Late Night with the Devil Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Late Night with the Devil Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 22, 2024

“Late Night with the Devil” returns viewers to the ways of television talk shows in the 1970s, where looser standards for constant audience engagement meant that wild situations could develop. With horror fanatics typically favoring a younger demographic, it’ll be interesting to see if there’s an audience for the feature, which uses the conventions of network television programming from 50 years ago to serve as inspiration for a demonic possession film. Writer/directors Cameron and Colin Cairnes (“100 Bloody Acres,” “Scare Campaign”) have the right idea for what’s technically a found footage endeavor, creating a special evening of surprise for the host of the show, “Night Owls.” “Late Night with the Devil” visibly battles to come up with stuff to do to fill 90 minutes of screen time, but the helmers deliver effective atmosphere for the effort, which periodically scores with T.V. replication and visits to the dark side.

“Night Owls” is a television talk show hosted by Jack (David Dastmalchian). Debuting in 1971, the program found its audience, but one not large enough to overtake Johnny Carson in the ratings, pushing Jack to use sensationalism to help attract attention to his show. Suffering through personal issues, including the loss of his wife, Madeline (Georgina Haig), Jack summons the energy for his annual Halloween show in 1977, which is occurring during sweeps week, putting pressure on the host to do something outrageous. He books Christou (Fayssal Bazzi), a T.V.-ready psychic who plays with the audience and soon senses an evil presence in the studio. Carmichael (Ian Bliss) is a professional magician and skeptic who challenges such claims. And there’s Dr. June (Laura Gordon), a parapsychologist promoting a book on the Devil, joined by Lilly (Ingrid Torelli), who was rescued from the Cult of Abraxas. Sensing an opportunity, Jack encourages Dr. June to visit Lilly’s history of evil, unprepared for what she finds.

To help set the scene, “Late Night with the Devil” opens with a summary of American television in the 1970s, narrated by Michael Ironside (an outstanding choice). With violence on the rise, T.V. exposure to the ugliness of the country expanded, seeping into mass entertainment. We also learn about Jack, a comedian trying his luck in the talk show game, launching “Night Owls” in 1971. There’s information about Madeline, his dear wife, who eventually succumbed to lung cancer in 1976, and a vague sense of mystery is established with Jack’s visits to The Grove, a resort for the rich and powerful that may have cult ties. What “Late Night with the Devil” offers is a master tape recording of the Halloween episode, with behind- the-scenes footage mixed in, capturing production bustle and the entirety of the show, which is planning to present something weird for this special night.

“Night Owls” commences after the intro, with Jack delivering his well-rehearsed hosting routine, complete with a Jimmy Carter-inspired monologue. He has a bandleader/sidekick in Gus (Rhys Auteri) and an audience filled with people in costume, adding to the festivities and uneasiness of the evening. The first guest is Christou, an Uri Geller-style man of mind power who fields questions from the audience and gets caught up on the name “Minnie.” And there’s Carmichael, a James Randi-style debunker carrying a large check for anyone who can prove their mental powers. Tensions between the two carry early moments in “Late Night with the Devil,” and the helmers have some fun with the format, with Jack a practiced referee handling interviews and commercial breaks. BTS scenes tend to break the illusion of the picture, supplying a more dramatic view of backstage issues, with producer Leo (Josh Quong Tart) meeting with Josh as the program starts to introduce creepier events.

Late Night with the Devil Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image presentation mostly remains with the broadcast of "Night Owls," replicating the look of television from the 1970s with a slightly fuzzier viewing experience (complete with age-related damage). The effect registers as intended here, blended with behind-the-scenes action, which is sharper, joined by some horror happenings that deliver detail. Color is strong, with period hues offering an orangey look to the set, and fashion delivers brighter blues and browns. Bolder primaries are found with crisper imagery, and red is distinct. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory.

Late Night with the Devil Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix looks to blend the period broadcast with a more modern sonic presence. Show audio is clear and frontal, securing performance choices and dramatic intensity, along dealing with vocal distortion as demonic happenings take place. Music is used in different ways, including brassier work from the "Night Owls" band, and some squealy theremin is included. Instrumentation is sharp, and some musical moods reach into the surrounds when away from the televised moments of the movie. Sound effects are active, with electrical charges and assorted acts of violence appreciable, briefly playing with panning movement. Atmospherics are lively, tracking audience reactions in the surrounds. Low-end isn't challenged, but some action and musical emphasis carries weight.

Late Night with the Devil Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features actor David Dastmalchian and producer Leah Kilpatrick.

• Behind the Scenes (4:11, HD) is a short but interesting look at the production effort for "Late Night with the Devil." It's an overview of creative achievements, examining the construction of sets, testing of special effects, rehearsal moves, makeup application, and a few post- production touches.

• "Monster Shock Theater" (34:15, HD) is a 1971 episode of the faux program, hosted by Martin Monster. This addition is primarily for die-hard fans of "Late Night with the Devil," watching Monster handle a monologue, and offer screen time to a sword swallower and a magician. "Night Owls" host Jack Delroy pops up in the final segment, trading jokes and telling stories to help promote his show. Also included is a commercial for the "Night Owls" Halloween extravaganza.

• Q&A (20:22, HD) features director Colin and Cameron Cairnes, and appears to be recorded during a post-screening appearance for the siblings. While the sound isn't great, information is provided about the production of "Late Night with the Devil," including the Australian origin of the idea, with a local host known for bringing supernatural themes to his program. Technical efforts to maintain the period look of the movie is also covered, along with talk of possible future projects for the duo, who are ready to get going on their next film.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included on this release.

Late Night with the Devil Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Late Night with the Devil" is best when offering a look at "Night Owls," watching Jack manage personalities and encourage evil as he senses an opportunity to boost ratings. More graphic content arrives in the final act, along with elements of hypnotism and demonic visitation, leading to an ending that's not as satisfying as hoped for, exiting the confines of the taping to tinker with surreal events. Going weird doesn't work for "Late Night with the Devil," but the rest of the feature does, with the Cairnes heading in a pleasing "WNUF Halloween Special"-style direction with the endeavor. The helmers don't blur reality, but they generate an entertaining recreation of older television antics, spiced with a bit of supernatural unrest. It's a fun ride.