Bava? I Barely Know Her! : A Review of Synapse’s New “Demons 1&2” Blu-Ray Release

The new blu-ray set for “Demons 1&2” is stacked to the rafters of the Metropol. There’s so much material, it’s hard to believe there will be any releases in the future that can top it. Synapse Films appears to know this, since the set is limited to just 6,000 units.

For the unfamiliar, “Demons” and “Demons 2” are Lamberto Bava’s Italian horror classics. “Demons” is about the audience in a movie theater (the aforementioned Metropol) slowly turning into carnivorous demons while those still alive fight back, sometimes with swords and motorcycles. It’s one of the best zombie films that doesn’t actually have zombies, but it DOES have Savini-level gore effects and a kick-ass soundtrack. It’s a bloody, squishy good time that pops in 1080p with newly-remastered audio.

“Demons 2” has a special place in my heart, since I saw it during a memorable “Dismember the Alamo.” The loose sequel takes place in a high-rise apartment building, where the demoni come through the TV to wreck a woman’s birthday party. Chaos ensues with the help of bodybuilders (hey, it was the ‘80s) trying to escape the possession plague. There’s not much more to the plot of either film, but you’re in it for the sticky stuff.

The mini-poster really ties the room together

While Scream Factory and Arrow are known for being the gold standards for horror blu-rays, Synapse is playing for keeps with this release. Both films have all previous special features, plus some new additions like new engrossing critics' commentaries and video essays. The scholarship here is overwhelming. Curious about Dario Argento’s work as a producer? We got you covered. Want an in-depth screed on the symbolism and themes in the film about the structures containing the films? That’s here, too. There are even brand-new English subtitles for each film and commemorative ad cards in the blu-ray case.

If you’ve been on the fence about picking up “Demons” or “Demons 2,” now’s the time to jump off into this Italian maelstrom of viscera. At only 6,000 units, expect it to move quickly.

“Demons 1&2” is available from Synapse Films on October 19, 2021.

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Nov 4, 2020

Lowell Greenblatt

Nov 4, 2020

Lowell Greenblatt was that kid at sleepovers who wanted you to rewind so he could see how the effects were done. He’s a human IMDB with a BFA in Dramatic Writing, and sustains himself on iced coffee, blu-rays, and the love (and tolerance) of his wife.