Demons 2 (4K UHD Review)
- Review Date: Aug 01, 2024
- Format: 4K Ultra HD
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Director
Lamberto BavaRelease Date(s)
1986 (August 13, 2024)Studio(s)
DAC Film/Titanus (Synapse Films)- Film/Program Grade: B-
- Video Grade: A+
- Audio Grade: A+
- Extras Grade: A-
Review
After the success of 1985’s Demons, Demons 2 was immediately put into production, releasing only a year later, but still under the directorial eye of Lamberto Bava, and with Dario Argento once again serving as a producer. Like many Italian genre-based properties, the Demons series went far beyond the original two films with its sequels, unofficial or otherwise, popping up all over the globe. From Michele Soavi’s The Church and The Sect to Lamberto Bava’s The Ogre, the Demons moniker plagued these films in certain territories, whether they had anything to do with a demons storyline or not. Regardless, Demons and Demons 2 were hits upon theatrical release, particularly the first film, which is why producers wanted to cash in. Though the results aren’t quite as memorable, Demons 2 still features the same level of violence and gore, the same candy-coated lighting and cinematography, and the same fist-pumping hard rock music and score.
In Demons 2, residents of an apartment building are tuned in for a horror movie on TV. During a birthday party, one of the tenants is assaulted when a demon forces its way through her TV, transforming her into a demon. The evil then spreads from floor to floor when demon bile leaks into the ceiling, infecting people and animals very quickly. Now trapped inside the building together, the remaining residents must endure these creatures if they’re to survive.
Demons 2 was shot by Gianlorenzo Battaglia on 35 mm film using Arriflex cameras and spherical lenses, finished photochemically, and presented in the aspect ratio of 1.66:1. Synapse Films re-releases this outstanding 4K Ultra HD presentation of the film (which is shared with Arrow Video in Region B territories) in two distinct versions: the Italian language version and the English language version (with the spoken language being the only difference). This presentation has been graded for High Dynamic Range (HDR10 and Dolby Vision options are included) and presented on a triple-layered BD-100 disc.
Since Demons 2 was shot using a high speed film stock, it yields a much higher field of grain than the first film. As such, it appears more textured, which the UHD presentation handles remarkably well, never appearing overly noisy. It also sports a bitrate that primarily sits in the 80 to 90Mbps range, frequently spiking well above that. Black levels are deep and contrast is perfect. Like its predecessor, Demons 2 offers a variety of hues, and the HDR grades boost its palette enormously. The color matches Synapse’s previous Blu-rays, but now with added depth. It’s beautifully organic and stable, with no leftover damage or debris to speak of.
Both the English and Italian versions of Demons 2 feature audio in 5.1 and 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio, though it’s worth noting that the stereo track is a true stereo mix of the film’s original theatrical soundtrack. Subtitles are included for both films in English SDH. The restored stereo soundtrack for Demons 2 is extremely active with excellent separation and frequent movement. The dubbing is obviously loose against the picture, no matter which option you choose, but there’s plenty of fidelity for Simon Boswell’s score, as well as the music selection performed by the likes of The Cult, The Smiths, Dead Can Dance, and Love and Rockets. Dialogue is up front and discernible and the various sound effects, particularly those pertaining to the demons themselves, have ample support.
Demons 2 on 4K Ultra HD sits in a black Amaray case alongside a birthday invitation containing information about the transfer of Demons 2 on the back, as well as a 24-page Synapse Films 2024 Product Catalog. The reversible insert features artwork from the US theatrical poster on the front and the Italian theatrical poster artwork on the reverse. The following extras are included:
- Audio Commentary by Travis Crawford
- Together and Apart: Space and Technology in Demons and Demons 2 (HD – 26:36)
- Archival Special Features:
- Creating Creature Carnage (SD – 20:29)
- Bava to Bava (SD – 16:43)
- Demonic Influences: Federico Zampaglione Speaks (HD and SD – 10:22)
- The Demons Generation: Roy Bava Discusses a Legacy in Lacerations (HD and SD – 34:50)
- The New Blood of Italian Horror: Sergio Stivaletti and Michele Soavi – From Demons to Dellamore Dellamorte (HD and SD – 16:15)
- Screaming for a Sequel: The Delirious Legacy of Demons 2 (HD and SD – 15:59)
- A Soundtrack for Splatter: An Interview with Composer Simon Boswell (HD and SD – 27:08)
- Promotional Materials:
- Italian Theatrical Trailer (HD – 2:56)
- International English Theatrical Trailer (HD – 2:55)
In the audio commentary with the late Travis Crawford, he discusses the film in vast detail, covering many facets of the production, as well as the film’s various “sequels”. Together and Apart is a visual essay on space and technology in Demons and Demons 2 by author and critic Alexandra Heller-Nicolas. Archival extras include Creature Creature Carnage, an interview with Sergio Stivaletti; Bava to Bava, an interview with Luigi Cozzi; Demonic Influences, an interview with director Federico Zampaglione; The Demons Generation, an interview with assistant director Roy Bava; The New Blood of Italian Horror, another interview Sergio Stivaletti; Screaming for a Sequel, an interview with Lamberto Bava; and A Soundtrack for Splatter, an interview with composer Simon Boswell. The rest of the extras consist of two trailers.
Not included from the Arrow Video Region B UHD release is the 1998 audio commentary with Lamberto Bava, Sergio Stivaletti, and Roy Bava, moderated by Loris Curci. Quite obviously, this release doesn’t include Demons, its extras, or the deluxe packaging from Synapse’s previous UHD release, which was limited to 6,000 units.
If you somehow missed out on the excellent Demons I & II Special Limited Edition UHD release, this single release of the second film (as well as the first film) should definitely make up for it. These are the exact same discs from those releases, just split apart. If you’re an Italian horror fan and don’t already own these films, these are must haves. Highly recommended!
- Tim Salmons
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