review: DEMONS / DEMONS II

Starz (Anchor Bay)  //  Buy from Amazon.com Written by Bava and Master of Horror Dario Argento ("Jenifer," "Pelts," Suspiria), 1985's Demons set a new standard for inventive special makeup effects and atmospheric horror cinema. Several people are invited to the grand opening of a new movie theatre, unspooling a particularly grisly horror film. As the events on-screen become more and more violent, the unsuspecting movie goers start to transform into bloodthirsty demons - killing and possessing those they attack, thus multiplying their numbers. Now surrounded with seemingly every escape blocked, the remaining guests begin a desperate battle for their lives. Bava and Argento reunited to continue the horrific story with 1986's Demons 2. In a seemingly harmless apartment complex, tenants watch a TV documentary about a group of teens who set out to investigate the legendary forbidden zone where a demon infestation once took place. A strange turn of events facilitates a demon resurrection and spells disaster for all occupants in the building - now plunged into darkness from a blackout and a haven for the demons to replenish their numbers... Dario Argento is known as one of the great horror directors, but he's also an accomplished producer, and 2 epic films he helped bring to fruition were "Demons" and "Demons II." When both were released onto video in the mid-80s, these were films that were unlike anything most North American viewers had ever seen. Particularly with Part 1, the blood, guts & wanton gore that permeate the films was a far cry from the watered down horror we were being subjected to during the Reagan era. With these films, we get claw tearing flesh & bone, full-on arterial spray, and unrepentant bloodsheed that is not tempered in the least by social commentary, humor or any attempt to lessen the full, sickening effect of such destruction. Of the two, Part 1 is definitely the better - and far gorier - film, with Part 2 being more of a lighthearted and "tamer" (re: boring) affair. Still entertaining in its own right, but nowhere near capturing the full-on frontal assault of the first film. Nice to see Anchor Bay re-release both films with anamorphic widescreen transfers, and at this price, you can't go wrong picking them up for a helluva night's entertainment! Video Both films are given 1.66:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer that look fantastic in every way. Audio Dolby 5.1 mixes for each will give your surround set up a solid workout! Extras Part 1: audio commentary w/ director Bava, make-up artist & reporter; behind-the-scenes footage; trailers Part 2: audio commentary w/ director Bava, make-up artist & reporter; trailers Closing Thoughts Great pair of Italian horror classics + decent extras = worthy additions to any horror fan's collection