Search - Demon Under Glass on DVD

Chad B. (abrnt1) from CABERY, IL
Reviewed on 4/2/2010...

Interesting ultra low budget film ($approx $26,00) about what happens when government scientists capture a vampire and begin performing tests.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Horror film with focus on story and characterization!

Lisa A. Adolf | Everett, WA USA | 06/03/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Demon Under Glass is a wonderful breath of air in the horror genre where for too long, shock value and gore has overriden plot, characterization and ethical conundrum considerations. This smart and stylish independent production is satisfying on many levels, not the least of which is the ethical dilemna which is its central theme. Suppose that vampires really exist. And suppose that one were captured and studied by science? Is a sentient human being who just happens to be dead, and who kills others for their blood and fear, to be given more consideration than a lab rat? This is the premise of the film.The capture of the vampire, Simon Molinar happens at the outset of the film, as police and a mysterious commando force set a trap into which the urbane vampire falls. Subdued and badly injured, he is spirited off to an LA area Veterans Hospital to be studied. Once here, he comes under the attention and care of Dr. Joseph McKay, young doctor working off medical school debt at the VA facility. McKay is tapped to replace the project leader and medical doctor, Dr. Hirsch, who was killed in Molinar's capture. It is through McKay's eyes and experience that the nature of the project comes to light and the ethical considerations are explored. Treating the injured captive, the compassionate McKay becomes drawn into his patient's life and situation. Necessarily clued to the true nature of the man under his care, the young doctor finds a polite, cooperative patient who seems to little warrant the stringent security and strict protocols aimed at keeping him under control. McKay's empathy is tested as he is involved in the experimentation involved first in healing Molinar's initial injuries, and as the vampire heals, the scientific inquiry that is the thrust of the secret Delphi Project he has been drawn into. McKay is the voice of reason and compassion, who questions the right of the project specialists to conduct what seems at times the vilest sort of torture, in order to further science. As the experimenters go farther and farther in search of answers, and as the police who have been cheated of their suspect in a string of serial murders pursue the case and Molinar's whereabouts, McKay finds himself torn between a patient who is almost a friend, and associates who increasingly seem comfortable violating the very moral code that is at the heart of the Hippocratic Oath.Molinar is played with style and flair by Jason Carter, who makes his vampire villain complicated and sympathetic--a man who, when escape does not seem possible, agrees to give back to humanity something of what he has taken for centuries, by allowing himself to be studied and experimented on. Garett Maggart is Dr. Joseph McKay, the emotional heart and soul of the film, who masterfully portrays a man torn between his natural compassion, his healing gift, and the moral considerations of how much humanity a fundamentally inhuman patient should be allowed. Maggart gives a multilayered performance from which McKay emerges the quintessential hero, but not without emotional cost and a conflicted soul. The two stars are supported by an excellent cast.For a low budget independent feature, the production quality and technical aspects are, if not great, still excellent. With studio backing and a huge budget, this could have been one of the most talked about films in years, but would probably have suffered from having huge name stars cast in the roles so beautifully played here. This is very much a thinking man's film. While there is drama and tension aplenty, this film never goes for cheap shock and audience manipulation. The end result is a film that is first a drama with a compelling plot and second the most satisfying "horror" film this reviewer has had the pleasure to watch in many, many years."

Vampires suck

Lasha | Planet Earth | 07/05/2004

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Demon Under Glass is not the worst vampire movie I've ever seen, nor is it the best. I am giving it one star because of the technical problems with the film (poor lighting, sound, etc.) not because the script or the acting was substandard.The premise is excellent, the Delphi Project, a secret government program which was created to solve the mystery of life itself, has found a vampire subject named Simon (Jason Carter of Babylon 5) to study. The Project has two doctors, one a kind and compassionate healer named Dr. Joe McKay (Garett Maggart of The Sentinel) and the other the cliched mad scientist who only wants to exploit the vampire for his own crazy needs.However, when a friendship begins to develop between Simon and Joe, will the good doctor try and save the vampire from the evil scientist and the now corrupt Delphi Project? And so begins the premise of the movie: Who is the Monster? The humans or the vampire?Like I said, the movie has a good start, with a good plot and the acting is quite good (except for the gentlemen who plays the evil scientist, he's horrible beyond belief and needs to be recast if they ever do a sequel), the movie is virtually unwatchable because of the technical problems. The lighting is bright in some scenes and low in others. Sound goes in and out in my copy of the DVD and the special effects are lame, even for a low budget horror film. And believe me I watch every low budget vampire movie out there. Vampire films are my favorite genre of horror. The director shot on digital film and it shows. So now I understand why the film could not get a distributor. It looks like a bad home movie gone wrong. However, the cast cannot be blamed for these problems, so cut them some slack. They do everything they possibly can with the script and work around the technical difficulties. I give them high marks for that!If you don't expect much going into this film, you will not be disappointed. And for Jason Carter and Garett Maggart fans, it's well worth the $6.98 you'll pay for it. So buy it for that reason alone."

Demon Under Glass is Dead On

Violetta | 04/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was no big-budget production. The cast and crew did not rely on special effects or large explosions. Instead they place their faith in stellar performances by the central cast and an interesting script with a new take on the vampire mythos. It works.

Demon Under Glass was a pleasant surprise. Thoughtful, fun, intelligent, and insightful ... it was a pleasure to watch. I only wish they'd filmed a sequel, because this film deserves one.

Garrett Maggart plays Dr. Joe McCay with wisdom and humanity, and his reluctant friendship with the vampire, Simon Molinar (brilliantly played by Jason Carter, who sucks the audience right in - even when you know, you just KNOW, this guy is bad news, you're still rooting for him right along with the other characters in the film, despite his "evil" nature), is the highlight of this story. Neither man chooses to be there, but they deal with the situation and each other, despite a lack of trust that grows into something akin to mutual respect if not downright friendship.

The back cover of the DVD led me to believe that this would be an action pic, a battle between the police and a killer, but in truth, it is a study of what "humanity" is and takes place primarily in the lab where Simon is being studied. Kudos to the film-makers for this rare and perfect choice. It is what makes this film so special.

In my opinion, if you enjoy a fun, engaging movie, then Demon Under Glass is for you. Watch it and enjoy. It was wonderful!"