4K Ultra HD Review – X the Unknown (1956)

      X the Unknown, 1956.

      Directed by Leslie Norman and Joseph Losey.

      Featuring Dean Jagger, Leo McKern, Edward Chapman, Anthony Newley, Michael Ripper, Kenneth Cope, and Frazer Hines.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A radioactive, mud-like entity wreaks havoc in a Scottish village.

      Now, it’s time for Hammer to return with a strong release as they prepare to unveil X the Unknown, continuing their initiative to produce definitive editions of their classic films. This four-disc set is as comprehensive as possible.

      Originally meant to be a sequel to their successful film The Quatermass Xperiment from the previous year, 1956 saw Hammer enlist their production manager Jimmy Sangster to craft a script in the style of Quatermass, as creator Nigel Neale did not permit Hammer to use his character. Having worked behind the scenes for nearly a decade, Sangster wrote what is commonly regarded as one of the first 'killer blob' films, predating Paramount’s The Blob by two years. Although Hammer would pivot to traditional horror the following year with The Curse of Frankenstein, there are numerous aspects that support considering X the Unknown a fully realized horror film.

      The film starts with a group of soldiers in Scotland learning to operate a Geiger counter. Everything appears to be going smoothly until young Private Lansing (Kenneth Cope) discovers something significantly more radioactive than the metal they were supposed to be locating, resulting in an explosion that creates an oddly shaped fissure in the ground.

      The military brings in atomic energy expert Dr. Adam Royston (Dean Jagger) to investigate when a local boy playing in the woods suffers from radioactive burns. Shortly thereafter, a doctor at the hospital dies after coming into contact with radioactive material, leading to a rising number of casualties. The doctor is joined by investigator Mac McGill (Leo McKern). One of Royston’s colleagues is lowered into the fissure to uncover the source of the devastation but fails to grasp the reality of the situation until Royston theorizes that the radioactive incidents are caused by a creature that resides deep within the Earth, surfacing every 50 years to consume radioactive materials. Anticipating where it might emerge next, Royston devises a trap using cobalt, which reveals the gelatinous creature, prompting action from the scientists and military.

      Drawing inspiration from the American sci-fi/horror films that were popular during the era, X the Unknown serves as a solid companion to The Quatermass Xperiment, demonstrating that Hammer was capable of producing thrilling genre films that could compete with American offerings. The film's casting is its greatest strength, positioning Dr. Adam Royston as the equivalent of Bernard Quatermass. Instead of casting the rugged and forceful Brian Donlevy for the American star appeal, the producers made a wise choice by casting the more amiable Dean Jagger. While the reason for an American nuclear physicist working in a remote and gloomy shed in Scotland is never clarified, Jagger imbues Royston with a warmth that makes him relatable, especially when the scientific jargon starts to flow, culminating in moments like, “How do you kill mud?” In a notable scene, Royston has to coax information from Ian (a young Frazer Hines), one of the boys misbehaving in the woods, and Jagger's performance makes Royston a trustworthy figure, clearly aligned with goodness, a stark contrast to what might have transpired had Hammer cast Donlevy in that role.

      Jimmy Sangster evidently conducted research to create a credible world for the creature, and while the dialogue sometimes leans towards scientific jargon – cobalt, for example – the pacing and structure of the script are on point. It's likely that Steven Spielberg drew inspiration from this film for Jaws, as Sangster withholds the reveal of the creature until well into the final act, successfully building tension and fear, avoiding potential mishaps if the reveal occurred prematurely. Thankfully, the effects in X the Unknown were advanced for their time, even quite gruesome – how many American films showcased heads melting down to the skull? – although the UHD technology makes the miniatures and forced perspectives more apparent today. However, witnessing this on the big screen in 1956 must have been astonishing as the titular creature erupted from the ground, devastating everything in its path. Hammer achieved something significant, especially when many modern films using “better” technology fail to deliver.

      This stunning box set includes two 4K UHD discs and two standard Blu-rays, with all features available on both formats. It comprises three versions of the film – UK Theatrical, US Theatrical, and the As Filmed version – all presented in different aspect ratios, along with a multitude of extras. Highlights include a new feature-length documentary about the film's making featuring contributions from Toby Hadoke, Andy Murray, Wayne Kinsey, Dick Klemensen