The Devil Rides Out

The video presentation of "The Devil Rides Out" on Blu-ray, encapsulated via the AVC encoded image with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, emerges from a new 2K scan of the 20th century Fox interpositive, divulging an unmistakably refined clarity that augments the film's artistic expressions. The enhanced detail is particularly noticeable on facial textures and interior decorations, enabling a meticulous appreciation of the nuanced design decisions and the intricacy of pagan art depicted in the film. The sharpness brings a new life to the costume design, from the coarse texture of suits to the fluidity of ceremonial robes, immersing viewers further into the atmospheric setting of the movie. Moreover, the depth field is impressively handled, adding a layer of dimensionality to scenes, making the spaces within the film feel more expansive and engaging.

Color rendition in this presentation is executed with precision, offering a rejuvenated vibrancy to the palette; the reds and blues especially benefit, popping with intensity in scenes with furniture upholstery and complementing the mystical ambiance of the film. Similarly, the purple attire of cult leaders is rendered with a richness that enhances their ominous presence. Greens in outdoor scenes are vivid, contributing to the overall immersive experience. The delineation process is finely tuned, preventing any loss in detail to shadow solidification, thereby maintaining integrity in darker scenes.

The grain structure maintained throughout provides that revered filmic texture, ensuring that the presentation retains its original cinematic charm. The source material appears to have been well-preserved or meticulously restored, as it shows no significant signs of wear or damage, contributing to an overall satisfactory viewing experience. This Blu-ray offers fans and first-time viewers alike a superior window into the visual intricacies of "The Devil Rides Out," underscoring the effort and detail invested into its physical production and set design, making it a commendable release for collectors and aficionados of classic horror cinema.

The audio presentation of "The Devil Rides Out" on Blu Ray, encapsulated in a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio sound mix, notably demonstrates its vintage through a persistent presence of hiss and pops that characterize the audio throughout the film. This feature, rather than detracting, adds a layer of authenticity to the experience, reminding the listener of the film's original era. However, it is important to note that the music component occasionally suffers from a lack of clarity, especially at higher pitches where it tends toward a shrillness that can slightly fuzz out, losing some of its intended impact. Despite these moments, the overall scoring retains its ability to complement the film's suspenseful moments with fitting instrumentation, albeit within the constraints of its age.

Dialogue within the film is captured with considerable care, showcasing the distinct accents and deliberate thespian decisions that anchor the narrative's dramatic intensity. The clarity here is commendable, allowing for an engaging listening experience that keeps viewers connected to the unfolding story. Indeed, dialogue maintains its urgency and emotive power throughout, demonstrating the sound mix's strength in preserving the verbal exchanges central to the plot's momentum.

On the note of atmospherics and sound effects, while they may come across as somewhat blunt due to the limitations inherent in older audio recordings, they are by no means obscured. This aspect of the audio presentation ensures that the environmental sounds and minor audio cues integral to crafting the film's ambiance remain effective. Each element, from the subtle to the striking, contributes to an encapsulating auditory experience that, despite its signs of age, serves to enhance the viewing experience of "The Devil Rides Out" on Blu Ray.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Devil Rides Out" are a treasure trove for fans and scholars alike, offering a comprehensive overview of this cult classic. The two commentaries provide varied insights: one with film experts Steve Haberman, Constantine Nasr, and Richard Christian Matheson diving into technical and thematic discussions, and another featuring actors Christopher Lee and Sarah Lawson giving firsthand accounts of the production. Kim Newman and Jonathan Rigby offer engaging, albeit differing, perspectives on the film's legacy and its myriad influences, ranging from British cinema to Aleister Crowley. "The Making of 'The Devil Rides Out'" is especially detailed, blending production anecdotes with historical context. The inclusion of "World of Hammer," an episode highlighting Hammer Films' portfolio, and a robust image gallery, alongside two high-definition theatrical trailers, round out an extras package that enriches the viewing experience with depth and historical breadth.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary #1 with Steve Haberman, Constantine Nasr, and Richard Christian Matheson: A comprehensive discussion on the film's technical and thematic aspects.
• Commentary #2 with Christopher Lee and Sarah Lawson: Personal insights from the actors on the production.
• Kim Newman Recalls 'The Devil Rides Out': An informal chat covering a wide range of topics related to the film.
• Jonathan Rigby on 'The Devil Rides Out': A critical analysis offering a calmer perspective on the movie's production and legacy.
• The Making of 'The Devil Rides Out': In-depth exploration of the production process and the movie's historical context.
• World of Hammer: A clip show episode focusing on Hammer Films, narrated by Oliver Reed.
• Image Gallery: A collection of publicity material, behind-the-scenes shots, and more.
• Theatrical Trailer #1 and #2: High-definition trailers for the film.

In the 1968 Hammer Film production "The Devil Rides Out," directed by Terence Fisher, viewers are taken on a dark descent into the realm of black magic and Satanic rituals, adapted from Dennis Wheatley's 1934 novel. Fisher, no stranger to the horror genre with titles like "Frankenstein Created Woman" and "The Hound of the Baskervilles" under his belt, adeptly crafts a narrative that initially focuses on subtle disturbances but gradually escalates into a frenetic battle against malevolent forces. Central to the film is Christopher Lee, who delivers a stellar performance as Nicholas, a character embroiled in a mission to save his friend's son, Simon, portrayed by Patrick Mower, from the clutches of a sinister cult led by high priest Mocata (Charles Gray).

The plot thickens as Nicholas uncovers evidence of the occult within Simon's residence, marking the inception of a thrilling chase against darkness. "The Devil Rides Out" intelligently interweaves suspense with elements of horror, notably during its more ambitious sequences. Despite this, the film shows its age in parts; technical limitations of the era lead to moments that inadvertently provoke laughter rather than fear, such as an obvious blue screen and a less-than-convincing spider attack, revealing the constraints faced during production.

Nevertheless, Fisher's direction ensures that these hiccups do not overshadow the film's accomplishments. The narrative's palpable tension, combined with compelling performances and dynamic sequences of psychic confrontations and supernatural battles, solidifies "The Devil Rides Out" as a significant entry in Hammer's horror catalog. As Nicholas confronts the pervasive threat of Mocata's cult and their dark lord, the film sustains its eerie atmosphere and delivers a captivating exploration of the struggle between good and evil, making it an essential watch for aficionados of classic horror.

In this Blu-ray presentation of "The Devil Rides Out," the film finds its strength in the formidable presence of Christopher Lee, whose unwavering professionalism brings a grounded sincerity to the fantastical elements at play. Lee's portrayal is a key factor in the movie's ability to mesmerize and captivate, effectively navigating through its occasionally goofy visual effects with an admirable dedication to the source material. The focus on black magic and the occult is executed with a palpable enthusiasm, translating into scenes of hellish encounters that weave unpredictability and intrigue into the narrative. These moments stand out, enriching the film's atmosphere with a sense of mystery and unease that is both intriguing and entertaining.

Despite facing certain technical constraints inherent in productions of its time, "The Devil Rides Out" surpasses expectations by leveraging its storytelling and strong performances, particularly from Lee. The engagement with themes of satanic panic is handled with a refined touch, ensuring that the film never loses its way amidst its more bizarre sequences. Moreover, the Blu-ray release does well to honor the film's original aesthetic, preserving its eerie ambiance while presenting it in a quality that allows for an enhanced viewing experience. Attention to detail in the conversion process ensures that both aficionados of classic horror and new viewers are treated to a product that respects the film's legacy.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray iteration of "The Devil Rides Out" stands as a commendable effort in preserving and presenting a classic piece of horror cinema. With Christopher Lee's stellar performance at the helm, coupled with a compelling dive into the occult, the film maintains its ability to enchant and unsettle. This release successfully navigates the challenges of technical limitations while accentuating the thematic strengths and peculiar charm of the original work, making it a valuable addition to any horror aficionado's collection.