Night of the Demon Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Night of the Demon," presented by Severin Films, offers a meticulously crafted AVC encoded 1080p transfer with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, sourced from a recently discovered 35mm answer print. Despite the archival nature of the source material, the scanned 2K resolution manages to provide an unexpectedly robust visual experience. Although inconsistencies in saturation, color temperature, detail, and grain structure are prevalent, this edition represents a striking upgrade from previous VHS and DVD releases. Fans should anticipate occasional variations in image quality, including both vividly detailed scenes and others with faded colors and an overall washed-out appearance.

Cinematographer John Quick's use of Arriflex BL cameras with spherical lenses grants this film a visual authenticity that the Blu-ray captures admirably, despite minor imperfections like scratches and blotches. The image maintains impressive detail with a moderately heavy grain structure, only occasionally hindered by the encoding. While contrast can be limited in darker scenes, daylight shots offer a more robust range. Although the final reel's condition might cause subtle dips in quality, resulting in muted color balance in the latter part of the film, the presentation remains the most comprehensive to date.

Overall, this Blu-ray release stands as the definitive version for "Night of the Demon," providing audiences who are familiar with earlier versions a remarkably intact and improved visual experience. The variances across scenes suggest variable preservation of the source print, yet the effort in bringing this cult classic closer to its original cinematic intent is commendable and will likely please dedicated fans.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Night of the Demon" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track. While the audio strives for clarity, it occasionally comes across as thin and tinny, particularly affecting the higher frequency electronic effects. Despite this, the soundtrack's quirkier elements, such as the synth compositions and lively pop cues which include flute and piano, exhibit unexpected fullness and warmth. Dialogue reproduction is generally reliable, though at times it can vary in quality, occasionally sounding muffled, with potential distortion and notable sibilance inherent to the original source material.

The audio presentation adeptly supports the film's dynamic sequences with no significant issues affecting the more visceral sound effects, such as those of body dismemberment. The musical score, composed by Dennis McCarthy and known for his work on Star Trek television, is competently delivered. However, it does bear the characteristic limitations of a mono track, namely in fidelity, yet remains discernible enough to contribute to the film's atmosphere. Optional English SDH subtitles are also provided to aid comprehension when needed. Overall, while the track does have its flaws primarily due to the limitations of the source, it remains a serviceable representation of the film's audio.

The Blu-ray extras for "Night of the Demon" offer a rich tapestry of insights and historical context. Jim L. Ball's entertaining interview in "Just a Little Green Kid Outta Waco, Texas" sets the tone with humor and intriguing backstories, blending musical ventures and filmmaking anecdotes. James C. Wasson continues this engaging narrative in "The Demon Made Me Do It," sharing his unexpected journey and musical past. The collection also delves into technical perspectives, showcased in "Eye of the Demon" with James Quick recounting his cinematic experiences. Historical content is expanded further in features like "Fraternity of Horror," giving viewers a rare glimpse into unreleased cinematic history. Cryptid-themed segments such as "Cryptid Currency" and "Mondo Bigfoot" add scholarly depth to the extras. The detailed exploration of the Video Nasty phenomenon through the "Ban the Sadist Videos!" series enriches this comprehensive package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Just a Little Green Kid Outta Waco, Texas: Interview with producer Jim L. Ball.
• The Demon Made Me Do It: Interview with director James C. Wasson.
• Eye of the Demon: Interview with cinematographer James Quick.
• Fraternity of Horror: 1964 unreleased feature.
• Trailer: Promotional trailer for the film.
• Cryptid Currency: Transgression Aggression in Bigfoot Cinema: Video essay by David Coleman.
• Tales from the Cryptid: Interview with Stephen R. Bissette.
• Deconstructing Patty: Interview with William Munns.
• Mondo Bigfoot: Interview with Kyle Blackburn, cryptid hunter.
• Ban the Sadist Videos!: Archival piece on Video Nasty movement.
• Ban the Sadist Videos! Part 2: Continued archival documentary.
• My Nasty Memories: Interview with David Gregory, director and Severin Films executive.

"Night of the Demon" serves as a fascinating case study in the intersection of low-budget filmmaking and cult classic horror. Directed ostensibly by James C. Wasson, the production is marked by its earnest enthusiasm despite an evident lack of resources. As revealed in an extensive interview included in the Blu-ray release, Wasson himself has never seen the film's final cut, which was notably altered by producer Jim J. Ball to include graphic gore and nudity not originally envisioned. This adds a peculiar charm to the film, as the earnest performances and bizarre production choices create moments of unintentional hilarity.

The narrative unfolds through a series of flashbacks within flashbacks, a testament to Ball’s post-production modifications, providing layers of chaotic storytelling. Central to this tumult is the alarming presence of Bigfoot as the antagonist—a twist that sets "Night of the Demon" apart from typical slasher films of its era. The film begins as Professor Bill Nugent, hilariously bandaged in a hospital bed, recounts his encounter with the lethal creature, setting the backdrop for the ensuing macabre adventure. The eccentric characters, including Wanda McGinty, whose connection to supernatural elements brings a melodramatic flair, simultaneously intrigue and amuse.

The gore sequences, such as Sasquatch ripping off limbs, are both shocking and campily exaggerated, especially when considering Wasson's surprise at the laughter these scenes elicited during early screenings. This paradoxical blend of horror and humor forms the crux of "Night of the Demon"'s allure. Despite its shortcomings—or perhaps because of them—it remains an unforgettable entry within the obscure niche of Bigfoot horror films, perpetually captivating audiences with an odd blend of fright and unintended comedy.

Severin’s Blu-ray release of "Night of the Demon" stands as a remarkable entry for collectors and horror film enthusiasts alike. The high-definition transfer, derived from an answer print, exhibits some noticeable variances in quality. However, this is balanced by the film’s comprehensive supplemental materials, which are both engaging and informative. These extras delve into cryptid cinema, focusing specifically on Bigfoot lore and the notorious Video Nasty era, making the release appealing even to those who might find the film itself divisive.

The dual-disc set is a significant accomplishment that elevates the collection beyond just a simple high-definition release. The first disc alone would be a prized addition for any cult horror enthusiast, but the inclusion of a second disc amplifies its value exponentially. Together, these discs provide an insightful exploration into various aspects of the film and its broader context within horror cinema history. It's a multifaceted offering that enriches the viewing experience with educational content and entertaining behind-the-scenes stories.

In conclusion, Severin's release is more than just a standard Blu-ray. It epitomizes a collector's item that presents an opportunity to appreciate "Night of the Demon" in unprecedented detail. While technical imperfections in the transfer exist, the significant effort put into the supplementary materials makes this package both robust and enticing. The release marks an impressive start to 2022 for physical media, making it a must-consider for dedicated fans and collectors looking to enhance their archives.