USA/1981
Directed By: Eric Weston
Written By: Joseph Garofalo, Eric Weston
Starring: Clint Howard, R.G. Armstrong, Joseph Cortese
Color/97 Minutes/Not Rated
Region A
Release Date: May 13, 2014
The Film
Stanley Coopersmith (Clint Howard) is an orphaned outcast at a religious military school. He is widely intelligent however can't seem to stay out of trouble or at least in the way of trouble. Coopersmith is picked on endlessly and usually gets in trouble because of it. While cleaning the old basement as part of a punishment Coopersmith finds an old Satanic black mass book, left over from the days when Father Esteban would host Satanic rituals on the grounds. Coopersmith translates the Latin writings of the book through the school's computers which also tell him the steps to performing a black mass and getting revenge on his tormentors. When Coopersmith's new puppy is mutilated by the bullies in a sick prank, he finalizes the steps to invoke the spirit of Father Esteban in a fiery and blood soaked finale that will be sure to leave you stunned.
EVILSPEAK is a piece of 80s gold as far as I'm concerned. I cannot believe I have never seen this film before and beyond that, I'm surprised at how little I see it being mentioned in conversation. Director Eric Weston gets a young cast together that manages to be damn good, and special effects that are gory as hell and look great. That isn't much of a surprise when you see the success that Allan A. Apone has gone on to have. The small budget of the film doesn't really show, as the movie outshines whatever meager budget it had.
EVILSPEAK may seem a bit dated with its old Apple Macintosh computer that plays such a major role but it really is a timeless story of the outcast getting revenge on his bullies and oppressors, not unlike Carrie. However I must say, I had far more fun watching EVILSPEAK than I've had on any viewing of Carrie. From the gory pig stampede, to the multiple decapitations... wooo EVILSPEAK was a lot of ahem... Goddamn fun.
The Audio & Video
Scream Factory gives us the Blu-ray debut of EVILSPEAK with a very attractive 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. Detail levels are strong especially in the stone walls of the basement and in close-ups. Skin tones look natural and healthy while colors are vibrant and natural without popping too much. The DTS-HD mono track is suitable, with dialogue coming across clear and mixed very well with the soundtrack. It's a simple track but very effective.
The Extras
A healthy dose of extras are included on this Blu-ray...
-Audio commentary with director Eric Weston
-"Satan's Pigs And Severed Heads: The Making Of EVILSPEAK" featuring interviews with many of the key cast members, running nearly 30 minutes
-Individual cast interviews with Clint Howard, Joe Cortese, Don Stark
-Effects Speak With Allan A. Apone
-Theatrical Trailer
The Bottom Line
EVILSPEAK is an underrated horror film filled with dark humor and should continue to find the fanbase it deserves with the release of this awesome Blu-ray. All horror fans should take note of this release.
EVILSPEAK is available HERE
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