When making a new sci-fi horror franchise, it’s hard to avoid having comparisons drawn to arguably the greatest of them all in Alien. That’s the challenge that faced Species back in 1995, a film with more of a cult following than anything else, which is now getting a brand new limited edition 4K release through 88 Films.

Tests carried out in the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) program see attempts to create a female human/alien hybrid become successful with the creation of Sil. Her rapid growth and violent outbursts lead to her escape, which sets the team responsible for her creation on a mission to terminate her before she completes her mission of finding a mate and bringing about the destruction of humanity.

There’s something just so ’90s about Species, in a complementary way. It’s glossy and pulpy as it tells its story, highly sexualised as Sil seeks a mate, from an era where it felt like films weren’t afraid to be sexy, the nature of the narrative allowing it to be. It’s one of those films rated 18 here in the UK that you’d probably find teenage boys back in the day asking their dads to rent from the video store so they could watch it with their mates. Yes, there’s nudity and some violence, but it’s very tame compared with what modern-day audiences can experience.

SUPPORT US!!! WE ARE A SMALL, INDEPENDENT FILM WEBSITE WITH NO BIG BACKERS, SO IF YOU LOVE OUR SITE AND OUR WRITERS, PLEASE CONSIDER HELPING US TO KEEP FILM JOURNALISM ALIVE!

This release from 88 Films brings the film to life with clarity like never before, the visual effects almost suffering as a result of how hokey they still look to this day. The work of H.R. Giger, whose work on Alien goes unmatched, is as intricate as ever on Sil – sleek yet formidable as the ultimate temptation for any man. The use of practical effects is always a win, and there are some pretty gruesome uses of them as Sil makes her way through several men to find the perfect mate. There was always a sense of this film being an outright horror in the same vein as Alien; however, it never truly commits to the cause and, as a result, becomes a little too unserious at times, but thankfully not enough to stray into the field of parody.

As for the performances, Species features a suitably wooden lead performance from Natasha Henstridge in her debut film role. Alluring to men with her looks, Henstridge moves from scene to scene with confidence; however, if these men weren’t thinking through their pants, they might make it through the film. It’s one of those fascinating performances like Keanu Reeves in The Matrix or Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Terminator, where it’s all about the screen presence rather than the delivery. Look out for a young Michelle Williams at the start as a young Sil. It’s also fun to watch the team led by Ben Kingsley’s Xavier Fitch chase Sil across Los Angeles as if they’re in an episode of Scooby Doo.

Species is an interesting watch, particularly for the very first time. After all the years of it feeling like forbidden fruit to watch through my youth, it’s nowhere near as taboo as expected. It’s fun enough, but deep down, the film knows it’s trash and admirably wears its heart on its sleeve.

SPECIAL FEATURES ON RELEASE:

• New 4K remaster from the Original Negatives presented in Ultra High Definition (2160p) in 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio
• Presented in Dolby Vision (HDR10 Compatible)
• High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray disc is also included
• DTS-HD MA Stereo
• DTS-HD MA 5.1
• Optional English Subtitles
• Striking a Chord – Christopher Young on Species
• Muscle Man – Jordan Lund on Species
• Audio Commentary with Natasha Henstridge, Michael Madsen and Director Roger Donaldson
• Audio Commentary with Director Roger Donaldson, Make-Up Effects Creator Steve Johnson, Visual Effects Supervisor Richard Edlund and Producer Frank Mancuso Jr.
• Audio Commentary with Critics Kim Newman and Film-maker Sean Hogan
• After Birth: The Evolution of Species
• From Sil to Eve
• The Making of Species: The Origin, The Concept, The Discovery
• Designing a Hybrid
• Alternate Ending
• Theatrical Trailer
• Stills Gallery
• Reversible sleeve featuring original art

★★★

On 4K UHD and Blu-ray from June 23rd / Ben Kingsley, Michael Madsen, Alfred Molina, Forest Whitaker, Marg Helgenberger, Natasha Henstridge / Dir: Roger Donaldson / 88 Films, MGM / 18

This is a review of the 4K UHD release, Blu-ray release features/specs may differ

Continue Reading