Nearly every
element of Blood Glacier seems
slightly derivative of recognizable horror/sci-fi film classics, but this is
one of those genres where originality is not always the most important thing.
There is even a throwback on the style of filmmaking, with practical effects in
favor of the computer generated post-production work. German director Marvin
Kren isn’t reinventing the wheel as much as he is rediscovering it, and it is a
nostalgic journey that any true fan of 1970s and ‘80s horror will relish.
In a plot that
is immediately reminiscent of John Carpenter’s The Thing, a group of scientists and technicians are working at a
remote climate observation station high in the German Alps, researching the
effects of climate change on the glaciers, when they discover a mysterious red
liquid embedded in the melting mountainside. After a typical period of
ignorance common in all horror films, they discover that the blood has the
ability to create unique parasitic new life when it comes in contact with
wildlife. Animals are blended together, creating new hybrid creatures, but not
without using the body of the original animal as an incubator. Although they
are awaiting an important visit from the Environment Minister, it soon becomes
clear that the observation station is fast becoming a deadly hunting ground for
these grotesque monstrosities.
It is true that
much of the film’s details seem familiar to The
Thing, Alien and The Mist, but that doesn’t make the use
of practical effects and the creativity in combining animals any less fun to
watch. At the very least, Kren could not have chosen any better films to borrow
from, ensuring at least a moderate amount of viewing enjoyment. The DVD special
features include a trailer. It’s a shame; I would have loved to have seen some
behind-the-scenes footage of the creature work.
Entertainment Value:
9/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 7.5/10
Historical
Significance: 6.5/10
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