Curse of the Blue Lights Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Curse of the Blue Lights" on Blu-Ray offers an intriguingly film-like experience captured through an AVC encoded image with a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, derived from a 2K scan of the 16mm answer print. Despite inherent limitations of the source material, including coarse grain and elevated black levels, the presentation is commendably clean, with rare instances of persistent scratches. The overall aesthetic is dark, contributing to a cinematic feel that accentuates the intricate makeup effects, particularly in depicting ghoulish appearances which come across with discernable detail. Human facial features, albeit challenged by the darkness, maintain some clarity.

The film, originally shot by Johnson on 16 mm using a range of vintage cameras like the Arriflex 16BL, reflects its origins through a subdued color palette. While colors generally remain muted and blacks are not entirely satisfactory, the depiction of ghoul activities generates vibrant reds and blues, with greenery also noticeably distinct. Skin tones appear natural amidst this setting. Delineation throughout shadowy events and nighttime sequences is largely adequate, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Despite constraints posed by the 16 mm answer print source, this Blu-Ray transfer surpasses previous VHS versions with enhanced brightness and clarity, making it significantly more comprehensible while still respecting the film's original tone and visual intention. The presentation may not be pristine due to its origins, but it adeptly captures the essence of "Curse of the Blue Lights," offering an immersive experience as faithful to the source as technologically feasible.

The Blu Ray audio presentation of "Curse of the Blue Lights" is delivered in an English 2.0 mono DTS-HD Master Audio track. This mix adeptly handles the inherent technological limitations and challenges faced by the original production's sound recording, although it does reveal some imperfections. Dialogue clarity is generally serviceable, with occasional muffling issues, notably exacerbated by the film's thematic elements such as ghoul teeth effects. Scoring is frill-free yet effective, enhancing the monstrous ambiance with suspenseful crescendos. However, the sound effects remain basic, meeting the expectations for a film of this genre and vintage.

The quality of the audio elements reflects their less-than-pristine condition, resulting in noticeable noise and distortion. There is a detectable warble within the music during the opening title sequence, potentially detracting from the initial viewing experience for critical listeners. Additionally, there are instances where dialogue becomes muddled to the degree that even the provided subtitles include an "[indistinct]" tag due to unclear speech. While the film's genre and style may mitigate concerns over intelligibility for some viewers, these issues highlight the audio track's limitations.

Optional English SDH subtitles accompany the mono track, which may aid in comprehension for viewers troubled by dialogue clarity. Despite its shortcomings, this audio presentation maintains an endearing authenticity that aligns with the film’s nostalgic charm, ensuring that it remains an enjoyable experience for its target audience.

The Blu Ray extras for "Curse of the Blue Lights" offer a comprehensive exploration of the film's production, providing a deeper understanding of its creation and the dedication of its creators. The two commentaries by co-writer/director John Henry Johnson—one solo, moderated by Vinegar Syndrome’s Brad Henderson, and another featuring actor Brent Ritter—deliver valuable insights into the inspirations and practical filmmaking experiences in Pueblo, recollections from the shoot, and Johnson’s enduring passion for the project. Additionally, Demons Down in Pueblo offers a thorough making-of experience, featuring extensive interviews that highlight the film's history, the dedication to makeup effects, and the collaboration among the cast and crew amid challenging conditions. The package also includes a photo album documenting the production journey and rare additional footage sourced from VHS, though notably absent is a trailer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary #1: Features co-writer/director John Henry Johnson.
• Commentary #2: Includes co-writer/director John Henry Johnson and actor Brent Ritter.
• Demons Down in Pueblo: An in-depth making-of feature with interviews and production anecdotes.
• The Making of 'Blue Lights': A photo album with text detailing the production process.
• Additional Footage: A compilation of extra action scenes from a VHS source.

Curse of the Blue Lights, a peculiar entry into regional horror cinema from 1988, offers an ambitious monster mash set in Pueblo, Colorado. Co-writer/director John Henry Johnson navigates the constraints of a limited budget by focusing on impressive makeup work to create an array of grotesque creatures, including zombies and a sinister scarecrow. Despite its sluggish pacing, Johnson manages occasional successes with B-movie flair, crafting memorable visuals that emphasize the film's strong suits. The narrative centers around the Ghoul Clan's sinister plotting to resurrect The Muldoon Man within the crypts of Sunny Hills Cemetery, emphasizing a blend of horror elements that's both intriguing and uneven.

The plot unfolds in Dudley, where young locals Ken, Sandy, Paul, and Alice become unwitting protagonists after encountering eerie blue lights linked to an urban legend. They soon find themselves embroiled in the ghoulish ambitions of Loath and his minions Bor and Forn, who seek sustenance in liquified humans. As the characters stumble upon a symbolic gold disc, tensions arise but lack the anticipated excitement. Much of the film is dialogue-driven, with scenes set in crypts and shadowy locales where the ghouls' machinations are hampered by verbose exchanges and a leisurely pace that undercuts suspense.

Released during the shift from regional exploitation to the direct-to-video era, Curse of the Blue Lights navigated a challenging market with success on VHS credit due to compelling cover art rather than theatrical exposure. This title, capturing horror fans through visual allure, typifies cinematic offerings where creative design eclipses narrative momentum. For genre enthusiasts, it represents a curious artifact from a transitional filmmaking period, notable for its ambitious concepts juxtaposed against the limitations of its era.

"Curse of the Blue Lights" delights in its grotesque practical effects and ambitious monster make-up, offering a nostalgic journey for horror fans. Director Johnson takes advantage of a limited budget to present intricate visuals, featuring zombies, ghouls, and the intriguing Muldoon Man. The narrative doesn't always maintain tension, but it compensates with a focus on imaginative set pieces, gruesome visuals, and clever use of magical elements, such as mirror portals. The film embraces its cult horror roots by transporting audiences back to a time when low-budget creativity was celebrated.

For those familiar with the horror rentals of the Nineties, the film’s iconic cover art becomes more than just promotional imagery—it's a promise of peculiar monsters and nightmarish scenes emerging from the shadows. This newly released Blu-ray edition brings those visuals to life with improved clarity and sound, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the film's craftsmanship in scare mechanics. Vinegar Syndrome has meticulously restored the film, showcasing their dedication to preserving cinema history and satisfying physical media enthusiasts.

In conclusion, while "Curse of the Blue Lights" may not fully connect with dramatic tension, its enthusiasm and dedication to visual storytelling make it an entertaining addition to any horror collection. Horror aficionados, particularly those who revel in the genre's history, will find this release a charming throwback. The release underscores the significant role that niche distributors play in maintaining low-budget horror legacies and is a commendable effort in restoring a beloved cult classic for modern audiences.