The Invisible Man Appears (Blu-ray Review)

Reviewed By Jason Lockard

Universal Monsters are a part of cinema history. One of those was H.G. Wells' creation The Invisible Man. So many times The Invisible Man has been captured on film again and again over the years. But sometime American audiences forget about Japanese cinema. 

Arrow Video the home for foreign cinema here in the United States on Blu-ray. Well they are bringing sci-fi fans another must own release that will need to be part of their collection. A double feature of Invisible Man films from Japan.

Film Rating System:
****=Don’t Miss it!
***=Worth a look.
**=An Ok way to spend an evening.
*=You haven’t missed anything.

The Invisible Man Appears (1949) A scientist successfully creates an invisibility serum, only to be kidnapped by a gang of thugs who wish to use the formula to rob a priceless jewel. ***

The Invisible Man vs. The Human Fly (1957) A series of mysterious murders happen but the only clue is strange buzzing noise at the scene of the crime… could this be linked to secret wartime experiments in shrinking humans to the size of insects? ***

I have to say both of these films are extremely well produced, acted and directed. But beyond being thoroughly entertaining films. These are two of the earliest examples of tokusatsu (special effects) cinema from Daiei Studios, later the home of Gamera. That makes this films historic.

As for this Blu-ray release both films are presented in HD (1080p but in their original full screen format. No stretching of the picture here and the original lossless Japanese mono audio and English subtitles.

Now examining these film transfers both of these film look amazing on Blu-ray. The black and white films are gorgeous. The films have not real damage to the prints. Having two amazing Japanese sci-fi film on one Blu-ray set is enough to make this a purchase. But as we know Arrow Video always goes above and beyond. And they have added these great special features.

Transparent Terrors, a newly filmed interview with critic and genre scholar Kim Newman on the history of ''Invisible Man'' in cinema

Theatrical trailer for The Invisible Man Appears

Image galleries for both films

Reversible sleeve featuring new and original artwork by Graham Humphreys

I really enjoyed the interview with Kim Newman. He drops a lot of knownledge on the viewer, not only about the Japanese films, but the Universal Monster movies as well. It is a must watch interview.

I have to say Arrow Video has done it yet again bringing cinema fans another release that is a must add with this Double Feature of Invisible Man films. Head over to Amazon.com and pre-order your copy today.

Out of 4 Film reels (4 being the best) Arrow Video's Blu-ray of The Invisible Man Appears receives...