Heartland of Darkness (1989) {Visual Vengeance Blu-ray Review}

Horror films of the 80s have gained 'cult' status over the years. Many of these films are getting deluxe Blu-ray releases from companies, knowing how much the fans love them. One such company that has been knocking it out the park with releases is Visual Vengeance.

Now the latest release from Visual Vengeance is 1989's Heartland of Darkness starring legendary scream queen Linnea Quigley (Night of the Demons, The Return of the Living Dead).

In the small town of Copperton, Ohio, Paul Henson, a former big-city journalist, buys a small local newspaper. He quickly falls into a wide-reaching conspiracy of ritualistic murder and cult mind control when he discovers that the entire town may be under the spell of a Satanic reverend and his flock. As the clues and corpses pile up, Henson and his family are thrust into a life-or-death struggle to expose the truth and stop the demonic cabal's reign of evil.

Heartland of Darkness is typical 80s horror fare. It is a solid 80s horror film with a story that keeps you interested all the way to the end. The acting is average, of course the stand-out would be Linnea Quigley. Eric Swelstad directed this film with practical effect.

Many people consider this film as the 'lost' Linnea Quigley movie. Well, not anymore. The film has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p. The film is presented in full screen format 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The new director-supervised SD master is from original tape and film elements. Now while it may not be the most stunning looking master in the world it is pretty impressive when you think about the fact that most thought this film was lost forever.

Now Visual Vengeance is famous for adding some amazing bonuses to their releases, and this one is no different. The Heartland of Darkness Blu-ray has a boatload of bonus features to this release that will keep 80s horror movie fans entertained. Take a look at what is included.

* Deeper Into the Darkness: New 40-minute BTS documentary

* Commentary with director Eric Swelstad, star Nick Baldasare, cinematographer Scott Spears and composer Jay Woelfel

* Commentary with Tony Strauss of Weng's Chop magazine

* Linnea Quigley Remembers: new interview

* Archival Linnea Quigley 'Close Up' TV interview

* Original TV spots, trailers and behind-the-scenes footage

* Complete original Fallen Angels 1990 workprint

* Fallen Angels 1990 workprint commentary track with director Eric Swelstad

* The Making of Fallen Angels - vintage cast & crew newscast interviews

* Blood Church original distributor promotional video

* Behind-the-scenes image gallery

* Six-page liner notes

* Fantasm Magazine excerpt Director spotlight

* Limited Edition Heartland of Darkness Prayer Cloth - FIRST PRESSING ONLY

* Limited Edition slipcase - FIRST PRESSING ONLY

* Collectible Linnea Quigley folded mini-poster

* Stick your own VHS sticker set

* Reversible sleeve featuring original Blood Church promotional art

* Visual Vengeance trailers

* Optional English subtitles

Now Heartland of Darkness is not going to be everyone's cup of tea, by no means. This is a film strictly for fans of micro budget, 80s horror films that focus on evil cults. So this is a very niche film. But if you are a fan of this genre WOW what a release.

So if you have wanted to see Heartland of Darkness this is your one and only way to see it as it has never received a home video release up until now. And What a epic release it is! If you would like to add this to your collection head over to Amazon and order your copy today. 

Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) Visual Vengeance Blu-ray of Heartland of Darkness receives...