Age of Demons Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Age of Demons" presents an AVC-encoded image with a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, capturing the essence of its original VHS format. While the presentation retains the raw imperfections typical of a homegrown production, including dirt, tracking lines, and fuzz, these elements contribute to a nostalgic viewing experience rather than detracting from it. The transfer's lack of detail is evident, with minimal frame information and only brief glimpses of texture in close-ups, particularly in facial features. Colors are inconsistently washed out, but striking primaries, especially reds in costumes and makeup, inject moments of vibrancy into the visual narrative.

Despite its rough edges, "Age of Demons" on Blu-ray effectively mirrors its vintage origins. The image holds a primitive charm, where the lack of dimensionality does not obscure the adventure-laden outdoor locations or the distinct castle and school interiors. Black levels maintain a stable presence, though they frequently engulf scenes in shadow, rendering them challenging to discern. The film’s animation effects are both crudely executed and fittingly match the overall aesthetic tone.

While the image quality may not exemplify contemporary standards, the Blu-ray release remains true to its source material. The nostalgia it evokes, combined with its vivid yet inconsistent color palette, invites viewers to appreciate a unique cinematic ambiance. This release, with its preserved technical characteristics, serves as an authentic homage to the film's original essence, enhancing its cult classic status among enthusiasts.

The Blu-ray release of "Age of Demons" provides a mixed yet intriguing audio experience through its 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix. While the track occasionally battles with muddiness and intelligibility issues, it generally surpasses expectations for a film in this genre, offering a robust and engaging auditory landscape. Dialogue clarity can be inconsistent, with instances where the conversation becomes overwhelmingly sharp, requiring careful attunement to fully appreciate the narrative intricacies. Subtitles play a crucial role in aiding comprehension, although sync issues arise notably around the 20-minute mark, realigning at around 44 minutes.

The musical composition, prominently featuring tracks by The Gargolyles, receives a particular emphasis within the mix. Although chaotic at times, these tracks provide energetic backdrop flourishes to the unfolding drama, capturing the raw vibe intended by the filmmakers. Sound effects complement the punk-driven soundtrack with a blunt but appreciable execution, adding depth to the chaotic atmosphere without overshadowing the core audio elements. Despite some technical limitations, the audio experience remains immersive, revealing its strengths in moments where dialogue exchanges do not contend with enunciation shortcomings.

Ultimately, while the audio track may have its drawbacks—such as subtitle desync and occasional dialogue sharpness—it successfully brings forward the unique acoustic styling required for "Age of Demons." The sonic landscape is carefully crafted to strike a balance between music and dialogue, catering to fans of the genre despite its inherent challenges.

The Blu Ray extras for "Age of Demons" present a comprehensive exploration of director Damon Foster's creative process and past works. The highlight is "The Making of 'Age of Demons'" featurette, offering an in-depth, fly-on-the-wall look at the film's production challenges, effects, and set dynamics. The "Behind The Scenes" feature adds further insight into Foster's filmmaking journey with raw footage and outtakes. Foster's earlier experiments are showcased in "Super 8mm Films," accompanied by detailed commentary from the director himself, revealing his early passion for genre filmmaking. In the "Damon Foster Trailer Vault," reviewers commend the inclusion of various trailers, illustrating a diverse array of Foster’s projects. Additionally, the two original film trailers are included, providing contrasting glimpses into the film's promotional strategy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Features director Damon Foster with insights from film journalist William Connolly.
• The Making of 'Age of Demons': An exhaustive behind-the-scenes featurette.
• Behind The Scenes: A compilation of raw footage and outtakes.
• Super 8mm Films: Collection of early works by Damon Foster with commentary.
• Damon Foster Trailer Reel: A collection of trailers from various projects.
• Trailer #1: First film trailer.
• Trailer #2: Second film trailer.

"Age of Demons," a 1993 shot-on-video (SOV) endeavor by writer/director/star Damon Foster, oscillates between bizarre apocalyptic ambitions and comedic eccentricities. With a plot centered on three sorceresses striving to resurrect demonic forces via blood sacrifices, the film embarks on a journey of mixing fantastical narrative with overtly humorous elements. The technical constraints of the production are evident as Foster leans heavily into farcical content, often invoking a sense of homage to Japanese children's entertainment. The narrative unfolds in a campy manner, at times finding itself ensnared in controversial themes involving stereotypes and obscenity. It's an audacious ride through the streets and backyards of suburbia, culminating in an odd showdown involving a giant robot named Cybertron. Despite its low-budget trappings, the film maintains an engaging energy that fans of unique SOV tracks may find intriguing.

Central to the plot is Mitch, a punk rocker reluctantly drawn into the sorceresses’ scheme to open a portal to Hell, and his brother Don, an offbeat martial artist and amateur robotics enthusiast. Foster's directorial vision shines through particularly in choreographing action sequences, drawing from a wealth of knowledge in Japanese sci-fi and martial arts traditions like Kamen Rider and Inframan. As the narrative progresses, this blend of genres yields increasingly unusual scenarios, with moments ranging from explicit nudity framed as comedic device to unexpectedly well-executed fight scenes, contributing to an erratic yet entertaining mélange.

"Age of Demons" is ultimately a testament to Foster’s idiosyncratic style—a vivid synthesis of influences spanning from punk rock to mid-century Japanese media. While the film's amalgamation of genre elements might perplex traditional audiences, its nostalgic homage infused with chaotic creativity offers something particularly engaging for aficionados of quirky, SOV-era cinema.

"Age of Demons," as captured on Blu-ray, presents a distinct blend of chaotic narrative and quirky visual storytelling. The initial half details the mundane aspects of life with a whimsical charm while gradually setting up the thrilling confrontation between the Zordakians and Don's band of brothers. The narrative crescendos into a convoluted battle that blends humor with combat, featuring soldiers in absurd helmets and an unruly demon causing havoc. Director Foster's use of low-budget but creatively rendered visual effects, including split-screen techniques and forced perspectives, adds a layer of nostalgic charm reminiscent of classic monster films.

The Blu-ray release from Saturn's Core and OCN Distribution does justice to Foster’s eccentric vision, providing a well-balanced audio-visual experience. The inclusion of extensive bonus materials offers further insight into the absurdity and creativity behind the production. It must be noted, however, that this film embodies a peculiar sense of humor, often sacrificing narrative flow for comedic antics that delve into over-the-top silliness. The humor tends to overshadow plot progression, rendering the film's comedic depths both a unique attraction and a hindrance.

Ultimately, "Age of Demons" on Blu-ray is a niche delight best suited for those who appreciate Foster’s idiosyncratic approach. While it may not appeal to conventional film audiences, it succeeds in offering unabashed entertainment for those ready to embrace its eccentricities. The Blu-ray provides a comprehensive package that enhances the viewing experience, yet remains a purchase primarily for die-hard fans of Foster's unapologetically absurd style.