Kino Lorber and Redemption to Release Jess Franco’s The Demons on Blu-ray and The Black Torment, a film by Robert Hartford-Davis, on DVD on April 29th.
Mastered in HD from 35mm elements
Kino Lorber and Redemption are proud to announce the release of Jess Franco’s THE DEMONS in its complete, uncensored cut on Blu-ray, newly mastered in HD from the original 35mm elements, and THE BLACK TORMENT, a Gothic horror film by Robert Hartford-Davis that will be released on DVD, mastered in HD from 35mm archival elements.
Continuing its releases of the best in European horror in newly-mastered editions from original film elements, Kino Lorber and Redemption are pleased to bring these two films to horror fans on April 29th with special features including interviews that give new insight into the creation of these stylish and atmospheric films.
THE DEMONS is the latest of Kino Lorber and Redemption’s digital restorations of the films of Jess Franco, including such critically-acclaimed releases as FEMALE VAMPIRE, A VIRGIN AMONG THE LIVING DEAD, and the Rondo Award-nominated THE AWFUL DR. ORLOF.
The Blu-ray release of THE DEMONS (SRP: $24.95) is presented in the original French and German language soundtrack with optional English subtitles, and comes packed with special features including an interview with Jess Franco by David Gregory (16 min.), six minutes of deleted footage, two theatrical trailers, and trailers of other Franco films.
The DVD release of THE BLACK TORMENT (SRP: $19.95) includes a rare filmed interview with Robert Hartford-Davis (1968, 13 min.)
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Jess Franco’s THE DEMONS
“RIPE FOR REDISCOVERY! Uses witch-hunting as an excuse for sadistic sexual shenanigans.” – Immoral Tales: European Sex and Horror Movies, 1956-1984
In the wake of the massive controversy surrounding Ken Russell’s The Devils, several filmmakers rushed to create their own Inquisition horror films, inspired by the true story of satanic possession at the convent of Loudun. THE DEMONS (Les démons) is Jess Franco’s stellar entry in the nunsploitation canon, with a degree of sadism and sexual explicitness that overshadows its competitors.
While being burned at the stake, an accused witch curses the principal witchfinder and his minions. As a result, members of royalty and the religious establishment are caused to suffer (or, some might say, enjoy) a series of human depravities. Franco photographs the scenes of torture, sex, and demon possession with a sense of tenderness that is both aesthetically pleasing and deeply unsettling.
Previously unreleased on video in the U.S., this Redemption edition represents the complete, uncensored version of the film.
Special Features
* Newly mastered in HD from the original 35mm elements
* In French and German with optional English subtitles
* Interview with Jess Franco by David Gregory (16 min.)
* Six minutes of deleted footage
* Two theatrical trailers
* Trailers of other Franco films
France/Portugal 1973 118 Min. Color 2.35:1 1920 x 1080p
Written and Directed by Jess Franco
Produced by Robert de Nesle
Photographed by Raúl Artigot
Music by Jean-Bernard Raiteux
With Britt Nichols, Anne Libert, Howard Vernon, Luis Barboo, Karin Field, Alberto Dalbés, and Doris Thomas
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THE BLACK TORMENT
A Film by Robert Hartford-Davis
“The perfect film to watch on a gloomy night.” – HorrorNews.net
An 18th-century gothic thriller, depicted with the vivid colors and overt eroticism borrowed from the Hammer horror films, THE BLACK TORMENT has emerged from obscurity to become recognized as “a minor classic… basically another retelling of Du Maurier’s Rebecca except with blood, guts, and ghostly goings-on” (britishhorrorfilms.co.uk).
Returning to his country estate with his new bride, English nobleman Sir Richard Fordyce finds himself under suspicion from angry locals for the rape and brutal murder of a young girl. Despite Sir Richard’s professed innocence, a growing hysteria unfolds, as strange and even supernatural events begin to occur around him.
With no one to turn to and his new wife threatening to shoot him, Sir Richard begins to question his own guilt… and sanity!
Special Features
* Mastered in HD from 35mm archival elements
* Rare filmed interview with Robert Hartford-Davis (1968, 13 min.)
UK 1964 Color 86 Min. 1.66:1
Compton Films
Produced and Directed by Robert Hartford-Davis
Screenplay by Derek Ford and Donald Ford
Photographed by Peter Newbrook
Music by Robert Richards
With John Turner, Heather Sears, Ann Lynn, Peter Arne, Norman Bird
About Redemption:
Established in 1992 and rebooted by Kino Lorber in 2012, Redemption Films is dedicated to resurrecting classics of the European cult and horror film — both the celebrated and the undiscovered — in deluxe Blu-ray and DVD editions, remastered from the original 35mm elements.
About Kino Lorber:
With a library of 800 titles, Kino Lorber Inc. has been a leader in independent art house distribution for over 30 years, releasing over 25 films per year theatrically under its Kino Lorber, Kino Classics, and Alive Mind Cinema banners, including four Academy Award® nominated films in the last six years. In addition, the company brings over 70 titles each year to the home entertainment market with DVD and Blu-ray releases under its 5 house brands, distributes a growing number of third party labels, and is a direct digital distributor to all major platforms including iTunes, Netflix, HULU, Amazon, Vimeo, and others.
