In 1960, a young woman named Christine enters St. Francis Boarding School for Girls and lays waste to the resident nuns. Four decades later, a group of college students head to the long-abandoned building late one night to tag it with their fraternity letters, little knowing that rumors of the place being haunted are terrifyingly true. Stir in a couple of disapproving cops and a band of unlikely Satanists, and the table is set for a feast of demonic infestation and bloodshed that only the grown-up Christine (Adrienne Barbeau, THE FOG, SWAMP THING) can possibly stop.
From its opening massacre, set to the strains of (appropriately enough) Lesley Gore, THE CONVENT is an in-your-face fright film with a full-blooded sense of humor. Director Mike Mendez (THE GRAVEDANCERS, KILLERS) both embraces and skewers the traditions of supernatural/possession cinema, with wicked twists that upend expectations and deliver jolts and laughs in equal measure. Not for the devout or the easily offended, the film gives Barbeau one of her best roles as the motorcycle-riding, shotgun-wielding Christine, with bonus appearances by fellow genre icon Bill Moseley (THE DEVIL’S REJECTS) and rapper/ actor Coolio. THE CONVENT rocked audiences at festivals including Sundance and Fantasia, but has long been unavailable on disc. Now you can possess its uncensored U.S. debut remastered in Dolby Vision 4K from the original uncut 35mm Internegative elements and worship the extensive special features!
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Video Quality
Synapse Films presents The Convent with a stellar 2160p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio that has been remastered from the original uncut 35mm Internegative elements with Dolby Vision supervised and approved by director Mike Mendez. While this has never been the most widely available film, this new release restores it to its intended glory. Even if you are not yet 4K UHD capable, this new release comes with a Blu-Ray sourced from the same 4K master which also looks fantastic.
The deployment of Dolby Vision for rich and accurate color output raises the quality to the upper echelon when it comes to nuance. Highlights are robust with no major signs of blooming in the brighter scenarios. Lighting is a key part of the design of this film, and this disc handles every subtle shift with ease. Black levels are brilliant with nothing in the way of crush or banding present even in the dark enclaves of the screen. Audiences can now discern much more shadow detail with outlines properly defined instead of blending into the murky background. The special effects are largely practical and wonderfully textured including goopy entrails.
This transfer has been spared all unsightly digital manipulation for an organic presentation bursting with film grain that allows the film to look as good as new. Fans will be overcome by the texture on display in the clothing and within the production design. The degree of detail and clarity newly on display is stunning thanks to the perfect amount of natural film grain intact. The grain resolves agreeably with nothing ever feeling splotchy even within the prevalent shadowy environments. Any previous specks of damage have been eliminated thanks to the restoration. There are no horrid digital anomalies such as compression artifacts or any other such nuisances. This presentation is a top-notch 4K UHD outing from Synapse Films.
Audio Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc comes with a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track from the original 16-track audio masters which delivers an exceptional mix. The soundtrack has never sounded more lively as it is used perfectly to establish the unique tone of the story. There is never a moment when it threatens to steal focus from the competing sounds, and it maintains an ideal balance so that dialogue comes through clearly. There are not any unexpected instances of age-related wear and tear. This narrative delights in a complex sound design that becomes very immersive with this surround mix. This track provides a multifaceted soundscape that deftly captures the artistic intent with a fidelity that is flawlessly realized. Environmental sounds such as special effects and snarling creatures are rendered consistently alongside everything else. Synapse Films has treated this one with the greatest respect. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided.
Special Features
- Audio Commentaries: Two commentary tracks are provided by creatives who worked on the film and break down the creation of the film.
- Audio Commentary #1: Cast and Crew Commentary with Director Mike Mendez; actors Megahn Perry and Liam Sullivan; and composer Joseph Bishara
- Audio Commentary #2: “Lords of Hell” Commentary with Saul and Dickie-Boy
- Behind The Scenes Featurette: A nine-minute archival piece in which the cast and creative team discuss the creation of the film, the makeup effects, working with Coolio, and more.
- Location Featurette: A 15-minute piece in which director Mike Mendez takes you on a location tour of Killers and The Convent.
- Deleted Scene: A 31-second unused scene from the diner with a very special character.
- Gore Outtakes: A six-minute collection of tests for gory effects in the film.
- Still Gallery (6:26)
- Original Electronic Press Kit: A 12-minute promotional video for the film.
- Promotional Trailers: There are trailers for the movie provided with Promotional Trailer #1 (1:44) and Promotional Trailer #2 (1:45).
- Booklet: “It’s Always Something with a Virgin” essay from Corey Danna
Final Thoughts
The Convent is a fun haunted house outing that goes over the top without becoming nonsensical. It at times feels like an R-rated Goosebumps episode in a good way. The film does start out a little too good in a way that makes the remainder of the film seem less exciting in comparison, but it is still a good time, especially thanks to a fun showing from Adrienne Barbeau. It’s not high art, but if you like violent, silly genre fare, you can do much worse. Synapse Films has provided the film with a 4K UHD Blu-Ray release that boasts a first-rate A/V presentation and a welcome selection of new and archival special features. Recommended
The Convent is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD + Blu-Ray Combo Pack.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Synapse Films has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
