Specters Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

Specters Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 21, 2024

Terror emerges from Roman catacombs in 1987’s “Specters.” Co-writer/director Marcello Avallone visits the vast space underneath to inspire his B- movie, which includes plenty of scenes where characters investigate tunnels, confront signs of evil, and deal with monstrous visions. And there’s a fine start for the endeavor, with the helmer getting things going with a distinct cast of characters and a mission to visit forbidden spaces recently uncovered by the curious. And yet, as decently compelling as the opening act of “Specters” is, Avallone doesn’t find a way to sustain the mystery or the massacre. The picture noticeably loses inspiration as it goes, mostly dealing with padding and a general reluctance to become the creature feature teased throughout the effort.

Professor Lasky (Donald Pleasence) is leading a team to explore Roman catacombs, finding unexpected help from a subway project, which has unearthed access to Damitiano’s Tomb, which has been sealed for centuries. Joined by Marcus (John R. Pepper), Lasky looks to understand what’s contained within the forbidden area, receiving information that evil lurks here, ready to be unleashed. While Lasky conducts research and decodes evidence, Marcus deals with his girlfriend, Alice (Trine Michelsen), who’s being subjected to nightmarish visions from beyond, with her reality soon threatened.

“Specters” sticks with the basics in plotting, finding Professor Lasky and his team searching for Roman history during a time of development in the city. They discover Damitiano’s Tomb, which is clearly not something to be disturbed, but what kind of genre endeavor would this be if the gang walked away from such an important discovery? “Specters” mostly follows exploration interests, and it also arranges the terror of the catacombs, on display in an early scene where teen lovers sneak away from a tour group for some heavy petting, only to encounter the nightmare of crumbling passageways, skeletons, and rats.

As Lasky goes deeper, discoveries are made, including a sacrificial weapon that changes the tone of the finding. All the adventure of “Specters” is contained to the first half of the film, which also brings in Alice, an actress making a monster movie, confronted with unearthed evil as well. Alice’s subplot offers a more traditional haunting, as Avallone works with nightmares and shadow play to detail her troubles. She’s also involved with Marcus, which permits the production to add some eroticism to the feature. Perhaps more interesting is Lasky’s side of the story, including a sequence where Marcus is geared up in surveillance equipment, sent into the tomb, allowing Avallone to play with an “Alien”-style moment of suspense. It’s not much, but “Specters” isn’t all that lively, making any little effort to jolt the endeavor awake appreciated.

Specters Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "newly restored in 2K" from the original 35mm camera negative. "Specters" does a lot of business in the dark, and delineation is satisfactory, preserving frame information as the action winds around the catacombs. Detail is generally strong, exploring textured skin particulars on human and demon characters, and costuming remains fibrous. Catacomb tours are dimensional, along with living spaces. Exteriors also retain depth. Color is secure, with the earthiness of the underworld appreciable. Style choices offer more vibrant hues, and hair color is distinct. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in good condition.

Specters Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Vinegar Syndrome includes information concerning the original English stereo soundtrack for "Specters," which was found in a damaged state, resulting in "extreme and intermittent ringing and hiss." While restoration efforts were attempted, clarity and comfort couldn't be achieved. What's here is a 1.0 DTS-HD MA track for English, and it does just fine for the limited sonic scope of "Specters." Dialogue exchanges are clear, capturing performance choices and screaming fits. Scoring preserves synth support, adding musical mood to suspense sequences. Sound effects are appreciable.

Specters Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historians Troy Howarth and Eugenio Ercolani.

• "Paranormal Roman Activity" (26:57, HD) is an interview with producer/co-writer Maurizio Tedesco, who followed family members into the film business, getting early work in the editing room on several features from Pier Paolo Pasolini. Tedesco developed in the industry, working on various projects, learning to be more confident with his presence and ideas. Collaborations with director Marcello Avalone soon began, with the men bonding over a love of movies. For "Specters," the interviewee used his interest in Roman history to inspire a treatment, and he celebrates casting, including Donald Pleasence's ability to remain professional while enjoying local alcohol. Tedesco points out a few creative highlights from "Specters," but admits "Maya" is the better picture.

• "Simply Emma" (12:51) is an audio interview with actress Erna Schurer, who followed her interest in the entertainment business with help from her uncle, a director. Attending acting school, Schurer developed her skills before beginning her career in 1960's "Lipstick," while modeling jobs helped to shape her fame. The interviewee launches into career highlights, identifying creative collaborations and learning experiences, including time with Federico Fellini. Schurer closes with a brief overview of her work with director Marcello Avallone, also romantically involved with the man at one point.

• "Little Specters, Little Demons" (26:32, HD) is an interview with special effects artist Sergio Stivaletti, who gained a love of film from time with his father, experiencing hits from Ray Harryhausen and Stanley Kubrick at a young age. Stivaletti's mind was blown after seeing "Star Wars," moving from med school to moviemaking, achieving major employment on Dario Argento's "Phenomena." Finding pushback in Italy when striving to do more in the realm of special effects, the interviewee tried to make his own way in the business, taking jobs to sharpen his skills and figure out tricks. Career highlights and learning experiences are shared, but there's no mention of "Specters."

• "Little Roman Ghosts" (27:48, HD) is an interview with director/co-writer Marcello Avallone, who attempted to make his way into the movie business during the 1960s, when economic troubles were brewing. Learning to schmooze, Avallone found a future in television, seeking training through documentaries. Film opportunities eventually arrived, including "Specters," and the interviewee explores some of a creative highlights on the feature, especially time with actor Donald Pleasence.

• "A Horrific Anomaly" (30:35, HD) is an appreciation piece from film historian Eugenio Ercolani.

• Alternate Italian Titles and Credits (3:47, HD) are offered.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

Specters Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Specters" graduates to sarcophagus events and time with a panicking monkey before something monstrous happens in the final moments of the feature. Avallone doesn't commit to an epic return of evil, instead offering viewers mere flashes of grotesque events, which isn't satisfying. The bulk of the movie lacks a sense of threat, as too much time is spent on uneventful travel scenes around the catacombs. Character business is also very static, making for long stretches between screen events, and even these moments of shock are limited at best. "Specters" seems like it wants to be a hellraising good time with nervous characters and creature developments, but Avallone can't develop the idea with much intensity, making for an uneven viewing experience that peaks too soon.