Overview: A bloody and brutal critique of religious corruption, 'Mark of the Devil' sees horror icon Udo Kier (Flesh for Frankenstein, Suspiria) play a witchfinder's apprentice whose faith in his master (Herbert Lom) becomes severely tested when they settle in an Austrian village.

Blu ray Verdict: Packed full with supreme actors, such as Herbert Lom, Udo Kier and Reggie Nalder, they all come together to star in this rather infamous film about superstition and religious persecution in 1770 Austria. Supposedly taking the torture scenes and cases presented from historical documents, 'Mark of the Devil' is a classic exploitation whose reputation is preceded only by its very own ad campaign at the time!

Famous for giving out barf bags, I think it is a lot tamer than the hype would let you to believe! Filmed in cinematic, and easy on the eye Austria, 'Mark of the Devil' is a solid flick with excellent photography. The acting is above average with the several genre vets chewing the scenery quite well.

The tale of witchcraft strangely enough features no witchery and focuses on the lies and deceit of the time as the basis of the tale. If you like exploitations check out the film. There are a few bloody torture scenes, but is not nearly as graphic as some would lead you to believe. Indeed, leave it to the Europeans to pull off another terrifying classic. The remastering job is excellent on these brand new Arrow Films (UK) versions and so I suggest you add it - and the others currently being re-released and remastered - to your Blu ray collection as soon as possible! This is a Full Screen Presentation (1.33:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentation of the feature, transferred from original film elements
Optional English and German audio
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
Newly translated English subtitles for the German audio
Audio commentary by Michael Armstrong, moderated by Calum Waddell
Mark of the Times - exclusive feature-length documentary from High Rising Productions on the emergence of the 'new wave' of British horror directors that surfaced during the sixties and seventies
Hallmark of the Devil - author and critic Michael Gingold looks back at Hallmark Releasing, the controversial and confrontational distributor that introduced Mark of the Devil to American cinemas
Interviews with composer Michael Holm and actors Udo Kier, Herbert Fux, Gaby Fuchs, Ingeborg Schoner and Herbert Lom
Mark of the Devil: Now and Then - a look at the film's locations and how they appear today
Outtakes
Gallery
Reversible Sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys
Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by Adrian Smith and Anthony Nield, plus an interview with Reggie Nalder by David Del Valle, all illustrated with original stills and artwork

MVD Entertainment Group have announced the distribution of Arrow Video (UK) in North America with a host of cult titles receiving deluxe treatment in video, audio, supplements and artwork. The launch titles are: 'Day of Anger,' 'Blind Woman's Curse,' and 'Mark of the Devil.'