NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Indicator - Region Free - Blu-ray (December 2018): Firstly, this is the most comprehensive set of these two films and their varied versions. On the first Blu-ray we get the original full-length pre-release version of Night of the Demon, the US reissue version of Curse of the Demon and 2K BFI restoration presentations at 1.75:1 and HD remaster presentations at 1.66:1 (seamlessly-branched). On the second Blu-ray we get the original UK theatrical cut of Night of the Demon and the original US theatrical cut Curse of the Demon HD remasters at 1.66:1 (also seamlessly-branched). Confused yet? That's six versions in any which-way you could desire on two dual-layered Blu-rays. I prefer the UK Theatrical cut but it may be out of a fondness for my multiple viewings of that version. Quality doesn't vary extensively (we've compared only two sequences below with the previous versions - and others within this set) with high-ish bitrates all are excellent in-motion with highly pleasing contrast layering - no where near as brittle as the Wild Side 1080P - far more film-like. Grain is evident and I don't doubt these are accurate representations of the best sources available.

Simon from our FB Group says : "The theatrical versions on the 2nd disc seem the best quality with impressive sharpness & detail but lack the excellent scene with the country family of the "murderer" that's in the restored versions, of which the 1.66:1 UK is the best & with the single commentary track on any of the versions." (Thanks Simon!)

Audio is lossless for both films in a DTS-HD Master HD in 1.0 channel mono (24-bit) and effects centre around the beautiful score is by prolific composer Clifton Parker (Scream of Fear, Sink the Bismark, The Teckman Mystery etc.) discussed in the extras by Scott MacQueen. These are optional English (SDH) subtitles fro all versions on these two Region FREE Blu-rays.

As well as having the option of an isolated score for the theatrical cuts, Indicator has given us a many more extras. Starting off, we have an audio commentary with film historian Tony Earnshaw, author of Beating the Devil: The Making of 'Night of the Demon'  for the first Blu-ray (long versions. ) "Speak of the Devil: The Making of 'Night of the Demon'" is a 20-minute documentary featuring actor Peggy Cummins and production designer Ken Adam. "Cloven in two" is a 23-minute video essay exploring the different versions of the film. "Hal E Chester at the Manchester Festival of Fantastic Films" is a rare archival video interview with the producer. Another rare interview is included here, with an audio interview with Dana Andrews. "Dana Andrews on 'Night of the Demon'" is a 10-minute affair wherein Andrews is interviewed by film historian and preservationist Scott MacQueen. "The Devil's in the Detail" is a 36-minute interview with Christopher Frayling discussing "Night of the Demon" and Ken Adam. "Horrors Unseen" is a 27-minute interview with Chris Fujiwara, author of Jacques Tourneur: The Cinema of Nightfall. "Sinister Signs" is a 21-minute analysis by genre aficionado Kim Newman, author of Nightmare Movies. "Under the Spell" is a 19-minute personal appreciation from horror writer Ramsey Campbell. "The Devil Gets His Due" is a 23-minute piece with Scott MacQueen detailing the film's release history. "The Truth of Alchemy" is a 22-minute discussion of M.R. James by the author Roger Clarke. "The Devil in Music" is an 11-minute extra featuring David Huckvale discussing composer Clifton Parker. "A Note of Fear" has Scott MacQueen discussing aspects of the film's score for 10-minutes. "Casting the Runes" is a 53 minute audio recording of Michael Hordern reading M.R. James original story. "Escape: 'Casting the Runes'" is a 30-minute radio adaptation of the story from 1947. As Indicator has done in the past, they have included here the Super-8 version of the film. This 7-minute version of the film was a cut-down version originally meant for home cinema presentations, and is very cool to have here. Also on the Blu-ray is the original theatrical trailer, an image gallery featuring promotional and production material. This limited edition set also includes an exclusive 80-page book containing a new essay by Kat Ellinger, M R James on ghost stories, extensive writing on the film and its history, archival materials, and film credits. There is also a double-sided poster.

Night of the Demon just gets better with each viewing - Tourneur's mood-setting is brilliant and the pace builds suspense in dramatic and highly effective ways. It's a fascinating film and this totally stacked Indicator double Blu-ray set is the one to own. It has our highest recommendation - DON'T WAIT TILL IT GOES OUT-OF-PRINT!

***

ADDITION: Wild Side - Region Free - Blu-ray (December 2013): Firstly, the excellent news; not only is this Wild Side Blu-ray edition region FREE but the subtitles are removable (on my standard Oppo Blu-ray player) despite the menus insinuating, incorrectly, that you must have French subtitles when choosing English audio. I simply chose the English Audio option and chose 'no subtitles' with my remote's 'Subtitle' button. So, while I can't speak to all players - on my system the subtitles are removable when original English is chosen.

NOTE: This bodes very well for the French Blu-ray of Gun Crazy (review HERE) also with Peggy Cummins!

The 1080P image is wonderful - for both films - the shorter U.S. cut (Curse of the Demon) and the extended British cut of the film (Night of the Demon.) Visually the HD improves in every area over the SD - superior contrast, tighter detail, we may lose a sliver of information on the side edges but it remains in the original 1.66:1 aspect ratio. It has depth and is bright, exceptionally clean - it is thin and hints of digitization and maybe a shade glossy at times but darker scenes showcase nice grain textures - no noise. There may be a touch of digitization (minor edge-enhancement), but overall the video presentation is extremely pleasing. Both versions look about the same quality and have the same supportive bitrate sharing a dual-layered Blu-ray disc.

Audio is lossless for both films in a DTS-HD Master HD in 2.,0 channel - Night of the Demon has an optional French DUB but Curse of the Demon has only the English. I suspect that most, normal, Blu-ray players can also remove the French subtitles, via a remote, and I will state here that they are only imposed with sole use of the disc menu.

The French package has one Blu-ray disc (with both versions of the film - not seamlessly branched), one PAL region 2 DVD with the extended British cut of the film (under its original title, Night of the Demon) and a hefty 146-page book with 100's of beautiful photos of the film, production, promotion, posters etc. and essays in French (only).

Great. One of my favorite discs of the year. It has taken me a while to grow to appreciate this film - although, now each time I see it - it advances in my opinion (so typical of Tourneur's cinema). Super to have both editions, magnificent book (even if the text is only French) and a pleasing 1080P image and lossless audio. Absolutely recommended!

***

ON THE DVD: Columbia's dual-layered, progressive DVD offers both the lesser-seen shorter U.S. cut (Curse of the Demon) and the extended British cut of the film (under its original title, Night of the Demon).

Columbia Tri-star's early DVD work was usually competent - bordering on stellar - and this fits the former category quite nicely. There are some damage marks but the problematic 1.66 aspect ratio has been maintained. This is a good presentation with no extras save a couple of trailers. It is coded for regions 1 thru 4 in the NTSC standard. English, Japanese and French optional subtitles are offered.

These atmospheric film(s) were not an initial favorite of mine until the past couple of years, where my appreciation for Tourneur's oeuvre has subsequently grown in leaps and bounds. It is the type of subtle eye-catching cinema that I could find poignant and narrative-supporting screen captures of all day long. Strongly recommended!

Gary W. Tooze