Here Comes the Devil Blu-ray Review

"Here Comes the Devil" comes with an excellent 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray transfer presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Shot with a Red camera by cinematographer Ernesto Herrera and finished on a digital intermediate, this Blu-ray from Magnolia Home Entertainment retains a sharp, clean, and highly detailed image. The average bitrate of 19.99 Mbps is somewhat low for Magnolia standards but does not lead to any observable artifacts or compression issues, owing to the efficient compression of Red footage.

The film’s color palette delivers a pronounced range, from the subdued tones of interior scenes to the vivid, searing exteriors reminiscent of "Hardware." Black levels are deep and remain stable, crucial for maintaining visibility within the shadowed cave scenes. Contrasts are well-balanced, ensuring that all critical details are preserved throughout. Specific scenes deliberately softened during capture or post-production, such as the opening love scene, display intended visual degradation effectively. Close-ups provide striking definition, revealing intricate facial details such as hairs and scars, while wide shots capture the expansive and picturesque Mexican landscapes with impressive depth and clarity.

Overall, this Blu-ray presentation beautifully encapsulates the intended visual decay and atmospheric tension of the film, with natural skin tones and perfectly set black levels. The transfer is free of banding, aliasing, or any form of distracting digital processing beyond necessary finalization steps. Thus, "Here Comes the Devil" benefits from a thoughtful and technically proficient video transfer that enhances the viewing experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Here Comes the Devil" features a highly dynamic lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio mix, available in both the original Spanish and an English dub. The soundtrack creates an immersive and intense auditory experience that is both loud and robust. Viewers are advised to lower their usual listening volume by several decibels due to the intentionally amplified sound effects and score, as noted by director Adrián García Bogliano in his commentary. The dynamic range is striking, with deep bass extension that emphasizes key moments and a heavy-metal influenced musical score by Julio Pillado that heightens the film's haunting atmosphere.

The surround channels are adeptly utilized to expand the ambiance, integrating elements such as passing traffic, chirping crickets, and chilling demonic sounds. These effects contribute to the film's terrifying soundscape, which includes door slamming, ghastly voices, and other supernatural phenomena. Dialogue remains crystal clear throughout, devoid of any pops, cracks, or hissing. The audio mix's aggressive approach and chaotic ambiance work exceptionally well in enveloping the viewer in a truly frightening experience. Overall, the audio presentation of "Here Comes the Devil" is compelling and meticulously executed, effectively enhancing the film's horror elements.

The Blu-ray for "Here Comes the Devil" includes a robust selection of extras that provide in-depth insights into the filmmaking process. The feature commentary by director Adrián García Bogliano stands out, offering a comprehensive examination of his stylistic choices, though he remains reticent on underlying themes and symbolic connections within the film. The extended nightmare scene gives viewers additional content with intense, uncut footage, while the behind-the-scenes comparisons and rehearsal clips offer a rare glimpse into the production's practicalities and actor improvisations. The photo gallery and AXS TV promo round out the package with visual aids and cast interviews, though BD-Live access remains currently unavailable.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Adrián García Bogliano: Detailed account of stylistic choices and influences.
• Extended Nightmare Scene: Longer version of a character's nightmare.
• Behind the Scenes Comparisons: Filming shots juxtaposed with final versions.
• Rehearsals: Raw footage of key scenes with improvisation.
• Behind the Scenes Photo Gallery: Slideshow of on-set photos.
• AXS TV: A Look at Here Comes the Devil: Promo with cast and crew interviews.
• Trailers: Previews for four other films.

Adrián García Bogliano's "Here Comes the Devil" is a psychological horror film that masterfully blends eerie atmosphere with taboo subject matter. It draws heavily on stylistic influences like Richard Stanley's "Hardware" and Nicholas Roeg's "Don't Look Now," creating a world steeped in foreboding ambiance and unexplained phenomena. The film opens with an explicit love scene between two women, immediately setting a tone of frank sexuality that runs throughout. As the narrative unfolds, we are introduced to a family whose peaceful outing near Tijuana takes a dark turn when their children go missing and return ominously changed. This sets off a chain of increasingly bizarre and unsettling events.

Bogliano's filmmaking techniques contribute significantly to the movie's unsettling impact. His use of sudden zooms, abrupt cuts, and a deliberately exaggerated soundtrack maintains a constant sense of unease. The cinematography evokes mid-70s Grindhouse cinema, yet with a modern indie film feel, blending grotesque violence with slow-moving tension. The performances of Laura Caro and Francisco Barreiro as the distraught parents add layers of psychological complexity. They navigate their children's disturbing behavior and the subsequent supernatural events with raw intensity, all while grappling with their own guilt and suspicion. Key elements include scenes where Sol, propelled by a burgeoning belief in otherworldly forces, delves into local myths about the hills where her children vanished.

"Here Comes the Devil" thrives on ambiguity, offering no clear answers even as it leads viewers through nightmarish sequences replete with flickering lights, ghostly apparitions, and unsettling sexual themes. The film's refusal to provide a definitive conclusion is both its strength and its most frustrating aspect, forcing the audience to ponder whether the devil or some other sinister force is at play. This haunting ambiguity is elevated by Julio Pillado's brooding score and Bogliano's hypnotic storytelling, making for an experience that is as compelling as it is disconcerting.

Here Comes the Devil by Adrian Garcia Bogliano stands out in the crowded horror genre with its inventive approach and unsettling atmosphere. Bogliano's film features fully committed performances from Laura Caro and Francisco Barreiro as distraught parents struggling to cope with incomprehensible events. The story benefits from their palpable sense of guilt and mounting dread. The narrative may sometimes appear slow, but its mesmerizing and haunting nature more than compensates for this pacing. This film offers a refreshing departure from formulaic horror efforts, making it compelling viewing.

The Blu-ray presentation of Here Comes the Devil is technically impressive. The video quality is robust, showcasing Bogliano's atmospheric visuals crisply and clearly, while the audio presentation is powerful and immersive, heightening the tension and horror inherent in the film. The extras included on the Blu-ray disc further enhance the package, providing a deeper dive into Bogliano's creative process and the film's production. These features make the Blu-ray a worthwhile addition to any horror aficionado's collection.

In conclusion, Here Comes the Devil is a uniquely compelling entry in the horror genre, featuring engrossing performances and a memorable atmosphere. While not suited to every viewer's taste, it is recommended that interested parties rent or try it on VOD before purchasing. Nevertheless, the Blu-ray should satisfy on a technical level and the included extras add significant value for those looking to explore beyond the film itself.