Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.5

Spellcaster Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 9, 2020

“Spellcaster” endured a long road to release, with the film shot in 1986 but only received home video distribution in 1992, caught up in producer bankruptcy issues. While it might’ve been a little out of date when it was finally gifted to viewers, the picture is now a terrific time capsule of MTV-led culture of the 1980s, with the production trying to tap into the pop culture frenzy of the channel, attempting to hip up an Agatha Christie-style story with monster movie trimmings. “Spellcaster” doesn’t quite have enough gas to get it past the finish line, but early energy of the feature is impressive, collecting a spunky cast and a fun premise for a spooky tour of murder and panic, topped off with a little black magic.

Rock TV is holding a contest, offering lucky viewers a chance to spend the weekend in an Italian castle owned by Count Diablo (Adam Ant) with superstar Cassandra (Bunty Bailey), while host Rex (Richard Blade) has hidden a check for one million dollars somewhere inside. Arriving for the big game are hunter Myrna (Martha Demson), Frenchwoman Yvette (Traci Lind), overweight Harlan (Michael Zorek), temptress Teri (Kim Johnston Ulrich), Italian sexual predator Tony (Marcello Modugno), and Cleveland siblings Tom (Harold Pruett) and Jackie (Gail O’Grady). Eager to enjoy luxury accommodations and a shot at a fortune, the gang commences psychological gamesmanship, trying to find an advantage when the quest begins. While the contestants figure out one another’s weaknesses as Rex and cameraperson Jamie (Dale Wyatt) cover their activities, Diablo remains in hiding, manipulating the players with help from his crystal ball, happily leading the visitors to their deaths.

It’s important to note that while he’s the face on the cover art, Adam Ant only appears for five minutes in “Spellcaster,” remaining more of an unseen foe creating chaos from afar. The feature actually focuses on the contestants, who come to Italy from all over the world, hoping to be the lucky hunter to collect big bucks inside Diablo’s forbidding castle. The gang is also there to meet Cassandra, the big Rock TV star of the year, but she’s a bitter drunk who doesn’t want to participate in the weekend, concocting a scheme with Rex to rig the game in their favor. Early scenes establish individual temperaments and vices, and the screenplay keeps personalities one-note for easier identification, with Tony happy to advance on all females in his view, while Teri enjoys luring men into her room, only to deny them pleasure at the last moment. Harlan is a non-stop eater, always looking for food while telling awful jokes (this is Zorek’s specialty). The real leads are Tom, an undersexed teen with big monetary dreams, and Jackie, a simple soul whose awareness of the castle’s history makes her Diablo’s favorite.

Contestant shenanigans are amusing, even when they lead into ugly behavior. The check hunt begins halfway into “Spellcaster,” with the characters soon off and running, making their way throughout the castle, seeking a little piece of paper with a lot of life-changing zeros on it. The picture takes a turn toward the macabre once the visitors start trashing the joint, with Diablo going after players one at a time, leading to some delightfully low-fi creature creations from designer John Carl Buechler. One character is devoured by a large chair, another is pursued by a ghoul from a painting. There are zombies in the dungeon and a walking suit of armor. Diablo holds command in his private space, using the crystal ball to destroy the contestants, and when that fails, the characters often turn on one another, with greed clouding their conduct. The idea that people are being punished for their careless behavior isn’t clearly defined (one visitor is turned into a pig man without committing any real offenses), but the monster vibe is enjoyable, giving the endeavor the thrill of practical effects.

Spellcaster Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Listed as "Newly scanned and restored in 2K from its 35mm interpositive," "Spellcaster" looks bright and welcomingly on Blu-ray. The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers a dazzling palette filled with period hues, giving MTV costuming tremendous presence as bold reds and blues stand out. Specialized lighting is sharp. Castle interiors are distinct in their age and stone construction. Greenery is exact. Skintones are natural. Detail is compelling, with castle tours dimensional and textured. Facial particulars are clear, enjoying the youth of the cast and monstrous transformation. Additional monster work is defined. Costuming is fibrous. Delineation is comfortable, preserving shadow play. Grain is heavy but film- like. Source is in excellent shape.

Spellcaster Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix offers a crisp understanding of dialogue exchanges, with defined accents and personal performance choices. Scoring is inherently thin and chirpy, but the Casio-style beats come through with power at times, offering a clear frontal presence. Sound effects are defined, handling monstrous activity and elements of fire and water. Atmospherics are appreciable, with echoed room tone and castle travel preserved.

Spellcaster Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Slime Jockeys" (19:10, HD) is an interview with special effects artists/actors William Butler and Michael Deak. The pair (recorded at a backyard bar) delve into their careers at the time of the "Spellcaster" production, working hard for Empire Pictures and producer Charles Band, coming off "From Beyond" without a break. Their shared death scene is examined, with something greater planned in the script before it was changed to a simple car explosion, at Deak's suggestion. Traveling to Rome, the men share their wonder with Dino de Laurentiis's old studio, discovering cinematic treasures while prepping the new production, including workprint footage from "Barbarella." Cast impressions are shared, offering amusing anecdotes about the ensemble, including Adam Ant, who was extremely specific in his makeup demands. Career growth is charted, with Band open to crew interests and ambition. The interviewees make it clear "Spellcaster" was a happy shoot, and recall their first impressions of the film years after it was shot.

• "Casting a Spell" (13:34, HD) is an interview with Richard Blade, who portrays a VJ in "Spellcaster" and actually was one in the 1980s, splitting time between television hosting and radio work in Los Angeles. Such experience helped him in the audition process, putting in little effort to acquire the job. Blade recalls the Italian shoot, moving from studio work to Charles Band's private castle, which the actor toured frequently during his days inside. The interviewee provides his impression of director Rafal Zielinski, and delves into his relationships with co-stars, including Bunty Bailey, the star of a-Ha's "Take on Me" video, which Blade deems the best video of the 1980s. He shares his appreciation of old friend Adam Ant and his innate magnetism. Cast and crew camaraderie is celebrated, reflecting a pleasant shoot, and Blade describes his futile attempts to promote a picture that was delayed for six years.

• Still Gallery (1:04) collects poster art, film stills, and publicity shots.

• And a Trailer has not been included on this release.

Spellcaster Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Spellcaster" eventually has to deal with Diablo and his black magic, which isn't nearly as engaging as the game scenario and personal differences among the contestants. The picture limps to a close, but thankfully the climax is short, keeping the viewing experience alive. "Spellcaster" is a good B- movie ride with an excitable cast, and it's an even better reminder of MTV's influence on filmmaking, with this production having a good time with music video stars, an intimidating castle, and lust for easy money during a record label promotion.