The cult 1967 sci-fi classic THEY CAME FROM BEYOND SPACE is getting a restored Blu-Ray reissue in 2021.
Watch a vintage trailer here:
Originally released in 1967, Freddie Francis’ cult sci-fi film is given a restored reissue in a clear and crisp restoration with excellent colour and sound. It was one of the original Amicus productions that, like Hammer, were around considerably during the decade of release.
Several meteorites land in a ‘V’ formation in the Cornwall countryside on a farm and an investigation is underway. Dr. Curtis Temple (Robert Hutton) is eager to find out what is going on, but is prohibited on health reasons by his doctor. His assistant and a few others turn up at the site, but when one of them uses a hammer and chisel on one of the meteors, it reacts with psychedelic effects and possesses anyone who comes into contact with it.
Possessing a local bank manager and claiming £1 million to help their cause, the now-established alien evil start to build a rocket to transport to and from the moon. Hutton attempts to get to the bottom of the initiative, not least in that the local townsfolk have fallen victim to a plague that causes a blood-spotted rash on each face….
A pretty effective (if a little of the period given the cars on show) sci-fi cult film, THEY CAME FROM BEYOND SPACE will be of appeal to cult fans who love shows like THE AVENGERS and THE PERSUADERS, but given the current climate it does seem rather timely given the plague plot in the film. It’s a solid entry, with some good visual effects and an atmosphere not dissimilar to INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1956).
Part of this is down to Francis who directed some classic films over the years and this certainly has style and substance. Well worth a purchase and a view.
