From Screen to Scream: Unleashing Horror

Read Time:6 Minute, 29 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Demons (Dèmoni) & Demons 2 (Dèmoni 2… l'incubo ritorna)
/ – /

Genre: Horror
Year Released: 1985 / 1986, 2024 Synapse Films 4K
Runtime: 1h 39m / 1h 31m
Director(s): Lamberto Bava
Writer(s): Dardano Sacchetti, Dario Argento, Lamberto Bava, Franco Ferrini
Cast: Urbano Barberini, Natasha Hovey, Karl Zinny, Paola Cozzo, Fiore Argento, Nicoletta Elmi, Geretta Geretta, Bobby Rhodes / David Edwin Knight, Nancy Brilli, Coralina Cataldi-Tassoni, Bobby Rhodes, Asia Argento, Virginia Bryant
Where To Watch: Standard Edition DEMONS www.amazon.com and DEMONS 2 (www.amazon.com) 4K UHDs and Blu-rays will be released on August 13, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: When Lamberto Bava released DEMONS in 1985, he unleashed a visceral horror spectacle into the world that would become a cult classic, etching its name into the hearts of genre enthusiasts. The film plunges viewers into a seemingly benign movie screening in Berlin that descends into chaos when attendees become grotesque demons due to a cursed mask. This transformation sequence, spearheaded by the hands of special effects guru Sergio Stivaletti, traps the audience in an ever-tightening grip of terror.

The chaos is further amplified by a high-octane scene featuring George, portrayed by Urbano Barberini, combating the demons while riding a motorcycle (it’s as crazy and wonderful as it sounds), all set to the thrashing beats of "Fast as a Shark" by the German heavy metal band Accept. This melding of intense visuals and a pulsating heavy metal soundtrack featuring other bands like Mötley Crüe and Saxon injects a raw, electrifying energy into the film. However, the narrative simplicity might not satisfy all viewers.

The 1980s marked a golden era for Italian horror, with films like DEMONS embodying the bold and unapologetic style that set the decade apart. This period in cinema is celebrated for its daring approach to horror, characterized by extravagant special effects, atmospheric storytelling, and a unique blend of psychological intensity and gore. Italian directors of the era, such as Bava and Dario Argento, pushed the boundaries of the genre, infusing their films with a distinct artistic vision that influenced filmmakers worldwide. The legacy of 1980s Italian horror continues to resonate in modern cinema, offering a rich source of inspiration for its blend of deep narrative layers and strikingly inventive visual styles.

The demonic frenzy continued with DEMONS 2 in 1986, which transposed the nightmare from the claustrophobic confines of a cinema to a sprawling high-rise, employing television as a medium for demonic transmission. Despite its fresh setting and continued innovative special effects, this sequel revisits much of its predecessor's story, where it lacks originality but is notable for its depiction of a demonic child and a chilling birth sequence.

The confined settings of both films are expertly utilized to ramp up the claustrophobic horror, intensifying the atmospheric tension that permeates the narrative. In the modern-day era dominated by CGI, the tangible and authentically grim practical effects provide a stark contrast, offering a more hands-on approach to horror that's both appalling and enthralling.

DEMONS and DEMONS 2 have carved out their niche through a fearless approach to gore and a distinctive style of entertainment that borders on camp yet consistently captivates. They are a testament to a time in cinematic history when horror was not just about storytelling but about delivering a visceral experience.

Amidst their flair and memorable scares, both films have been given new life thanks to the efforts of Synapse Films, known for its dedication to restoring and releasing high-quality cult cinema. This restoration preserves the original's gritty aesthetics and enhances the viewing experience, allowing new audiences and longtime fans to relive the terror in high definition.

For those drawn to these films, there’s an undeniable nostalgia and appreciation for an era that celebrated horror in its most unabashed and spectacular forms. Bava’s creations remain pivotal, continuing to engage and horrify with their relentless assault on the senses, proving that the true essence of horror lies in its ability to evoke both fear and awe.

DEMONS (4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY)
The film has two versions: the full-length original cut in English and Italian and the shorter U.S. version featuring alternate dubbing and sound effects.
Uncompressed DTS-HD MA English & Italian 5.1/2.0 audio mixes on the original cut derived from the archival audio masters
Uncompressed DTS-HD MA English 2.0 U.S. theatrical mono audio newly remastered in 2021 by Synapse Films
Audio commentary by critics Kat Ellinger and Heather Drain, co-hosts of the Hell’s Belles podcast
Audio commentary with director Lamberto Bava, SPFX artist Sergio Stivaletti, composer Claudio Simonetti, and actress Geretta Geretta
Produced by Dario Argento: a visual essay by author and critic Michael Mackenzie exploring the legendary filmmaker’s career as a producer
Dario’s Demon Days: an interview with writer/producer Dario Argento
Defining an Era in Music: An Interview with Claudio Simonetti
Splatter Spaghetti Style: an interview with long-time Argento collaborator Luigi Cozzi
Carnage at the Cinema: Lamberto Bava and His Splatter Masterpiece
Dario and Demons: Producing Monster Mayhem
Monstrous Memories: Luigi Cozzi on Demons
Profondo Jones: The Critical Perspective
Splatter Stunt Rock: An Interview with Ottaviano Dell’Acqua
Stivaletti Q & A at the 2019 UK ‘Festival of Fantastic Films’
Original Italian and English international theatrical trailers
U.S. theatrical trailer
Newly translated optional English SDH subtitles for the English version
Newly translated English subtitles for the Italian version

DEMONS 2 (4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY)
Uncompressed DTS-HD MA English 5.1 & Italian 5.1/2.0 audio mixes derived from the original archival audio masters
Uncompressed DTS-HD MA English 2.0 true stereo theatrical mix remastered in 2021 by Synapse Films
Audio commentary by film critic Travis Crawford
Bava to Bava: an interview with Luigi Cozzi on the history of Italian horror
Creating Creature Carnage: An Interview with Sergio Stivaletti
Demonic Influences: Federico Zampaglione Speaks
The ‘Demons’ Generation: Roy Bava discusses a legacy in lacerations
The New Blood of Italian Horror featuring Sergio Stivaletti
Screaming for a Sequel: The Delirious Legacy of DEMONS 2 with Lamberto Bava
A Soundtrack for Splatter: an interview with composer Simon Boswell
Together and Apart: A Visual Essay on the space and technology in DEMONS and DEMONS 2 by author and critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
Original Italian and English theatrical trailers
Newly translated optional English SDH subtitles for the English version
Newly translated English subtitles for the Italian version

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[photo courtesy of SYNAPSE FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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