Hooptober 7.0

64/39 - Bonus Watch
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My third of the four Michele Soavi horror films and I was blown away again.

I didn’t know this project began as Demons 3 until diving into the extras, but while watching this outstanding movie I detected echoes of the Demons films and so wasn’t surprised to learn of this genesis.

It’s amazing how Soavi takes his time with this film and directs it with an obvious calm that is directly opposed to the hyper energized style of Demons and it works incredibly well.  This feels like a mature and thoughtful effort where demons of classic art come to life in beautiful and horrifying fashion.  The art direction, production design and cinematography combine to great effect creating a truly impressive piece of horror.  Sure, the origin and nature of the demons isn’t fully fleshed out, but it doesn’t matter when a movie is this good.  Weaving in true lore of the origin of European Cathedrals and their builders and architects was a great touch.  Countless set pieces and sequences that I’ll not soon forget.  As this was before CGI, all the demon effects are practical and the animatronic demons look great and feel incredibly real.

Special note of Soavi’s camara style.  He’s clearly an Argento disciple, but Soavi’s camera is simultaneously kinetic and thoughtful.  It’s a great magic trick.  

The score turns out to have been a hodgepodge of Keith Emerson, Philip Glass and Goblin and it all works really well.

I love this fucking movie and the Scorpion BR looks incredible and has abundant special features including interviews with Soavi, Argento and much more.

Highest Recomendation.