Evilspeak Blu-ray Review

Scream Factory and Code Red's Blu-ray presentation of "Evilspeak" delivers a fairly decent viewing experience with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The new high-definition transfer, sourced from a recently discovered 35mm interpositive and supervised by Eric Weston, maintains a generally pleasing visual quality, although it does come with its limitations. The elements are in satisfactory condition, showing occasional flecks, specks, and minor scratches. The long prologue with credits and other opticals exhibit notable grain and softness. Colors are accurately saturated and stable; however, contrast and black levels present minor shortcomings, particularly in shadow details during darker scenes. Compression artifacts are moderately noticeable throughout but do not severely detract from the overall organic appearance of the film's grainy texture.

Despite being an improvement over previous DVD editions, the presentation exhibits dirt, white specks, and some discoloration. The print is relatively soft but reveals decent detail, such as visible wires during the finale's levitation scene. Although contrast is well-managed with bright whites, black levels tend to be murky, impairing finer lines. Primary colors stand out effectively while secondary hues remain average. Depth perception fluctuates, offering limited depth in many scenes but delivering impressive clarity in certain brighter spots. Skin tones are mostly accurate but occasionally appear smooth due to the print's varying condition. The transfer's audiovisual imperfections include streaks, scratches, and substantial graininess in early scenes, notably those shot at the beach.

In summation, while not perfect, this Blu-ray transfer of "Evilspeak" arguably represents the best possible version given the film’s historical context and source material limitations, offering fans a solid viewing experience without extensive restoration.

The audio presentation of "Evilspeak" on Blu-ray features a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono mix that is surprisingly robust. Particularly notable is Roger Kellaway’s haunting musical score, which heavily draws inspiration from Carmina Burana and dissonant orchestral cues. The score offers a broad sense of presence and exhibits excellent fidelity in the mid-range. While the orchestration maintains fine separation, adding to the film's atmospheric depth, it can sometimes be disproportionately loud compared to the dialogue and sound effects, resulting in minor audio imbalances.

Dialogue remains consistently clean and clear, with precise intonation and minimal analog hissing. However, during intense musical moments, the dialogue might feel slightly overwhelmed. The sound effects, especially during the film's climactic sequences, have sharply defined acoustical detailing but lack significant dynamic range. Bass response is adequate for a film of this vintage, providing rare but appreciably weighty moments.

Overall, Scream Factory’s attention to detail in preserving the audio aesthetics of "Evilspeak" delivers a decent soundscape without modern bells and whistles. Fans will find satisfaction in the faithful representation of the film’s audio, particularly in Kellaway’s evocative score. English subtitles are also available for those who require them.

The Blu Ray release of "Evilspeak" offers a robust selection of extra features that delve deeply into the film’s production and provide entertaining insights from the cast and crew. The Audio Commentary with Producer/Director Eric Weston, moderated by Bill Olson, is an engaging and often humorous trip through the film's history, despite some meandering narratives. Satan's Pigs and Severed Heads: The Making of Evilspeak is a highly enjoyable retrospective that mixes informative content with amusing quotes from the cast about the bizarre script. Special effects enthusiasts will appreciate Effects Speak with Allan A. Apone, where the effects supervisor passionately details the conceptualization and execution of the film's memorable scenes. Additionally, interviews in standard definition with Clint Howard, Don Stark, and Joe Cortese offer personal anecdotes and performance insights.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Producer/Director Eric Weston: Moderated track providing production insights.
• Satan's Pigs and Severed Heads: Entertaining making-of featurette.
• Effects Speak: Interview with special effects supervisor Allan A. Apone.
• Cast Interviews: Includes conversations with Clint Howard, Don Stark, and Joe Cortese.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for the film.

"Evilspeak" is a unique entry in the horror genre, blending satanic lore with a classic bullied-outcast revenge narrative. Set in a military academy, the film follows Stanley Coopersmith (Clint Howard), a hopelessly outcast cadet who discovers demonic materials in an old cellar. Utilizing primitive computer technology and a satanic book, Stanley contacts the spirit of Father Esteban, seeking vengeance on his tormentors. Despite its slow pace early on, the movie crescendos into a gore-laden final act, replete with brutal special effects which have warranted its cult status and position on the UK's infamous video nasty list.

The film, directed by Eric Weston, excels in its gruesome practicality, especially notable in its graphic climax where gore effects are unapologetically showcased. Clint Howard delivers a compelling performance, making Stanley a figure of both sympathy and slight eeriness. The supporting cast, including Richard Moll and Don Stark, bolster the ensemble with solid performances that breathe life into their archetypal roles. However, the movie struggles to establish an emotional connection due to underdeveloped backstories, making the brutality sometimes overshadow the underlying narrative.

What sets "Evilspeak" apart is its uneasy mixture of dark humor and grotesque horror. One memorable scene involves the secretary being attacked by wild boars while showering—an instance of the film’s inexplicable yet effective bizarreness. The movie's deliberate pacing may test some viewers’ patience, but for those drawn to vintage horror with graphic practical effects, "Evilspeak" offers a gruesome and bizarre experience that compliments its satanic themes and maintains a lingering sense of disturbance.

"Evilspeak" makes its way to Blu-ray with an intriguing blend of nostalgia and timely horror themes. Writer, producer, and director Eric Weston taps into the enduring issue of school bullying, wrapped within a supernatural horror package that stars Clint Howard in a standout performance. Despite its age, the film continues to captivate viewers who appreciate a well-crafted genre entry, marked by practical effects that were impressive for their time. The remastered 35mm print offers generally average picture quality. While not pristine, it maintains the gritty aesthetic that many fans appreciate in vintage horror titles.

On the technical front, the audio presentation stands out as excellent, though the score's volume in the mix may present some issues for discerning audiophiles. Scream Factory excels once again with an impressive array of supplemental material, featuring all-new content specifically curated for this release. This bonus content elevates the package, positioning it as an indispensable piece for any dedicated cult film enthusiast's collection.

Genre enthusiasts or those with a cynical nostalgic streak will likely find "Evilspeak" worthwhile. While it may not deliver a completely unsettling horror experience, it remains well-acted and well-crafted, making it a solid addition to the Blu-ray shelves. It's clear that Shout! Factory’s Scream Factory label has breathed new life into this title, ensuring it serves as a valuable collector’s item and a must-own for fans of cult horror cinema.