Official Synopsis:
“When a former member of a religious cult dies in a mysterious accident, his wife Martha (Maren Jensen, Battlestar Gallactica), who now lives alone and close to the cult’s church, begins to fear for her life and the lives of her visiting friends (Susan Buckner, Sharon Stone). Strange and deadly events begin to happen… Could she be the target of the evil cult and its fanatical leader Isaiah (Ernest Borgnine)?
Directed by Wes Craven (Scream, A Nightmare on Elm Street) and starring Jeff East (Pumpkinhead), Lisa Hartman (The 17th Bride) and Michael Berryman (The Hills Have Eyes), this consistently terrifying film delivers “unpredictable plot twists” (Time Out) and visual shocks galore.”
The late Wes Craven was an icon in the horror genre. His films are, and will be celebrated by fans of the genre for all time. Deadly Blessing gives us a look at a master in the early onset of his career, and whether or not it achieves everything it set out to, this is still an important chapter of legend.
One of the most interesting things about this supernatural horror film is the trinity of female leads. These aren’t your typical damsel in distress archetypes. These are powerful women who fight whatever comes after them. This aspect ensures that Deadly Blessing won’t be your typical horror film. All three female actors hold their own amongst a genre unforgiving to their sex.
Wes Craven doesn’t disappoint when it comes to scares. He brings some truly unique and unnerving scenes that are cringe worthy, even by today’s standards. With the help of his go-to man Michael Berryman, there are some very memorable scenes that you’ll be thinking about long after you finish the film.
Although Deadly Blessing has all the ingredients for a great horror film, the execution isn’t quite right. The scenes stand well on their own, but connected together trying to make a coherent story they fall flat. Religious zealots causing a ruckus, random attacking dogs needing to be pepper sprayed, and a supernatural being known as the Incubus. These threads don’t blend well to make a final coherent tapestry. When we finally get to the end and learn the truth that has eluded all the characters in the film, the viewer feels cheated by the final reveal, and rightfully so. The third act is way too rushed, and the final conclusion seems to be picked at random out of a hat.
As much as I appreciate everything in the film, there is something missing that prevents it from being elevated to be counted among Wes Craven’s best. Still, for horror fans, and Wes Craven fans especially, Deadly Blessing is a must watch to form your own conclusions.
Video
Deadly Blessing is presented in 1080p 1.78:1. The transfer is in relatively good shape for the age. Minor defects noticed, with some scenes containing heavy grain. These appear to subside throughout the film.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Mono tracks. This track is adequate for mid-level sound and certainly won’t impress. For what it is, it sounds fine.
Special Features
For this set you’re going to see:
Say Your Prayers! – An all-new interview with Actor Michael Berryman
Secrets Revealed – An all-new interview with Actress Susan Buckner
Rise of the Incubus – An all-new interview with Creature Designer John Naulin
So It Was Written – A look at the film’s screenplay with Writers Glenn Best and Matthew Barr
Audio Commentary with Wes Craven
Theatrical Trailer
TV Spots
Radio Spots
Photo Gallery
The interviews are rather interesting and worth a listen. Particularly interesting is Berryman’s take on the drama that took place between the female leads on set, and then Susan Buckner’s stance that everything couldn’t have been better. The screenwriters give a fascinating insight as well, citing the studio to blame for introducing a head-scratching final image.
The commentary adds a unique perspective from Wes Craven himself, in which he discusses many of the problems that plague the film.
Deadly Blessing is an interesting look at the early career of the late Wes Craven. Although it doesn’t reach the level of some of his finest films, Deadly Blessing is still worth the treatment Scream Factory gives it, and is worth a watch to anyone who is a fan of the genre.
