Demons 1 & 2 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Demons 1 & 2 Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 17, 2021

Attempting to deliver possibly definitive versions of the features, Synapse Films issues 1985’s “Demons” and 1986’s “Demons 2” on Blu-ray once again. The Lamberto Bava-directed endeavors are refreshed for this round, emerging with new 4K scans from 35mm original camera negatives. Also available are 4K UHD releases of “Demons” and “Demons 2”

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Demons 1 & 2 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

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Demons 1 & 2 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

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Demons 1 & 2 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Sally Day Birthday Invitation" also includes information on the Blu-ray transfers for "Demons" and "Demons 2."

• A Metropol poster is offered.

• And an invitation to the Metropol screening is included, presenting information on the UHD releases of "Demons" and "Demons 2."

Demons

• Commentary #1 features film historians Kat Ellinger and Heather Drain.

• Commentary #2 features director Lamberto Bava, composer Claudio Simonetti, producer Dario Argento, and special makeup artist Sergio Stivaletti.

• "Produced by Dario Argento" (27:13, HD) is a visual essay by Michael Mackenzie, who explores Argento's career rise, gaining creative control of his projects throughout the 1970s. Developing into a "star" director with early releases and the television project, "Door into Darkness," Argento branched out into producing, finding tremendous success with George A. Romero's "Dawn of the Dead." Talk of "Demons" and "Demons 2" is included, along with Argento's collaborations with helmers such as Lamberto Bava and Michele Soavi. The essay is most interesting with visual evidence and researched information concerning Argento's declining output over the decades. Less compelling are critical asides, which don't fit in this informational offering.

• "Dario's Demon Days" (10:30, HD) is an interview with producer Dario Argento, who was asked to join "Demons" by Lamberto Bava, collaborating on the script and taking major credit placement on marketing materials. Argento briefly discusses the shoot in Germany and the power of makeup effects, and he reflects on Bava's directorial authority. "Demons 2" was a more difficult production, and the interviewee admits it's not as good as the original film. Additional topics include the use of heavy metal in the movies, and the casting of Asia Argento in "Demons 2."

• "Defining an Era in Music" (9:34, HD) is an interview with composer Claudio Simonetti, who details his working relationship with Lamberto Bava and Dario Argento. Earning Argento's trust, Simonetti was free to explore hos creative impulses, while "Demons" was his first solo work. Simonetti also covers soundtrack sales and technical limitations of the 1980s, though he remains happy with the work.

• "Splatter Stunt Rock" (9:13, HD) is an interview with stuntman Ottaviano Dell'Acqua, who walks through the early films of his career, including work as a young man with Fellini. Thoughts on Lamberto Bava and Dario Argento are shared, and respect is paid to stuntman Freddy Unger, who was a mentor to Dell'Acqua, getting him work on "Demons," which required a lot of physical activity. The interviewee is extremely positive on the picture and its sequel, also charting the rise and decline of the Italian film industry.

• "Dario and the Demons" (15:52, HD) is a second interview with Dario Argento, which covers most of the same information found in "Dario's Demon Days," going a bit more in-depth on director Lamberto Bava and makeup effects artist Sergio Stivaletti. Shooting in Germany is examined, with Argento also sharing his thoughts on other countries he's worked in, and his discusses the decline of the Italian film industry. Some memories are shared about "Demons 2," and the interviewee analyzes his interest in art as part of the moviemaking experience.

• And an Italian Theatrical Trailer (2:09, HD), an International Theatrical Trailer (2:09, HD), and a U.S. Theatrical Trailer (1:32, HD) are included.

Demons 2

• Commentary features film historian Travis Crawford.

• "Together and Apart" (26:36, HD) is a visual essay by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas.

• "Creating Creature Carnage" (2029, SD) is an interview with special makeup artist Sergio Stivaletti, who lists his work on Dario Argento's "Phenomena" as his big career break, impressing audiences and the director with his efforts. Taking inspiration from Rick Baker, Stivaletti explores the technical achievements of "Demons," aiming to make body transformations memorable, also using imagery from painter Hieronymus Bosch. The picture launched his name, and the interviewee details some of his contributions to "Wax Mask." For "Demons 2," Stivaletti is a bit more candid about the endeavor, admitting some disappointment in the way certain effects were shot. He focuses the chat on the little demon creation and the stretching T.V. effect, offering pride in the visual.

• "The Demons Generation" (34:50, HD) explores the two movies with help from Roy Bava, the son of Lamberto Bava. Acting as a trainee assistant director on "Demons" and a second assistant director on "Demons 2," Bava spent a great deal of time with the series, even juggling educational requirements and work obligations during the shooting of the original endeavor. Bava shares that he was part of the soundtrack selection process, and explores his relationship with Lamberto and Dario Argento, analyzing different shooting styles and schedules. Casting is recalled, along with German locations. "Demons 2" was the interviewee's first official gig (after working for free as a teenager), and he highlights the execution of the demon puppet sequence, also sharing memories of Asia Argento.

• "Screaming for a Sequel" (15:59, HD) is an interview with director Lamberto Bava, who really doesn't get into the making of "Demons" or "Demons 2." Instead, he discusses the influence of his father, Mario Bava, who put his kid to work at an early age, getting Lamberto used to moviemaking, also introducing the child to the magic of horror. Such employment provided a real education on technical demands, and Bava was ready when producer Dario Argento launched a "Demons" sequel after the original film's opening weekend. The big idea for "Demons 2" was television, with the production looking to up dramatic stakes, and the interviewee explores his relationship with Michele Soavi. Bava closes with the story behind an aborted attempt to make "Demons 3," which turned into Soavi's "The Church," removing Bava's story credit.

• "A Soundtrack for Splatter" (27:08, HD) is an interview with composer Simon Boswell, who was working in Italy during the mid-1980s, touring with his band, Live Wire. Discovered by Dario Argento, Boswell was invited to join the production of "Phenomena," contributing to scoring cues. Having never seen "Demons," Boswell was hired for "Demons 2," also in charge of moving the soundtrack from a heavy metal vibe to a pop one, even reaching out to Morrissey for use of a Smiths song. Laboring to put a "British stamp" on the sequel, Boswell embraced the work experience, watching his career take off with genre entertainment. A reaction to "Demons 2" is supplied, and Michele Sovai is fondly remembered, with the pair eventually collaborating on other efforts.

• And an Italian Theatrical Trailer (2:56, HD) and an International English Theatrical Trailer (2:55, HD) are included.

Demons 1 & 2 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Synapse Films offers their usual technical focus with this set, offering a needed makeover for "Demons" and "Demons 2," which arrive on Blu-ray with ideal color and detail. Extras collect previous featurettes and add a few visual essays, giving fans all the information they need about these productions.