Demons 1 & 2 Steelbook [Limited Edition] [Blu-ray] [1985]

It's become somewhat obligatory to begin an Arrow Video review by mentioning that, yes, they haven't had the greatest track record in Blu-ray history. Most of their Dario Argento releases were given a middling reception. DNR here, rampant machine noise there, and in one infamous case, the wrong aspect ratio. Then there was that whole mess with 'The Beyond'...

But guys, come on. What about 'Vamp'? Or 'Maniac Cop'? 'The Exterminator'? 'The Funhouse'? 'Red Scorpion'? 'Dawn of the Dead'? All winners in my book, and that's even without taking the generous application of extra features and superb packaging into account. Arrow's DVD releases, aside from a couple of NTSC-to-PAL issues, are almost always of exceptional quality too.

So 'Demons' and 'Demons 2', then. Announced back in 2010, and beset by delays ever since, a lot's been riding on these bad boys. But now they're finally here! The results are in! Exclamatory!

What's the first thing you're gonna look for in an Italian horror movie's Blu-ray transfer? That ghastly machine noise, of course! The stuff's been playing havoc with Arrow and Blue Underground's output for what feels like forever. It is to these cult favourite studious what the Alien is to Sigourney Weaver... or something. Bad metaphor.

Anyway, there I am, starting up 'Demons' and preparing myself for a digital hail storm. But as the opening train scene gets underway... nothing. Perplexed, I stick my face up against the screen. Nope. No machine noise here. But what's this? My... could it be... film grain? It is! And, get this, it's only a fine layer that remains stable throughout, never becomes bothersome, and merely adds a rich, filmic texture.

Crazy, I know! And the same can be said of 'Demons 2' (albeit a little more rough around the edges). Both films boast a surprisingly high level of fine detail, and what with this being Italian horror, you can expect a lot of leering close-ups demonstrating the added boost of these hi-def upgrades. I could count maybe two shots where it looked like over-sharpening had taken some kind of effect. Otherwise, get ready for a very cinematic experience.

Even better, edge enhancement (my main bug bear) is virtually nonexistent. A barely noticeable slither of ringing in a few scenes may well be apparent, but that's par for the course these days. Elsewhere, colours remain natural, with skin tones looking healthy and those gaudy neon light effects coming off stronger than ever.

The main weakness with both transfers, however, is black levels. They're neither as deep and inky as you'd like to expect, and various compression artefacts can be seen swimming about during some darker moments (this applies especially to 'Demons 2'). Still, crush is never an issue of concern, so please don't consider this a deal-breaker.

Not much can be said about either film's mono audio tracks, really. Available in both Engish and Italian, they're basic, loud, punchy, and they get the job done. I'd rather have this than a hollow 5.1 remix. Quibbles arose over Arrow's decision to go with the mono US dub instead of the stereo European dub, but aside from a few choice (and frankly hilarious) changes to dialogue and musical cues, it doesn't seem to have made any notable difference. Hearing the opening lyrics of 'White Wedding' suddenly repeat themselves was a bit odd, though... not sure what the story is there.

Sadly, extras are just a bit of a mixed bag.

In 'Dario's Demon Days', Dario Argento shares his thoughts on the two films. Although quite informative, Argento doesn't appear so much uninterested as he does shot in the neck with a horse tranquiliser. He also looks like he wants to murder the interviewer. But that's Dario!

'Top Italian Terrors' and 'Bava to Bava' sees genre favourite Luigi Cozzi brought in to discuss the history of Italian horror, ranging from Mario Bava classics to the splatterfests of Lucio Fulci. Not a whole lot to do with 'Demons', it must be said, but at least Cozzi is engaging. No mention of 'Alien 2' and its ilk, either, much to my chagrin.

'Defining an Era in Music' allows composer Claudio Simonetti a brief opportunity to give us some insight into the thought process behind the first film's unique score - a boisterous mix of synth and metal. Simonetti is great company, and keeps the discussion lively, although fans may be a little concerned to learn of his hopes for a 'Demons' remake (eek).

'Creating Creature Carnage' has to be the pick of the bunch. This is a lengthy (20ish minutes) and honest interview with special effects designer Sergio Stivaletti. The man clearly has much passion for his work, giving frank appraisal of his designs, including the weaknesses of certain 'Demons 2' effects.

Rounding out the package are three audio commentaries (two for 'Demons', one for the sequel) which I have yet to listen to (sorry!), and an enjoyable booklet written by Arrow regular, Callum Waddell. The artwork deserves a special shout out too. I'm all for championing the use of original poster art, but Jeff Zornow has outdone himself this time.

Obviously, I can't comment on the new comics, as they aren't included with this edition.

Verdict

The films are utterly bonkers. You'll either get them or you won't. Regardless, the transfers are mostly excellent, with only a few very minor niggles keeping them from greatness. As ever, Arrow haven't skimped on the extras, and while they don't all hit the mark, they're certainly interesting enough to warrant a watch.

Whether you go for this edition, or the separate releases (out later in the month), or even the DVDs, you're bound to be impressed by the package Arrow has put together for both 'Demons' films.

Oh, and let me assure you, the steelbook is VERY shiny indeed.

I am so glad that Arrow decided to release these on Blu-Ray. As a child of the 80s Demons is the ultimate 80s horror film for me. If you asked me to name a film that prefectly represents 80s horror it would be the first film that comes to mind. I still remember renting it as child on VHS and being absolutely blown away.

Yes it's cheesy, yes the dubbing and acting aren't the best, but it is incredibly original, stylish and iconic.

I never dreamed this would get a blu-ray release and whilst I love the usual Arrow limited edition packaging, the steelbook casing is pretty sexy and truly makes this a collectable item. I know people in some quarters are moaning that this doesn't include the Demons 3 mini comic, but to be honest I can live without that. I would have read it through when I first opened it and would probably never look at it again. For me, and from a limited edition collectable point of view this is the much more desirable product. People are knocking Arrow for it, but at least they are giving you the choice.

I cannot wait to get stuck into the extras as there was a multiple talent involved in the making of this movie.. Bava, Argento, Sachetti, Stivaletti Also keep an eye out for a couple of cameos from Italian horror/giallo regulars starlets Giovanni Frezza and Nicoletta Elmi. Highrise Productions extra's are always excellent and regular contributer Callum Waddell really knows his stuff.

This is the release I've been waiting for since buying my first Arrow release and cannot wait to turn the lights off and watch both back to back with a bucket of popcorn and a couple of friends. It will be just like old times, I just wont have to use the tracking button!

Won't go in to the films in detail as you probably already know them. If you don't or need a reminder, think sexy 80s Italian babes (in THOSE 80s aerobics tights!), handsome and hunky Italian men in those 80s fashions that are making a comeback now, an astonishing soundtrack (Billy Idol, Go West, The Smiths etc), oozy prosthetic gore, death by barbell and sunbed and then think HOW COULD I NOT LOVE THESE MOVIES???

Ok, now the basics... both films now look and sounds gut-munchingly AWESOME in HD (give your non-anamorphic DVDs to the charity shop, now!!!) and the steelbook just is just coolness (you can even remove the BBFC certificate, barcode etc so it just shows the artwork).

Extras are the letdown point. Where the hell are the original trailers? Why is there not that original 80s making-of featurette that was on the previous UK DVDs? Why do we have overly long interviews that spend more time talking about other movies (70s giallos etc) more than these 80s Italian classics?

A shame it's not 100% awesome, but for the movies you should grab some coke (the drink!), popcorn, beers, mates and wear your headband/legwarmers and get ready to see why Italians do it better!