Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

The Demon Rat Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 27, 2023

1992’s “The Demon Rat” is a low-budget offering of future world horrors, with the star of the show a mutated beast that’s out to feast on human prey. However, there’s a little more to the production, as co-writer/director Ruben Galindo Jr. is also very concerned about the state of the planet, working in a message on ecological ruin while managing bloodier events highlighting monster movement. It’s refreshing to see a B-movie try to bum out its audience with reminders of planetary collapse, and while “The Demon Rat” isn’t successful landing the severity of the atmospheric situation, it wins points for trying, with Galindo Jr. better off exploring the state of a polluted nation than trying to mount a creature feature with little monetary support.

with smog and pelted by acid rain, forcing the country to carry on with help from masks and filtration systems. Life has a certain normalcy, but all is not well for Irena (Rossana San Juan), a schoolteacher struggling with her divorce from Robert (Gerardo Albarran), who currently controls Romo Industries, her late father’s company. Robert doesn’t have time for ethics, gearing up for the construction of a nuclear power plant, ready to dump radioactive waste anywhere he pleases, showing no concern for Earth. While frustrated with her domestic situation, Irina’s troubles increase when she discovers evidence of a rat in her home, turning to colleague Axel (Miguel Angel Rodriguez) for help. However, instead of a small rodent issue, the pair discovers a mutated monster in the living space, forcing them to fight for survival, soon joined by Robert, who’s looking to kill them after they threaten to expose his corruption.

Smog is the unofficial star of “The Demon Rat,” with Galindo Jr. taking viewers into a world that’s one big toxic cloud, forcing residents to maintain mask usage as they make their way around town, only removing the equipment when they enter “clean” rooms maintained by purification systems. Corporate polluters have won the war, but Irina isn’t giving up, trying to pull control of her father’s company away from Robert, who’s prepared to murder to maintain power. It’s ugly out there for the character, but Irina has support from Axel, a biology teacher who’s the first to learn about mutation issues, discovering a giant fly with a student. Axel has feelings for Irina, inspiring Galindo Jr. to transform “The Demon Rat” into a telenovela at times, which doesn’t fit into the dystopian mood of the feature.

“The Demon Rat” finds some dramatic stability when dealing with Robert’s scheming ways. It’s not an original take on corruption, but for a small production, it works, putting Axel on the case to expose the man’s evil ways. Irina has trouble with the monster, who claims her beloved dog, hiring an exterminator to take care of the job, but he’s soon overwhelmed by the mutant threat. There’s about an hour of plot and character (and a visit to a restaurant that serves smoking drinks) before Galindo Jr. gives up, perhaps running out of money to add anything else with the feature. The last act of “The Demon Rat” turns to repetitive search-and-find scenes and an extended physical battle between good and evil, with the big brawl eating up an enormous amount of screentime, surpassing the fight in “They Live,” but only in length.

The Demon Rat Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"The Demon Rat" is a naturally hazy feature, with smoke machines running for most of the run time. The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers as much detail as possible, fighting some technical limitations. Costuming is passably textured with future world gear, including smoother fetish-y outfits. Interiors retain some depth, visiting living spaces and school rooms. Exteriors are limited. Colors are comfortable, with period fashion supplying more vivid primaries, and greenery is distinct. Delineation is acceptable. Grain is heavy but film-like. Source is in good condition. A light strobing effect is periodically encountered, which is most likely a technical issue.

The Demon Rat Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix provides a simple listening experience, with dialogue exchanges intelligible, but often battling microphone distance and the use of heavy masks, but nothing is lost. Scoring supports satisfactory, with decent instrumentation and emphasis during suspense sequences and romantic moods. Sound effects are pronounced, reflecting the low-budget nature of the endeavor, but Galindo Jr. does get carried away at times, with a good chunk of the last act maintaining a harsh emergency siren.

The Demon Rat Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "The Dangers Ahead" (17:57, HD) is an interview with co-writer/director Ruben Galindo Jr., who takes viewers back to the 1990s, when the local film industry was in a tough place, giving rise to "video home" productions, sending titles straight to the home video market. These endeavors were offered creative freedom, and Galindo Jr. attempted to address climate change in "The Demon Rat," holding great fear about the planet's future at the time. Pollution inspired the story, and the interviewee discusses the state of things today, remaining anxious about waste and greed, while his personal moviemaking tastes have moved on from horror to more adult, human dramas. Some talk of "The Demon Rat" is shared, which was shot in three weeks on a shoestring budget, requiring the production to move fast, without stopping for luxuries. Some talk of casting achievements are offered as well.

• "A Precautionary Tale" (11:29, HD) is an interview with actress Rossana San Juan, who responded to the story of "The Demon Rat," also sharing youthful enthusiasm for the production process with co-writer/director Ruben Galindo Jr. Characterization is explored, with San Juan interested in the crisis of the story, repeatedly reinforcing how the fantasy of 1992 is the reality of today. Her work with props and atmosphere is recalled, including a lot of mask work around smoke. The interviewee is very passionate about drama, sharing her effort to bring her part to life, also asking viewers to value every moment they can.

• "It's All in the Prophecy" (12:08, HD) is an interview with actor Miguel Angel Rodriguez, who recalls a 45-year-long career in film and television, with over 400 credits to his name, working with some of the biggest stars in the industry. He praises the prescient writing of "The Demon Rat," remarking on the rapidly changing world we live in today. The interviewee discusses his relationship with co-writer/director Ruben Galindo Jr., with the pair acting brotherly during the shoot. Production demands are also noted, putting the actor through some intense moments. Costuming is recalled, using straps and boots to define his look, and co-stars are assessed. Rodriguez also explores his own COVID-19 experience, which sent him to the hospital after initially believing the pandemic was strictly politically motivated.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

The Demon Rat Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Demon Rat" really loses a lot once it stops trying to tell a story, and Galindo Jr. keeps ridiculousness coming in the final act, where Irina and Axel decide to use a little down time from mutant attacks and assassination attempts to have sex. "The Demon Rat" isn't a good film, but there are ideas introduced early here with some potential, and the production provides an interesting look at ecological destruction with a lunch money budget. The rest of the endeavor doesn't bother to build on it, suddenly interested in becoming an action movie without any sense of editing or, at times, hope for an ending.