THE MASK OF SATAN: Like Father...Not Like Son

THE MASK OF SATAN (Blu-ray)

1990 / 98 min

From Severin Films

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀

The son of legendary Italian horror director Mario Bava, Lamberto Bava’s greatest claim to fame on this side of the pond is probably Demons and its sequel, Demons 2. Both are held in pretty high regard among 80s-era gorehounds (though I personally think they’re devoid of any real appeal beyond the special effects).

1990’s The Mask of Satan is Lamberto’s loose remake of Dad’s most famous film, Black Sunday. However, he displays little of Mario’s eye for atmosphere or narrative coherence. In fact, it plays more like a Demons sequel, without the vivid gore that at-least made that film watchable. 

This one features a group of obnoxious skiers who become trapped in an ice cave where a witch was buried centuries earlier. Of course, she’s resurrected, and the remainder of the story is pretty much Demons in the snow…people become possessed and chase around those who aren’t. That’s about it.

"I don't suppose any of you thought to bring cocoa, did you?"

Characterization is minimal, as are the acting abilities of its cast, though Eva Grimaldi, as sexy witch Anibas, is certainly easy on the eyes (too bad we don’t see more of her). And while some of the production design is impressive, Lamberto’s direction reflects little real imagination or panache. Never once approaching scary, isn’t long before the whole thing grows tedious.

The Mask of Satan was originally filmed as an episode of an Italian miniseries called Sabbath, which could partially explain why its cinematically underwhelming. But even with tempered expectations, I think fans of Italian horror will find this one a chore to sit through. Stick with Dad’s original.

EXTRA KIBBLES

INTERVIEWS - Individual interviews with director Lamberto Bava, actress Mary Sellers and actress Debora Caprioglio.