Night of the Demons Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Night of the Demons" by Scream Factory exhibits a well-executed AVC encoded 1080p transfer framed at 1.85:1. Despite the film's pervasive darkness, this transfer succeeds in delivering acceptable to impressive shadow detail. Contrast is managed proficiently, allowing the darker elements to retain clarity and avoid becoming muddled. The colors are notably vibrant and accurate, showing a discernible improvement over the inferior Anchor Bay DVD edition. An intriguing observation is the fine grain presence even in the most dimly lit sequences, maintaining a natural film-like quality without succumbing to excess denoising. Although the abundance of dark scenes offers limited chances for fine details to shine, these moments become appreciably crisper in well-lit scenes.

The overall resolution of the transfer is commendable with satisfying clarity that showcases the image's inherent age while still appearing in remarkably good condition. This is highlighted significantly during the few brightly lit moments, where fine details emerge more distinctly. The film's darker scenes are purposefully designed, yet they maintain competent delineation and minimize issues typical of low-budget productions. While there are rare instances of digitized blacks and minor crush, these do not detract from the overall visual experience. The high-definition mastering features excellent brightness levels and a slight grayscale contrast that fits well within the film's aesthetic. Colors remain boldly saturated with excellent rendition; secondary hues particularly stand out. Fans of the film will appreciate the thin, consistent layer of grain that preserves a classic cinematic feel throughout the entire view.

The audio presentation of "Night of the Demons" on Blu-ray offers three distinctive DTS-HD Master Audio options: the original 2.0 mix, a revised 2.0 mix, and a 5.1 surround mix. The original 2.0 track provides a nostalgic but somewhat lackluster experience, characterized by occasional hissing and background noise. While serving its purpose, this track remains flat with limited dynamic range. Conversely, the revised 2.0 mix significantly improves on fidelity, clarity, and amplitude. This remastered option enriches the audio with a spacious soundstage, effective off-screen effects, and an improved mid-range, extending well into the upper frequencies without distortion.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix aims to enhance the immersion but delivers a mixed performance. Although it benefits the film's synth-heavy score, low-end sounds, and some discrete foley effects, it suffers from an occasionally hollow echo effect due to the limitations of stretching the source material. This track is predominantly front-heavy with limited utilization of rear channels, compromising its overall immersive quality. Both the revised 2.0 and 5.1 tracks exhibit clear dialogue delivery, benefiting from well-prioritized and intelligible vocal representation in the center channel. Furthermore, fans will appreciate optional English subtitles for added accessibility.

In summary, the standout among the three is undoubtedly the new 2.0 mix, providing a balanced and engaging auditory experience without sacrificing clarity or detail. Although the 5.1 mix offers some benefits in specific contexts, it falls short of full immersion due to its inherent limitations. Regardless of preference, these audio options ensure that viewers can enjoy a high-quality listening experience tailored to their liking.

The Blu-ray of "Night of the Demons" from Shout! delivers a rich array of extras, including a blend of new high-definition exclusives and legacy content from previous releases. Featuring dual audio commentaries: one with director Kevin Tenney alongside producers Jeff Geoffrey and Walter Josten delving into production decisions and another with Tenney, key cast members, and makeup effects creator Steve Johnson, offering a more anecdotal and humorous recounting. The "You're Invited" feature is a comprehensive making-of documentary with crew and cast interviews. Additional interviews, such as Amelia Kinkade's, give personal insights into the franchise. Shorter segments like Alison Barron's photo essay and promotional reels round out the offerings, making this Blu-ray edition indispensable for fans and film historians alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Kevin Tenney with producers.
• Audio Commentary: Director and key cast members with makeup effects creator.
• You're Invited: Full making-of documentary.
• Interview with Amelia Kinkade: In-depth solo interview.
• Alison Barron's Demon Memories: Personal photo collection.
• Promo Reel: Extended commercial.
• Still Gallery: Production photos and special effects.
• Trailers: Theatrical, video trailer, TV spots, and radio spot.

"Night of the Demons" is an iconic horror film that perfectly blends chilling scenes with entertaining, low-budget charm. Directed by Kevin Tenney, who made a strong debut with "Witchboard," the film kicks off with a group of stereotypical teenagers gathering at Hull House, an abandoned mortuary, for a Halloween bash organized by the gothic outcast Angela (Amelia Kinkade). The plot initially unfolds slowly, establishing character dynamics and the eerie setting before diving into the supernatural chaos. Although the first half is relatively restrained, setting a tense atmosphere with flickering candles and haunted seances, the second half rapidly escalates into grotesque mayhem.

The cast features notably diverse characters, albeit fitting into classic horror archetypes. Cathy Podewell stars as Judy, the quintessential "final girl," whose Alice in Wonderland costume adds an interesting narrative layer. The budding romance between her and her boyfriend Jay (Lance Fenton) feels genuine despite the predictably shallow dialogue. The film's self-awareness of genre clichés adds a comedic layer that softens its otherwise grisly spectacle. Angela's transformation into a demonic bride and her unforgettable dance to Bauhaus's "Stigmata Martyr" stand out as memorable highlights, accentuated by impressive practical effects and Tenney's inventive camerawork, including dolly shots and push-pull Vertigo effects.

While the acting often borders on exaggerated or lackluster, it serves the film's B-movie essence well. Standout performances come from Amelia Kinkade and Linnea Quigley ("Return of the Living Dead"), whose provocative antics embody the film's playful yet eerie tone. Despite its moderate budget, the visual effects shine, especially in the makeup and creature designs. Ultimately, "Night of the Demons" crafts an engaging blend of humor and horror, making it a perfect choice for Halloween viewing. The Blu-ray release by Shout! Factory enhances this experience with vibrant packaging and insightful commentary tracks that delve deeper into the film’s cult status.

"Night of the Demons" stands out as a cult classic that thrives on its clever execution and enduring appeal. The film, directed by Kevin Tenney and scripted by Joe Augustyn, is unapologetic in its slow burn approach, rewarding patient viewers with a delightful blend of horror and nostalgia. While it doesn't break new ground in terms of originality, it triumphs through its effective use of minimalist settings and a creative narrative that holds its ground against modern imitators. Amelia Kinkade and Linnea Quigley contribute memorable performances that elevate the film, transforming it into an enjoyable Halloween staple.

The Blu-ray release from Scream Factory is exemplary, offering crystal-clear picture quality and a trio of lossless audio options that ensure an immersive viewing experience. The supplementary materials are another highlight, featuring a robust set of extras, many available in high definition for the first time. These additions make the package not just a revisit to a beloved film, but an enriched experience for new viewers. Horror aficionados and cult film enthusiasts will find this release a valuable addition to their collections.

Even more than in Witchboard, Kevin Tenney and writer Joe Augustyn take their good, sweet time in finally getting to the good stuff (at least for horror fans). That means that those wanting a slash-and-dash outing from the first frame of any given film are bound to be tested by "Night of the Demons." This is a film that takes a certain amount of patience, at least for those who are there only for the mayhem. The film remains a good deal of fun all these years later even if it's slow out of the gate and never especially surprising, and Scream Factory has delivered a great package here with solid technical merits and excellent supplements. Recommended.