The Asphyx

source: The Asphyx

The Asphyx

This film was certainly engaging. It had some good writing(especially poignant towards the end) and special effects that certainly served their purpose without being hokey. Well worth a look if you are seeking an obscure, well made British horror film.

I bought a copy of this thru eBay. It was the old VHS, untouched by digitization. I would recommend that one purchase the newer DVD. I have heard that the color and saturation is much improved. As for Sir Robert's performance, and Mr. Powell's: Quite extraordinary. Even the effects are quite futurist for the date that this was filmed. There is a bit of violence, involving two men and a guinea pig, so be aware of some disgust with relation to that. But by far, if you want to be enthralled by Sir Robert, and coo at Powell, you're in for a rare treat. I can't believe this one was out there for so long before I found it! Truly needs to be placed in the "Hall of Horror", since it is nearly on the level of the old Vincent Price works, like "Mask of Red Death" and "The Raven". Get it, and treasure it as one of Sir Robert's few performances still available.

One time I said to myself "Okay, I'm going to rent nothing but horror movies, since I havent seen enough of them lately, and I am going from A to Z". Which is how I can across the Asphyx. Folks, let me tell you, this is one GREAT weird little thriller, not much blood, but a whole lot of creepiness, a great story, and very british. What more do you want?

I have just seen The Asphyx couple days ago and must say that I was very impressed by it's classiness. Very well made with great acting and quite simply a superb and original premise for a horror/sci-fi movie.Plenty of drama and sorrow in this one.I have the DVD version of this movie and it will not have to worry about collecting dust in my house as I await another viewing already! Very cool movie.RATING 9 out of 10.

Immortality is a virtue that man has sought after since the dawn of history and now one man has found it. I originally rented this movie because, quite frankly, I was intrigued by the tag line. And boy did my interest pay off. I found one of the best films I have ever seen. From the beginning that you won't understand until they end to the subtle plot turns along the way. This film raises the questions " Once you've obtained immortality, what's next?" and "In the end, is it really worth it?"

Wanna be immortal by capturing your asphyx in a light beam? Wait till you watch this film and hear how it shrieks and screams; then see what can go wrong when you become obsessed with immortality. Then think again. But check out this film. On the back of the DVD cover, some critic called it "the thinking man's horror film". It wasn't necessarily that thought provoking but it does make you think by making you ask yourself the question "what would you do if you were in his shoes?"

Life after death - or rather what happens at the moment when our soul leaves our body (if you believe we have a soul that is)? This high brow concept and the capturing of an essence felt a bit like the Hammer horror tropes. I was fortunate enough to buy the restored version of this. The DVD did show the difference between this version and the one previously released - it would be unfair to judge the movie based on that meddled version, which cropped and "Pan&Scan" too. Anyway, if you are aware of the "classic" horror movies you will have a sense of what to expect. For other viewers it is important to keep in mind that there was a formula and a mood these movies followed. You may feel that they are annoying or boring or something else that is unpleasant to watch. But the art direction, the camera and the acting is spot on - or at least as intended (yes drama baby! You had to have it)

I'm a big fan of H.P. Lovecraft and this story has all the classic elements. This is classic horror set in Edwardian England. An amazing discovery allows the characters a chance at immortality. But as with all delving into the occult this one is fraught with danger. Soon accidental death and betrayal occurs leaving one hero horribly cursed. As mention above, this is not a cheap flick that uses stupid ploys like nudity or excessive gore. While not for little kids, I'd think it would be OK for 12 year olds and up. For a 1973 film, well before ILM, the effects are good. I give this film a 10, mostly for originality and story. It is out on DVD, though maybe only attainable now in used format.