The Devil Rides Out

Director-  Terence Fisher

Cast- Christopher Lee, Charles Gray

Country of Origin-  U.K.

Distributor - Scream! Factory

Number of Discs - 2

Reviewed by - Scott MacDonald

Date- 11/11/2019

        Scream Factory over the last year have finally started releasing films by Hammer. Finally, they have gotten to a film that is an absolute favorite of mine among Hammer's output, the Devil Rides Out. The Devil Rides Out received a controversial release in the U.K., and abroad via Studio Canal, in that while the transfer itself was excellent, the film added modern FX to a handful of sequences.   I actually felt that these minor tweaks improved the look of the film, and they were not used in a George Lucas-esque manor, but in a way that enhanced the visuals of the original. Scream Factory has done a new scan of the films IP, and have kept the original effects intact, while also offering the SC transfer as a bonus.

    The Devil Rides Out is set in 1929, and follows the Duc De Richleau (Christopher Lee), as he reunites with his friend Rex van Ryn.  Together they go to the home of Simon, the son of a friend who has died.   Simon has disappeared from view for a while, and the pair are concerned with him. Upon arrival Simon is hosting an exclusive party, which turns out to be a grouping of Satanist whose cult Simon has joined.  They kidnap Simon and try to keep him from the cult, but find that the leader Mocata is not willing to give up his new members so easily.

    The Devil Rides Out is based on the book by Dennis Wheatley, and is quite possibly Christopher Lee's finest performance for Hammer (Lee would offer it up as his favorite as well).   The film is overall a near perfect entry into Hammer's filmography with a tight script, that keeps the story flowing, with suspense and deep interest. Visuals from director Terence Fisher that are absolutely iconic and amazing, and wonderfully chilling gothic horror atmospherics.

    The Devil Rides Out comes to Blu-ray with a 1:66:1 1080p AVC encoded transfer that looks fabulous. Everything here looks natural, and well-detailed. Black levels are inky and deep, and flesh tones are accurate.  Audio is handled by a DTS-HD mono track in English that sounds crisp, clean, and without issue. Extras include commentary tracks, featurettes, interviews, trailers and MORE. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.