man from Sondra's nightmares, who informs them that the material they want is horded by giant robots who also happen to control the planet. A slapdash party of less than impressive space battles, sexual acrobatics, and poorly written dialogue follows.

The Beast In Space is not a great or even good film. It seems that the filmmakers knew this going in and settled for creating a campy treat for lovers of bad movies. And they are the audience that will best appreciate this convoluted and awkwardly paced 'comedy.' Epic in its blunders and freakish design, this feast of insipid lovemaking and illogic is no where as scandalous or aesthetically satisfying as The Beast. Go into this mess with the right attitude and you will have a god time. Just don't expect true drama or characterization . . . you won't find them. In this case, that's alright. Sensation and spectacle is clearly the order of the day. A love letter to fans of 'so bad they're good' genre films, the terrible performances are only matched by the laughable effects. The only (loose) relation that this has with The Beast is the erotic dream sequences, which lack the freshness or surreal intensity of that picture. The Beast In Space is one of those titles you just never think you're going to see as lavishly and carefully presented as this version from Severin Films. While this is in no way comparable to their releases of unappreciated Jess Franco and Lucio Fulci classics, it is a worthwhile addition to the collector of Euro-trash.

Severin presents The Beast in Space re-mastered from the original negative in an 1.85:1 aspect ratio. While the colors are fresh and invigorative, the original source material is worse for wear in some scenes. There is occasional print damage and grain. Still, this is in about as good a shape as you will see this lunatic brain freeze. Audio is presented in Italian Dolby Digital Mono. The track is a bit uneven with occasional hissing. English subtitles are well written.

It's extremely difficult to locate and clean up such rare films as The Beast In Space, and even more challenging (and costly) to secure extras. The consistency with which Severin has crafted lovingly produced supplements to accompany these cult rarities is admirable. Here they feature Venantino Venantini (at an art gallery) discussing his origins and progression as an actor, focusing -- not surprisingly -- on this feature. An Italian Theatrical Trailer is also included.

Severin ups the sleaze even further with an XXX version of The Beast In Space. Coming in at 92 minutes, the biggest difference between this and the simply unrated title is a handful of hardcore sex scenes. The director of this footage is unknown, as are the 'actors.' Located in the basement of a condemned porno theater (how's that for advertising?), no truly important differences besides the sex content are worth discussing. Presented in 1.85:1 widescreen aspect ratio, the film is clean if not perfect, with grain and specks occasionally popping up. The Audio is featured in Italian Mono and is clean and crisp. Optional English subs are available. Extras include "Deleted Scenes" of hardcore footage and a Theatrical Trailer.

Review by William Simmons


 
Released by Severin
Region 1 - NTSC
Not Rated
Extras :
see main review
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