The Nine Demons

Even the most rabid kung-fu fans can get exhausted from time to time. Punch, kick, tumble, twirl. Yes, it’s all elegantly choreographed and professionally executed. But wouldn’t it be cool if, like, one guy had a necklace of skulls that transformed into blood-sucking devil spawn? Then say hello to The Nine Demons, director Chang Cheh’s 1984 occult-action film that reunites most of the original Venom Mob for a distinctly outre martial arts entry that wraps horror embellishments around a sturdy wuxia frame.

After selling his soul to bring his best friend back from the dead, the next item on Joey’s (Tien-Chi Cheng) agenda is revenge upon his enemies. Backed up by a posse of child demons and one hot witch, Demon Joey goes on the warpath, unleashing his supernatural fury on the baddies who killed his father and any unlucky bystanders. But his dark side is soothed by a love interest who knows there’s a good man in there somewhere. The question is, does selling your soul have a 30-day return window?

It’s every bit as odd as it sounds, but kung-fu flicks in 1984 needed a new angle. Chang Cheh, the man who essentially built Shaw Brothers, still brings his usual obsessions with brotherhood, betrayal and heroic sacrifice, but now they’re filtered through fog machines, glam-rock make-up and supernatural ankle biters. It’s a wonderfully unhinged detour in the disjointed Venom Mob franchise, twisting the familiar revenge formula just enough to make the whole thing feel fresh again.

Released on Blu-ray from Visual Vengeance with a new 2K transfer from the original elements, it’s full of psychedelic colors that really pop in hi-def without the need for a 4K upgrade. There are a few visible edits and odd pauses at the end of cuts that appear baked into the image from time to time. Strange, but no biggie. The extras, however, are extravagant: commentary track, two video essays, interview, image gallery, English and Chinese language options and a “dirty” VHS version for good measure. Packaging comes with a slipcover, liner notes, reversible sleeve and fold-out poster.

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