Blu-ray Review: EXORCIST II: THE HERETIC

EXORCIST II:  THE HERETIC
Directed by John Boorman
Distributed by Scream Factory

  I hate to admit it, but I have never seen any of the EXORCIST sequels.  I'm not sure why, but I just never have gotten around to checking any of them out.   I am a huge fan of the original EXORCIST, so I definitely need to check out the other films in the series.    I started recently with Scream Factory's new release of EXORCIST II:  THE HERETIC.   Here is the basic plot courtesy of the Scream Factory website:

  Bizarre nightmares plague Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair) four years after her possession and exorcism. Has the demon returned? And if so, can the combined faith and knowledge of a Vatican investigator (Richard Burton) and a research specialist (Louise Fletcher) free her from its grasp?
  Employing production design and special effects that are dizzily exhilarating and a supporting cast (Max von Sydow, Paul Henreid, James Earl Jones) of compelling distinction, director John Boorman draws us into the tangible experience of evil. We fly with the demon, feel the African landscape vibrate and get engulfed in the terror of swarming locusts as Exorcist II: The Heretic weaves its fascinating, frightful spell.

 Going into this, I was really hoping for another classic film.  I was hoping for another masterpiece like the original.  Well, it's a classic for sure, but unfortunately it's classic for all the wrong reasons.  I had heard it called one of the worst films ever, and definitely one of the worst sequels ever. While it is pretty bad, it's not a terrible movie by any means.  Now don't get me wrong, it doesn't come close to being anywhere near the caliber of film as the original, but I've seen much worse horror films.   

  The plot is a little weird, and lots of stuff is going on in present day and in flashbacks to the exorcism in Africa, including multiple scenes of locust invasions including a few "first person" shots taken from the locusts point of view.  Very strange.   

  The production value looks huge on this film, especially compared to the first, but this just goes to show you that just because a film has a bigger budget that doesn't automatically make it a better film.

  In terms of presentation, the film looks remarkable.   Scream Factory always puts out quality releases and this one is no different.   If you're a fan of the original EXORCIST, you will want to give this one a shot.  It's got almost a cult classic feel to it now, so it's worth checking out.

  EXCORCIST II:  THE HERETIC is available now on a 2-disc Collector's Edition Blu-ray from Scream Factory and contains the following special features:

DISC ONE (118 Minute Cut Of The Film):

• NEW 2K Scan From Original Film Elements
• NEW Audio Commentary With Director John Boorman
• NEW Audio Commentary With Project Consultant Scott Bosco
• NEW What Does She Remember? – An Interview With Actress Linda Blair
• NEW Interview With Editor Tom Priestley

DISC TWO (102 Minute Cut Of The Film):

• NEW 2K Scan From Original Film Elements
• NEW Audio Commentary With Mike White Of The Projection Booth Blog
• Original Teaser Trailer
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Still Galleries Including Rare Color And B&W Stills, Behind-The-Scenes, Deleted Scene Photos, Posters, And Lobby Cards

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

Blu-ray Review: SORCERESS (1995)

SORCERESS
Directed by Jim Wynorski
Distributed by  Synapse Films / CAV Distributing

  I love coming across a horror movie I have never seen or even heard about.   I like to think I'm "in the know" on most horror films, but I find out everyday there are films that have just missed me somehow.  This is one of those films.  Synapse Films has released the 1995 film SORCERESS to DVD and Blu-ray.   Here is the basic plot synopsis from the Synapse Films website:

  Larry Barnes (Larry Poindexter) is on the fast track to a partnership in a prestigious law firm, and his sexy witch wife Erica (Julie Strain, HEAVY METAL 2000) will do anything to keep her husband happy. But Erica makes a fatal mistake when she tries to kill Larry’s main competition for the partnership, Howard Reynolds (Edward Albert, GALAXY OF TERROR). With Howard now crippled for life from Erica’s dark magic, his wife Amelia (Linda Blair, THE EXORCIST) plots her revenge. Using witchcraft and a mystical medallion, Amelia tries to destroy everyone and everything in Larry’s life!
  All the pleasures of the flesh and malevolence of black magic collide in this newly remastered and uncensored version of Jim Wynorski’s SORCERESS (aka TEMPTRESS). Presented for the first time ever from a new 2K scan of the original uncut film element, this release features sex scene footage and additional nudity removed from the original release.

  I had no clue what to expect going into this film. What I got was a fun film full of witchcraft and tons of nudity.  What else would you expect from a film like this?!   This film feels like a typical 80's horror film.  I actually find it hard to believe it was made in 1995.  I would more easily believe this was made in 1985.  Everything about this film screamed 1980's to me, especially the hair and wardrobes of some of the main actors and actresses.
 
  Speaking of the actresses, this movie has some of the most beautiful actresses you will see in a film, and pretty much every single one of them has a nude scene (or multiple nude scenes) throughout the film.  I normally don't mention much about the nudity in films, but this film just had so much of it that a review would not be complete without mentioning it.  It basically feels like you're watching a movie on Cinemax or some other pay channel late at night. This is definitely not a film you want the kids around while watching!

  Other than the nudity, the film was actually pretty tame by today's standards in term of violence/gore. Most violence comes from people being shot, and there is no real gore to speak of in this film.

  While some may be disappointed in the gore/scare factor, or lack thereof,  I think everyone would have to admit they enjoyed watching this film.  If you haven't seen it yet, check it out for sure.  

  SORCERESS will be released on June 14th from Synapse Films and CAV Distributing.


CLICK HERE to pre-order the DVD
CLICK HERE to pre-order the Blu-ray