I’m having a bit of an Italian film season as there have been several interesting blu-ray releases from 88 Films recently. The film I’m taking a look here, The Devil’s Honey (1986) is from director Lucio Fulci and is an erotic thriller. Let’s find out if it’s worth a look, so without further ado here’s my The Devil’s Honey blu-ray review.
- The Devil’s Honey (1986)
- Genre: Erotic Thriller
- Directed by Lucio Fulci
- UK Rating 18
- Discs: 1
- Released By 88 Films
- Blu-ray Released: 18 May 2020
Plot
Young lovers Johnny (Stefano Madia) and Jessica (Blanca Marsillach) have a complicated and somewhat abusive relationship. Both exude power over the other. Johnny is an upcoming musician who plays the saxophone. However when Johnny suffers a head injury Jessica loses her mind and looks for someone to blame.
Style / Direction
The films directed by Lucio Fulci whilst Alejandro Ulloa is responsible for the cinematography.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is provided by Claudio Natili and it’s a saxophone lead score. Then again the film was made in the eighties when every piece of music seemed to include the obligatory sax solo. But being serious the saxophone is actually a key character in the movie.
Acting / Characters
The English version of the film is dubbed and whilst most of the voices aren’t too bad one or to do seem out of place.
There are lots of scenes in which the actors are naked performing sex scenes with Blanca Marsillach as Jessica being the film’s main focus alongside Stefano Madia as Johnny. Whilst she’s not the best actress she does seem to suit the role rather well. Her eyes really do convey an unstable and unbalanced mind. It should also be noted that she is incredibly beautiful no doubt accounting for the film’s notoriety.
Cast
- Brett Halsey as Dr. Wendell Simpson
- Corinne Cléry as Carol Simpson
- Blanca Marsillach as Jessica
- Stefano Madia as Johnny
- Paula Molina as Sandra
- Bernard Seray as Nicky
Conclusion: The Devil’s Honey (1986) Film Review
The fact that The Devil’s Honey starts off with a sex scene involving a man a woman and a saxophone kind of sets the tone! Don’t expect this to be a masterpiece by Lucio Fulci as it’s passable at best. The acting is not the best and neither is the dialogue. There are plenty of sex scenes involving Blanca Marsillach as Jessica and that will probably be the highlight for many. The story is pretty poor and to be honest the film is really not made that well.
It should be said this was Fulci’s first film back from a serious illness and he really just took the first project offered. Sorry Lucio Fulci fans but The Devil’s Honey (1986) is far from his best work and one probably viewed under the circumstances I’ve just mentioned.
If you enjoyed my The Devil’s Honey blu-ray review so far you may want to check out the following films:
I can’t fault 88 Films, this blu-ray release is packed full of extras but the best part has to be the improved picture quality.
– Popcorn Cinema Show
Conclusion: The Devil’s Honey (1986) Blu-ray Review
The film has undergone a 2K remaster from the original archival materials and now looks pretty decent. The film is now clean, free from any marks thus allowing it to be seen the way it was intended.
On the extras front 88 Films has pretty much included everything a movie fan could want with interviews with the actors, producer and composer.
I can’t fault 88 Films, this blu-ray release is packed full of extras but the best part has to be the improved picture quality. It’s great to see cult films such as this get such attention.
Extras
- Audio Commentary
- The Devil’s Halsey: Interview with actor Brett Halsey (17 mins)
- Wild Flower: Interview with actress Corinne Clery (12 mins)
- Producing Honey: Interview with producer Vincenzo Salviani (13 mins)
- The Devil’s Sax: Interview with composer Claudio Natili (10 mins)
- Stephen Thrower on The Devil’s Honey (22 mins)
- Fulci’s Honey: An Audio Essay by Troy Howarth (17 mins)
- Alternate Opening
- Trailer
- Reversible Cover Art
Popcorn Cinema Rating: The Devil’s Honey (1986)
MOVIE RATING: PRETTY BAD
BLU-RAY RATING: VERY GOOD
Purchase The Devil’s Honey (1986) On Blu-ray
The Devil’s Honey (1986) blu-ray is available out now.
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The Devil’s Honey (1986) Film Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the blu-ray version
That concludes my The Devil’s Honey blu-ray review, I’m aiming to review more movies from cult directors like Lucio Fulci soon. What’s next? Check back soon…
Summary: The Devil's Honey (1986) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: The Devil's Honey (1986)
Duration: 82 mins
Director(s): Lucio Fulci
Actor(s): Brett Halsey, Corinne Cléry, Blanca Marsillach
Genre: Erotic , Thriller
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
A disappointing Lucio Fulci erotic thriller but fabulous 88 Films blu-ray release.
Pros
- 2K remaster from the original archival materials
- Fabulous Extra Features
- Lucio Fulci
Cons
- Poor Story
- Not the best acting
- Style / filmmaking could be better
