Demon Resurrection - Alexis Golightly

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S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r

directed by William Hopkins
USA 2008

Despite its low-fi videography, DEMON RESURRECTION belies its budget with a good (if not original) script, some nice sets, neat monsters (the zombies have a very BURIAL GROUND-esque look to them, and the behind the scenes video suggests they would have looked just as fine without the digital misty overlay) and amusing creatures, performances ranging from passable to good, some Fulci-esque and Lovecraftian nods, and well-measured pacing that doesn't skimp on build-up makes the whole stew a satisfying viewing experience. It could have done with a bit more money and slicker photography, but as-is it feels like an unsung gem of an earlier era of shot-on-video horror. While assisting her occult expert boyfriend John (Damian Ladd) with his research, Grace (Alexis Golightly, THE BLOOD-STAINED BRIDE) falls under the sway of Mr. Toth (Will McDonald) and his cult who intend for her to propagate a new species of demons to rule the Earth. John was able to rescue her, but her poor health and erratic behavior have caused her friends to descend upon John's remote farmhouse to stage an intervention for Grace just as Toth (and his valet played by East Coast horror DTV horror regular Joe Zaso, BARRICADE) gets around to attempting to reclaim her. When John uses his own acquired occult powers to ward him off, Toth resurrects the occupants of a mass grave of executed witches. Having developed a taste for human flesh, the undead lay siege to the farmhouse. Grace's friends rally against the invaders, but zombies may be the least of their problems when Grace goes into labor.

Eric Cotenas

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Theatrical Release: 18 February 2008 (USA)

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DVD Review: Feature Resources - Region 0 - NTSC

Big thanks to Eric Cotenas for the Review!

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	Feature Resources Region 0 - NTSC
Runtime	1:27:21
Video	1.33:1 Original Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 4.79 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate
Audio	English Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo
Subtitles	English, Spanish, none
Features	Release Information: Studio: Feature Resources Aspect Ratio: Fullscreen - 1.33:1 Edition Details: • Audio Commentary with writer/director William Hopkins and co-producer/actor/stunt coordinator Edward Wheeler • Behind the Scenes (29:57) • Interview with writer/director William Hopkins (13:04) • Interview with producer Frank Cilla (6:44) DVD Release Date: October 20th, 2009 Amaray Chapters 12

Comments

DEMON RESURRECTION doesn't look too impressive on DVD but it's probably true to the film's standard-def, standard-framed, digital video origins. Dialogue, music, and effects are well mixed for the most part on the 2.0 stereo track, but the on set audio has its faults (some shouted dialogue clips levels while added music and effects of similar volume do not).

The film is accompanied by an audio commentary with writer/director William Hopkins and co-producer/actor/stunt coordinator Edward Wheeler, who discuss shooting on the producer's property (which was sold after the principle shoot necessitating some workarounds for the pick-up shots like the opening credits), lighting night exteriors on household current, cast doubling up behind the camera (from grip work to craft service), shooting nude scenes, and their inspirations from Hammer, American International, and NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD. They also point out some matte work that is surprisingly seamless compared to the CGI. The half-hour behind the scenes is very comprehensive with talking heads, audition and rehearsal excerpts, behind the scenes video, a look at the practical effects as well as the separate live and Photoshop overlay elements of the film's visual effects. Hopkins appears again in a video interview discussing the film's special effects and getting the opportunity to pay homage to past effects artists like Dick Smith fabricating the effects himself when hiring professional effects artists proved too expensive on their budget (the techniques are illustrated with a stills montage). He also discussed planned effects that would not work (including the original climax that included a burning limousine). Producer Frank Cilla also appears in an interview, discussing the difficulty in finding a suitable shooting location (and nearly pulling the plug until they found the right house which renewed enthusiasm among the cast and crew), and shooting night for nights towards the end of summer.

- Eric Cotenas

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