"The Incredible Melting Man (1977/Blu-ray/Scream Factory)" Review

Review: The Incredible Melting Man is one of those types of films that blows you away with the amazing gore and special effects, but then also makes you think "what the hell, why is this scene in this film?!" of course alot of it's meant to be like that and put some satire in the film. If you are familiar with cult favorites "Slugs" or "Last House On The Left" you may know what I am talking about. The best example I can give is that there is a scene where these 2 old people pull over to the side of the road to steal lemons to bring to their daughter which is the main protagonists wife. It's one of those scenes you have to see. It's definitely a film I would put in the "so bad it's good" category.

The basic plot of this film is about a man who is the only survivor of a group of astronauts who are on a flight to saturn. After he arrives back to earth he is hospitalized and from there he breaks out and is now on the loose. The only problem is now he has become a radioactive melting man who kills anyone in his path. It's up to a local doctor to track him down and make sure he is no discovered by the press and public. Can he capture him before it's too late or will he become just another victim of The Incredible Melting Man?!

I really enjoyed this film the first time I saw it back in 2011 and it's became one of those films that I can watch from time to time and get a good laugh out of as well to see some damn good practical effects. The plot is quite simple and the acting is honestly not the greatest, but I think that is also what give this film the charm it has. I see it as a throw back to the 50's and 60's sci-fi horror films. This would be a great film to see at the drive-in. Now even though I did like the effects in this film there is one I want to point out that is quite bad and that is when they are at a plant and the melting man throws this cop onto some electric wires and when he hits the ground you can tell it's a dummy loaded with fireworks. It's laughable, but a good laughable. 

Of the actors in the film I really only liked the melting man which has no lines and just walking around killing and melting, and Dr. Ted Nelson (played by Burr Debenning) who reminds me alot of Bill Bixby for some odd reason. Now don't get me wrong when it comes to the rest of the cast I do anjoy what they do but they are just not as likable to me. If you do decide to watch this film then please heed my warning, this film is more for fans of campy horror. If you only really like bigger budget and more well known horror then please stay away because you will most likely hate it.I personally love it. I will end this part of the review by saying that yes I could of mentioned a ton of things that are bad in it, but I think you should experience this film for yourself in all it's gooey glory!

The presentation on this release by far is better than that of the 2011 DVD release that MGM put out under their limited edition collection. Now that release was good for it's time due to it only being available on VHS before that. The picture quality is awesome and the detail is quite amazing. The gore effects and special effects look that much more awesome in HD. The only option for the audio is an HD Stereo master which I am fine with, but some audiophiles may bitch and complain about that. The special features include an audio commentary with writer/director William Sachs, interviews with makeup effects wizard Rick Baker, Greg Cannom, and William Sachs. There is also some theatrical trailers.Overall this is a very fun flick with some damn good special effects with an awesome release!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: William Sachs
Lead Actor/Actress: Alex Rebar
Genre: Horror/Sci-fi
Blu-ray Release Year: 2013
Theatrical Release Year: 1977
Time Length: 84 mins.
Rating: R
Region Code: A
Release Company: Scream Factory (Shout! Factory)
Website: www.shoutfactory.com

ADDITIONAL SCREENSHOTS: