Metamorphosis/Beyond Darkness double feature from Scream Factory August 25, 2015

[nerdy916]

A double feature of Insane Italian Horror awaits you inside…can you survive the over the top terror on Blu Ray!?

First up is the science-fiction/horror of Metamorphosis! When his experiments in genetics are mocked by his colleagues, maverick scientist Dr. Peter Houseman takes extreme measures to prove his untested anti-aging serum works. Injecting himself with his miracle cure, he soon experiences a terrifying change within himself that threatens not only the lives of those around him, but his own sanity. From cult cinema mainstay George Eastman, Metamorphosis proves that nightmares may change, but fear is forever.

Next, take a terrifying trip into a world beyond fear, beyond belief…Beyond Darkness. When a man of God and his loving family move into a new house, they think they've found the perfect home…until they discover that their new digs were once the location where a coven of witches were burned at the stake! It's only a matter of time before the radio starts blaring satanic chants and the cutlery takes on a mind of its own. Will the awakened evil in this house have its final revenge, or can the plucky priest fend off what lurks Beyond Darkness? From Claudio Fragasso, the director of Troll 2 (so you KNOW it's good.)

Give in to the madness of this creepy combo, brought to you on Blu Ray by the one and only Scream Factory.


No extras planned for this title.

Pre-order link
https://www.shoutfactory.com/film/fi...double-feature

[kidglov3s]

I've been wanting to see Beyond Darkness for years, since the coming across a trailer for it on a Video Pipeline tape. Looks like a crazy mishmash, The Exorcist meets Poltergeist through the filter of Troll 2.

Beyond Darkness Trailer 1992 - YouTube

[HorrorBlu]

Originally Posted by kidglov3s

I've been wanting to see Beyond Darkness for years, since the coming across a trailer for it on a Video Pipeline tape. Looks like a crazy mishmash, The Exorcist meets Poltergeist through the filter of Troll 2.

It's okay. Nothing special. Basically an Italian rip-off of The Amityville Horror, filmed in Louisiana (I believe it's the same house from The Beyond and Zombie 5: Killing Birds), with a dash of The Exorcist and Poltergeist thrown in. Plus, it has the kid from Troll 2 in it.

I believe it's technically the third Ghosthouse movie, following Ghosthouse and Witchery, although none of the films really have any connection. Surprised Scream didn't do a triple feature with all three.

For an Italian film, I was surprised by how bloodless it is. There's no gore whatsoever, and barely any blood at all.

The VHS did have a trailer for Mikey before it. Love that movie! If they're still owned by the same company (doubtful), I'd love for Scream Factory to pursue that!

[nerdy916]

Originally Posted by HorrorBlu

It's okay. Nothing special. Basically an Italian rip-off of The Amityville Horror, filmed in Louisiana (I believe it's the same house from The Beyond and Zombie 5: Killing Birds), with a dash of The Exorcist and Poltergeist thrown in. Plus, it has the kid from Troll 2 in it.

I believe it's technically the third Ghosthouse movie, following Ghosthouse and Witchery, although none of the films really have any connection. Surprised Scream didn't do a triple feature with all three.

For an Italian film, I was surprised by how bloodless it is. There's no gore whatsoever, and barely any blood at all.

The VHS did have a trailer for Mikey before it. Love that movie! If they're still owned by the same company (doubtful), I'd love for Scream Factory to pursue that!

I loved The Beyond so it will be cool to see that house again.

[nerdy916]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ax5QVMSjAEg

Found this online. Too cool.

[MarsupialRebellion]

I have a VHS of a film called Zombie 6: Monster Hunter. Is this the same film as Metamorphosis?

[nerdy916]

Originally Posted by MarsupialRebellion

I have a VHS of a film called Zombie 6: Monster Hunter. Is this the same film as Metamorphosis?

No, it's not

[nerdy916]

Originally Posted by MarsupialRebellion

I have a VHS of a film called Zombie 6: Monster Hunter. Is this the same film as Metamorphosis?

Zombie 6 is a film called Absurd.

[GasmaskAvenger]

Judging by the screencaps provided by DVD Talk and a comparison page on Movie Censorship, Scream Factory managed to score an uncensored print of Metamorphosis for their blu-ray release.

[TripleHBK]

I picked up this double feature (along with a bunch of others) during the June 2017 Scream Factory Sale but hadn't gotten around to watching it (or many of the other purchases) until today. After waking up ill and having a good amount of sick leave yet to burn I decided that today was as good as any for a first time watch of both Metamorphosis and Beyond Darkness.

Metamorphosis:
As it turns out I had already watched bits and pieces of this film 2 (or was it 3?) years ago during the "Love is in the Scare" marathon that shout factory put together over valentines day weekend. I remember at the time being entertained enough but didn't really pay enough attention to give the film a fair assessment. After today's viewing I can say that this film has more going for it than a person would expect going in. I was quite entertained and found it to be a better than average effort considering its mostly forgotten status. The effects are sparse but what you see are generally fun and decent through 90% of it... Things fall off the rails however during the big finale. The ending is about as campy as one can get in a late 80's/early 90's horror film, but up until that point the film manages to hold things together in pretty good fashion. I also felt that the actors did well in their roles and didn't diverge into camp or cringe inducing performances. The print Scream Factory utilized was overall in pretty solid condition as I didn't notice any sort of substantial damage throughout my viewing, but man is this a dark film. I don't know if the film has always been presented as dark as this presentation or not, but the whole thing just appeared quite dull and far too dark. The audio also leaves a lot to be desired though the 2.0 track was sufficient and didn't detract from the experience the way it did during Beyond Darkness. Sadly the only special feature included is the theatrical trailer. Overall this was a win in my book though and a film that I will undoubtedly re-visit in the future.

Beyond Darkness:
Can you say Sibilance? Wow does this film have a very harsh soundtrack with it. Folks complaining about sibilance issues on some of the other releases of the last year or two should give this a listen as it will undoubtedly set the new benchmark. For many it could actually be enough of a deal breaker that they turn off the film it was that bad at times. Luckily, while I certainly noticed it and was disappointed with it, sibilance matters don't typically bug me too much. With that aside can I just say that I love Beyond Darkness. It reminds me a great deal of the types of films that WGN played during the early to mid 90's on Saturday afternoons and the kinds of films I frequently rented from the video store. These are the little gems I look forward to discovering with my Blu Ray buying and this one doesn't disappoint. Disappointing audio aside, this is a film that rarely has a dull moment. Not quite sure what kind of film it wants to be, it jumps between sub genres without a care in the world and left this viewer in awe of just how scrambled it is. The print once again is a bit dull and overly darkened for my liking, however it, like metamorphosis, was quite clean and relatively stable, (outside of a sequence around the 34 minute mark where the two reverends are speaking and the image begins to show subtle fluctuations (possibly a result of the way the film itself was shot)).

This film has genuinely creepy moments in it that was a bit surprising to me given its mishmash of ideas. It opens with a dialogue between a woman who is being offered her last rites before her execution and a young priest that really sets the tone for the film. This effective little sequence sets the stage for what is a wild 90 minute ride through the rest of the film. Unfortunately the acting throughout this has it's moments of being downright terrible but with this kind of film in a way it adds to the films unique charm. Once again only the trailer is provided as any sort of special feature, but again I don't know what more could really have been assembled for this release.

Both Metamorphosis and Beyond Darkness are fun popcorn movies. Neither hold up to any sort of scrutiny but what they lack in polish they make up for in gumption and effort. These are the kinds of films that make for great sleepover material when you were a kid as the scares are there for people of a certain age and the almost dream logic employed. I wish films of this nature where still being made today. Everyone takes everything so serious these days and there is a lot that of charm buried in these mostly forgotten gems.

I can't believe I'm going to say this, but this double feature is Highly Recommended. I do wish each film could have had a better presentation, but as things are given the price there is really no reason for fans of Scream Factory/Arrow/Synapse/Code Red shouldn't give this double feature a try.

[whysleep]

Anyone has the Cinestrange mediabook of Metamorphosis for comparison?

[DrCushing]

Originally Posted by whysleep

Anyone has the Cinestrange mediabook of Metamorphosis for comparison?

https://www.mondo-digital.com/metamorphosis.html

[whysleep]

Originally Posted by DrCushing

https://www.mondo-digital.com/metamorphosis.html

Thanks, I already seen it, but it lack the caps for comparison.