Beyond the Darkness Blu-ray Review

Severin Films' Blu-ray presentation of "Beyond the Darkness" utilizes an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.67:1 aspect ratio. The film's Super 16 origins lend it a roughhewn and gritty texture that remains intact here. This somewhat rustic visual quality, which may seem less refined to those new to the film, captures the essence of its original aesthetic. Grain structure can appear a bit chunky in certain scenes, particularly noticeable in accompanying screenshots, but this is par for the course with Super 16 material.

The color palette on this transfer impresses with its rich saturation and striking reds, contributing to a visually engaging experience. Although the film generally maintains a soft look throughout, detail levels are commendable within the constraints of the Super 16 format. Close-up shots further exemplify this, providing good fine detail and depth. This presentation should satisfy fans familiar with prior, lower-quality releases, offering a marked improvement over the earlier Media Blasters DVD version.

Severin Films’ Blu-ray release of "Beyond the Darkness" presents a compelling audio experience, offering both the English dub in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono and the Italian language version in Dolby Digital 2.0 mono. Extensive analysis indicates that the English track provides considerably more low-end energy, effectively enhancing Goblin's iconic score, adding to the immersive strength of the presentation. The multilingual shoot nature of the film results in lip movements not quite aligning with the spoken dialogue, regardless of the language selected. While the fidelity of the English track is robust, the Italian track appears relatively anemic and less dynamic by comparison.

The audio transfer ensures that Goblin's score is prominently featured, delivering an engaging auditory experience. Clarity is maintained across all tracks, though some sound effects may sound slightly thin, likely a limitation of the original source material. The release also includes English subtitles, which can be useful for those preferring the Italian audio but seeking to understand the dialogue without sacrifing clarity. Despite some minor limitations related to inherent source constraints, the audio presentation remains generally satisfying and serves as a fitting homage to the film's original auditory intentions.

The Blu-ray Extras for "Beyond the Darkness" offer an extensive and captivating array of supplemental content that significantly enriches the viewing experience. Each feature delves deep into various facets of the film's creation and impact, providing valuable insights from key contributors. Whether it is through archival interviews, revisited film locations, or musical performances, each extra provides contextual depth that will be highly appreciated by fans and film scholars alike. The high-definition quality (1080p) ensures that each piece is presented with visual clarity, while the forced English subtitles make the Italian content accessible to non-Italian speakers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Joe D'Amato: The Horror Experience: An in-depth archival interview with director Joe D'Amato.
• The Omega Woman: An interview featurette with actress Franca Stoppi.
• Goblin Reformed Perform Buio Omega Live 2016: A music video featuring the film's soundtrack composers.
• Locations Revisited: Scenic locations featured in the film without narration.
• Sick Love: An interview with actress Cinzia Monreale.
• Trailer
• Soundtrack CD

"Beyond the Darkness," originally released as "Buio Omega," comes to the forefront with an array of disturbing themes and campy enjoyment all at once. Directed by the infamous Joe D'Amato and featuring a notable score from Goblin, this 1979 Italian horror film didn't make its U.S. debut until 1984. Known for films like "Anthropophagus" and "Porno Holocaust," D'Amato brings a mix of grotesque and bizarre charm. Franca Stoppi delivers an over-the-top performance as Iris, a devoted housekeeper who fiercely cares for Frank Wyler, portrayed by Kieran Canter, a young taxidermist with unsettling obsessions. The film's storyline unpacks themes such as unrequited love, necrophilia, and cannibalism, setting the scene for some truly grotesque and shocking visuals.

Frank's betrothed, Anna Völkl (Cinzea Monreale), falls victim to Iris's sinister plans involving voodoo, leading to Anna's premature demise. Frank’s subsequent attempts to preserve Anna through his taxidermy skills, reminiscent of the “Re-Animator” franchise, garner unwanted attention from a local mortician. Meanwhile, Iris's bizarre psycho-sexual nurturing of Frank adds an unsettling layer to the narrative. The disturbing plot advances with Frank and Iris committing multiple murders, cementing their twisted bond further. The film's visceral content—ranging from gory disembowelments to grotesque bodily preservations—ensures an uncomfortable viewing experience that isn't for the squeamish.

Drawing influences from the 1966 thriller "The Third Eye," "Beyond the Darkness" infuses giallo elements with a more gonzo sensibility. It ventures into shocking territory with its graphic depictions and surreal plot twists, especially as Anna's identical twin enters the fray. Audiences will find a grotesque Grand Guignol spectacle emerging towards the film's climax, resulting in a memorably twisted cinematic experience that balances on the verge of horror and dark absurdity. The film demands a strong stomach but leaves an indelible impression with its unique blend of terror and wild campiness.

Severin Films’ Blu-ray release of Joe D'Amato’s "Beyond the Darkness" is a commendable effort that caters to ardent aficionados of Italian horror cinema. The film, a deeply unsettling exploration rich with grisly content, will certainly test the limits of even the most robust horror enthusiasts. The transfer is praiseworthy given the source material, showcasing the film in a visually appealing manner despite its low-fidelity origins. Severin has gone above and beyond by including a bevy of supplementary materials that are sure to enhance the viewing experience, providing valuable context and background to this notorious piece of cinema.

Performance-wise, Franca Stoppi delivers an astoundingly impactful portrayal of Iris, overshadowing Kieran Canter’s Frank. While Canter's character was intended to be the focal point, Stoppi's performance undeniably commands greater attention. The film's editing and direction may leave some viewers feeling that certain scenes are overly contentious or even repugnant, evident through its graphic content and morally dubious themes. This isn’t a film for everyone, and for those unprepared, it may provoke more shock and outrage than fascination.

Ultimately, "Beyond the Darkness" is an essential viewing experience for those venerated in horror subgenres or Italian exploitation films. Severin has provided a definitive release with their high-quality transfer and excellent supplementary content. However, casual viewers or those not well-versed in Joe D'Amato's work might find it too extreme or discomforting. This Blu-ray is a remarkable package for fans and collectors looking to explore one of the more controversial pieces in horror history.