“Devil Girl From Mars” Restored and Released on Blu-ray

Devil Girl from Mars, the 1954 British black-and-white science fiction classic, is receiving a new restoration and its first Blu-ray release. Directed by David MacDonald, this unique film features Patricia Laffan, Hugh McDermott, Hazel Court, Peter Reynolds, and Adrienne Corri. The story unfolds in a Scottish inn, where guests are held captive by Nyah, a ruthless Martian, and her robotic minion. With Martian males extinct, Nyah’s goal is to capture humans for breeding, leading to a tense struggle for survival and escape.

The film, known for its economical production, was shot over three weeks with minimal retakes, utilizing pre-booked studio time efficiently. Patricia Laffan’s portrayal of Nyah is particularly notable, with her wearing a striking Martian costume designed by Ronald Cobb. Despite the challenges of a tight budget and filming schedule, Devil Girl from Mars achieved a cult classic status, largely due to its intriguing premise and Laffan’s compelling performance.

The restoration brings new life to this vintage piece, complemented by extras including a new interview with novelist and critic Kim Newman, an audio commentary by Newman and writer/journalist Barry Forshaw, and a stills gallery. The Blu-ray edition offers an exclusive set of four collector’s art cards, making it a must-have for fans of classic sci-fi and horror cinema.

Patricia Laffan’s portrayal of the Martian Nyah stands out as a highlight of the film. The cast also includes genre favorites like Adrienne Corri, known for Vampire Circus, and Hazel Court, dubbed the ‘fifties scream queen’ for her roles in films like The Masque of the Red Death. The film’s cinematography by Jack E Cox, who worked on Hitchcock’s The Lady Vanishes and Blackmail, along with a score by Edwin Astley, known for TV series themes like The Saint and Danger Man, add to its allure.

Available for purchase on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital formats from 15th January, Devil Girl From Mars promises to be a delightful addition to any sci-fi film collection.