BONUS EP 446 - DEMON'S OF THE MIND (1972) BLURAY REVIEW - RELEASE DATE 6th APRIL 2026

·18 min·1 clip

Duncan reviews Demons of the Mind, a 1972 Hammer film that blends gothic horror with psychological decay and European art cinema.

This bonus episode of Podcast Under the Stairs focuses on a review of the 1972 Hammer film Demons of the Mind, which is part of a new Studio Canal collector's edition releasing on April 6, 2026. Host Duncan McLeish begins by noting this is the third bonus episode covering unsung Hammer titles from the early 1970s. He provides context about Hammer Studios struggling in the 1970s as horror cinema shifted towards more explicit, visceral content, contrasting Demons of the Mind with films like The Last House on the Left and The Wicker Man from the same year. Duncan describes the film as an ambitious psychological horror that explores repression, inherited trauma, and control, moving away from traditional monster stories. He highlights the direction by Peter Sykes, writing by Christopher Wicking, and cinematography by Arthur Grant, which features dreamlike imagery. The review emphasizes the performances, particularly Robert Hardy's layered portrayal of Baron Zorn, Shane Bryant and Gillian Hills as the tortured siblings, and Patrick McGee's intense presence. Duncan discusses how the film's slower pace and psychological focus made it feel dated at release but now resonates as a strength. He details the physical unboxing of the collector's edition, which includes a slipcase, two posters, a booklet with essays, and both 4K UHD and Blu-ray discs. The special features are listed, such as audio commentaries by Peter Sykes and Christopher Wicking, a featurette, and interviews. Duncan notes the 4K Dolby Vision restoration enhances the film's visual elements. He shares his personal experience as a first-time viewer, appreciating the European arthouse influences and well-measured performances. The episode concludes with Duncan rating the film 4.5 out of 5, recommending it to listeners who may have missed it, and previewing upcoming episodes on other horror titles.

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