Humanoids from the Deep aka Monster (1980) [updated]

Humanoids from the Deep (alternatively known as Monster: Humanoids from the Deep) is a 1980 science fiction monster movie, starring Doug McClure (At the Earth’s Core), Ann Turkel, and Vic Morrow (The Evictors). Roger Corman served as the film’s (uncredited) executive producer, and it was distributed by his New World Pictures. It was directed by Barbara Peeters (aka Barbara Peters) with additional scenes of nudity and gore added. The musical score was composed by James Horner (Wolfen; Deadly Blessing; The Forgotten and many Hollywood blockbusters)

The movie was originally offered to Joe Dante (Piranha, The Howling) but he turned the project down. Barbara Peeters took the job instead, and shooting commenced in October 1979. Peeter’s version of the film was deemed to be lacking the required exploitation elements needed to satisfy the movie’s intended audience. Second unit director James Sbardellati, who would eventually direct Deathstalker was brought in to spice up the movie, and it was he who was reportedly responsible for filming the sex, nudity and gore scenes.

After Peeters and Ann Turkel saw the additional sequences they asked for their names to be taken off the movie but this was refused. Several people who went on to bigger and better things worked on the film, including composer James Horner, make-up artist Rob Bottin (who designed the humanoid costumes), editor Mark Goldblatt, and future producer Gale Anne Hurd (Aliens, The Walking Dead TV series) who worked as a production assistant. The actress who portrays the Salmon Queen (Linda Shayne) later became a film director.

In 1996, a remake of Humanoids from the Deep was produced for Showtime cable TV by Corman’s production company, Concorde-New Horizons, starring Robert Carradine and Emma Samms. Although it included some special effects footage from the original version, the sex and gore aspects — the very elements that had distinguished the first film — were toned down for TV and it was not a success among fans or critics.

‘Humanoids from the Deep is a fast-paced and energetic camp classic that should please horror and sleaze fans with its graphic gore, abundant female nudity, and sardonic humor. The creepy humanoid costumes were designed by makeup legend Rob Bottin (The Howling, Legend). They look pretty slimy and cool, especially for such a low-budget film, and in fact the production crew only had three of them! Through the use of some clever camerawork and tight editing, there seems to be many more of the ghoulish creatures prowling around and creating bloody mischief.’ GoArticles.com

Buy Mind Warp! Roger Corman’s New World Pictures book from Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk

Buy Humanoids from the Deep on Blu-ray Disc from Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk

New high-definition transfer of the Uncut international version presented in anamorphic widescreen (1.78:1)

Never-before-seen deleted scenes

Trailer, TV and radio spots

Leonard Maltin’s interviews with Roger Corman on the making of the film

“The Making of Humanoids from the Deep,” featuring new interviews with composer James Horner, second unit/assistant director James Sbardellati, editor Mark Goldblatt and more!

“Whatever Peeters’ vision might have been, it’s inarguable that the grotesque and silly “assaulted by sea creatures” moments make this movie, elevating it from talky pseudo-scifi yawner to something akin to exploitation classic. Certainly, the less said about the storyline, the better, and while there are some nicely suspenseful moments, the payoffs that don’t involve non-naked girls are lacking. Besides—and how anyone associated with the film wouldn’t understand this going in is beyond me—without the boobs and grue, it just wouldn’t be a Corman film.” Tom Becker, DVD Verdict

“Humanoids from the Deep has everything that I like about horror movies. There is a decent story, cute girls get naked, gory monster attacks abound (especially during the chaotic finale), and the cast consists of a number of name actors spouting off cheesy lines.” The Video Graveyard

“Finally, lets not forget the effects by the soon-to-be-legendary Rob Bottin. While they may just be creatures in rubber suits, they’re impressive looking rubber suits for a low budget flick. The attacks that take place also have some decent makeup effects. Thankfully Shout! Factory has released the uncut version of Humanoids, titled Monster as it was originally released in International markets. I know one additional scene includes a decapitation. Good stuff, indeed.” Horror Digital