DVD Review: Fulci’s ‘The Beyond’

The Beyond (AKA E tu vivrai nel terrore – L’aldilà/7 Doors of Death) (1981)
Distributor: Arrow Video
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: 14th March 2011
Directed by: Lucio Fulci
Starring: Catriona MacColl, David Warbeck, Cinzia Moreale
Review by: Nia Edwards-Behi

What can one really say about Lucio Fulci without resorting to hyperbole? Be it through over-stating his nonsensical narratives or accurately reflecting his gory set-pieces, Fulci’s horror films are rightly celebrated for their glorious excesses. The Beyond is undoubtedly one of the best-loved of Fulci’s horror canon, if not of all his various films.

Telling the tale of city girl Liza’s (Catriona Macall) torments as she moves into a Louisiana hotel she’s inherited from a rich uncle, The Beyond is thin on plot but all the better for it. Supernatural gubbins about the book of Eigon, Seven Gates of Hell and the titular Beyond aside, the film is a string of gore set-pieces that satisfy on every level. The Beyond features an impressive number of eye-gougings, even for a Fulci film, and features one of the greatest head-shots of all time. Crucially, though, the scenes that aren’t bathed in viscera are just as gorgeous to look at, even if they mostly function solely to further the perfunctory plot. Fulci’s masterful camerawork ensures a great level of tension in a film that is more about spectacle than it is spooks – I find myself holding my breath through the scene which sees Liza investigate the mysterious room 36 of the hotel, only to have my heart-stopped by the great jump-scare at its end. I might not find the characters to be all that engaging, but at least when they’re scared, I’ve usually jumped out of my skin too.

I certainly can’t claim to be Fulci’s greatest admirer, compared to many, but The Beyond is undeniably a pinnacle of Italian horror cinema. As such, it makes sense for this new edition by Arrow Video, who are currently the pinnacle of adoring DVD packages of well-loved films.

What’s wonderful about these Arrow editions is that idea of adoration is easily perceived in the generous extra features that accompany the great transfers of the films. Individual interviews with Cinzia Moreale, Catriona MacColl and Giannetto di Rossi all reveal a great affection for the film and its director, as well as presenting affable and talented people – the interview with di Rossi is a particular highlight, covering not only his work on The Beyond but also other Fulci favourites such as Zombie Flesh Eaters, and other cult classics like Living Dead at the Manchester Morgue. A wonderful feature, which clearly takes advantage of Arrow’s access to Italian horror stars for some of their other releases, sees several reminiscences of knowing Fulci, including contributions from Dario Argento, Daria Nicolodi, Sergio Stivaletti and Fulci’s daughter Antonella. A sense of frank honesty and genuine affection is evident throughout, and makes for a fitting tribute.

The DVD starts with a short compilation video promoting Arrow Video’s releases thus far, using the usual retro Arrow ident imagery. It’s a nice reminder of the good work Arrow have done in putting together a great collection of cult films together, and The Beyond is a great addition to it.