Synopsis
James Bishop arrives at S. Andrew’s Asylum for the Criminally Insane to be a new intern.He suspects things are not as they should be. His clues include obviously mistreated patients,and an asylum director who is exaggeratedly uncaring and speaks with a sinister Britishaccent.
Meanwhile, in the audience, we’re waiting for old James to catch up, as the movie showed usa satanic cult at work in the hospital in the opening five minutes, complete with an extremelycheesy…demon (pictured on the case’s cover, and looking fresh from the cover of a heavy metalCD). Since there’s no mystery, much of the movie’s 85 minute running time feels like padding,and the climax is a parade of cliches. Mildly amusing for its 80’s DTV-style demon and FX, thefilm is otherwise a dreary exercise in recycling.
Audio
The sound levels are a bit low, but crank the volume and the job will get done just fine. Themusic cues are very ominous, and boom out of all speakers, as do those traditional Bad NewsFX as heavy doors clanging shut. Best of all is the demon’s roars, which really give the surrounda workout.
Video
The picture is often grainy and soft. Often this is clearly a deliberate effect, but there are afew shots where the graininess doesn’t seem to be on purpose, or if it is, the reason for using itis obscure. The colours are good, and image is decently sharp. The blacks and cheesy reds maybe over the top, but they look just fine.
Special Features
Nothing here except a handful of trailers. The menu’s main screen, intro and transitions areanimated and scored.
Closing Thoughts
There’s plenty of enthusiasm lurking around the movie, but greater originality would havecounted for much more.
Special Features List
- Trailers
