Guyana: Cult of the Damned Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.5
Overall		3.5

Guyana: Cult of the Damned Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 7, 2021

There have been several attempts to explore the experience of Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple throughout many forms of media. 1979’s “Guyana: Cult of the Damned” is one of the first offerings of dramatic exploration, entering theaters less than a year after the mass suicide event in Jonestown. Speed appears to be the goal of the production, with noted B-movie manufacturer Rene Cardona Jr. trying to cash-in on a horrific situation with his endeavor, aiming to provide a horror show for those curious about the ghastly situation involving Jones and the creation of his cult, which he worked to build up, ultimately leading them to their deaths in 1978. However, instead of pushing extra hard to generate a satisfying understanding of manipulation and mental deterioration, Cardona Jr. generates tepid exploitation instead.

“Guyana: Cult of the Damned” claims to be based in truth, but names have been changed to keep lawyers at arm’s length. Jim Jones is now James Johnson (Stuart Whitman), the sunglasses-wearing leader of Johnson’s Temple, who demands complete submission from his followers, claiming to be working as an agent of God. Cardona Jr. attempts to class up the picture by treating it as a memoir from a Johnson Town survivor, and while narration strives to lend the movie a certain docudrama feel, the production is all hands with its placement, frequently interrupting scenes so the narrator can load the feature up with exposition, removing the need for dramatic interpretation. One feels bad for the actors, as creative efforts are often lost in the mix, crudely excised to speed up the narrative, which follows the Jonestown disaster timeline.

Cardona Jr. is not a helmer attentive to detail, unless it’s something that could help with the lurid nature of the material. The rise of James Johnson isn’t prioritized by the feature, which picks up the tale in progress, watching the San Francisco leader make his plans to relocate to “Eden” in Guyana -- a move that puts Congressman Leo Ryan (Gene Barry) on edge, inspiring a 1978 trip to observe Johnson Town. What’s carefully presented is human suffering, watching cult members deal with terrible living conditions and extreme rules set by Johnson, who claims ultimate control. Those who test the law are punished, which is what “Guyana: Cult of the Damned” is primarily interested in, spotlighting sexual humiliation and the torture of children (including genital electrocution), which is handed more screen time than any psychological understanding of Johnson. Cardona Jr. is here for the grisly details, not a study of subjugation, giving the endeavor a thick coating of oiliness as the production is eventually aimed at grindhouse audiences.

Guyana: Cult of the Damned Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as a "brand new 2K master," and the feature looks passable for its Blu-ray debut. Detail is acceptable, surveying polyester costuming and the Johnson Town community, with a large number of extras employed for the picture. Skin surfaces are softer, along with jungle living, and exteriors retain compelling dimension. Colors are appealing with period costuming, and the bright San Francisco tours explore urban hues and store signage. Greenery is distinct. Skintones are natural. Grain hits some occasional blockiness. Delineation is satisfactory. Source is in decent shape, but mild damage and scratches are present.

Guyana: Cult of the Damned Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix handles the horror atmosphere of "Guyana: Cult of the Damned" with care, leading with louder scoring cues which deliver sharp synth stings. Dialogue exchanges are clear, with Whitman's lead performance emerging with a deeper authority. Atmospherics are basic but compelling, exploring Johnson Town bustle.

Guyana: Cult of the Damned Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Isolated Music Score is presented.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:30, HD) is included.

Guyana: Cult of the Damned Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Guyana: Cult of the Damned" has the power of Whitman as Johnson, with the seasoned actor trying to inhabit an evil man who managed to create a mass suicide event, which, of course, Cardona Jr. details in full, even including real footage from the event. Whitman is strong here, managing to stay above the primitiveness of the moviemaking, looking to shape a performance in a film that doesn't have much interest in dramatic texture, embarking on a quest for cheap shock value instead.