Evil Judgment Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Evil Judgment Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 26, 2023

1984’s “Evil Judgment” is occasionally described as a giallo, as it features a black-gloved killer coming after terrified victims while a mystery of sorts fights for screen time. Missing is a sense of style, with co-writer/director Claudio Castravelli basically holding on for dear life with the slasher movie, in charge of making sense of an eye-crossing plot, overseeing a cast of hazily defined characters, and stitching together two filming periods (one in 1981, the other in 1983) into one passably coherent picture. “Evil Judgment” has its violence and exploitation interests, but the Canadian production doesn’t catch fire as a thriller, often caught struggling with the details of the crime and forward momentum of the story, emerging as a chiller with limited moments of screen tension.

Janet (Pamela Collyer) is an aspiring ballet dancer trying to make a living as a server at a Greek restaurant run by Jerry (Sam Stone). She can’t make ends meet, sharing her woes with local prostitute April (Nanette Workman), who offers a temporary solution, tempting the frustrated woman with an opportunity to join a paid sexual adventure with Ron (Walter Massey), a rich old man interested in a threesome. Hesitantly agreeing to the payday, Janet joins April as they visit Ron’s remote mansion, with the owner displaying some strange vibes as he locks the doors and forces the working girls to join him for dinner. Before bedroom activities begin, Janet wants out, only to encounter absolute horror when a gloved killer slaughters April and Ron, leaving Janet to take the heat from Inspector Armstrong (Roland Nincheri). Panicked and desperate, Janet turns to Dino (Jack Langedijk), her abusive ex-boyfriend, for help, with the pair returning to the scene of the crime to understand what’s going on, leaving themselves open to the killer’s wrath once again.

There’s an important exposition dump at the very beginning of “Evil Judgment,” exploring the troubled world of Judge Robertson and his battle with the Romeno criminal family, which has resulted in the murder of his wife and a stay in a psychiatric facility. These are important details to follow, but Castravelli doesn’t put enough emphasis on the information, and doesn’t return to it until much later in the feature, creating some confusion that doesn’t feel intentional. What’s absolutely clear is Janet’s misery, with the aspiring dancer just trying to make it through life, only collecting loose change for tips at Jerry’s restaurant, where a customer claims the soup tastes like urine and proceeds to pee into the bowl to prove his point. It’s not Montreal’s finest eating establishment, but it’s (barely) a living for Janet, who’s broke enough to get talked into becoming a prostitute, giving “Evil Judgment” its first battleground in Ron’s mansion. A night of bedroom horror turns into a fight for survival, leaving Janet with some explaining to do and Castravelli with as much straightforward storytelling as possible for this production.

Dino isn’t a good guy. He’s the son of a Montreal underworld figure and he’s quick to rage with Janet, physically assaulting her right after they make love, disgusted his desperate girlfriend would even entertain the thought of sex work to pay her mounting bills. Dino is also the hero of “Evil Judgment,” depicted as the force of justice when Janet is left without evidence in the mansion murders, inspiring him to return with her to the dwelling. Castravelli tries to be suspenseful with a dark building and a flashlight investigation, and more deaths arrive. However, “Evil Judgment” doesn’t have much of the nail-biting stuff, limiting dangerous events and fumbling red herrings, while detective work is limited to videotape examination and general hostility from Armstrong.

Evil Judgment Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "Newly scanned and restored in 4K from its original camera negative." Detail is excellent, finding skin particulars nicely defined, examining displays of age and identifying the two production periods of the feature. Costuming is fibrous, and interiors are crisp, permitting frame examination. Exteriors retain depth, highlighting wintery locations. Colors are secure, with appealing primaries on clothing and decorative additions. Evening investigation in the murder mansion carries a distinct blue appearance, and blood reds are preserved. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is film-like. Source is in good condition, with some scratches and brief frame damage is detected.

Evil Judgment Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA track provides a straightforward listening experience. Dialogue exchanges are acceptable, occasionally battling production limitations, but performances are appreciable. Scoring supports with clarity, delivering an active synth sound. Sound effects are acceptable.

Evil Judgment Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features co-writer/director Claudio Castravelli, associate producer Pietro L. Serapiglia, and co-writer Victor Montesano.

• Commentary #2 feature The Hysteria Continues.

• "The Executioner" (17:35, HD) is an interview with co-writer/director Claudio Castravelli, who began his filmmaking journey as a child, gifted a camera when he was 14 years old, sending him on a quest to make his own shorts, winning some acclaim along the way. Castravelli continued his mission in college, but soon hungered to work on something with wider appeal. Enter "Evil Judgment," which was a tax shelter production, allowing the helmer to realize his dream, joined by co-writer Victor Montesano. The interviewee goes into detail about the strained shooting process on the picture, which was stopped halfway through in 1981 due to financial complications, resuming in 1983. Locations are identified, with the production proudly using its Montreal setting. Gore demands are highlighted, pointing out the talent bringing horror to life.

• "It's About Vibes" (17:01, HD) is an interview with composer Corky Lang, which opens with the interviewee almost burning himself while lighting a cigar, and he also forgets the name of the movie he worked on. Lang shares his experience on the picture, preparing plenty of music for "Evil Judgment" during the production's year-long break. Musical moods are also analyzed.

• "Getting it Done" (8:26, HD) is an interview with associate producer Pietro L. Serapiglia, who began his career with the Canadian Film Board, building a resume throughout the 1970s. In the 1980s, Serapiglia scored a job on "Visiting Hours," which led him to the "Evil Judgment" experience, meeting co-writer/director Claudio Castravelli and dealing with a lengthy production stoppage. Memories of the shoot are shared, including casting highlights, and the interviewee's career after "Evil Judgment" is detailed, joining Castravelli as they ventured into the world of music videos.

• "Canadian Giallo" (21:24, HD) is an appreciation piece from film historian Caelum Vatnsdal.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

Evil Judgment Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Evil Judgment" doesn't vary shocking events, with nearly every kill involving a slit throat, which gets repetitive, especially for a genre endeavor. A few more deadly encounters are provided, but Castravelli doesn't tighten the viewing experience, periodically going slack with mystery elements and malicious behavior. "Evil Judgment" is described as a "Canuxploitation classic" on the Blu-ray packaging, but it's difficult to see its appeal to those who don't live and breathe slasher entertainment, and even those incredibly permissive fans might be left wondering where the excitement is in this limp thriller.