Review by Gary Tooze

Production:

Disc:

Video:

Audio:

DTS-HD Master Audio English 1101 kbps 1.0 / 48 kHz / 1101 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 1.0 / 48 kHz / 768 kbps / 24-bit)
Isolated Score:

Dolby Digital Audio English 192 kbps 1.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps / DN -4dB

DVD

Bitrates:

 

Description:

PRIME EVIL: Nestled in a Manhattan monastery, evil is lurking. A group of devil worshipping monks are stalking the city, looking for victims to sacrifice to the dark lord in the hope of bringing satanic rule to the world! A stylishly photographed neo-gothic horror, PRIME EVIL packs in gore, nudity, and loads of 80s NYC locales.

LURKERS: When Cathy was a girl, she saw her deranged mother murder her father and only narrowly escaped with her life. Haunted by memories of her macabre childhood, her nightmares turn into a terrifying reality when she's lured back to her childhood home, only to be transformed into a 'lurker;' members of the vengeful dead who seek to terrorize those who wronged them. Findlay's suspenseful ghost story explores trauma and grief between moments of shocking violence.

 

 

 

The Film:

Excerpt from WarrenZone located HERE

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

Prime Evil / Lurkers come to Blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome. The transfers are described as "newly restored in 2k from their 35mm original camera negatives". This is dual-layered with a high bitrate for both 1.5-hour features. There is pleasing grain - solid colors - and both are remarkably clean - with only a few speckles at the beginning. Image quality is about the same - very pleasing in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. This Blu-ray image is of high quality - and I highly doubt these films will ever look better than this for home theatre consumption.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lurkers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DTS-HD Master mono tracks at (24-bit) for both films. Again, surprisingly adept quality considering the production limitations. Effects are minimal - audible dialogue and a touch of bass response and both have scores by Walter E. Sear (the US version of The Beyond) - available as, lossy Dolby, isolated scores - for both presentations. Very flat which would be authentic. There are optional English subtitles and my Oppo has identified the disc as being a region FREE playable on Blu-ray machines worldwide.

Extras :

 

 

BOTTOM LINE:
These are more of the 80's direct-to-video type, very limited horror, productions. Both have exploitive-leanings with gratuitous nudity and some low-quality blood gore. They aren't unwatchable and there is a place for this sub-genre if the mood strikes. The Vinegar Syndrome Blu-ray package continues their vein of grassroots efforts that their niche will appreciate. And they do an excellent job at it (I continue to like the covers!) Recommended to the right crowd! 

Gary Tooze

October 31st, 2017