Search - Demons of the Mind on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Violence, Adult Situations, Not For Children, Adult Language Movie Release: 1972 DVD Release: 07/23/2002 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Edition: Special Collection SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 29 mins Studio: Anchor Bay Members Wishing: 4 Genres: Horror, Costume Horror, Psychological Thriller

Hammer Films apply their characteristic Gothic touch to this offbeat psychological thriller about a bombastic 19th-century Baron (Robert Hardy) who keeps his two adult offspring imprisoned in the family estate, convinced they are afflicted by an evil curse of madness passed down from their late mother. Unfortunately, they're not the only ones to worry about: it seems a spate of recent murders in the surrounding village are being committed by his son (Shane Briant), who is being manipulated by his father's deranged will to leave the castle and act out Dad's twisted, violent fantasies. Superb photography and good use of locations lend a rich atmosphere to this psycho-costume-drama, and Patrick Magee turns in a good performance as the family doctor (somewhat reminiscent of his role in Coppola's Dementia 13). Director Peter Sykes keeps the horror fairly subdued until the bloody "shock" ending, which seems to spoil the mood a bit. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide

Shane Briant - Emil
Robert Hardy - Zorn
Patrick Magee - Falkenberg

This late entry in the Hammer Films cannon gets a competent release by Anchor Bay Entertainment. The widescreen anamorphic print (aspect ratio of 1.85:1) has a perfect color balance and there is no noticeable wear and tear. The soundtrack is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 (mono). The disc comes with a commentary track from director Peter Sykes, writer Christopher Wicking, and actress Virginia Wetherel, which is moderated by journalist Jonathan Sothcott. The entertaining topics covered include location and production stories and alternative casting choices. The moderator does keep the commentary flowing and is a welcome addition to the mix. All in all, a nice disc with no obvious setbacks. ~ A.R. Ferguson, All Movie Guide