Chris J
MOVIE REVIEW
The Asphyx
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Genre: Cult, Horror, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Year Released: 1972, Kino Lorber restoration blu-ray 2023
Runtime: 1h 26m
Director(s): Peter Newbrook
Writer(s): Christina Beers (story,) Laurence Beers (story,) Brian Comport
Cast: Robert Powell, Robert Stephens, Jane Lapotaire, Alex Scott, Ralph Arliss
Where To Watch: Available January 31, 2023, up for pre-order now at Kino Lorber
RAVING REVIEW: A true gem of the science fiction and fantasy genre, THE ASPHYX is a masterful blend of Gothic horror and steampunk that creates a unique and eerie atmosphere. An underrated classic that deserves far more recognition, solid acting, a fun story, and cool effects (at times.)
The film's story follows a scientist who, using an experimental device, captures the image of an ancient Greek spirit of the dead, known as the Asphyx. Together with another scientist, they dive deeper into the nature of the Asphyx and seek to harness its power for immortality. However, the consequences of defying the laws of the natural and spiritual world prove to be dire.
The drama between the central characters is always engaging, and the standout element of the film is undoubtedly the effects used for the Asphyx, which are spooky and haunting in their own right. The animal-like noises accompanying the Asphyx add to the film's eerie atmosphere and make for an unforgettable experience.
The film's themes are fascinating and reminiscent of the classic horror films of the 1970s. The script is dialogue-driven and works well in this context, offering subtlety in place of flat-out scares. The film's look and score combine to form an underrated classic.
Despite its age, THE ASPHYX still holds up in many respects. While it may not be a box office hit, it is a film that fans of the genre should notice. The film's blend of iconic horror elements and themes makes it a unique and unforgettable experience, and its themes and atmosphere continue to resonate with audiences today.
EXTRAS:
– Includes the Standard UK Cut and Extended US Cut
– NEW Audio Commentary by Novelist/Critic Kim Newman and Writer/Editor Stephen Jones
– Theatrical Trailer
– Optional English Subtitles
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Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
01/27/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Here is a film that deserves to be better known. A scientist discovers the key to immortality by capturing one's asphyx - an element that each person has and which appears only at the moment of their death. I would have chosen the electo-shock method to capturing my asphyx over the ill-advised guillotine experiment used on Dr. Stephens' daughter.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
02/13/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Thriller has scientist unlocking the key to immortality by trapping a person's 'Asphyx' or soul at the moment of death. Hard lessons learned for the man who is punished by guilt for an eternity for playing God. Credit should be given to the characters for choosing rather chilling modes of death such as a guillotining in the immortality process. Inventive British horror with good ending.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
02/24/23
Full Review
anthony p
Curious horror/sci-fi from 1973. Another low budget British production that has mediocre reviews and a small cult following.
Mainly set in the 1870s the film follows a 'scientist' (not very Emmett Brown) macabre experiments with the human soul in his quest for immortality. (Dont ask it took me three viewings to understand although it is easier to understand after a few hours sleep.)
The psychic scientist, Sir Hugo Cunningham has 3 close children who tragically die one by one in the course of his work.
In the end Sir Hugo and a poor hamster are the only immortalised subjects. The film cuts to the modern day (well 1973!) and we see Sir Hugo as a deformed being the actor wearing some fancy dress mask clutching the hamster as he perambles round the city street like a tramp.
The film has being restored for home video to its original cinematic ratio with HD quality restoration. Why can't all these old films be restored?
I only recognised one cast member, Robert Powell who played senior nurse Williams on Holby City a few years ago.
Rated 2/5 Stars •
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
Audience Member
British 1970s horror imitating the Hammer films style. It succeeds very well in doing this. I found this film to be creepy with a great atmospheric mood, key ingredients of a good horror.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
01/15/23
Full Review
Audience Member
I saw this flick on Amazon Prime. There was a warning at the begining noting that this film was a mix of HD from the original negatives an SD from a US version. To say the least the switch mid scene was often times jaring but once I got used to that I got to see a silly little sci fi horror film. It felt like an over extended version of a twilight zone episode and after the 45 min mark the film takes a dive. That being said it was still interesting and if you can catch it on your streaming service of choose its worth a watch.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
02/23/23
Full Review
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