Title: Incubus [Limited Edition] (Arrow Films)
Formats: The 1965 film is available via Blu-ray ($39.95) and Ultra HD Blu-ray ($49.95)
Genre: Gothic horror
Cast: William Shatner, Allyson Ames, Eloise Hardt, Milos Milos, Ann Atmar
Director: Leslie Stevens
Ultra HD information: https://customers.mvdb2b.com/s/IncubusLimitedEdition/AV628
Blu-ray information: https://customers.mvdb2b.com/s/IncubusLimitedEdition/AV625
Tell me more: Although Leslie Stevens is best known as the creator of the groundbreaking science fiction television series "The Outer Limits," his follow-up project writing and directing the gothic horror film "Incubus" is not nearly as well known. Filmed in Big Sur and other scenic California locations by cinematographer (and future Academy Award winner) Conrad L. Hall, the director's decision to film the entire film in the obscure Esperanto language as well as the death of two of the movie's stars by the time "Incubus" premiered in 1966 collectively resulted in no distribution for the film. Additionally, over time the film's original elements were believed to have been lost in a fire. Fast forward 60 years to 2025, and now "Incubus" has been restored in 4K from the last known surviving 35mm print and the results are glorious.
The story centers on a wounded soldier named Marc (played by actor William Shatner, just prior to being cast in his role as Captain Kirk in "Star Trek") who ventures to the remote village of Nomen Tuum to find a magical well whose waters are said to provide healing powers. Marc does not suspect that the inhabitants of the village are demonic seductresses who entice unsuspecting visitors and lead them to damnation. The compelling story plays out with one succubus named Kia (played by actress Allyson Ames, pictured below with Shatner) aims to destroy the soul of Marc. The intense series of events surprise like a top-tier episode of "The Twilight Zone" or "The Outer Limits." Additionally, the stylish black & white movie — as well as the spoken Esperanto language — evoke mystery in the forest, seaside and historic old church locales where "Incubus" is set.
Bonus features abound on the Limited Edition of "Incubus" (whether purchasing the High Definition Blu-ray or Ultra HD Blu-ray).
The bonus materials include:
- 4K restoration from the last surviving 35mm print by Le Chat Qui Fume
- Original lossless Esperanto mono audio
- Optional English subtitles
- Archive audio commentary by William Shatner
- Archive audio commentary by producer Anthony Taylor, cinematographer Conrad L. Hall and camera operator William Fraker
- "Words and Worlds: IIncubus and Esperanto in Cinema," a newly filmed interview with genre historian Stephen Biissette
- "Intemaciia Lingo: A History of Esperanto," a newly filmed interview with Esther Schor, author of Bridge of Words: Esperanto and the Dream of a Universal Language"
- An interview with the makers of "Incubus"
- Video Trailer
- Reversible sleeve featuring newly commissioned artwork by Richard Wells
- Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by Frank Collins and Jason Kruppa
Robert Kinsler
