NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Network (UK) Blu-ray (December 2021): Network (UK) have also transferred Peter Sasdy's The Monster (among many other titles) to Blu-ray. The 1.78:1 Scorpion Releasing 1080P is said to be from a "New 2017 scan of the original IP". The 1.66:1 Network is cited as "a brand-new High Definition remaster from original film elements in its original theatrical aspect ratio." Aside from the aspect ratios, there are some other notable differences with the images of the two Blu-rays despite the similar bitrates. The Scorpion has bolder colors, with the Network being somewhat paler. I actually don't mind the latter presentation which seems a bit cleaner (color flecks in the Scorpion - se the nurse's close-up face below.) The US image is darker but has richer, possibly embellished colors. Both support a degree of grain and are generally consistent throughout.    

NOTE: We have added 66 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Network (UK) use a linear PCM mono track (16-bit), while Scorpion use a DTS-HD Master - both in dual-mono and both in the original English language. The Monster has few aggressive infant screams - that do sound demonic - and they come through with depth on both tracks. The score is by Ron Grainer (Station Six Sahara, Night Must Fall, Doctor Who theme, The Prisoner theme, To Sir with Love, The Omega Man etc.) sounding clean if less remarkable. Network (UK) offer optional English subtitles on their Region 'B' Blu-ray. The Scorpion has no subtitles offered.

The Network (UK) Blu-ray offers a new commentary by Second Features podcast with Dr. Laura Mayne and Dr. Adrian Smith. They are having fun enjoying the details of the film with some laughter, questioning the many names of the film, Joan Collins as a stripper, how Pleasence always escalates a film and making note of some of the weaker aspects of the script. Network includes brand-new interviews with director Peter Sasdy, editor Keith Palmer and continuity supervisor Renée Glynne plus a brief time with wardrobe supervisor Brenda Dabbs. The Scorpion has an interview with Caroline Munro for almost 1/2 hour and John Steiner (Tommy Morris in the film.) Included are the superfluous "Katarina's Nightmare Theater" mode, a theatrical trailer and it has a reversible cover. The Network also has a theatrical trailer, alternative I Don't Want to be Born title sequence, an image gallery and the package has a limited edition booklet written by Adrian Smith. In the root of the Network disc are a folder with the script and poster with the film's synopsis - both in PDF format. Network handily wins on the extras.

Peter Sasdy's The Monster doesn't live up to its premis or salacious alternate-titles. It also is a letdown considering it has such a strong cast with Joan Collins, (always slinky but remembered as wholesome Edith Keeler,) Eileen Atkins (Cold Mountain), Ralph Bates, Donald Pleasence (The Great Escape to Fantastic Voyage to You Only Live Twice), Caroline Munro (At the Earth's Core,) Hilary Mason (who can forget her in Nicolas Roeg's Don't Look Now) etc. But it just ends up stealing conceptually from Rosemary's Baby and The Exorcist. A shame about the film not achieving its potential but the new Network Blu-ray package has the light commentary, booklet and four new interviews. The Scorpion Releasing has decent extras as well with two interviews and the reversible sleeve (see below). It's a film I am always seem to throw on every once in a while - despite it lacking in many areas and generally underachieving. I'd endorse the Network (UK) Blu-ray over the Scorpion but region-locking and price may make that decision for you.

Gary Tooze