DVD Corner

The Black Demon DVD Review

“The Black Demon” needs more shark action.

In 2023’s “The Black Demon,” a father (Paul), his wife (Ines) and their 2 children (Tommy and Audrey) venture near the Baja Coast both for vacation and work. You see, Paul is an oil rig inspector for Nixon Oil and he’s been assigned to check in on it. The family discovers that the once thriving town has become rundown, but that’s only the start of their troubles. As Paul (and eventually his whole family) arrive on the rig, they discover a trio of horrors. The oil rig is leaking, there’s a bomb on the rig, and, oh yes, there’s a giant killer Megaladon shark known as The Black Demon circling around. With the help of 2 men (Chato and Junior) and a tough little pup, everyone has fo find a way to safety before time runs out.

Since today marks the beginning of Shark Week, it seems only fitting to review a new shark movie. While director Adrian Grunberg and writer Boise Esquerra attempt to create a serious eco-horror story that simultaneously explores cultural legends and myths with “The Black Demon,” but the film soon devolves into a traditional shark attack survival feature that is in desperate need of more shark action. It would be one thing if the story built to big set pieces or delivered showstopping CGI shark action, but what we get feels very underwhelming. Most of the time the characters are merely wandering around the rig. In fact, everything feels short changed here from the themes and story elements on down. It sets up the oil spill and the mentions of Aztec mythology, but it doesn’t do much with either. It’s a surface level horror thriller through and through.

Cast wise, the big name here is Josh Lucas. The veteran actor used to be in everything in the early 2000’s, but he’s still turning in solid work even in this low-budget shark film. The supporting cast also turns in quality performances here especially Fernanda Urrejola (Ines) and Jorge A. Jimenez (Junior). Keep your eyes peeled for Hector Jimenez in a small role who is best known for his roles in “Nacho Libre.”

“The Black Demon” is available on Movie Zyng and through other online retailers.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1. How does it look? I’m not sure why there isn’t a Blu-ray release but this is the type of movie that could use one. Sure, the DVD transfer is decent enough, but we live in a hi-def age.

Audio Track: Dolby Digital 5.1. How does it sound? The 5.1 track is nothing short of lively.

No extras have been included.

July 23, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | DVD review | Josh Lucas, Shark Movie, Sharks, The Black Demon DVD Review