Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Beyond Evil Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 5, 2019

Hoping to participate in the supernatural horror craze of the late 1970s, co-writer/director Herb Freed delivers 1980’s “Beyond Evil,” which takes soul- possession horrors to the Philippines. However, such a location is the only exotic element of the production, which offers a fairly routine chiller about an evil spirit infiltrating a fresh body. Freed tries to fill the endeavor with some new age magic, but scares are limited here, as Freed often goes the pedestrian route when exploring a household haunting. Thankfully, there’s a cast assembled here that works very hard to inject some life into the endeavor, but blandness tends to win out in the end, even with the presence of some slightly goofy B-movie violence.

Architect Larry (John Saxon) and his wife, Barbara (Lynda Day George), have been lured to the Philippines by businessman Del (Michael Dante). Promised a luxury apartment to live in, Larry and Barbara have been gifted a mansion instead, but one that was inhabited long ago by Alma Martin (Janice Lynde), a woman who studied black magic to seek revenge on her cruel husband, with the pair dying in the dwelling. Alma hasn’t vacated the premises, soon possessing Barbara, who doesn’t understand what’s going on, powerless to prevent self-harm and aggression toward others. While his wife increases her strange behavior, Larry hunts for answers in modern medicine and psychic healing, trying to prevent Alma from destroying his loved one.

“Beyond Evil” is a slow-burn affair, with the screenplay playing more attention to character than incident. Del seems like a pleasant man, a local mover and shaker, but he has his issues, and Barbara doesn’t trust him, complicating the move to the Philippines, which is meant to represent an exciting adventure for the married couple. The writing details construction industry conflicts with Del, dealing with real-world affairs before issues with Alma emerge as Larry and Barbara try to make their new house a proper home. Freed takes his time developing unease around the property, which is introduced when Larry, moving boxes upstairs, steps in a glowing green light, sending him tumbling down, almost flattened by a statue of the Devil. This colored danger zone is returned to repeatedly in “Beyond Evil,” signifying Alma’s powers, with the specter trying to push Barbara out of her own body, permitting her a chance to rise again.

Beyond Evil Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Vinegar Syndrome appears to be doing the best they can with "Beyond Evil," which is sourced from "35mm vault elements." The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation isn't always pretty, fighting age, which emerges through visible wear and tear, as cigarette burns, mild scratches, and speckling are detected. Grain is on the thick side as well. Detail isn't strong, but textures are appreciable, especially with costuming, which handles formalwear and eveningwear satisfactorily. Facial surfaces are acceptable, enjoying Saxon's hard stares and George's softer displays of concern. Location specifics are noted, and some dimension remains with outdoor tours. Colors are appealing, handling period-specific hues as clothing showcases the best of the late 1970s. Nightlife has some punch with lighting, and evil events retain their glowing green presence. Delineation is passable.

Beyond Evil Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Some issues are discovered on the 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix, which encounters a few very brief audio dropouts and wrestles with age-related wear, while the production doesn't do itself many favors by staging scenes near congested roadways, near an airport, and in the middle of a construction zone. Intelligibility fights for life on occasion, but most dramatic intent is understood, securing performances. Scoring has some heft, with Pino Donaggio's work offering reasonable instrumentation and support for suspense, working overtime to inspire tension. Atmospherics register as intended, along with sound effects.

Beyond Evil Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Origins of Evil" (14:43, HD) is an interview with co-writer/director Herb Freed, who actually became a rabbi for three years, exposing himself to the misery of the world, which took a heavy psychological toll. Searching for a new career, Freed moved into filmmaking, quickly learning the mechanics of the profession, entering advertising to hone his skills. His first genre picture was 1976's "Haunts," which led him to "Beyond Evil." Instead of discussing the nuts and bolts of the production, Freed elects to explore the spiritual horror of the material, examining its dramatic themes and how it all relates to his interests. Also included are memories of working with composer Pino Donaggio, who supplied the effort with a full orchestral sound.

• "Evil in Paradise" (13:14, HD) sits down with producer David Baughn, who details his initial meeting with Freed, hoping to expand on the potential of "Haunts," actually raising money for "Beyond Evil" by staging a seminar on how to finance an independent film. Baughn discusses his own near-death experience, which informed the feature. Production tidbits are scattered throughout the conversation, and the most interesting one is how MGM post-production services accidentally shredded a reel of the negative, which forced the Baughn to manage a reshoot to make up for the loss. The theatrical release of "Beyond Evil" is explored, with the interviewee going into technical details concerning print distribution.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:02, HD) is included.

Beyond Evil Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Saxon is the primary reason to remain with "Beyond Evil," delivering his customary intensity as Larry, who runs out of options when dealing with Barbara's breakdown, forced to consider the spiritual realm. Saxon captures confusion well, and helps to pull something out of George, who's miscast as the developing threat, lacking thespian weight to portray the mind-melt the character is experiencing. "Beyond Evil" strives to be sinister business, but shock value isn't there, and suspense never quite comes through, making the viewing experience more interesting when it explores cultural details and Larry's mounting panic. Freed doesn't offer much in the way of style or scares, and his focus on spiritual realm as it relates to health and heart just doesn't encourage a riveting sit.