If horror fits your idea of an entertaining night at home, then check out The Brotherhood of Satan. The 1971 devil based thriller from Arrow Video has just been upgraded and packed in a case with a special booklet. The film is about average for its ilk, but there’s some nice acting by recognizable stars and it may be extra good for a few laughs. Maybe you’ll get another lifetime in the brotherhood of Satan.
The film begins with a child’s birthday party and quickly switches to a couple making out on a blanket by the river. Starting to rain they head for the town of Woodley and come across a strange sight. They head for the Sheriff’s office to report the accident, but he doesn’t seem to be affected by it all. The whole town gathers around the couple and his daughter. And they chase them out of town, but they don’t get far before wrecking their car.
Back in town the family has to face a tough Sheriff (L.Q. Jones) who offers no help. Director Bernard McEveety moves his film along at a pretty good speed creating a horror scene as the family’s daughter goes missing. He depicts a local Satanist Society holds a gathering with a dozen youngsters holding candles while covenant members eagerly await a chance for a younger body to take them through the rest of their life.
While the quality is fine, the storyline is quit jaded and not on par with modern day horror. The rise of the devil during the ritual gets a bit over-the-top “astonishing” and the reason for the summoning is not at all scary. But, back in the day Drive-in Movie Theaters were packed for movies like this one, so for a nostalgia kick it’s worth the watch. I do like the restoration of the movie as it has very good quality for both video and sound. The scenes are bright and it looks as good as some of the Indies made in this day and age.
Here is a list of Bonus features that you may find interesting and entertaining.
“Audio Commentary by Kim Newman and Sean Hogan
“From Dark to Past” A visual essay by David Flint on the 1970’s Satanic cinema
“The Children of Satan” Jonathan Erickson Eisley and Alyson Moore remember their experiences as child actors on the set of the Brotherhood of satin
“Image Gallery”
The Brotherhood of Satan contains nude drawings, blood, beheaded corpses, and witchcraft. Most likely an R rating in today’s system. The film is now available for the first time in a special Blu-ray case with some reading material.
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Strother Martin, L.Q. Jones, Charles Bateman, Ahna Capri, Geri Reischl, Avery Moore
Directed by: Bernard McEveety
Genre: Horror
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, contains nude drawings, blood, beheaded corpses, disemboweled children, witchcraft,
Running Time: 1 hr. 32 min.
Video Release Date: August 31, 2021
Original Theatrical Release Date: 1971
Language: English
Reviewed Format: Blu-ray
Video: 1080p Aspect Ratio of 2.35:1
Subtitles: English SDH
Distributed by: Arrow Video
Released on: Blu-ray
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
