Nerdly » ‘Empire of the Dark’ Blu-ray Review

11th Jun2025

‘Empire of the Dark’ Blu-ray Review

by Jason Lockard

Stars: Steve Barkett, Christopher Barkett, Tera Hendrickson, Richard Harrison, Dawn Wildsmith, John Henry Richardson, Patricia Schiotis, Joseph Pilato, Jan Bryant | Written and Directed by Steve Barkett

In the 80s and 90s there were so many post-apocalyptic films. Many of the most fun out-of-this-world ones were of the low-budget B movie variety, and we’ve probably all heard the term “so bad it’s good” when it comes to these films.

Steve Barkett is a name you may not know off the top of your head, but if you love those B-movies from that era, you’ll know his films. In 1982 he made The Aftermath, and in 1995 he made Attack of the 60 Foot Centrefold. But in between those two films, in 1991, he wrote, produced, directed and starred in Empire of the Dark. VCI Entertainment and MVD Visual previously brought us The Aftermath on Blu-ray. Now, as we are coming upon the 35th anniversary of this film’s release, it is time for Empire of the Dark to receive the deluxe treatment.

20 years ago police officer Richard Flynn (Steve Barkett) stepped through a swirling vortex into another dimension to try and save the woman he loved and her infant baby from being sacrificed in a satanic ritual. The baby’s mother, Angela (Terry Hendrickson), perished. Or did she? 20 years later, the infant, now a young man, is being pursued again by the same sinister figures Flynn killed that evil night. These ‘immortals’ (Richard Harrison & Dan Speaker) must have the boy’s life to complete the sacrifice they began 20 years ago, a ritual that will release upon the earth a legion of ancient demons. Together Flynn and the boy set out on a journey that will take them over rivers of lava, through underground caves stretching hundreds of miles and on through the very gates of Hell! Along their treacherous path, the two must face giant demons, and a legion of soldiers of the Army of Darkness. They fight with ancient swords and automatic weapons to destroy the cult before it can unleash an ancient unstoppable evil that will destroy the entire world! The Empire of the Dark!

Writer and director Steve Barkett once called this film a “Sleeping Beauty story, combined with Bela Lugosi’s White Zombie and a lot of other stuff.” I can totally see that! This is a fascinating low-budget horror movie. And even more so, it is a rare horror movie. Most people remember bigger-budget horror films of the 90s, and the low-budget ones sometimes get passed over, which means people are missing out on a lot of fun. Well, not anymore with this new Blu-ray release!

Empire of the Dark makes its Blu-ray debut from VCI Entertainment on a region-free disc. The film is presented in 1080p HD and presented in 1.85:1. The audio track is an English DTS-HD MA 2.0 dual-mono. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. This Blu-ray transfer isn’t just any Blu-ray transfer; Empire of the Dark has been remastered in 4k from the 35mm camera negative. This new restoration is pretty solid. It features a crisp picture with an awesome colour palette. But a wonderful restoration is not all this release has going for it! VCI and MVD put together a 3-disc release with tons of bonus features. Take a look at what is included:

Special Features:

Disc 1: Blu-ray – Feature + Extras

Steve Burkett & Chris Burkett Audio Commentary
Chattanooga Film Festival Interview by Dustin Kramer with Steve Burkett & Chris Burkett (47:51)
Black Tea (2022) – Short Film by Laura Barkett McQuay (7:33) HD
Night Caller (19:73) – Short Film by Steve Barkett (22:21) HD
The Aftermath – Trailer (3:03) HD

Disc 2: DVD – Feature + Extras

Steve Burkett & Chris Burkett Audio Commentary
Chattanooga Film Festival Interview by Dustin Kramer with Steve Burkett & Chris Burkett
Black Tea (2022), a Short Film by Laura Barkett McQuay (7:33) HD
Night Caller (1973) a Short Film by Steve Barkett (22:21) HD
The Aftermath – Trailer (3:03) HD

Disc 3: DVD Extras

Steve Barkett Interview with Buster Crabbe (Flash Gordon) from 10.1.70 (10:30)
Splat From the Past Retro Podcast Interview with Steve Barkett (79:02)
Reversible Wrap with Fan-Made Poster on Reverse Side by Benjamin Marra

The commentaries, interviews and trailers are always a nice addition to these releases but for me, the best part of the bonus features is the bonus short films. I really enjoyed Steve Barkett’s Night Caller, based on the classic Ray Bradbury tale.

Empire of the Dark is a low-budget horror with big ambitions, a real hidden gem. And watching this Blu-ray release is like unearthing a forgotten DIY horror oddity. So, if you enjoy the horror movies of the 1990s, this deluxe Blu-ray is a must-buy.