‘Island of Terror’ Blu-ray Review (88 Films)

Stars: Peter Cushing, Edward Judd, Carole Gray, Eddie Byrne, Sam Kydd, Niall MacGinnis, James Caffrey, Liam Gaffney, Roger Heathcott, Keith Bell | Written by Edward Mann, Al Ramsen | Directed by Terence Fisher

Island of Terror, directed by Terence Fisher, is a 1966 British horror film that stands out for its intriguing premise and unique creature design, though it often pales in comparison to the director’s more iconic work within the Hammer Horror series. While Fisher is best known for his stylish and atmospheric contributions to the genre, including classics like The Curse of Frankenstein (1957) and Dracula (1958), Island of Terror offers a more subdued and, at times, uneven experience.

Set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland, Island of Terror revolves around a group of scientists investigating a series of mysterious deaths linked to an experiment gone awry. The plot is straightforward, but it manages to build a sense of isolation and dread effectively. The island setting, though not as gothic or elaborate as the castles and crypts in Fisher’s Hammer films, contributes to a pervasive feeling of entrapment and helplessness.

However, the atmosphere of Island of Terror is less richly textured than Fisher’s Hammer productions. The film lacks the lush cinematography and striking colour palette that characterized his earlier work. Instead, it opts for a more muted and clinical aesthetic, which, while appropriate for the scientific storyline, fails to deliver the same visual impact.

The film’s central monsters, the “Silicates,” are a fascinating creation—bone-devouring creatures born from a scientific experiment intended to cure cancer. These creatures are genuinely unsettling, resembling giant, amoeba-like entities that dissolve bones upon contact. The special effects, though dated by today’s standards, are effective in their simplicity. The Silicates are brought to life through practical effects that, despite their occasional awkwardness, evoke a sense of tangible menace.

Yet, compared to the iconic creatures of Fisher’s Hammer films, like Christopher Lee’s Dracula or the Frankenstein Monster, the Silicates are less charismatic and memorable. They lack the human dimension that made those earlier monsters so compelling, serving more as plot devices than as characters in their own right.

Peter Cushing, a staple in British horror, delivers a reliable performance as Dr. Brian Stanley, one of the scientists battling the Silicates. Cushing’s presence elevates the material, bringing gravitas to the sometimes stilted dialogue and implausible scenarios. However, the cast as a whole lacks the dynamic interplay seen in Fisher’s Hammer collaborations, where the tension between characters often heightened the horror. Meanwhile, Fisher’s direction is competent, but Island of Terror lacks the flair and innovation he brought to his earlier work. The pacing is uneven, with some scenes dragging while others rush through key plot points. The film’s tone is also more subdued, missing the intense emotional stakes that Fisher excelled at in films like The Curse of the Werewolf (1961).

Island of Terror also represents a departure from Fisher’s more gothic and character-driven horror films. It leans more toward science fiction horror, with a focus on the consequences of scientific hubris rather than supernatural evil. This shift in focus results in a film that feels less personal and more procedural. While Island of Terror has its moments of tension and creativity, it lacks the depth and resonance of Fisher’s best work.

In contrast to his Hammer films, which often explored themes of forbidden knowledge and the monstrous within the familiar, Island of Terror is more straightforward in its approach. The horror is externalized, with the threat coming from an external, alien force rather than from within the characters or their society. This difference makes the film feel more like a genre exercise than a fully realized horror experience.

Island of Terror is an interesting entry in Terence Fisher’s filmography, offering a different flavor of horror that, while not as iconic as his Hammer work, still provides some thrills. Its unique premise and creature design make it worth watching for fans of vintage horror, especially those interested in seeing how Fisher applied his directorial skills outside of the gothic framework. However, for those looking for the atmospheric intensity and complex character dynamics of his Hammer films, this might feel like a lesser effort. It’s a solid but unremarkable horror film that showcases Fisher’s versatility, even if it doesn’t reach the heights of his most celebrated works.

Special Features:

• Beware the Silicates on the Island of Terror! – Booklet notes by Barry Forshaw – Cover by Simon Pritchard
• Re-Graded High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray(TM) Presentation in 1.66:1 Aspect Ratio
• 2.0 Uncompressed Dual Mono
• Optional English SDH
• Audio Commentary by Film Journalist David Flint
• Original Trailer
• Stills Gallery
• Reversible sleeve featuring new artwork by Sean Longmore & original poster

Island of Terror is available on Blu-ray now from 88 Films.