A classic and influential story, Jules Verne’s 1864 novel Journey to the Center of the Earth captured the imagination of many. An extraordinary tale of Science Fiction, it follows a scientist who believes there is a hidden, subterranean world beneath the surface of planet Earth. Something adapted into various media (including film), in 1951, a modern adaptation emerged in the form of a Science Fiction feature film, Unknown World.
A film written by Milard Kaufman (who wrote the Academy Award-winning 1955 film Bad Day at Black Rock), Unknown World (also known as Night Without Stars) was directed by Terry O. Morse (famous for directing the Americanized Godzilla, King of the Monsters in 1956). Brought together by two Hollywood special effects men, Jack Rabin and Irving Block, it was all done outside the world of a large Hollywood studio, limited by budget but certainly not creativity.
Released in theaters on October 26, 1951, it was never a massive success, and over seventy years later, it is mostly lost in time. Unforunate to see, Unknown World is compelling not only because it borrows ideas from Journey to the Center of the Earth, but because of its subtext of fear of Nuclear fallout. At this stage in history, it may not be talked about (with most moving onto fear of a climate crisis), but during the 1950s, there was significant public anxiety about nuclear war. Known to all as the Cold War, it was a period of tension that lasted over 40 years, during which many feared the world going up in smoke with the push of a button.
The focus of Unknown World, in the film, is Dr. Jeremiah Morley (played by Hollywood blacklisted actor Victor Kilian), who assembles a group of like-minded individuals to embark on a journey into the earth’s core to seek refuge from a potential Nuclear Holocaust. Filled with good intentions, naturally, there are dangerous conditions along their journey, but what they find in the process is hard to believe.
Straightforward and easy to follow, Unknown World is a unique Science Fiction film at the time, focusing on survival rather than monsters or alien invaders. An ambitious idea, to some it might seem dated, redacting the fears of the Cold War, but if you look at it objectively, it is no different from modern times, because all you have to do is swap one threat for another. Providing viewers with a curious adventure, regardless of any scientific accuracy, Unknown World is one of those Science Fiction movies that fans of the genre will undoubtedly enjoy. That is why it is exciting to learn that Unknown World is available on Blu-ray worldwide for the first time.
Released on June 24, 2025, through Severin Films, this new substantial upgrade from prior DVD releases is thanks to a new 1080p scan in 4K Ultra HD. With a sharper, more contrasty image, it is the perfect restoration of 1950s black-and-white Sci-Fi. Also featuring extras such as commentary, additional interviews, and a look into Victor Kilian’s blacklisting, with insight from his grandson, Crawford Kilian.
Overall, Severin Films has resurrected a Science Fiction film that time has forgotten, and in dignified fashion. That is why Cryptic Rock gives the Blu-ray release of Unknown World 4 out of 5 stars.
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