The Last Voyage Of The Demeter

"The Last Voyage Of The Demeter" is based a single iconic chapter from Bram Stoker’s classic novel, Dracula. Told is the chilling story of the merchant ship Demeter and the strange events that befall the doomed crew as they attempt to survive an ocean voyage to London with a truly monstrous stowaway on board. (Gary Reber)

Special features include commentary with Director André Overedal and Producer Bradley J. Fischer, alternative opening (HD 02:24), the featurettes "From The Pits Of Hell: Dracula Reimagined" (HD 07:11), "Evil Is Aboard: The Making Of The Last Voyage Of The Demeter" (HD 10:44) and "Dracula & The Digital Age" (HD 08:34), eight deleted scenes (HD 11:49) and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 2.39:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed digitally using the Sony Venice camera system and sourced from a 4K Digital Intermediate. For the most part, the picture takes place in the shadows of darkness at sea on a boat with limited lighting by lanterns. During a lightening thunder rain storm, the lightening provides brief moments of light hitting the ship. Flesh tones appear natural throughout, no matter what the lightening environment. To view this picture requires a very dark environment and preferably blackness as well as a display device capable of rendering black levels. Contrast is on the dark side of the spectrum with natural black levels and dark shadows. White levels are scaled low such as the prominent kerosine lamps. Resolution is good considering the low light levels. Daylight boost good detail and sharp and clear imagery. This is an suspenseful and dark visual experience that builds in intensity to the end. Dracula fans will revel in the horrific and scary scenes of terrifying bloody violence. (Gary Reber)

The Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack is dynamic sounding with a hauntingly epic orchestral/choral score that is anchored in a deep bass foundation. Atmospherics sound realistic such as the creaking sounds on the Demeter and the wind and rain sequences. Sound effects are often powerful such a shotgun fire, the rough seas and thunder and lightening. Also there are sharp pounding and slams sounds that effectively enhance the scares. The music occupies a wide and deep soundstage that extends aggressively to the surrounds. Deep bass is a constant and at times is powerful, extending to sub-25 Hz frequencies. Dialogue is largely ADR produced with a somewhat forward presence.

The Immersive Sound element an strong extension of the orchestral/choral score plus atmospherics such as wind and the sea and strong sound effects such as thunder and lightening, which is exciting, and sounds of the interior of the Demeter. While there are a few segments without extension, for the most part this is a very effective and exciting height layer presentation that other filmmakers should emulate.

This is an intense atmospherics and sound effects holosonic® spherical surround soundtrack that exerts strong bass extension and a haunting orchestral/choral score designed to characterize evil terror suspense. (Gary Reber)