John Lindsey | Socorro, New Mexico USA. | 08/06/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Set in Berlin, a new theater has opened which is showing a realistic violent horror movie about demons and the occult then suddenly some of the audiences transform into demons literally and ripping almost everyone to shreds, only some humans must defend themselves and find a way out.
A well made, original and entertaining horror action fantasy from director Lamberto Bava ( Director of " Blade in the Dark" and "Shock") and produced by legendary Italian horror maestro Dario Argento ( of "Suspiria" fame) loaded with great make-up effects, gore, action, a decent story and a nice twist in the end makes this a definite must see movie for fans of the genre. The DVD is quite good in picture and sound with fine extras especially the commentary by Lamberto Bava.
Also recommended: "From Dusk Till Dawn", "Demons 2", "Cemetery Man", " The Church", " The Last Action Hero", " New Nightmare", "Day of the Dead", " 28 Days Later", " The Evil Dead", "Dawn of the Dead ( both 1978 and 2004 versions)", " Night of the Living Dead", " Cannibal Ferox", " Phenomena", "Texas Chainsaw Massacre part 2", " The Toxic Avenger", "Re-Animator", " Videodrome", " Suspiria", " Inferno", " Evil Dead 2", "Freddy Vs. Jason", " A Nighmare on Elm Street"," Hellraiser", " Hell of the Living Dead", "City of the Living Dead", " House By The Cemetery", " Urotsukidoji: Legend of the Overfiend", "Rabid Grannies", "Riki-Oh The Story of Ricky", "Blood Diner", and " The Beyond"."
Italian Horror in All Gory Glory
Sal Paradise | Washington, DC | 11/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first saw this film alongside Beyond by Fulci, and at the time I got the films confused only that Demons was even more horrifying since it takes place in a movie theater and I was in a movie theater when I saw it and subsequently Beyond for the second time. That being said the film is highly recommended for gore afficiandos and films of italian horror. The sequels to this film which I have not seen, received poor reviews. Much like the sequels to Fulci's Zombi were not very good. Yes there's gore in this film but there's at least a bit of story. Great for a drunken weekend with buddies who have similar interests."
Scary
Emily R. Jarrell | Newport News, VA United States | 07/17/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I rate this as one of the scariest and here's why. Years ago, when it was new and playing at the theater I saw it and let me tell you, seeing this film in a darkened theater is one terrifying experience. Perhaps because the demons were terrorizing the victims in a theater, I don't know, but it was beyond creepy and I still remember being scared out of mind to this day."
One hell of a ride!
Lunar Strain | United States | 10/27/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"To say the least, I was totally rocked by this film! I loved the story about people being trapped in a movie theater as a demon is running around turning other members into demons. It's a hell of a claustrophobic thriller! Sure the film lacks some logic and sense in some parts, but its not enough to drive you away from enjoying the movie. Very stylish directing by Lamberto Bava and superb special effects! Gore junkies will not be disappointed. The head bangin' soundtrack is also great. One can't resist to get rocked as the hero is riding a motorcycle through the theater lopping heads off of demons with a sword while Accept's Fast as a Shark is blastin' in the background. A truely memorable scene! The ending is also superb! So don't hesitate to pick up this film; it's one hell of a ride! One of the best and most entertaining horror films to be imported from Italy!"
Some of Argentino's best work,
Derrick Dunn | Woodbridge,VA | 04/01/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"What can be said about Demons ? The one thing that comes to mind is that it's stood the test of time after 16 years. I consider myself a huge movie buff and this is one of the films that scarred me as a child. I can reall watching this flick with my dorm buddies in both the Air Force and colleage and they were enterainted by it. What makes this film so scary is the gore and effects. When I was 4 my parents banned from me seeing this movie. My first time seeing it I know why the film isn't for those who can't handle gore or have weak stomach. The musical score and tense pacing are amazing and if you watch the film in pitch black with surround sound it'll give you a few scary moments. I give the fim *** out of four. I give this rating based on the camera work and score. The film's only bad point is the dubbing."