A terrifying new addition to the Dracula legend, based on a single chilling chapter from Bram Stoker’s classic novel, THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER chronicles the doomed journey of a merchant ship ferrying 50 mysterious wooden crates from Carpathia to London. As they set sail, the crew soon discovers they are not alone on board: at night they are stalked by a hidden passenger whose monstrous thirst for blood turns the trip into a harrowing nightmare of tension, terror and unfathomable evil.
For in-depth thoughts on The Last Voyage of the Demeter, please see my colleague Dom Fisher’s review from its original theatrical release here.
Video Quality
The Last Voyage of the Demeter arrives on Blu-Ray courtesy of Universal Studios Home Entertainment with a terrific AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.39:1. The level of detail in this presentation is quite striking throughout, especially when it comes to the texture of the production design. All of the subtle aspects of the costumes and environments are likewise crisp and impeccably realized. Even the gore effects are impressive in their grotesque display. There are no major instances of unsightly aliasing or compression artifacts detectable here, but there is a small amount of digital noise.
The color palette is reserved during the shadowy and night-time scenes, but they are presented with a crisp depth that is pleasing to observe. Black levels are deep with a nice level of detail in shadows. Highlights do not succumb to any blooming in this presentation. Skin tones are detailed and natural across the entire cast with even the most minor facial details on display. Universal has delivered a solid transfer for this Blu-Ray, even if an option for a 4K UHD Blu-Ray would have been a better way to go.
Audio Quality
The Dolby Atmos track really injects this tale with an energy that aids it dearly. The movie uses environmental sounds to incredible effect, and the track harnesses flawless detail even in the most thrilling developments. The soundscape is very dynamic with a nuanced design throughout. The implementation of the height channels is a huge benefit to the track, especially with all of the rain falling from above. The track also digs deep in the low end when the carnage ensues. Dialogue comes through clearly with no exchanges feeling lost in the sound designs. Sound effects have a precise sense of direction within the mix with every aspect registering as resolute. The soundtrack and score radiate out with perfect fidelity. Universal has delivered a tremendous sonic experience. There are optional English SDH, Spanish and French subtitles provided.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary: Director André Øvredal and Producer Bradley J. Fischer provide an informative commentary track in which they discuss the long production history of the film, changes from the script, the sneaky visual effects work, the shooting locations that were enhanced with ornate production design, working with the performers, and much more.
- Alternate Opening: A two-and-a-half-minute unfinished alternate opening is provided here which reveals some information a bit earlier than it does in the final film. This is provided with optional commentary from Øvredal and Fischer.
- Deleted Scenes: Eight scenes of unused material totaling 12 minutes are provided with optional commentary from Øvredal and Fischer. There is some good stuff worth exploring for fans.
- From The Pits Of Hell – Dracula Reimagined: A seven-minute featurette in which the cast and creative team discuss how this version of Dracula differs from what has come before, the freedom of focusing on one segment of the story, the character design, and much more.
- Evil Is Aboard – The Making Of The Last Voyage of the Demeter: An 11-minute featurette that explores what drew the performers to the project, the ideas behind the story, the themes explored, taking elements from previous adaptations, the makeup and digital effects, and more.
- Dracula & The Digital Age: A nine-minute look at the visual effects work throughout the film and how it allowed the creatives to tell this story.
Final Thoughts
The Last Voyage of the Demeter is a welcome change of pace when it comes to Dracula lore. The Count has had his story adapted countless times, but for the first time in a long time, the story feels alive. The steady pacing of the narrative feels more in line with an A24 at times, but then you are reminded that you are dealing with a big studio film when the carnage springs up. This probably could have benefited from being even more scaled-down than it is, but for a studio film, it treats its audience with a bit more respect than many of its ilk. The movie is a bit inconsistent, but it deserves a bit more praise than it has received up until this point. Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has released a Blu-Ray with a terrific A/V presentation and a fine amount of special features. If you want a vicious period vampire tale, this will serve you well. Recommended
The Last Voyage of the Demeter will be available to purchase on Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital on October 17, 2023.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment 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.