Search - The Beast of Yucca Flats on DVD

Review for Alpha edition of BEAST OF YUCCA FLATS

Gregory Holmes | 11/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It seems a lot of people feel that this is a bad film. Perhaps it is, but I prefer to think of it as a "different" film. It's certainly different from most American films of its time in that director Coleman Francis took a European approach, making what is essentially a silent film and adding minimal dialog with ADR. The film cheerfully throws logic and plot away from the very first scene and instead, serves up one of the most surreal and curious experiences in cinematic history. As lost "city boys feed sodapop to thirsty pigs" and a gunman randomly shoots down an innocent man from an airplane, Tor Johnson as Joseph Javorsky (noted scientist) is turned into a beast with terrible skin problems by a nuclear bomb explosion. There is a coyote, a cute bunny rabbit, some cowboy cops, KGB agents and a surly gas station attendant. There is a flag on the moon (where did it come from?) and there is a young married couple (unaware of scientific progress). And don't forget the NUDE (yes a fully nude in 1961) strangulation scene that starts the picture. What it all might add up to I couldn't venture to guess but I'm certain that it is a weirdly entertaining hour of bizzare images and rather gorgeous black and white cinematography. This edition from the incredible folks at Alpha video is the definitive DVD release. Unlike some of the previous releases, this one is unedited and contains the full nude scene. Alpha has also included the original theatrical trailer for the film as well as an extensive catalog art gallery. The cover art for this release is the best of any of the editions I've seen. The print has some minor damage but in most scenes it is near prestine. Certainly this film won't appeal to many people but it is a great example of leftover 50's paranoia, showcasing some of the fears from that generation that often made them seem so exceptionally stupid. If you are into genuinely odd films, this one is a prime example."

The yucky beast of Yucca Flats

bernie | Arlington, Texas | 09/16/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"A fat old Russian scientist (Tor Johnson) defector with moon pictures gets irradiated Yucca Flats. He becomes a scaly that with a penchant for girl necks. We spend the next 54 minutes watching people running around saying kill them all and let God sort them out.

Most of the film is narrated if that's what you can call it. A side benefit is that we get a chance to see what 1961 cars, cloths, haircuts, and sleazy women (Lanell Cado ... Woman Strangled in Opening Scene) look like.

The opening scene was tacked on at a later date. If you are lucking you can get a copy of a topless Lanell Cado. And just who is the stand in for Tor Johnson in that scene?

Them! (Snap Case) ~ James Whitmore"