Devil Rider Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

Devil Rider Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 8, 2022

1991’s “Devil Rider” endeavors to blend genres, pairing a western with a horror film, using unknown black magic to put a demonic cowboy on the hunt for characters just trying to get their ‘90s on. It’s an odd concept from writer Bud Fleisher and director Vic Alexander, who attempt something semi- epic with a severely limited budget, hoping to catch a ride on waning trends in slasher cinema with this offering of violence and survivor panic. It’s not a slickly made picture, which might keep it enticing for some viewers, but execution is lacking, with Alexander struggling to craft a consistent chiller, while Fleisher has limited command of character and incident.

A long time ago, Jake (Rick Groat) was a simple homesteader trying to develop his property, only to be confronted by Devil Rider (Tag Groat), a merciless gunman claiming ownership of the land. After murdering Jake, Devil Rider begins a killing spree to satisfy his bloodlust, eventually collected by law enforcement and hanged for his crimes. However, death did not stop Devil Rider, who returns to power 100 years later, roaming the same stretch of land on the hunt for fresh victims. Arriving at this ranch is Tom (Rick Groat) and his girlfriend, Joanie (Deborah Norris), who hope to entice investor Buddy (David Campbell) into the development of a hotel and dude ranch. Spending the weekend with owner Lloyd (John McFarlin) and his family, Tom soon senses something isn’t right about the area. And when Devil Rider returns to terrorize all, the visitors scramble for safety, unsure what’s coming after them, with this evil on horseback only capable of being stopped via a beheading.

“Devil Rider” commences with Jake’s efforts to develop his land, only to come into contact with a deranged man looking to slaughter anyone trying to claim what’s his. Devil Rider is a mystery figure of malice, soon spreading rage across the area, taking out a team of prospectors during his rampage. He’s eventually stopped, rather easily, by the local sheriff, and quickly hanged for his crimes. In classic horror fashion, “death is only the beginning,” with the villain magically escaping his noose. There’s a century-long time jump for “Devil Rider,” which catches up with Tom and his dream of creating a dude ranch. He’s joined by various friends and financial partners, which gives the movie a buffet of victims to destroy once Devil Rider returns to power.

The writing makes some effort to develop the locals, with old Zeb (Wayne Douglass) a ranch hand who once had a special encounter with Devil Rider, challenged to a faux quick draw contest with the monster as a kid. The experience has never left Zeb, who’s sensitive to news about the gunman, ready to believe anything concerning Devil Rider’s return. And there’s Ben (Bruce Carson), who’s the first man of the ‘90s to be confronted by the hostile force, commencing a chase that answers the age-old question: What’s faster? A horse or a Datsun? The answer might surprise you. And that’s it for unexpected events in “Devil Rider,” which eventually settles into slasher film mode, sending unsuspecting targets into the wild for the creep to gun down, or slice with bladed weapons, triggering panic as the investors scramble to figure out what’s going on with this determined predator and his love of murder. He’s also a big fan of peeping, as the production hopes to keep up on sellable exploitation by including a shower sequence, giving the undead ghoul a chance to spy some nudity.

Devil Rider Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio, and a 1.33:1 aspect ratio is available as well for VHS fans) presentation is sourced from "a new 2K scan of the original camera negatives." The viewing experience is mostly comfortable, offering decent detail (the production isn't always great about maintaining focus) on character appearances, including the grimy ways of the Devil Rider and the fresher particulars of the investors. Facial surfaces are available, along with fibrous outfits, including coarser western gear. Ranch exteriors are dimensional, and interiors deliver appreciable decoration. Colors are respectfully refreshed, favoring bright greenery and blue skies. Period clothing choices offer distinct primaries, and skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavy but film-like. Source has some stretches of damage, including blue spotting.

Devil Rider Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix delivers clear dialogue exchanges, which involves extensive ADR work for a few of the performances. The thin synth score is preserved, supporting western and horror activity. Sound effects are basic, offering gun shots and animal movement.

Devil Rider Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Intro (1:57, HD) features the son of screenwriter Bud Fleisher, Bud Fleisher, Jr., who explores his father's career choices, pulls out a few scripts from his garage, and discusses Fleisher's post-moviemaking career, going into Christian radio.

• "California Death Trip" (36:19, HD) is an interview with actor Rick Groat, who explores his previous work in "Eagle's Law," the differences between "Eagle's Law" and "Devil Rider," his thoughts on his characters from the two films, his early acting ambition and career pursuit, his relationship with director Vic Alexander and writer Bud Fleisher, thespian challenges, the mystery of "Terror on Shadow Mountain," his working relationship with sibling Tag Groat, the history of the Groat Family Wild West Show, and his assessment of "Devil Rider" today.

• "Playing the Devil" (17:20, HD) is an interview with actor Tag Groat, who examines his experience playing a villain, his time with writer Bud Fleisher and director Vic Alexander, his memories of the shooting locations, his history and professional relationship with brother Rick, production challenges, BTS footage he personally shot, the story behind the editing of the VHS cut, police intervention during the shoot, animal experiences during filming, his response to being nearly buried alive, and his assessment of "Devil Rider" today.

• Behind-the-Scenes Footage (75:12, SD) is an extensive look at the making of "Devil Rider," focusing on the creation of special effects and stunts, cast and crew camaraderie, and scene creation and acting choices. It's a fascinating examination of filmmaking labor and dedication, perhaps more interesting than the movie itself.

• And a Trailer (1:37, HD) is included.

Devil Rider Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There's the idea of "Devil Rider," which brings some cowboy fury to the land of horror. It's the reality of the picture that's not nearly as exciting, with clumsy filmmaking and tepid performances difficult to endure at times. And then all the build-up of backstory and menace in the first half of the endeavor is turned over to horror events in the second half, triggering limp confrontations and chases, making for an underwhelming resolution for a story that initially appears as though it wants to do something different. "Devil Rider" might offer slasher fans cheap thrills while watching the eponymous character hunt down his victims, but the potential for this idea isn't realized, even by B-movie standards. It's a concept in need of either a crazier sense of danger or a more thoughtful understanding of real estate challenges, especially when they originate from beyond the grave.