View Full Version : The Beyond: Opinions?
Tristan H
18-05-2002, 12:53
I managed to grab a copy of the Limited Edition tin of this on Amazon.com last night (only copy left) and wondered what I was getting myself into. Does anyone have some views on the film - I've read very mixed opinions which range from describing it as a masterpiece to those who say it was the first step in the decline of Fulci's career. I like Argento's films, but have never seen anything by Fulci. Any opinions from you horror fans would be great. :)
the thing with no name
18-05-2002, 12:56
I love it.
It is really bizarre and has little to no plot.
The music is superb and the whole feel is that of a disjointed nightmare (not sure if that was his intention)
It has some wildly varying effects, the spiders are downright silly, you can see the sticks attached to them! But other effects are brilliantly acheived, like the dog scene.
Overall very good, but you're not sure why!:)
zombieman
18-05-2002, 13:13
Originally posted by the thing with no name
The music is superb and the whole feel is that of a disjointed nightmare (not sure if that was his intention)
It certainly was Fulcis intention. He wanted it to be a "Film of pure images"
Its an outstanding movie, extremely creepy, the effects are, for the most part, outstanding and shocking, with only the aforementioned spiders really letting them down.
Anyone who says "The Beyond" was the first step in the decline of Lucio Fulcis career needs their head examining :D
Johnny Vodka
18-05-2002, 13:19
I'm not a big fan, although I know many think it's Fulci's masterpiece. It's little more than a series of unconnected - but mostly well-staged - gore scenes. There is an atmosphere of dread, but it's all rather uninvolving.
Personally, I prefer Zombie Flesh-Eaters and City of the Living Dead.
The Beyond
18-05-2002, 13:31
Phew!
You're asking about the film.
I thought you were all talking about me, behind my back then. :D
(For what its worth -if you like bizarre European horror films that are low on sense, but high on atmosphere then you should love it.)
I think it is Fulci's greatest film (if not, perhaps, his best or my favourite - "Four of the Apocalyspe" and "House by the Cemetery" get those gongs).
It's a tough one to call. It was my entry point to Spaghetti-splatter (and Italian cinema as a wjhole) waaaayyyyy back in the early 80s at the local ABC. I have found the DVD edition (and previous video incarnations) endlessly rewatchable, and I genuinely enjoy every minute of its running time. The Anchor Bay edition was in fact a key deciding point in moving over to DVD (and region-free DVD at that). No real objective perspective on this one, then. But it is a film that inspires real love and affection from its afficionados.
If you end up not liking the film you will have one of the best Special Editions on the market, put together with real love and care by grindhouse. The commentary is a cracker:- warm, witty, happy, tragic and sad.
I'd like to hear what you think of it. Particularly from a fan of Argento's work.
sidebog7
18-05-2002, 14:07
I'll agree with all that. Fantastic DVD package. The commentary is a cracker. The interview is interesting and the booklet is great read for a brief introduction to Fulci.
Beware of the spiders in the film though ;) .
Tristan H
18-05-2002, 14:32
Thanks for the opinions guys! Much appreciated. :)
Michael Brooke
18-05-2002, 14:36
It was the first Fulci film I ever saw and remains my favourite - it's just about the only time he ever got the balance between gory set-pieces and weirdly compelling atmosphere just about right (though I'm not exactly blind to its faults!).
A testament to how surprisingly involving it is is the fact that I didn't actually realise just how heavily cut the original UK release was until I saw an uncut video in the early 1990s. Since <I>Zombie Flesh Eaters</I> has precious little going for it other than the gore, the fact that <I>The Beyond</I> still holds your attention even when trimmed speaks volumes.
zombieman
18-05-2002, 14:45
I completely agree with MB. I first saw The Beyond heavily censored on the Vipco label, and it was the creepy and surreal atmosphere that drew me in, and got me hooked on Italian genre films.
A brilliant film, I think... I've watched this film quite a few times - the film doesn't make any sense at all, the acting is fairly poor, etc - but on the plus side - it's quite creepy, it's gory (and looks good too!), and that excellent score by Frizzi...
The commentary by Catriona MacColl and David Warbeck is an excellent commentary - it's one of the few commentaries I've listened to all the way through more than once! Warbeck died not long after making the commentary though.
The other extras are pretty good too... :)
I like Zombi 2 as well - but L'Aldila is the better film. Zombi 2 does have an excellent score.
Creamstick
18-05-2002, 16:23
Genius.
The German
18-05-2002, 16:53
Could have done with a bit more budget as the crap spiders spoil the overall illusion and the script isn't that great but these Italians concentrate on style through sound and imagery and this film has lashings of style. If you like this your lucky in that there are loads of other Italian classics to see from the last 40 years but beware the numerous crap offerings.
Hernster
14-07-2008, 17:55
It's about time they got around to re-releasing this! (http://www.grindhousereleasing.com/beyond1sheet_b.html)
http://hern.250free.com/Beyond_DVDs.jpg
Number 7, come to Daddy. :D
It's about time they got around to re-releasing this! (http://www.grindhousereleasing.com/beyond1sheet_b.html)
http://hern.250free.com/Beyond_DVDs.jpg
Number 7, come to Daddy. :D
Jesus - that's love. I have to say, looks like another purchase for me too (although I got rid of a couple of early versions, I kept my AB Tin - currently my favourite version)
Hernster
14-07-2008, 18:09
Jesus - that's love. I have to say, looks like another purchase for me too (although I got rid of a couple of early versions, I kept my AB Tin - currently my favourite version)
It's a bit of an obsession like, lol. :)
Checking out the spec's, it looks identical to the R1 release.
I don't believe for a second their 'hi-def' quote about the print though. :suspect:
Hernster
14-07-2008, 18:12
Another poster from their site:
http://www.grindhousereleasing.com/beyond1sheet_a.html
:luv:
Another poster from their site:
http://www.grindhousereleasing.com/beyond1sheet_a.html
:luv:
Yeah, that's nice! Although I do have a fondness for the print that's on the Anchor Bay tin. I picked up a copy of the poster from ebay and had it framed. It may not be an original poster, but it's a lovely colourful design - perfect for the living room when I get round to hanging it up. :D
Hernster
14-07-2008, 18:32
I have that one also still rolled up in it's poster tube, and a poster from the German release, in it's tube too. :embarassed: lol.
I have the EC version, which is top middle of that pic. It was the first dvd I ever bought, about 10 yr ago. Ahh the memories, but about time for an upgrade with the new version I think.
SIMON ADEBISI
14-07-2008, 19:16
Ive only ever seen the uncut version on a crap vipco dvd i bought about 2000. Dont think ill upgrade it though.
LouBarlow
14-07-2008, 19:23
I have the AB tin too and it is one of my favourite purchases, to this day.
LordoftheDance
14-07-2008, 19:30
I have the standard AB disc (thanks Ratfink!) and love the film. :thumbs:
Will definitely upgrade if picture/sound quality has been markedly improved.
I have that one also still rolled up in it's poster tube,
Well, better than it sitting on the floor like this (http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/5769/beyondposterpe4.jpg) :D
Hernster
14-07-2008, 20:10
Well, better than it sitting on the floor like this (http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/5769/beyondposterpe4.jpg) :D
Pwoar! :luv:
:thumbs:
Not my actual poster, but what I could find online:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v41/RHern/22_1_b.jpg
dennisspooner
14-07-2008, 20:30
Apart from the fact this film should be in the "classic" section rather than modern- its a superb movie and Fulci's best.
I still have my tin edition but wont be upgrading until Bluray
That is a nice poster Hernster! Hope you get yours framed (it's finding the room though, isn't it!).
Dennis - I'm not HD as yet, but I know soon as my types of films start hitting the format, I'll have my arm twisted. Grubby Italian films in HD - the thought makes me chuckle.
I watched Fulci's Conquest the other night. That's one sucker that HD would do little for! :D
That is a nice poster Hernster! Hope you get yours framed (it's finding the room though, isn't it!).
Dennis - I'm not HD as yet, but I know soon as my types of films start hitting the format, I'll have my arm twisted. Grubby Italian films in HD - the thought makes me chuckle.
I watched Fulci's Conquest the other night. That's one sucker that HD would do little for! :D
But it's all soft focus isn't it?
I'd like to see Cut and Run in HD :thumbs:
But it's all soft focus isn't it?
I'd like to see Cut and Run in HD :thumbs:
Yeah, I was being somewhat ironic, because to Blue Underground's credit, they have cleaned it up a great deal. Not least compared to the virtually unwatchable VHS. It's a very murky film anyway.
I read a review on Conquest, that described the visuals as akin to watching the movie through contact lenses you have been wearing for 3 months straight. An accurate description as any!
As for Cut & Run, terrific flick that one! :thumbs:
SIMON ADEBISI
15-07-2008, 08:04
If Cut & Run was in HD would they be able to restore the gore scenes?
On my AB copy they are of very poor quality. Especially the treee trap scene.
LordoftheDance
15-07-2008, 08:57
Well they took the gore scenes from a Japanese source IIRC, so no, they wouldn't. Have you seen the similar tree scene from Fulci's Demonia dude? It's so bad it's funny. :D
And Conquest is ****.
SIMON ADEBISI
15-07-2008, 09:09
Conquest was ass.
Not seen Demonia but it sounds funny.
And Conquest is ****.
Undoubtedly, but entertaining **** all the same. It gave me the giggles anyway.
I love its utter cheesiness. From the cringeworthy dialogue, to the crap-tastic effects; the cotton wool monsters, that can be seen wearing trainers being a highlight. Also, the awful fight scenes, and shameless lapses in logic (like the underwater scene). The actors play it so straight too. :D
'course it was one of Fulci's self confessed paying-the-bills movies. Fair play to him! :thumbs:
It also has boobies :shrug:
stuart cracknell
15-07-2008, 15:39
There's an unopened Anchor Bay tin on eBay for a buy it now price of £150!!!
Hernster
25-10-2008, 06:22
The new Grindhouse release shipped yesterday for me from DVDPacific!
Mine too... along with Pieces :thumbs:
there's a few reviews up for pieces none for the beyond yet though.
got mine from axel yesterday, still find the movie pretty wierd and random but then i say to myself it's an italian horror film and then it all makes sense.
The chic who plays the ginger girl is looking prety fine these days, she's interviewed in the special features.
Hernster
02-11-2008, 11:14
Jammy! I'm still waiting for mine. :)
Fingers crossed for tomorrow.
The one who gets shot in the face? Shes about 12 in the movie :lol:
The one who gets shot in the face? Shes about 12 in the movie :lol:
Thats the one, i mean she looks hot now she's in her 30's not when she's bloody 12:doh: , you definatly would.
Hernster
03-11-2008, 14:00
About to pop the disc in! :D
Hernster
03-11-2008, 22:52
Sorry. :)
This won't help either:
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/7410/picture007nr2.th.jpg (http://img227.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture007nr2.jpg)
I've had a quick flick through the film, I think the print looks exactly the same as the R1 Anchor Bay release. I'll have a proper look at it in the next couple of days. Menu's are identical to the R1 AB release, except for a few menu title font changes, and they've bunged on a couple more cast/crew interviews. It also comes with an introduction by Catriona MacColl. I think that is already mentioned above.
ralph wiggum
04-11-2008, 04:13
Mine arrived yesterday along with Pieces. I'll try to get time to watch them today. :thumbs:
Sorry. :)
This won't help either:
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/7410/picture007nr2.th.jpg (http://img227.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture007nr2.jpg)
Nah, I already have the AB tin and the regular AB release :razz: :lol:
I've had a quick flick through the film, I think the print looks exactly the same as the R1 Anchor Bay release. I'll have a proper look at it in the next couple of days. Menu's are identical to the R1 AB release, except for a few menu title font changes, and they've bunged on a couple more cast/crew interviews. It also comes with an introduction by Catriona MacColl. I think that is already mentioned above.
Hmm... guess I'll watch Pieces first then :shrug:
Hernster
04-11-2008, 13:59
Nah, I already have the AB tin and the regular AB release :razz: :lol:
:lol:
Hmm... guess I'll watch Pieces first then :shrug:
I would have done the same, if I had bought Pieces too. The extra few short interviews are a nice bonus, but overall, I was disappointed.
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