Demons - The Director's Cut (Dubbed) [DVD] [1987]
K**S
It's good because it's terrible
I watched this movie with my gran one night when I stayed round her house, and it was some watch. There's a few great characters in it and unlike most horror movies, you find yourself not hating every single character by the end. They aren't afraid to kill off some of the better written and established characters which means that anyone is fair game. Story takes a little while for the action to kick off, but once it does, you're riding fast until the end. Good soundtrack too, and if you love the 1980's, you'll enjoy the characters dress sense and 80's quips. If you're looking for a thriller, this isn't it. It's your classic midnight picture show matinee movie and it's great because it doesn't try to be anything else.
A**S
Scratchy horrible things from the 80s. Still a lot of fun.
I first saw Demons uncut on VHS back in the eighties. I remember it being fast-paced, gory and a lot of fun. I am happy to learn that Demons still holds up pretty well as an energetic horror film.Demons is firmly rooted in the eighties featuring new wave fashions, heavy metal and synthesized incidental music by Claudio Simonetti. The simple plot revolves around an audience trapped in cinema with the evil fiends of the title. The overdubbing leaves a lot to be desired, but the film is saved by great pacing, editing and make-up. Demons is from the zombie school of horror - However, where George A Romero's zombies were vacant and slow moving, these hellish creatures are fast and vicious. The body count is high. The killings are graphic & gory.There are some inventive sequences. The minor sub-plot about the couple in the ventilation shafts has an unexpected twist in the tale. The film appears to be designed to make cinema audiences uneasy about their surroundings.Demons has flaws but curiously these shortcomings add something to the film. The over-the-top acting of Bobby Rhodes as a superfly pimp will raise a few chuckles. It's never quite explained why a helicopter randomly crashes through the ceiling - But it's great fun. Also worthy of mention are the list of familiar rock bands featured on the soundtrack. There is plenty of eighties nostalgia courtesy of Motley Crue, Go West & Billy Idol (among others).This edition of the film offers another great re-master by Arrow. It has been lovingly restored to look full and vibrant. It is also uncut and contains interviews with Claudio Simonetti and writer/producer Dario Argento. Overall, this is a very entertaining Italian splatter-fest. There's a good deal of momentum in Demons.
L**I
Demon of a Movie
This is Arrow at their best. Apart form the BFI Arrow seem to be the only company in the UK that is finding rare and poor quality classic movies and remastering them in HD for a better viewing experience. This particular movie which is a classic horror piece from the 1908s Italian horror movement is a great movie. But I have had to deal with both a ropey VHS and a grainy DVD for over a decade. Now this is like watching anew movie. Thank you Arrow.
D**S
The 80s splatter classic
A fun 80s splatter classic by Lamberto Bava is presented here in a great release by Arrow Video. This is one of the best horror films of the 80s that wasn't a slasher, which I feel was a welcome change of pace. It was also co written & produced by Dario Argento. Almost the entire film takes place in a movie theatre as well. Basic plot is a bunch of people go to a theatre to watch a film they were given a promotion ticket to see. Some things happen (don't want to spoil it for those that haven't seen it) & now they have to survive against some Demons. It also has some light shades of the zombie genre also as if you get bitten or scratched by a demon you also become one. The music by Claudio Simonetti is also wonderful, especially the opening theme which I feel reminds my so much of the 80s & fits perfectly with the time the film was made in. The gore effects here are great so if you are into that kind of thing & haven't seen this film yet its a must watch. Extras include an interview with Dario Argento, trailer, commentaries by Lamberto Bava & various other cast & crew, a segment with Luigi Cozzi when he talks about some other Italian horror films he likes & of course the usual booklet which I liked as well. If you a fan of 80s horror films you cant go wrong with the fun & gory film.
C**N
It's a great-bad film.
A classic video nasty!It's bad... But it's a good bad. Awful plot, terrible acting and over the top gore. They even have a punk character called 'Ripper'. What else do you need?I loved it!
S**L
A Classic from 1985
A Classic Gorefest from 1985 Set in Berlin but With an Italian Feel and love that Horror theme at the End of Demoni (Demo s)
D**L
Italian classic
First bought this movie, large box, ex rental many, many years ago. Still, excellent, still a classic. Soundtrack is amazing too. They don't make them like this anymore
B**S
Weird AF
Very weird. But certainly a lesson in how to make crappy b movie horror!
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