Ann Collins is expecting, but no one knows precisely what. She’s been faithful to her husband David, who had a vasectomy years back, and her surprise pregnancy is progressing rapidly. But other worrying signs soon develop in this conception that’s more incredible than immaculate. Ingesting massive amounts of coffee and salt, and speed-reading as many books as possible, Ann’s blood type changes and she starts disappearing at night. As David, their doctor and friends try in vain to help her, they find they can reach Ann less and less, as this upcoming birth seems to have taken control of her entirely.

Penned by author and genre icon of both the big and small screen Richard Matheson (Duel, I Am Legend, The Night Stalker), THE STRANGER WITHIN is a stunningly well-crafted blend of sci-fi and horror, all set to a dynamic and chilling score by prolific composer Charles Fox (Barbarella, Little Darlings). With Barbara Eden (I Dream of Jeannie) as Ann, it also features George Grizzard (Bachelor Party), David Doyle (Charlie’s Angels), Joyce Van Patten (The Bad News Bears), and admired character actor Nehemiah Persoff (Some Like it Hot). Iconoscope anxiously awaits the delivery of this unsettling classic, newly restored in 2K from its original 35mm interpositive and available on Blu-ray for the first time.

For thoughts on The Stranger Within, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required:

Video Quality

This Blu-Ray debut from Iconoscope gives The Stranger Within an AVC-encoded 1080p transfer in 1.33:1 derived from a newly commissioned 2K restoration from the 35mm Interpositive. We have a great affection for telefilms, so this line has been a dream come true to get various classics and deep cuts on physical media. Once again, Iconoscope has treated this with the utmost respect, unveiling the intricacies of the production scarcely thought possible when it originally aired. This impeccable transfer preserves the nuances of the production, including facets that were likely indistinguishable in previous iterations. 

Colors saturate the screen with a noteworthy complexity within the suburban community and the traditional design elements. Skin tones look natural, with a lovely amount of facial detail present in close-ups. Black levels hold their form and never stumble in terms of shadow detail. The picture never succumbs to crush, and highlights are steady with no traces of blooming. This presentation is completely clear of print damage such as specks, scratches, and tears. The picture has a consistent, natural grain structure that preserves the filmic look of the presentation, showcasing subtle details in the background. Iconoscope has pulled out another win for fans of telefilms. 

Audio Quality

This Blu-Ray comes with a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mono track that effortlessly captures the sonic nuances of the feature. The score from Charles Fox guides the tone with great care, and every note comes through with ideal fidelity. The dialogue comes through crisp and clear under all circumstances with no buried interactions. The ambition of the soundscape is kept rather contained, but it accomplishes everything it needs to with ease. All of the elements in the mix seem deftly rendered. Iconoscope has preserved the audio with a careful ear for authenticity. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided. 

Special Features

  • Audio Commentary: Film historian Amanda Reyes provides an informative new commentary track in which she discusses the film’s place among telefilms at the time, the adaptation of this story for the screen, the background of the performers, the writing of Richard Matheson, the shooting locations, some of the themes explored, and so much more that is worth a listen. 
  • The Brilliance Within – A Look at Richard Matheson’s Telefilm Work: A new 39-minute piece featuring interviews with author & screenwriter R.C. Matheson, author & historian Anthony Taylor, and musician Amyellen Kessler, in which they discuss their relationship and history with Richard Matheson, what set his work apart, how he brought terror into the modern American home, his handling of various themes, why his stories worked so well for television, and more. 
  • Who Is This Child?: A 23-minute piece with historian, author, and professor Greg Eghigian in which he delves into the origins of the UFO phenomenon, how these ideas impacted the culture, the artistic endeavors like The Stranger Within that were inspired by this, and more. 
  • Vessels – Pregnancy Panic and Horror: A 23-minute visual essay from writer and critic Erica Shultz that explores the history of pregnancy being used in the context of horror, how abortion has been depicted in cinema, how The Stranger Within waded into these waters, and much more. 
  • Still Gallery (1:22)
  • Booklet: A multi-page booklet featuring a new reprint of Richard Matheson’s short story “Trespass” aka “Mother by Protest.”

 

Final Thoughts

The Stranger Within is a tense slow burn that takes the proper time to establish the horror and continuing dread of the situation while allowing you space to debate what you might do under the circumstances. Barbara Eden grounds the story in something authentic, completely convincing you that she is a woman who is overwhelmed and unnerved by what is happening to her body. The story avoids many potential setbacks that could hinder or date the storytelling, which allows it to feel just as relevant today. In the pantheon of telefilms, this one stands out as a creepy delight. Iconoscope has provided a Blu-Ray that features a terrific A/V presentation and a stellar selection of special features. Recommended 

The Stranger Within is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray. 

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Iconoscope has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.