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 S E A R C H    D V D B e a v e r

Directed by Herb Freed
USA 1980

 

Architect Larry Andrews and his glamorous wife, Barbara, have just arrived on a Filipino island where Larry, and his business partner Del, are completing work on a new luxury condominium building. Del reveals that he's found them the perfect island home: a centuries old mansion nestled next to the forest. The only problem is that local legend has it that the mansion is haunted by an evil witch named Alma Martin, who was murdered by her adulterous husband, only to rise from the dead and kill him, along with anyone else who comes near her cursed property. As the Andrews settle in, Barbara begins to sense a strange presence surrounding the house and is slowly possessed by Alma's vengeful spirit, who is determined to use Barbara’s body as vessel for her to re-enter the world and soon demonstrates that she has no concerns over murdering anyone who tries to stop her.

The second film directed by Herb Freed (Graduation Day), BEYOND EVIL is a gothic inspired supernatural horror film, taking liberal inspiration from the castle-set Italian chillers of the 60s, but with a healthy dose of early 80s sleaze, including creative kills and outrageous optical effects. Starring John Saxon (Black Christmas) and Linda Day George (Pieces) and featuring a lush score by Pino Donaggio (Dressed to Kill). .

***

Middle-aged newlyweds Larry (John Saxon) and Barbara (Lynda Day George) spend their honeymoon at a palatial Caribbean mansion, unaware that it is inhabited by the vengeful spirit of a notorious voodoo witch queen who was murdered a century ago. The woman's evil spirit promptly begins precipitating a variety of violent deaths in accordance with a diabolical ritual intended to bring her back to life -- a process which is ultimately consummated by taking possession of George's body. Writer/director Herb Freed's good use of the tropical locations and a moody score by Pino Donaggio provide some interest, though the stilted dialogue and sluggish pacing defeat any real suspense.

Excerpt from B+N located HERE

Posters

Theatrical Release: May 8th, 1990

Reviews                                                                                                       More Reviews                                                                                       DVD Reviews

 

Review: Vinegar Syndrome - Region FREE  - Blu-ray

Box Cover

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Distribution Vinegar Syndrome - Region FREE  - Blu-ray
Runtime 1:35:20.089         
Video

1.85:1 1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray

Disc Size: 35,190,608,464 bytes

Feature: 27,873,844,032 bytes

Video Bitrate: 34.90 Mbps

Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate Blu-ray:

Audio

DTS-HD Master Audio English 2216 kbps 2.0 / 96 kHz / 2216 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 768 kbps / 24-bit)
Subtitles English, None
Features Release Information:
Studio: Vinegar Syndrome

 

1.85:1 1080P Dual-layered Blu-ray

Disc Size: 35,190,608,464 bytes

Feature: 27,873,844,032 bytes

Video Bitrate: 34.90 Mbps

Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video

 

Edition Details:

• “Origins of Evil” - a brand new video interview with director Herb Freed (14:43)
• “Evil in Paradise” - a brand new video interview with producer David Baughn (13:14)
• Original theatrical trailer (2:02)


 Blu-ray Release Date: September 24th, 2019
 Transparent Blu-ray Case

Chapters 6

 

 

Comments:

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

ADDITION: Vinegar Syndrome Blu-ray (September 2019): Vinegar Syndrome have transferred the 80's horror Beyond Evil to Blu-ray via a "newly scanned & restored in 2k from 35mm vault elements". It is on a dual-layered disc with a max'ed out bitrate. It's about as grainy as it gets and frequently looked like a 16mm transfer to me. There are times when it becomes less thick and tightens but overall the heavy texture is prevalent and I, for one, liked the 10809P visuals in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. There are a few marks (see cue-blip sample below) and reasonably rich colors but the predominant image quality feature is the grain mostly apparent in the flashback sequences and the liberal use of bright-green and 'negativizing' filter effects.

On their Blu-ray, Vinegar Syndrome use a DTS-HD Master 2.0 channel track (24-bit) in the original English language. Beyond Evil is notable for the score by horror maestro Pino Donaggio (Don't Look Now, Dressed to Kill, Blow Out, Body Double, Blow Out, Carrie, Raising Cain)  adding some out-worldly flavor to the many over-the-top special effects sequences. Vinegar Syndrome offer optional English subtitles on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

Vinegar add two interviews as supplements - the first, entitled “Origins of Evil” with director Herb Freed running about 1/4 hour where he discuss the evolution of Beyond Evil and his career. The second is “Evil in Paradise” - a brand new 13-minute video interview with producer David Baughn who describes how the title was conceived and a few other aspects of the original production. There is also a theatrical trailer and second disc DVD. The package also sports reversible cover artwork.

This is really kind of 'hairy'. It has the benefit of the star appeal of John Saxon and Lynda Day George who are both quite good in this. Beyond Evil doesn't come together cohesively but if you appreciate the funky effects - it can be fun. I love the immense grain - it really felt like a Drive-In film experience. Vinegar Syndrome again fulfill their mandate ("masterful restoration and distribution of cult, horror, and erotic films from the 1960s-90s") and this Blu-ray should be very pleasing to their loyal following. 

Gary Tooze

 

Menus / Extras

 

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Visible Cue-Blip
 

 

  

Box Cover

CLICK to order from:

  

Distribution Vinegar Syndrome - Region FREE  - Blu-ray


 


 

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