FORMAT: BLU-RAY | DIRECTOR: ROGER CORMAN | STARRING: RAY MILLAND, DIANA VAN DER VLIS | RELEASE DATE: MAY 4TH
Ray Milland stars as Dr James Xavier, a scientist who develops a formula that can expand the human limits of sight beyond the visible spectrum. Despite warnings from his colleagues, Xavier uses himself as a test subject. The results exceeded his wildest expectations when he gains the ability to see through solid objects. Events soon spiral out of control, threatening his sanity, when his vision is extended beyond the realms of human comprehension.
After the success of AIP’s Poe adaptations, director Roger Corman wanted to do something different. He decided the project would be a contemporary set science-fiction picture. The result was the officially titled ‘X’. Interestingly the title The Man with the X-Ray Eyes was used in the film’s advertising.
Milland had worked with Corman before, and he is perfectly cast as Dr Xavier. Despite the film’s low budget, Milland brings a gravitas to the role-playing the part seriously and with an earnest intensity. This is not a mad scientist; rather, he is a scientist that made the mistake of being his own test subject. This allows the audience to empathise with Xavier’s plight. The film is not without humour though: during a party scene, Xavier bemusedly watches the partygoers dancing away in their naked glory. As this was 1963, it is naturally very coyly done.
Second Sight Films have created an exceptionally gorgeous blu-ray. The transfer is a visual treat for the eyes. The colours are vibrant, and the sound is clear and distinctive. There is not a single grain to be seen, nor a pop or crackle to be heard.
There’s also a cornucopia of extras that are as compelling as the main feature. Director Roger Corman reminisces about the making of the film. He describes how X was comedian Don Rickles’ first film, and how Rickles was so nervous he initially underplayed his role as a sideshow barker. He also describes how he allowed three or four takes to be done, and that he had a rehearsal schedule which was a luxury for an AIP movie.
Author Kat Ellinger describes how many of the film’s themes have a religious allegory, being cast out of society, forced to wander the wasteland, which makes for illuminating viewing. Joe Dante waxes lyrical about the film and even goes as far to say that The Man with the X-Ray Eyes is a film that would benefit from a remake, in terms of the themes that could be explored more fully, and how modern CGI could really do justice to the sights seen beyond the visible spectrum. Also included is a Trailers from Hell with Mick Garris who states that The Man with the X-Ray Eyes is his favourite Roger Corman film.
If you like commentaries, then you are well catered for as Roger Corman does a deep dive into the making of the film, casting, filming in Spectarama, and there are plenty of anecdotes. Tim Lucas’ commentary is more scholarly but no less interesting as he compares literary works to the film. Graham Humphrey’s new artwork for the film must also be mentioned as it is simply gorgeous.
Modern audiences may find some of the scenes anachronistic (here’s a lot of smoking in labs) but there’s a power to this film that even after nearly six decades since its release, time has not been able to diminish. There’s no hiding from The Man with the X-Ray Eyes, he’ll see right through you.
