The Unholy Blu-ray Review

"The Unholy" is presented on Blu-ray by Lionsgate Films' Vestron Video imprint, featuring a 1080p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and encoded with AVC. The image quality is notably variable; although some scenes display excellent color reproduction with vivid purples and reds, and outdoor scenes provide the best detail, the overall softness of the transfer detracts from the finer details, even in extreme close-ups. Some of the brightly lit scenes showcase a grain structure that feels organic, but darker scenes tend to flirt with macroblocking issues, hinting at compression artifacts. Wear and tear from the film's original source are also sporadically visible, reminding viewers of the film's age. Nevertheless, there has been a considerable improvement in color palette and detail levels compared to previous home video releases, a feature likely to please longtime fans.

The encoding utilizes MPEG-4 AVC on a BD-50 disc, and while it does exhibit some naturally soft imagery, significant details like blood effects and body trauma are grossly and vividly delineated. Depth in certain sequences is commendable, although the overall presentation has a slightly flat appearance. Characters glide smoothly across the scenes, free from any blurring or jitter issues during fast movements. Blacks are solid without amplifying grain or crushing details, contributing to effective shadow work. Colors appear slightly faded in some areas, but gold-filtered scenes add a shimmering effect that enhances the visual experience. Flesh tones remain consistent and natural, capturing facial details such as sweat, lip texture, makeup, and wrinkles with a surprising amount of clarity. While there is noticeable grain present in the image, it does not overwhelmingly detract from the viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "The Unholy" comes with a reliable DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. Although the film lacks a distinctive, instantly recognizable score akin to that of "Rosemary's Baby" or "The Exorcist", it compensates with commendable synth patches that provide a satisfactory stereo spread. The sound effects exert reasonable impact, while dialogue remains consistently clear, well-prioritized, and comprehensible throughout the film.

Dynamics in the track shine particularly during the opening credits, which start off robustly before mellowing to maintain a steady level through to the end. This lossless track offers a nice balance between score, vocals, and effects. Among these elements, the score probably stands out the most, presenting a pleasant auditory experience that is effective without being overwhelming. Although the track does not feature immersive height or low-frequency extensions, its clean dialogue reproduction ensures an engaging listening experience.

The Blu Ray of "The Unholy" offers a captivating range of extras that appeal to both casual viewers and avid collectors. The comprehensive selection includes a blend of interviews, commentary tracks, and behind-the-scenes insights, making it a treasure trove for fans of the film. The audio commentaries and interviews provide in-depth perspectives from key production team members, reflecting their commitment and passion. Additionally, the special features delve into the complexities of the film’s production design and special effects, highlighting the creativity and challenges faced during creation. Ben Cross’s interview stands out for its blend of humor and seriousness, reflecting on his experiences and impressions. Overall, these extras offer rich context and detailed retrospectives that enhance the understanding and enjoyment of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary with Director Camilo Vila: Hosted by Mondo Digital’s Nathaniel Thompson.

Isolated Score Selections and Audio Interview with Composer Roger Bellon: Features selections from the unused score.

Audio Interview with Production Designer and Co-Writer Fernando Fonseca: Featuring isolated selections from his unused score.

Sins of the Father with Ben Cross: An engaging interview discussing his experience making the film.

Demons in the Flesh: The Monsters of The Unholy: Documentary on the film's special effects and creature design.

Prayer Offerings with Production Designer and Co-Writer Fernando Fonseca: Insights into scriptwriting, locations, and production memories.

Original Ending Featuring Optional Commentary with Producer Mathew Hayden

Theatrical Trailer

TV Spots

Radio Spots

Original Storyboard Gallery

Still Gallery

"The Unholy" (1988), set against the eerie backdrop of New Orleans, follows the quintessential formula of demonic possession narratives. Although the film showcases an engaging cast, including Ben Cross, Ned Beatty, Hal Holbrook, and Nicole Fortier, it struggles to leave a lasting impression primarily due to its uneven execution and sometimes laughably overt scenes. The storyline commences with an overly explicit sequence in which a priest is seduced and killed by a demon, foreshadowing a lack of psychological tension prevalent throughout the film. This direct approach eschews any form of ambiguity, leaning heavily on visual horrors rather than the more effective suggestive techniques employed by classics like "The Exorcist" or "Rosemary’s Baby."

Father Michael (Ben Cross) is appointed to head St. Agnes parish where two priests have been murdered. His survival from an initial supernatural encounter signifies his chosen status, prompting Archbishop Moseley (Hal Holbrook) and Father Silva (Trevor Howard) to believe he's capable of confronting the lurking evil. Despite the potentially thrilling setup, the narrative frequently falters with convenient plot devices and lacks a sizable amount of suspense. Potentially captivating subplots, like Millie's turn to Father Michael for counsel or Luke's nightclub escapades, remain undeveloped, contributing further to the film’s disjointed feel. The climactic reveal of the demon alongside its minions unintentionally borders on parody due to its ridiculousness.

Particularly commendable are the atmospheric visual effects that echo the Italian horror tradition of the same era, employing vibrant lighting and unflinching gore that enthralls while much else falls flat. Nicole Fortier’s performance as a seductively menacing presence stands out in stark contrast to Cross’s relatively tepid portrayal. While Fortier infuses the film with a degree of entrancing malevolence, Cross's reserved performance occasionally dampens the intended tension of his cosmic battle with evil. Ultimately, "The Unholy" secures its place as an entertaining yet flawed entry in the religious horror genre—a decent option for genre enthusiasts seeking nostalgic thrills, though it pales in comparison to genre-defining predecessors.

Vestron Video's Blu-ray release of "The Unholy" is a nostalgic exploration into vintage religious horror. Directed with a mix of practical effects and eerie nightmare sequences, the film attempts to evoke the atmosphere of New Orleans, though it often falls short in generating the intended suspense. The video transfer, while generally solid, encounters occasional hiccups. In contrast, the audio quality remains consistently fine, ensuring an immersive viewing experience.

The Blu-ray's most compelling feature lies in its supplementary content. Extensive extras include insightful interviews—such as Fernando Fonseca's discussion on making New Orleans a character in the film—behind-the-scenes footage, and other engaging materials. These features are plentiful and often provide more intrigue than the film itself, making the overall package particularly appealing for collectors and enthusiasts of vintage horror.

In conclusion, while "The Unholy" may not capture the full magic of New Orleans or sustain relentless suspense, its charm lies in its practical effects and the comprehensive set of extras provided. This Blu-ray edition is especially valuable for vintage horror aficionados, offering a robust look behind the scenes that enhances appreciation for the film's production.