User reviews

A vampire film, shot on digital, that's nearly two hours long? Hmm. I'm not the biggest vampire film fan in the world. George Romero's Martin was good, as was the original Salem's Lot, and Vamp, when I think of it, but mostly I just don't go for them. Still, I always give them a chance.

This one starts of with a police sting capturing a serial killer whom they've dubbed 'Vlad'. Instead of taking him down to the station for a kicking, a government agency steps in and whisks him off to a laboratory somewhere, where they start to experiment on him. This sets up some sort of moral play where the doctor (replacing the original doctor killed by the vampire) has to struggle with his vows to take care of his patient, and the demands of the government agency in experimenting on the bloodsucker.

That's a pretty good premise, and there's a good set up as they keep the vampire in check by threatening to expose him to sunlight if he steps out of line (crosses and garlic are useless, as they find out). The interaction between the moralistic doctor and the vampire is rather good, with the vampire guy going for 'subtle' rather than 'awful'. So you've got a 'who are the real monsters here' kind of thing going on. Got that? Fine.

Problem: This film is nearly two hours long, and set mostly in a laboratory. That's an awful long time to keep someone's attention. Worse still, there's a subplot regarding the female police officer who helped capture Vlad (she's fallen in love with him) which the film could have done without, and, sadly, the film just sort of descends into predictability. Which is a shame, because I was enjoying this one. It's fairly well acted and well made, but ultimately commits the worst offence of filmmaking: it's boring. A bit of trimming and this could have been good.

I'm giving Demon Under Glass a generous 6 out of 10. The idea behind it is original and has a lot of potential. The opening scenes are quite good, although they reminded me of the scenes in Predator 2 when the feds are trying to capture the Predator. I have mixed feelings about Predator 2 but I thought it was a promising start.

It gets better after that and it's initially quite engaging. As the film progresses though, you get the sense that the situations are becoming more and more contrived.

At first, the dialog seems to be making the point that the vampire isn't supernatural but then the writers change their mind and need to use his supernatural powers to advance the plot. That part just doesn't really work and it felt rushed. I thought it could have worked if there had been more dialog with the vampire and if they could have done things a bit more intelligently.

I reckon this is the kind of film that could actually do with a reboot. If you fix the flaws and deal better with the supernatural elements I think Demon Under Glass could be a great vampire movie!

I heard of the negative hype about this B horror flick and thought I'd buy it and see what all the bashing was about. What a surprise! Generic, white-bread, Disney people need not apply!

"Demon Under Glass" turned out to be an interesting, thought provoking study of human nature and questions what make up "good" and "evil" into day's society--the 'good' doctors doing research for the good of all man kind using a captive, restrained vampire, or the 'bad' creature, killer and vampire? Who was less human, the magnificent creature of the night trying to survive or the single-minded medical people experimenting on him?

Some may feel the dark lighting is a sign of a poor film, but I found the shadowy scenes enhanced the delivery of the intensity and foreboding of the film. Garret Maggart as the one doctor with objects about the vampire's treatment was very convincing and made me sympathetic to his moral dilemma and I don't even like doctors, of any kind, real or make believe. Jason Carter was intense and dramatic as the captured vampire. Vampires ROCK! And this guy proves it. Pure predator and sexual presence.

Gota love this movie! Sexy Vampires, good-looking doctors, some interesting questions about life and , I can't Believe no one has mentioned this before, a half-naked, bloody, sexy KIRA REED, sex goddess! If you like vampires, you'll like 'Demon Under Glass.'

Demon Under Glass was an intriguing idea for a film. Exploring the moral ambiguity of advances in the name of science versus the nature of the "beast" kept me watching the film despite myself. Several of the actors turned in performances that were noteworthy if only because they managed to rise above the many problems that plagued this production. Most of the supporting acting was flat and uninspired but I feel that the fault does not lie with the actors but rather with the pacing and directing.

The direction of the film seems unfocused and the culmination of the plot feels somewhat rushed and under explored. The same can be said of the relationship that develops between the vampire and the doctor. The tension and conflict between these two characters was woefully underscored.

The film isn't helped by the fact that it was shot in some type of digital format, giving it the look of a soap opera set, only more poorly dressed. The sound is also spotty and at times the music drowns out the dialogue. Of course there are also issues with bad lighting, lazy camera work, the overuse of the slow zoom, bad framing and the overly enthusiastic use of flashbacks.

All things considered, it was an interesting plot that deserved a better reality. On the bright side, you can play a mean drinking game with it if you drink every time someone is framed poorly or trapped in the slow zoom of death. See? There's always a bright side.

Demon Under Glass is a standout addition to the "B" movie horror genre.With its touches of satirical humor, Thought-provoking plot and unique twists on an otherwise traditional theme it catches and holds your attention. The actors bring a depth to the characters that is all to rarely seen in this type of movie. The mood created through the writing and direction is straightforward and crisp (moves right along with no dragging), yet has an atmosphere that manages to be eerie and clinically hostile. A small "indie" film it manages to do what many a big budget effort has not - makes you think, and contemplate; what is evil and what capacity is there in every day people given certain circumstances. That's a lot of reach for a little thriller film guys.

When the producers of "Demon Under Glass" first started talking about their new project on a Yahoo Groups list, they came up with a unique idea: Share the behind-the-scenes production process with anyone on the internet who cared to see how an independent, low-budget film got made *as* it was being made, from pre-production to final cut. While I'm sure the idea wasn't purely altruistic, it would serve to generate the all-important "buzz" so vital to the success of small, non-studio projects.

Unfortunately, after all the hype and insider info and Yahoo list/chatroom discussion with various staff and crew over the course of a year, it became painfully obvious after seeing the finished product that they were far better at talking about what they wanted to do than in executing it. In fact, the very meat of the story is completely missing from the film (or disc -- what *do* you call something that's shot in digital format when the producers don't know if it's going to be for TV, feature or direct-to-video release?). I got the distinct impression that while the director (Jon Cunningham) knew what he intended to say in each scene, he didn't have a clue how to go about translating that cinematically. I have seen first-time student films that are orders of magnitude better than this one. At least they have a grasp of lighting, camera placement, coverage, and common sense: Most actors generally have their faces visible to the camera when talking.

Also unfortunately, the old adage "if it ain't on the page, it ain't on the stage" is never better exemplified here. While the director can be faulted for much of this film's wretched quality, the heart of the story is missing completely from the script. Opportunities for exploring the movie's tagline -- "Who is the monster?" -- are thrown away with insipid, superficial writing that leaves one intellectually and emotionally starved by the end -- if you're not bored to death by the time you get there. The script's writer (Deborah L. Warner, Cunningham's wife) gives the philosophical weight of what little discussion there is to the old crock doctor (Jack Donner) in a couple of brief interviews with the vampire (Jason Carter), but keeps pushing the cute young doctor (Garett Maggart) and the vampire together as if there is some subliminal attraction there which is never explained or explored. Thus, the focus is scattered, and the story rambles from one scene to the next without any drive, intensity or direction. I was embarrassed for the actors as I'm sure they tried to do the best they possibly could with an indifferent script and inept directing.

The amateur editing doesn't help matters. The pacing of scenes is protracted almost beyond endurance. Either there was not enough coverage so the editor (Steve Robison) could cut to other angles, other actors, get reactions, etc., or there wasn't enough time or money for a proper edit. I suspect the former. People are talking off camera, and voices overlap scenes where they have no relevance or import. The repeated use of an empty sky to indicate "day" and the Chromakeyed "x number of hours until sunrise" served absolutely no function except to irritate since the passage of time was indicated in dialogue.

The soundtrack (Gottfried Neumeister) was just that -- sound. It wasn't music. In fact, much of it is more reminiscent of a white noise generator.

All in all, a waste of time and money.

Consider: The Government wants to capture a vampire and keep him in a hermetically sealed coffin and study him. Why they do this is never really revealed. But hey, it's the government. So basically, the vamp is poked and prodded every day and locked in the box every night. Deep, huh? Oh yeah, he's nicknamed Vlad (highly original) and is captured, as the description tells you, with the help of a "beautiful" female cop. The photography, direction and especially the writing border on terrible and more than once cross the line into putrid. ("Sir, you presume too much!!"). The acting ranges from competent to hammy (and BAD hammy) to non-existent. All in all, a waste of almost 2 hours. Pauly Shore has more depth.

Demon Under Glass is a different take on the vampire legend, a detective story, a medical mystery, and a disturbing examination of how far man may go when he believes that the ends justify the means.

The film is by turns thrilling, gruesome, cynically humorous, and thought-provoking, and the cast is up to the task. Jason Carter (Babylon 5) is both appealing and terrifying as the vampire Molinar, and Garett Maggart (The Sentinel) demonstrates emotional range as the conscripted, and conflicted, Dr. Joe McKay. Their relationship as the story develops is well-crafted and draws the viewer in and holds him. The veteran Jack Donner as the lead scientist, Dr. Bassett, well illustrates the occasional moral ambiguity of science, and fascinates as he declines toward madness in his single-minded focus on his research goals.

The film is engaging and enjoyable, and an outstanding first effort for new director Jon Cunningham and writers Cunningham and Deborah Warner. I definitely recommend this film, and look forward to their next effort.

This film makes Plan 9 From OPuter Space look like Casablanca, and the direction makes Ed wood look like Hitchcock. It's a shame films like this are even able to get made when there are filmmakers with REAL talent out there who can't get a break. There is absolutely nothing redeeming about DUG -- the plot is insipid, the sets and lighting amateurish, the acting abysmal, and the entire story line gets tired after five minutes. Worth buying if you need an extra DVD case or coaster, but don't waste your time and brain cells by actually watching it. A rerun of Gilligan's Island has more substance, and is infinitely more rewarding.

Demon Under Glass is proof that you don't need megabucks or fantastic special effects to produce a great cult classic. Just creativity, talent & ingenuity. Having two cute stars doesn't hurt, either ; ) I already liked vampire movies, & thought that I had seen just about every plot line and variation there was. But this film actually managed to come up with a new spin. I only hope there's part Demon Under Glass # 2. Kudos!!

I saw the premier of this movie and was completely caught up in the story - a story which is a new twist on the classic vampire tale. The cast of characters, especially the main 4, are well cast and well played and complimented by some stellar supporting players.

Garett Maggart proves there is more in his repertoire than the lead character he played on The Sentinel, and Jason Carter as Simon Molinar 2000-year old vampire, is as far from Ranger Marcus Cole (Babylon 5) as it is possible to be. Denise Hurd is truly driven as the police officer (wish we could see more of her onscreen), and Jack Donner lets us fall with his Dr Bassett deeper into scientific double-think without realizing how quickly we're falling.

If you like this genre, I think you'll really like Demon Under Glass - and like me want to see it more than once.

This is a very well done, thought provoking movie that uses a new twist on the age old theme, man's inhumanity to man. Or in this instance, man's inhumanity to that which he doesn't understand.

Jason Carter as Simon Molinar, the creature, is wonderfully dark and devious. Garett Maggart as Dr. Joe McKay, the young doctor driven to question his own morality, is equally a classic choice. And Jack Donner as Dr. Richard Bassett is a brilliant choice.

As a first time movie for this company, it is exciting and truly enjoyable, and I highly recommend it. The many faceted moral issues which are explored throughout the picture make it something to watch again and again.

This movie is a great twist on the popular vampire theme, touching on interesting and thought-provoking subjects. How far does a researcher have the right to go in a search for knowledge to help mankind? Does the end justify the means? And does it make a difference if the research subject is a "monster"? Demon Under Glass stars Jason Carter of Babylon 5 fame as a vampire studying his captors as they study him. Garett Maggart plays the compassionate doctor who questions his own ideas of right and wrong after coming in contact with Simon, the vampire. Jack Donner is the conflicted researcher behind the vampire experiments. All three actors give outstanding performances. I highly recommend this movie.

A well-written, well-acted UNIQUE vampire film is hard to find, but DUG is just that. The set up is disturbing and intriguing, the characters drawn with great detail and delineation, the plot utterly captivating and the results haunting. A great time!

This film combined horror and suspense with a touch of humor in a delicate balance to create an compelling study of man's darker side in a twist on the classic good vs evil genre. Who exactly is the evil one in this film is a personal decision. Co-stars Jason Carter, as the 'Demon', and Garett Maggart, as the 'healer', both brought out the complex facets of their intriguing characters making me want to see more of their unorthodox, tension-filled relationship. Carter's intensity and powerful presence pulled me to him, making me believe he was a predator of 2000 years, just as Maggart's portrayal of innate compassion combined and conflicted morals brought home the image of a world-weary and frustrated young doctor who is thrown into a nightmare that threatens not only his professional oaths but his very sanity. I enjoyed it very much. Carter and Maggart make a convincing team. the story line was original and compelling, the writers are to be congratulated at coming up with a believable, interesting twist to a classic tale.

This film has a few flaws, especially the sound & raw video-vs-grainy film look, as well as some ho-hum acting on the part of some minor characters, but I found myself watching it =twice,= it was so thought-provoking. I don't care for vampires (drinking of blood sickens me), but there were surprisingly few of the usual clichés.

Actors I especially enjoyed were those who played Dr. McKay, the vampire himself, whose subtle voice & movements were especially poignant, the female cop, & the man whose daughter's death left him in such anguish.

Very little scenery chewing, here, & a slow pace that was filled with meaning, not flashy special effects, the better to allow the mind to expand, & question itself. I give it a 7. Better acting in the rest of the crew & better production values would make it a 9!

I had the opportunity to see Demon Under Glass (DUG) in DVD and, nevertheless that it is a movie of "Independent Cinema", of very low budget, I really liked the movie, and also to other 3 people that did it with me. The plot is very interesting, the music is stupendous and the performances of most of the actors are good, inclusive that of some secondary actors as that of the actor that interpreted Mr. Smith. The initial scene of when the vampire strangles the scientist it could have been more convincing, but the plot of the movie catches the public from the beginning until the end. The scene nudist is not offensive and when the scene of the dream began, fairly I thought that it was that, a dream, without me to know it before. In general, the movie is very good, of much suspense, without exaggerated violence and it is not bloody. The performance of Garett Maggart is magnificent, very natural, showing his big histrionic qualities once again. I don't like movies of vampires a lot (only the classics) but this movie has a very interesting plot, not conventional, and the end stays in suspense, achieving the public to wait for more.

I was pleasantly surprised by Demon Under Glass. From the very first scene to the last, I felt that the characters were engaging (and especially liked the vampire!) and the story line intriguing.

Things I enjoyed about Demon include: the easy navigation from the DVD's on-screen menu as well as the behind the scenes feature, the excellent editing, the talented actors, the fact that there were always fresh donuts for the doctors, and the list goes on!

Although the music may have overridden the dialogue in a couple of brief scenes, the editing was very well done and allowed you to follow the action easily. I feel that the editing made Demon very enjoyable to watch.

Overall, I feel this movie is worth purchasing and viewing.especially on that dark and stormy night when you want something a little creepy to watch.

Thumbs up to the cast and crew of Demon Under Glass!