The Church [WS] [DVD] [1989]

Originally intended as the third part of the Demons series, director Michele Soavi (who made his debut with the clever giallo Stagefright and later went on to make the wildly inventive Cemetery Man) and Dario Argento digressed from the conventions of the earlier films, choosing to make a stand-alone horror movie instead. Although the story is in many ways similar in structure to the Demons series (i.e., a small band of people are attacked by said creatures), The Church is far more detailed and finely crafted than the earlier films. If anything, Soavi's deft use of the camera, sound, and his orchestration of the many stylishly violent set pieces cemented the promise of his debut feature: This was a talent to be reckoned with. Anchor Bay Entertainment's release of the film onto DVD should be applauded by horror fans and is a welcome addition to any excellent Dario Argento collection. Presented in its proper letterboxed aspect ratio (1:85:1 enhanced), the picture is fabulous-looking. Colors are vibrant and the transfer is consistently sharp. The 2-channel Dolby Digital Surround English-language soundtrack is also very good. In terms of extras, the disc could have used more than what's here (only a theatrical trailer and a bio for Soavi are included), but this new uncut presentation of the film more than warrants a look. Without a doubt, a must for all fans of European horror films.