Island of the Fishmen [Import]

Island of the Fishmen is presented in an anamorphic widescreen that preserves the film's original aspect ratio. This transfer has been flagged for progressive playback. The DVD case lists how this transfer was sourced from original negative elements and the end result is one of the better looking transfers from Mya Communication. The source used is in excellent shape with vibrant colors, natural looking flesh tones, black levels fare well and details look generally sharp throughout. To date this is the third DVD release of Island of the Fishmen that I have come across with the previous two being a German DVD release from Marketing Film and an Italian DVD release from No Shame. The German DVD release which has English language opening credits is the weakest release of the three (it is also interlaced) and the Italian DVD release which has Italian language opening credits appears to have used the same source that is used for this DVD from Mya Communication.

This release comes with two audio options a Dolby Digital mono mix in English and a Dolby Digital mono mix in Italian (there are no English subtitles included with this release). The English audio mix is the stronger of the two as there are no problems with background noise or any other audio defects. Also dialog is crystal clear and everything sounds balanced throughout. There is some mild background noise present on the Italian audio mix.

Extras for this release include a theatrical trailer for the film (3 minutes 47 seconds - in Italian, no English subtitles) and a photo gallery with 27 images (stills / posters). Overall Island of the Fishmen gets a strong audio / video presentation from Mya Communication.

ISLAND OF THE FISHMEN is one of three films belonging to director Sergio Martino's Adventure trilogy, which also includes BIG ALLIGATOR RIVER and gore shocker MOUNTAIN OF THE CANNIBAL GOD. In it, a prison boat capsizes on an uncharted island, where the surviving shipmates fall prey to a species of mutated fishmen with a taste for blood! They soon discover that they are not alone, and that there is more to fear in the secretive doctor working on the island. Much of the action and horror has ultimately been reduced in place of the wordy dialogue in this specific cut of the film, but between the island's many booby traps, pitfalls, and amphibious terrors, the pacing maintains a steady flow. ISLAND'S full-bodied creature designs and miniatures are considerably well-made for the budget, recalling Roger Corman's HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP that would follow two years later. Where the film finds the most fault is in its familiar Z-movie plotting, bland writing, and stock characters. Falling somewhere between Martino's other two Adventure films, ISLAND OF THE FISHMEN is a mildly entertaining creature-feature that is sure to appeal to Italian film buffs.

-Carl Manes
I Like Horror Movies

I was really surprised to see this salad bowl called "Island of Fishmen"--lost city of Atlantis for a start, conspiracy, some representatives of Latin American tribes, shaman, shipwreck, mad scientist and, finally, Barbara Bach and couple white guys who are trying really hard to grab this prize. You may think or hope that for movie with ocean beach Barbara will show us her beauty--no luck, my understanding is you have to buy obscure Italian flick "Supertyp" to see her in full glory.