Archaeologist Dr. Bentley (John Agar) and his mountain crew suddenly full into a cave while climbing. They suddenly find themselves in a deep hidden world with two races of people. One is a group of Mole like subhuman mole like beasts, and the others are albino men who fear the bright sun. But as Bentley and company soon discover, there is more going on in this sinister hidden world. 

MOLE PEOPLE (1956) marked the directing debut of former editor Virgil Vogel, who worked on Orson Welles’ TOUCH OF EVIL and ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET THE INVISIBLE MAN. It’s a rough first outing that has a found a welcomed home in the hearts of Monster Kids thanks to its rotation on creature feature like TV shows. It also came out in the golden age of sci-fi and monster movies. Being a tightly edited but uneven B movie, being first released as a double feature with CURUCU, BEAST OF THE AMAZON.  

The pacing is the film’s biggest issue with a slow middle section and a rushed ending. The film also shows signs of some of its cheaper nature with its use of stock footage from the 1953 documentary CONQUEST OF MOUNT EVEREST. But in the rest of the design the use of matte paintings and spooky shadowy cinematography by Ellis W. Carter make up for the film’s shortcomings. The suit work and shadowy caves give the movie a spooky feel that is perfect for late night viewing.  

In terms of the cast John Agar (REVENGE OF THE CREATURE, SANDS OF IWO JIMA) comes off as a likeable action ready lead. The script doesn’t give him much to do but it still plays it off nice. Rounding out the cast is fine roles for Cynthia Patrick, Alan Napier and Nestor Paiva.  

Audio/ Video (4.5/5) 

Shout! Factory releases the movie with a clean 2.0 English DTS-HD MA track. The audio is smooth with a few minor hiccups. For a 1950’s monster flick it’s by far one of the sharpest sounding. The musical score and FX sounds are kept in all their glory. Easy to read yellow text English subtitles are included.  

The 1080p HD transfer looks fantastic with two different aspect ratios, 2.00:1 and 1.84:1. For folks worried about the older 4.3 Full frame version, it is included as part of the Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode on the disc. There is natural grain and some minor print damage. The black levels are smooth with plenty of detail in the mountain scenes. The stock footage is noticeable and blurry. Skin and costume texture are clear, and the actor’s sweaty faces are gritty. Sadly, some of the white makeup on the albino mole people is pasty and too clear. 

Extras (5/5) 

Shout! Factory has gone out of their way to deliver the deluxe package of extras. The movie comes with an audio commentary by Film historian and Monster Kid Tom Weaver. Weaver’s tracks are the gold standard alongside the likes of Tim Lucas, Kat Ellinger, and Kim Newman of commentaries. It’s so packaged with information that this track alone makes the disc an essential purchase. Also featured on the track are some actor line readings of cast and crew quotes, David Schecter, and Jan Alan Henderson. 

For fans of MST3K, their 1997 episode of MOLE PEOPLE is included in a good-looking transfer. This is one of the more enjoyable Mike Nelson hosted episodes. “Of Mushrooms and Madmen” is a making of documentary that covers all aspects of the filming of THE MOLE PEOPLE. Rounding out the disc is the original theatrical trailer, a poster and lobby card still gallery, and in the Blu-ray case itself, reservable cover artwork. 

Overall (4.5/5) 

Fans of 50’s Sci-fi will want to add this disc to their collections as soon as possible. With the stunning extras and the Tom Weaver commentary, Monster Kids are going to want to upgrade from their older DVD editions. Highly Recommended. 

Director- Virgil Vogel 

Cast- John Agar, Cynthia Patrick 

Country of Origin- US 

Discs- 1 

Distributor- Shout! Factory 

Reviewer- Tyler Miller