When Roger Corman’s The Monster from the Ocean Floor is more notable as a home video release, that’s because of the bonus features offered. As my library of this producer’s films grows, I’m still in awe concerning what he’s backed.
Although this film directed by Wyott Ordung is not all that memorable in the long run, it’s still an influential watch. Although I’d rather turn to Target Earth (1954), that’s because it has a special place in my heart. As for this Aquarius work, I suspect it can be called first when concerning a familiar trope. When a lone woman is out to seek danger on her own, it’s safe to say some terror for somewhere is near! At least the restoration lives up to everything The Film Masters is famous for!
Like this company’s many other restoration releases, the thrill is more in what one can discover through the bonus material. One focuses on why Corman dreamed up this piece, and the other is on special effects artists Bob Baker and Morton Haack. I particularly liked the second piece because what I learned here is en par with all those old library books I read concerning how Eiji Tatsubara designed Godzilla and brought that beast to life!
What they made here helped them move on to bigger projects. Although the octopus here is nothing like The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, the question of what they can imagine is more up to them than the producer or director.
The provided mini-essay is quite good, and instead of choosing to review the movie again (it wasn’t anything spectacular), I’m looking at the contents! The provided booklet pretty much sums up all the challenges involved in bringing this film to life. Despite the lacklustre tale being very cut and dry, to keep up with collecting all the Corman related releases is all I need so I can say I’ve seen this producer’s vast catalogue of B cinema!
3 Stars out of 5
The Monster From The Ocean Floor Trailer
