Lord of Illusions 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		0.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Lord of Illusions 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

It’s somewhat amazing that author Clive Barker, one of the most popular horror writers of his era, only directed three films. He gifted the world “Hellraiser,” able to turn a tiny budget into an iconic genre endeavor that developed a genuine Movie Maniac while launching a brand name that, amazingly, continues to this day. The 1987 offering was eventually followed by 1990’s “Nightbreed,” which has grown into a fascinating study of fantasy and horror, but also editing decisions, as various cuts of the effort help to strengthen the power of Barker’s vision. And there’s 1995’s “Lord of Illusions,” which attempted to deliver the helmer’s love of intensity to a mass audience. The feature was largely ignored when it was released, and it’s easy to understand why. Barker is ambitious with this tale of violent magic and noir-ish adventuring, but he’s not skilled in the art of storytelling this time, preferring to transform the bizarreness of the material (an adaptation of 1985 short story) into a leaden viewing experience.

Lord of Illusions 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Screencaps don't fully reflect final product.

"Lord of Illusions" was previously released on Blu-ray in 2014. Shout Factory returns to title in 2025 with a UHD release, listed as a "4K scan from the original camera negative of Clive Barker's director's cut" (the theatrical version of the movie isn't provided). While I don't have a Blu-ray copy of the feature for comparison, there's certainly an obvious upgrade in quality judging by the screencaps. Clarity is strong throughout the viewing, doing well with the gruesome details of the offering, retaining textured makeup additions and gory events. Skin particulars are defined, examining wear and tear on the characters, and costuming remains fibrous, ranging from high fashion to tattered cult clothes. Exteriors maintain depth, and interiors preserve room dimensions and decorative additions. Color retains the nuanced lighting of the movie, which carried moodier hues and elements of brighter primaries. Stage lighting is particularly effective, along with the earthier tones of Nix's desert realm. Skin tones are natural. Greenery is distinct. Blacks are deep, maintaining shadowy encounters and performance movement. Highlights are tasteful. Grain is mostly film-like, though a few moments do register with a slightly blockier appearance. Source is in good condition, finding some very mild scratches along the way.

Unlike other Shout Factory UHD releases, "Lord of Illusions" unfortunately doesn't include a Blu-ray copy.

Lord of Illusions 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix definitely carries some low-end heft through the viewing event, registering weight with stage performances and apocalyptic cult conflicts. Dialogue exchanges are crisp, examining performance choices and dramatic emphasis. Scoring supports with dramatic prominence, providing sharp instrumentation. Musical moods seep into the surrounds, and atmospherics are decent with community gatherings. Sound effects deliver some panning and separation highlights.

Lord of Illusions 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features writer/director Clive Barker.

• "Flesh is a Trap: Scoring 'Lord of Illusions'" (21:43, HD) is a video conference interview with composer Simon Boswell, who picked up the job when Christopher Young couldn't do the project. After scoring some success with his contributions to Danny Boyle's "Shallow Grave," Boswell was contacted by writer/director Clive Barker, who was very particular about protecting the detective noir elements of the story. The interviewee describes his creative process and work on "Lord of Illusions," using his time with Italian cinema to craft a horror score that would be interesting, supporting the suspense needs of the feature. Samples of the score are provided, and Boswell shares his thoughts on his work, describing his intent and identifying his inspirations. Boswell also offers his memories of Barker, responding to his strange imagination.

• "Drawing Boards" (11:54, HD) is an interview with storyboard artist Martin Mercer, who talked himself into a job on "Lord of Illusions," moving to Los Angeles to live with writer/director Clive Barker, whom he previously worked with on "Nightbreed." Building on Barker's ideas and own drawings, Mercer created a visual guide to the picture, and examples of his labor are presented in split-screen comparison sequences. The interviewee highlights work alongside various departments to bring the movie to life, also detailing numerous moments from "Lord of Illusions," pointing out creative progression with help from his original storyboards.

• "A Gathering of Magic: Behind the Scenes of 'Lord of Illusions'" (17:52, SD) is a making-of for the film, featuring interviews with writer/director Clive Barker, producer JoAnne Seller, and actors Scott Bakula, Famke Janssen, and Daniel von Bargen. Production achievements are noted, with BTS footage utilized to detail the shoot. Characterization and casting is highlighted, as Barker believes he found the perfect Harry in Bakula, singing his praises. Pre-production is also examined, putting Barker to the test as he ordered up full storyboards for the picture to help stay within his budget. Special effects are celebrated, ranging from makeup work to computer assistance, and an assessment of the directorial process is provided, finding Barker candid about his abilities.

• "Original Behind the Scenes Footage" (61:56, SD) is an extended making of for "Lord of Illusions," featuring interviews with writer/director Clive Barker, magic consultant Lorin Stewart, special makeup effects artist Howard Berger, and actors Scott Bakula, Famke Janssen, and Kevin J. O'Connor. Out to make a cross between "Chinatown" and "The Exorcist," Barker basically guides the BTS journey, describing the material's origins and his cinematic intent. The world of magic is visited and the production process is explored in full, working through extensive on- set footage that provides a fly-on-the-wall understanding of cast and crew labor.

• Deleted Scenes (SD) are included, providing brief moments of character business and horror beats. They can only be viewed with commentary from writer/director Clive Barker.

• Image Gallery (15:53) collect marketing art, publicity shots, film stills, and BTS snaps.

• "A Note from Clive Barker" (1:57) offers thoughts from the filmmaker, who finally offers "Lord of Illusions" in its original form, restoring scenes the studio originally cut due to fears the noirish tones of the effort wouldn't entice the audience.

• And a Teaser Trailer (1:05, SD) is included.

Lord of Illusions 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Lord of Illusions" is meant to be creepy, inspecting the sickness of cult psychology and its concept of "two worlds of magic." Barker is curious about the illusionists and the magic community, and the best parts of the feature are found when the characters examine this mysterious subculture. Performance and escapism is turned into an apocalyptic battle with a powermad antagonist, and there's potential for something incredibly wild to develop as Barker attempts to turn fantasy into reality for these personalities. However, he doesn't have a big enough budget to fully realize his ideas, and casting is extremely disappointing as the wrong actors struggle to inhabit complicated characters. The production does offer fine work in the areas of makeup and special effects (CGI efforts are unavoidably crude), playing up Barker's love of macabre happenings and disturbing visuals. "Lord of Illusions" also wants to be a detective story when it isn't fighting to be unsettling, and the two sides of the script aren't a good fit, unable to blend the needs of a mystery with the wildness of weaponized magic and the end of the world.