Space Monster Wangmagwi – SRS Cinema (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: South Korea, 1967
Director: Kwon Hyeok-jin
Writer: Byeon Ha-yeong
Cast: Namkoong Won, Seon-kyeong Kim, Sang-cheol Jeon, Eun-jin Han, Hie-gab Kim

Release Date: November 11th, 2025
Approximate Running Time: 82 Minutes 16 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVCC
Rating: NR
Sound: Dolby Digital Mono Korean
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region Free
Retail Price: $19.95

"Aliens from another world seeking the conquest of Earth invade with flying saucers. They unleash a gigantic monster called Wangmagwi, who destroys everything in its path. The Air Force, led by ace pilot Oh Jeong-hwan, is dispatched but can do little in such still heavily populated areas. Amidst the carnage, the Space Monster picks up Oh Jeong-hwan's bride, Ahn Hee, carrying her along as it carries out the alien orders. However, when it tries to crush a young boy named Spider, the kid evades the monster by scrambling up its arm and hitching a ride in the monster's ear. He tortures it from within, cutting through its eardrum and, after finding a path to the nostrils, stabbing its inner nasal cavity. Eventually, Wangmagwi deploys a powerful death ray, melting entire buildings, forcing Oh to finally take action. He executes a risky plan to save his bride and the kid, while hopefully stopping the beast once and for all." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 3.5/5

Here’s the information provided about this release's transfer, "A holy grail among kaiju fans, it was long thought to be lost until an original print emerged out of the blue a few years ago. It is being released on physical media for the FIRST time EVER—anywhere in the world—thanks to SRS Cinema."

Space Monster Wangmagwi comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 28 GB

Feature: 21.1 GB

There is source-related debris, and outside of a few notable moments like damaged frames (see screenshot below), it is minor. Flesh tones look healthy, image clarity, contrast, and black levels are strong, and there are no issues with compression.

Audio: 3/5

This release comes with one audio option, a Dolby Digital mono Korean with removable English subtitles. Although the audio has some minor imperfections, most of the time it is in excellent shape. Dialogue comes through clearly, everything sounds balanced, and ambient sounds are well-represented.

Extras:

Extras for this release include a trailer (1 minute 21 seconds, Dolby Digital mono with English and Japanese text with non-removable English subtitles), Acquiring the Monster - a text-based extra about how SRS Cinema acquired Space Monster Wangmagwi, The Fans Speak - a collection of Kaiju-related interviews, text-based writings, images, trailers and a short film; an audio commentary with Seung-hoon Jeong (assistant professor of film and electronic arts at California State University, Long Beach) and author and Kaiju historian John Goodrich, and a collection of Kaiju trailers for films also available from SRS Cinema.

Other extras include trailers for other films released by SRS Cinema.

Summary:

Aliens from another planet trying to conquer Earth unleash a giant monster that destroys everything in its path.

The unfolding narrative remains straightforward: a giant monster, lacking any apparent weakness, causes widespread destruction. While the giant monster serves as the main attraction, and the scenes depicting its destruction are the most entertaining, the narrative still offers a substantial amount of exposition. That said, the opening setup does an excellent job setting the foundation for the events that follow.

Space Monster Wangmagwi is a Korean sci-fi film that fits firmly into kaiju cinema, a film genre that rose to prominence in Japan after Godzilla’s worldwide success. When it comes to performances, kaiju films are all about the monster/monsters, while the actors are merely there to further the story. That said, all of the cast deliver performances that suit the story that's unfolding well.

Besides the monster, the other main attraction is the special effects, specifically the miniature effects. Although the special effects are dated, they connect with one's nostalgia for 1950s, 60s, and 70s kaiju films. That said, the aliens' role in Space Monster Wangmagwi is minor, and they kind of fade into the background after they unleash the monster.

The most surprising aspect of Space Monster Wangmagwi is its use of humor. There are a pair of men who make ludicrous bets with each other over who is braver while the monster gets closer to them and a homeless boy who hitches a ride on and climbs inside of the monster. Composer Jong-kun Jeon's exemplary mood-reinforcing score should not be overlooked. Ultimately, despite its familiarity, Space Monster Wangmagwi is a fun kaiju film that checks all of the right boxes.

SRS Cinema gives Space Monster Wangmagwi its best home media release to date. Recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer