On DVD: Demons

Directed by Lamberto Bava

Written by Lamberto Bava, Dario Argento, Franco Ferrini and Dardano Sacchetti

Starring Urbano Barberini, Natasha Hovey, Fiore Argento, Karl Zinny

Thanks to my fellow film critic at Cinegeek (who just happens to be my husband) Stephen Lackey, I discovered the cinematic delights of Italian Horror cinema. He introduced me to the works of Dario Argento, Mario Bava, Lucio Fulci, Umberto Lenzi and many more. So, with Halloween just around the corner, it is appropriate to check out the recent release of Demons on DVD by Anchor Bay.

The Movie

A group of people are given free tickets to the unadvertised re-opening of a movie theater. These people are happy to get anything for free as it seems many of them are ruffians, criminals, prostitutes and the like. In fact, one pimp brings some of his favorite earners out for a night on the town. What a class act!

Anyway, cue the synth music and the film begins. It happens to be a horror film about people who turn into demons. To everyone’s surprise, audience members start turning into demons and attacking everyone and everything in sight.

No one is able to escape the theater so a simple night at the movies turns into a European blood bath. And, aren’t we horror fans lucky for that?

Demons is a great example of a low budget Italian horror film. Lamberto Bava might not have the finesse of his father, Mario Bava, or the artistic style of Dario Argento, but Demons makes good on its promises. It promises to be gory and bloody and it delivers.

The performances from the actors go from decent to really terrible. But, that just adds to the fun of the film.

And the enormous shoulder pads and even more enormous eighties hair on the female characters adds another level of humor to the film.

Is Demons worth adding to your horror collection? Sure, it makes for a fun night of scares and gore. With that being said, just make sure you get some of the better crafted Italian horror films as well, such as Argento’s Deep Red or Suspiria or Mario Bava’s Shock to round out your collection.

7/10

The Video

Demons is presented in the original widescreen aspect ratio. The transfer is first rate with vibrant colors and a high level of detail. The black levels are respectable as well.

7.5/10

The Audio

Demons is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1. The original audio source was mono and it is also available as an audio option. The dialogue is clear in both.

7/10

The Packaging and Bonus Features

Demons is presented in a standard amaray case with artwork appropriate for the film presented.

First up, a commentary track from Lamberto Bava is offered, which is a real treat for Italian horror fans. Bava uses a translator and provides some interesting insight into the making of the film and the difference between the demons in the film and zombies.

There is also some behind the scenes footage. While the bonus features could not be described as plentiful, the Bava commentary track is great.

6.5/10

Overall (Not an Average) 7/10

The Movie 7/10

The Video 7.5/10

The Audio 7/10

The Packaging and Bonus Features 6.5/10

Overall (Not an Average) 7/10

-Suzie Lackey