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27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
The Asphyx at last beautifully restored and available on two discs in a 2:35:1 ratio as the director had intended it to be seen. Included here is the original shortened UK version and the US longer (12 mins or so) version released in region 2 for the first time, at least that I'm aware of.
It's a tale of one of those well meaning but power-mad meddling with nature Victorian scientists who having discovered via the medium of photography what he initially believes to be the captured images of the souls of the near dead/recently expired soon realises that what he has discovered is the Asphyx, a tormented spirit that possesses the bodies of the soon to be deceased as its escape route from its own suffering. The scientist soon discovers that if he can capture and contain the asphyx before it can possess the body then that person, as long as the asphyx is prevented from entering them, would not die; the secret of immortality no less!
The Asphyx is a really quirky original british horror but it is very dialogue heavy. There is a lot of character building, back story, ethical debating, exposition etc which slow the pace somewhat and is probably best not watched unless you are fully mentally alert enough to appreciate the quite bizarre narrative, questionable behaviour and decisions and occasional illogicality of what it is laying forth.
A tale of perdition, guinea pigs both literal and metaphorical, immortality and obsession The Asphyx is well acted, has an interesting premise and manages to gloss over all the bits that don't really add up.
There are no real special effects to talk of bar the Asphyx itself which is a kind of glowing incandescent mish mash with a face of sorts, though what it lacks in visual effect it makes up for with sound by way of a nice screechy eerie noise.
There are few extras; one interesting extra is a 5 min example of the difference between the newly restored and proper ratio presentation compared to the disgraceful prior release and is more fascinating than it sounds. Other then that there is the usual trailer, photo gallery usual affair.
The Asphyx is not the greatest film but it is a good one for those who don't mind quirkyness, are quite forgiving and like occasional heavy character guided stories. Unfortunately through no fault of the other reviewers some of these reviews have been placed on this page by Amazon and are not related to this new fantastic release by Odeon Entertainment but to the earlier botched version so if you like this film don't be put off and definately buy the 2 disc Odeon entertainment version. The longer version doesn't add that much more but there is a nice additional 5 minute scene in particular with the two protagonists talking in their lab about the Asphyx which adds nicely to the overall confusion!
It's a tale of one of those well meaning but power-mad meddling with nature Victorian scientists who having discovered via the medium of photography what he initially believes to be the captured images of the souls of the near dead/recently expired soon realises that what he has discovered is the Asphyx, a tormented spirit that possesses the bodies of the soon to be deceased as its escape route from its own suffering. The scientist soon discovers that if he can capture and contain the asphyx before it can possess the body then that person, as long as the asphyx is prevented from entering them, would not die; the secret of immortality no less!
The Asphyx is a really quirky original british horror but it is very dialogue heavy. There is a lot of character building, back story, ethical debating, exposition etc which slow the pace somewhat and is probably best not watched unless you are fully mentally alert enough to appreciate the quite bizarre narrative, questionable behaviour and decisions and occasional illogicality of what it is laying forth.
A tale of perdition, guinea pigs both literal and metaphorical, immortality and obsession The Asphyx is well acted, has an interesting premise and manages to gloss over all the bits that don't really add up.
There are no real special effects to talk of bar the Asphyx itself which is a kind of glowing incandescent mish mash with a face of sorts, though what it lacks in visual effect it makes up for with sound by way of a nice screechy eerie noise.
There are few extras; one interesting extra is a 5 min example of the difference between the newly restored and proper ratio presentation compared to the disgraceful prior release and is more fascinating than it sounds. Other then that there is the usual trailer, photo gallery usual affair.
The Asphyx is not the greatest film but it is a good one for those who don't mind quirkyness, are quite forgiving and like occasional heavy character guided stories. Unfortunately through no fault of the other reviewers some of these reviews have been placed on this page by Amazon and are not related to this new fantastic release by Odeon Entertainment but to the earlier botched version so if you like this film don't be put off and definately buy the 2 disc Odeon entertainment version. The longer version doesn't add that much more but there is a nice additional 5 minute scene in particular with the two protagonists talking in their lab about the Asphyx which adds nicely to the overall confusion!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Luckily, I bought the version put out by Umbrella in Australia. It's the uncut that lasts for 99 minutes. The video quality is okay but the print used shows some wear every now and then. Let's face it: if you want a really good print of this movie, then a bit of restoration is in order, inasmuch as the film needs color correction, general scratch removal, and lighting adjustments. However, Umbrella did an adequate job with what they had.
Aside from those technicalities, the plot is original and the acting is pretty good, with Robert Powell giving a convincing performance.
Worth owning if you're a true horror fan. If not, see it out of curiosity's sake.
Aside from those technicalities, the plot is original and the acting is pretty good, with Robert Powell giving a convincing performance.
Worth owning if you're a true horror fan. If not, see it out of curiosity's sake.
22 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
A fascinating theme in an accomplished 70s period horror that I waited 30 years to see - and I'm still waiting. Why? The UK Anchor Bay DVD claims to be "A Widescreen Presentation" but, at 1.78:1, it's a pan-and-scan travesty that does zero justice to Freddie Young's Todd-AO 35 2.35:1 photography. Judging by the incomplete logo in the credits, it even appears to have been cropped vertically as well. A major disappointment.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Excellent picture quality
I have only viewed the UK Version (the US version is also included)so far. As mentioned elesewhere the picture quality is much improved compared to earlier releases.
Published 6 months ago by Benny
The Spirit Of Death Brought To Life
My 4 stars are for the dvd itself...Odeon & the BBC restoration team are to be applauded for this beautiful looking & sounding 2 disc release. Read more
Published 11 months ago by George W. Iscariot
Asphyx-i-ace-ion
Brilliant film! Remember seeing it on TV late one saturday night in the early 1980's when i was a kid. Read more
Published 12 months ago by KP
New Odeon release!
The reviews here are for some reason for the previously released Anchor Bay DVD - ignore them! This new Odeon Entertainment version has been restored from the original negatives.
Published on 12 Feb 2010 by CultMovieForums
Getting into the spirit of things
Before summarising the plot and reviewing the film I must just state that this is a review for the 'Hen's Tooth' release not the Anchor Bay release. Read more
Published on 30 Dec 2009 by Mr. Jonathon T. Beckett
Classic film, lamentable DVD
(EDIT: This review refers to the 2004 Anchor Bay DVD release of The Asphyx, NOT the 2010 release from Odeon Entertainment)
I'm in complete agreement with the other... Read more
I'm in complete agreement with the other... Read more
Published on 27 Mar 2005 by Neal Vincent
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