Shadowzone (1990)
A subterranean sleep experiment tears open a portal to a parallel universe — and something monstrous steps through.
Shadowzone - Movie Information
- Original Title: Shadowzone
- Release Year: 1990
- Directed by: J.S. Cardone
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 28m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 22, 1990 (United States - R)
- Alternative Titles: Zona D'Ombra (IT)
- Production Companies: Full Moon Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
Shadowzone - Plot
After someone is killed in the subterranean project called "Shadowzone," a NASA captain is called in to investigate. In the project, sleeping subjects are induced into a deep EDS state whereby they become portals to a parallel universe. Unfortunately this causes adverse reactions in the subject, and something gets through the portal, the consequence of which is an attrition problem.
Shadowzone - Trailer
See the terror unfold in the official trailer for Shadowzone:
On The Dark Side Of Dreams, A New Terror Takes Shape.
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Shadowzone - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- J.S. Cardone
Main Cast
- Louise Fletcher
- David Beecroft
- James Hong
- Frederick Flynn
- Shawn Weatherly
- Miguel A. Núñez Jr.
- Lu Leonard
- Maureen Flaherty
Writers
- J.S. Cardone
Producers
- Carol Kottenbrook
Shadowzone - FAQs
What is Shadowzone about?
Shadowzone follows a NASA captain sent underground to investigate a death inside a secret sleep experiment. Scientists have been pushing subjects into an extreme deep-sleep state that opens portals to a parallel universe — and something dangerous has crossed over, with deadly consequences for everyone trapped below.
What creature comes through the portal in Shadowzone?
The entity that slips through is a shape-shifting extraterrestrial being from a parallel dimension. It can mimic the appearance of the people it kills, which makes it nearly impossible to identify and adds a classic paranoid edge to the film's claustrophobic underground setting.
Where can you stream Shadowzone right now?
You can stream Shadowzone on Amazon Prime Video, the Full Moon Amazon Channel, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Tubi TV, and Fawesome — several of which are completely free with ads. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video if you prefer.
Is Shadowzone a Full Moon Entertainment production?
Yes, Shadowzone was produced by Full Moon Entertainment, the cult label founded by Charles Band known for low-budget genre gems. It fits right into their early-90s catalog of creature features and sci-fi horror, sharing DNA with titles like Subspecies and Puppet Master from the same era.
Who are the main actors in Shadowzone?
The cast is led by Oscar winner Louise Fletcher as Dr. Erhardt and David Beecroft as the investigating Captain Hickock. They're joined by character legend James Hong as Dr. Van Fleet, along with Shawn Weatherly, Frederick Flynn, and Miguel A. Núñez Jr. rounding out the underground ensemble.
Is Shadowzone worth watching for horror fans?
For fans of late-80s and early-90s creature horror, Shadowzone delivers a fun, claustrophobic ride. It blends The Thing-style paranoia with a pulpy sci-fi premise, solid practical effects, and a surprisingly capable cast. It's a quintessential Full Moon Entertainment cult item that holds up as a guilty pleasure.
Who directed and wrote Shadowzone?
J.S. Cardone both wrote and directed Shadowzone. He brought a tight, contained thriller sensibility to the project, making the most of the underground bunker setting. Cardone later went on to direct and write other genre films, but Shadowzone remains one of his most fondly remembered early works.
What films are similar to Shadowzone?
If Shadowzone hits the spot, check out The Arrival (1996) for more alien-infiltration paranoia, or revisit The Thing for the gold standard of shape-shifting creature horror. From the recommendations list, Books of Blood (2020) and Area 51 (2015) also scratch a similar itch for contained supernatural dread.
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