Hollywood's second of three attempts to bring The Island of Doctor Moreau to life (after 1932's Island of Lost Souls and before 1996's Island of Dr. Moreau), The Island of Dr. Moreau '77 is not without merit, even when compared to the sensational 1932 version. For the first part of the film, it features solid production values- Michael York (Logan's Run) is certainly a better actor than Richard Arlen, and the Sayer of the Law is less goofy looking, though Bela Lugosi was certainly the better actor. The scenes with York and the girl (a cat like in the other versions?) have a sensual feel. And Moreau is presented, as always, as an amoral scientist, whose dispassion becomes horrific.
Where this film version falls short, however, is the lack of the creepy atmosphere that Island of Lost Souls fosters- the shadows, the ghoulish figures, the dark jungle, the cult-like rituals. While in the original Moreau creates his manimals by vivisection and in 1996 he meddles with DNA, here we have some dubious serum that alters cells. Moreau says it opens up a world of possibilities in preventing deformities, which might be true, but creating an island of freaks out of animals doesn't really further that objective. When Moreau begins transforming York into an animal, the film goes downhill fast. The rebellion of the manimals, and the dark commentary on human nature, takes a backseat. Even if you're not impressed by this, check out Island of Lost Souls; it is still the best version.
Where this film version falls short, however, is the lack of the creepy atmosphere that Island of Lost Souls fosters- the shadows, the ghoulish figures, the dark jungle, the cult-like rituals. While in the original Moreau creates his manimals by vivisection and in 1996 he meddles with DNA, here we have some dubious serum that alters cells. Moreau says it opens up a world of possibilities in preventing deformities, which might be true, but creating an island of freaks out of animals doesn't really further that objective. When Moreau begins transforming York into an animal, the film goes downhill fast. The rebellion of the manimals, and the dark commentary on human nature, takes a backseat. Even if you're not impressed by this, check out Island of Lost Souls; it is still the best version.