Demons 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD presentation of "Demons" delivers a visually captivating experience, rooted in the cinematic prowess of Gianlorenzo Battaglia's original 35 mm film capture. The release by Synapse Films retains the meticulous restoration work conducted by Arrow Video, further enhanced under the supervision of James White. Each version—the International, Italian, and US cuts—benefits from a 4K scan and restoration that harnesses the full potential of the native 4K transfer. This meticulous process results in stunning clarity and definition across every frame. The HEVC H.265 encode intensifies the visuals, revealing intricate details in hair, clothing, and make-up effects, though a few softer moments persist.

Presented in its original 1.66:1 aspect ratio, the film boasts a refined film-like quality with its delicate natural grain, immersive black levels, and profound shadows. This lends a sense of depth and dimension to the onscreen chaos, while maintaining remarkable visibility even in the darkest scenes. The HDR10 and Dolby Vision options significantly enhance this release, drawing out a vibrant array of colors that animate each scene with a dynamic mix of reds, blues, oranges, and yellows. These visual enhancements are complemented by impeccably rendered whites and radiant highlights, which improve contrast and brightness without sacrificing detail.

In sum, this 4K UHD release triumphs in producing a mesmerizing visual spectacle, where the gamut of colors is vividly saturated, facial tones appear authentic, and the entire spectrum of gory detail stands brilliantly displayed. Despite minor imperfections, this edition redefines prior releases with its exceptional image consistency and striking fidelity to Battaglia's original vision.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray audio presentation of "Demons" features a comprehensive and immersive array of soundtracks. The international English and Italian versions are available in 5.1 and 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio formats, while the US edition is offered in English 2.0 mono DTS-HD Master Audio. Each version presents unique audio characteristics, with various alternate overdubbed lines, music cue adjustments, and sound effect variations. Despite the occasional issues with dubbing alignment, both the surround and stereo tracks deliver high fidelity, notably enhancing Claudio Simonetti and Simon Boswell’s scores, as well as hard rock contributions from artists like Rick Springfield, Billy Idol, and The Scorpions. Dialogue clarity is maintained prominently, supported effectively by ambient sound effects related to the film's demonic elements. The inclusion of a restored mono track satisfies enthusiasts familiar with its pre-DVD era.

Synapse's 4K edition utilizes English and Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and 5.1 tracks sourced from original 4-channel Dolby Stereo elements, in addition to a freshly remastered DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono track for the US theatrical version. These tracks present a notable enhancement over prior releases, offering crisp dialogue consistently centered and minor off-screen activities that expand the audio landscape. The audio imaging is precise and expansive, with subtle ambient effects occasionally navigating through side channels, enriching the auditory experience. The tracks exhibit exceptional mid-range definition and separation, ensuring detailed sound quality during high-intensity scenes, complemented by a rich, impactful low-end that adds depth to the visual action and aligns seamlessly with the film's heavy-metal soundtrack. All lossless mixes are distinctly vibrant and superior to earlier editions, irrespective of the chosen listening mode.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extras for "Demons" present a comprehensive deep dive into the film's legacy and production. Key highlights include two feature-length audio commentaries. The first, recorded in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, features writers and critics Kat Ellinger and Heather Drain, who provide insightful anecdotes and express their passion for the film. The second, recorded in 2012, is a nostalgic discussion with director Lamberto Bava, special effects artist Sergio Stivaletti, composer Claudio Simonetti, and actress Geretta Geretta, available with English subtitles for Italian segments. Additionally, the disc includes a wealth of video essays and interviews that explore various aspects of the film's creation, Dario Argento's influence, and the impact of its music, offering over three hours of content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Two detailed discussions by experts and original film contributors.
• Produced by Dario Argento: A video essay highlighting Argento’s career.
• Dario's Demon Days: An interview with Dario Argento.
• Defining an Era in Music: Interview with composer Claudio Simonetti.
• Splatter Spaghetti Style: Interview with filmmaker Luigi Cozzi.
• Carnage at the Cinema: Interview with director Lamberto Bava.
• Dario and the Demons: Another interview with Dario Argento.
• Monstrous Memories: Another interview with Luigi Cozzi.
• Profondo Jones: Interview with author Alan Jones.
• Splatter Stunt Rock: Interview with stuntman Ottaviano Dell’Acqua.
• Sergio Stivaletti Q&A: A session from The Festival of Fantastic Films in 2019.
• Trailers: A trio of theatrical previews.

"Demons" (1985), directed by Lamberto Bava and produced by Dario Argento, remains a quintessential example of 1980s Italian horror. Renowned for its unabashedly gruesome special effects and frenetic pacing, the film employs a vivid color palette courtesy of cinematographer Gianlorenzo Battaglia. The film's essence is captured in its striking use of over-the-top violence, daring set designs, and bold lighting choices that meld with its hard-driving rock and synth soundtrack to create a uniquely immersive viewing experience. These elements, coupled with surprisingly highbrow thematic material, contribute to the film's enduring status as a cult favorite.

The film’s narrative—a chaotic spectacle of demonic possession—unfolds with non-stop action and gory mayhem that blend comically contagious energy with sensational thrills. Claudio Simonetti’s original score amplifies this atmosphere with circus-like undertones that ensure a memorably bizarre but enjoyable accompaniment to the horror onscreen. Demons’ visual and auditory novelties transport viewers into a riotously entertaining realm where outrageous sequences, such as dirt bike duels in a theater and samurai sword-wielding antics, keep audiences riveted and amused.

Presented in 4K UHD by Synapse Films, the release leverages high-definition video to further enhance the vibrant visuals and auditory dynamism of this beloved classic. The disc comes housed in a sleek black plastic case accompanied by reversible artwork featuring the original movie poster and an iconic demon image. Ultimately, "Demons" continues to signify a convergence of horror innovation and visceral joy, making it a must-see for enthusiasts of the genre.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Demons" presents an extraordinary restoration of this cult classic horror film, capturing both its eerie ambiance and macabre humor with astonishing clarity. The visuals benefit immensely from the 4K resolution paired with Dolby Vision HDR (and HDR10), delivering a vibrant and crisp image that accentuates the film's visceral effects. The audio, supported by a robust DTS-HD 5.1 track, enriches the chilling atmosphere through immersive soundscapes, ensuring an engaging viewing experience.

Moreover, the accompanying material adds substantial value to this release. The extras are meticulously curated, offering fans a comprehensive dive into the film's background and production nuances. Each element–from interviews to behind-the-scenes footage–contributes to an enriched understanding of one of the 80s' standout horror flicks. This release caters both to newcomers and aficionados, preserving the film’s legacy while enhancing its accessibility through modern technology.

In conclusion, if you somehow missed out on the excellent Demons I & II: Special Limited Edition UHD release, this single release of the first film (as well as the second film) should definitely make up for it. These are the exact same discs from those releases, just split apart. If you’re an Italian horror fan and don’t already own these films, these are must-haves. Highly recommended!