Dream Demon Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's Blu-ray presentation of "Dream Demon" features a carefully curated 2K restoration from the original 35mm interpositive, funded by the Unlocking Film Heritage project and overseen by director Harley Cokeliss. The resulting AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1 significantly surpasses previous VHS releases, delivering remarkable definition and texture with a consistently clean grain structure. Specific highlights include the pleasing resolution of fine details, such as the mossy growths on the home’s exterior and intricate facial details in close-ups. Despite minor drawbacks like occasional scratches and specks that surface during the darker sequences, grain resolves naturally.

Color grading is both a strength and a point of contention in this release. The palette is notably vibrant, with early scenes showcasing heavily saturated skin tones and neon-like lipstick that pop against the overall warm sepia or auburn tones. This vibrancy sets an aesthetic that contrasts sharply with later dungeon scenes where the blue tint appears organically integrated into the film's atmospheric descent into madness. The director’s cut exhibits only slight narrative adjustments compared to the original, with both versions benefiting equally from the vibrant and dynamic treatment.

The dream sequences are a particular standout, offering hallucinatory visuals with varying degrees of fine detail. Though some sections noticeably falter, displaying splotchy textures and inconsistent fine details, particularly in darker scenes or during the opening sequence with optically printed credits, these moments are relatively rare. Overall, Arrow Video's meticulous restoration ensures "Dream Demon" remains visually compelling and engaging throughout, making it an essential addition for fans familiar with its less impressive past releases.

The audio presentation of the Blu Ray for "Dream Demon" delivers an impressively expressive LPCM 2.0 track. With its synth-laden score, the film exudes an era-specific charm that resonates clearly and maintains a full-bodied sound throughout. Dialogue and sound effects are rendered without any distortions, ensuring a seamless auditory experience. Notably, the track is devoid of any damage, dropouts, or other audio anomalies, proving its technical proficiency.

Surprisingly, "Dream Demon" boasts an exceptional stereo involvement for a film of its budget and age. Sound effects are dispersed with uncommon precision, enhancing the immersive quality of the soundtrack. From the click of cameras to the fall of objects and even the placement of voices, the positional accuracy is notable. The fidelity is both pure and organic, with a touch of low-end rumble adding depth to sequences such as earthquakes. The overall auditory execution is smooth and captivating.

The Blu-ray extras for "Dream Demon" provide a comprehensive and immersive supplement to the feature film, enhancing the viewing experience with an extensive collection of new and archival content. Harley Cokeliss and Paul Webster’s scene-specific commentary offers valuable insights that cater to both casual viewers and avid fans. The abundance of new interviews, including those with key cast members and the composer, provide a well-rounded understanding of the film's production, casting, special effects, music, and more. The vintage making-of documentary, image galleries, and additional promotional content enrich the historical context of "Dream Demon." Overall, Arrow Video has meticulously curated these materials to create a deeply engaging package for collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original Theatrical Version: A look into the film's first released version.
• Dream Master: Interview with director Harley Cokeliss.
• A Nightmare on Eton Avenue: Interview with producer Paul Webster.
• Dreaming of Diana: Interview with Jemma Redgrave.
• Cold Reality: Interview with Mark Greenstreet.
• Sculpting the Part: Interview with Nickolas Grace.
• Angels and Demons: Interview with Annabel Lanyon.
• Demonic Tones: Interview with composer Bill Nelson.
• Foundations of Nightmare: The Making of Dream Demon: Archival making-of feature.
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Image Galleries
• Promotional
• Behind the Scenes
• Scene Select Audio Commentary: Commentary from Harley Cokeliss and Paul Webster.
• Introduction: Brief intro by Harley Cokeliss.
• BD-ROM Content: Includes original screenplay, selected continuity script notes, and complete storyboards.

"Dream Demon," a lesser-known 1988 British horror film, offers an intriguing blend of psychological terror and social commentary, notably diverging from its more famous predecessor, "A Nightmare on Elm Street." Drawing on the folklore of dream demons, the film navigates the boundary between reality and nightmare with considerable style. Director Harley Cokeliss introduces us to Diana (Jemma Redgrave) and Jenny (Kathleen Wilhoite), whose shared experiences and traumas manifest in surreal nightmares. The film astutely ties its narrative to the British obsession with Princess Diana, employing two muckraking journalists as demonic figures in the protagonists' dreams. While it doesn't deliver a conventional horror antagonist like Freddy Krueger, it draws viewers into a vivid world of repressed memories, victimhood, and anxieties.

"Dream Demon" distinctly departs from typical '80s horror tropes, leaning instead towards repressed memories and social inequities. Diana, soon to marry a public hero who isn't as noble as he seems, is tormented by both her impending marriage and two paparazzi journalists. These elements reflect broader social critiques about media's moral decline and women's vulnerability in late '80s Britain. The visual style is notably bold and bizarre, featuring decapitated heads, molting skin, and other vivid imagery that build a tense atmosphere. However, some plot points remain underdeveloped, such as Oliver’s brief infidelity subplot. Additionally, the film sometimes suffers from disjointed pacing and incongruous narrative threads.

Despite these flaws, "Dream Demon" achieves moments of startling empathy and visual creativity. Scenes like a tabloid photographer grotesquely overstuffing himself with noodles next to a BBQ’d pig head illustrate its unsettling impact. These imaginative sequences punctuate the film's otherwise slow burn, maintaining engagement through visually rich nightmare sequences. As Diana and Jenny navigate their disturbing shared realities, "Dream Demon" underscores its layered script with a thematic hook that resonates: a subtle yet incisive teardown of societal norms and pressures facing women. For those seeking more than just gore, this film offers an evocative exploration of grief, media influence, and psychological terror.

"Dream Demon" emerges as an intriguing entry in the horror genre, distinguished by its innovative makeup effects and deep thematic content. The performances by Timothy Spall and Jimmy Nail are notable, particularly as their characters become eerily disfigured through impressive gelatin techniques - a point which is thoroughly discussed in the commentary. Despite these high points, the narrative presents a somewhat inconsistent blend of conflicting elements, leading to a less cohesive storyline.

From a technical standpoint, Arrow Video’s Blu-ray release excels. The restoration breathes new life into a film that has largely been overlooked in the horror canon. While it may lack the extensive gore often sought after by some horror aficionados, "Dream Demon" compensates with a sophisticated approach, tackling themes such as emotional manipulation and societal pressures on women with considerable foresight for its time.

In summary, "Dream Demon" is not merely a horror film but rather a nuanced exploration of psychological themes, augmented by exceptional make-up and special effects. Arrow Video delivers a robust package with solid technical merits and comprehensive supplementary features, making it an enticing option for collectors and fans of the genre looking for something beyond the typical blood and gore.