The German DVD of CTI ("The Witching" version - HA) was compared with the US Blu-Ray of Code Red ("Necromancy" version - Nec).

Mr. Cato is the leader of a cult in the small village of Lilith. With a job offer he lures Frank and his wife Lori into the village to help him bring his deceased son back to life, because for the ritual he needs someone like Lori, who has supernatural abilities. Lori quickly realizes that something is wrong in the village, but only slowly manages to decipher the secret.

Bert I. Gordon's cinematic work is quite interesting because besides several giant monster movies he has also filmed some explosive hits. "The Mad Bomber" is highly recommended and "Necromancy" also rides on the occult wave of that time. What's surprising is that none other than Orson Welles can be seen in the role of the cult guru. The movie itself is a rather lukewarm creepy who slows down to the predictable finale. The 70s atmosphere, Pamela Franklin and Orson Welles save the movie over large parts.

There are three different editing versions of the film. Necromancy" is the original version by Bert I. Gordon. In 1983 a new version with the title "The Witching" was created for the video release in which some scenes were shortened, a lot of re-cuts and even new material was re-recorded. The version has a new beginning in which Jennie, the predecessor of Lori, appears, new scenes of cult members with a lot of naked skin (Brinke Stevens can even be seen) and an alternative ending. Necromancy" is the technically better version, while "The Witching" puts the movie more into the trash corner. Lori and Frank visit a party in both versions but only in "The Witching" they see a naked man being flogged by a woman in a leather outfit, which doesn't surprise them very much. "The Witching" is probably the most popular version. Code Red has released the original version for the first time ever for home cinema. Under the title Rosemary's Disciples a TV version exists, which is basically based on the Witching version, has been shortened accordingly, but has the "Necromancy" end.

Runtimes:

German DVD: 76:39 min. (HA)
US BD: 82:47 min. (Nec)

[00:00:00][00:00:00]



An encyclopedia is opened. The title Necromancy appears and a narrator explains that it is a ceremony for the resurrection of the dead.

Then the opening credits follow while Lori seems to float in space.

The lights go on and Lori wakes up in a hospital room. A doctor tries to calm her down.

HA:

A woman stands at a window and puts a cut face on a doll. She walks into another room where a black mass is taking place. It turns out to be an initiation rite in which Jennie is about to make a pact with the devil. The members undress and dance around her. Jennie is supposed to perforate the child (=the doll), but she refuses and flies. Another member takes over this task. Then one sees very briefly how the light comes on.

ne-011.jpg]

Nec: 2:32 min
HA: 5:07 min


[00:03:16][00:05:50]

In the Necromancy version: cut to the doctor, while in "Horror Attack" a lamp is seen.

Nec: 2 sec
HA: 1 sec


[00:03:33][00:06:06]

Frank finds that Lori has cold feet and lifts the blanket to warm them, then starts kissing her.

Nec: 21 sec


[00:04:54][00:07:04]

Frank leans over to Lori and thinks he loves her. The two tolerate each other again, but Lori doesn't let Frank sleep because she wants to know more about his new job. He tells her about the small town of Lilith where he will work and about his new boss. Lori wants to know what he told him about her is upsetting Frank. He leaves the room and complains that Lori is always so curious. He tells her that his boss has a penchant for occultism and Lori notices that the village's name is a bit strange as a female demon has the same title. Frank doesn't take her fear seriously. When he comes back to bed the "Horror Attack" scene starts again.

[ne-050.jpgg

Nec: 3:34 min


[00:09:22][00:07:55]

As the camera pans through the room and onto Lori, the "Horror Attack" version shows a woman saying that Lori has special abilities. In the "Necromancy version" you hear her parents instead, who think that Lori is something very special.

no difference


[00:09:50][00:08:25]

Nec:

Lori can be seen longer. You can hear her mother saying that Lori is pregnant.

HA:

The image becomes blurred and in a flashback you learn how Lori brings a friend back to life in a bathing accident by the power of her thoughts. The woman also warns her never to use her powers in Lilith.

Nec: 15 sec
HA: 56 sec


[00:10:42][00:09:57]

Lori misses the nightstand and drops her glass. She gets angry.

Nec: 4 sec


[00:10:46][00:09:58]

Lori tells Frank she dropped the glass and asks if he can give her a towel. He throws her the towel.

Nec: 12 sec


[00:11:00][00:10:00]

Lori wipes up the spilled juice.

Nec: 11 sec


[00:12:14][00:11:00]

Lori and Frank are driving around a lot longer.

Nec: 25 sec


[00:12:53][00:11:15]

Lori says religion shouldn't play a role in a job interview.

Nec: 27 sec


[00:13:25][00:11:19]

Nec:

Frank still thinks that Lori has a vivid imagination. Then he gets a little off the track with his car.

HA:

Here are some of the scenes that were already shown in the "Necromancy version". Then you see new scenes in which the car drives around and Frank and Lori start to argue. The dialogue was in the "Necromany version" in the bedroom.

Nec: 6 sec
HA: 39 sec


[00:13:51][00:12:17]

Lori a bit longer.

Nec: 1 sec


[00:13:54][00:12:19]

Strangely enough, in the "Horror Attack version" you see the scenes again as the car falls down and Lori watches in shock. A police car and a helicopter approach the scene of the accident.

HA: 34 sec


[00:14:20][00:13:17]

Cut to the helicopter and the cop.

HA: 6 sec


[00:14:26][00:13:29]

Camera cut to a naked girl on a stake.

HA: 1 sec


[00:14:30][00:13:33]

Nec:

The hand in the burning car can be seen.

HA:

Cut on the helicopter. The body is removed. Then you see Frank and Lori's car.

Nec: 4 sec
HA: 11 sec


[00:14:36][00:13:47]

Cut on Lori (was already visible in the "Necromancy version") and then on the car.

HA: 13 sec


[00:14:40][00:14:03]

Cut on the wagon and then on the doll.

HA: 11 sec


[00:14:54][00:14:28]

Lori and Frank are driving around. Also cuts on the doll.

Nec: 23 sec


[00:17:55][00:16:59]

Cut to Lori and then cut to the dead boy.

Nec: 11 sec


[00:18:09][00:17:03]

In the "Necromancy version" Lori sees herself in a coffin while the "Horror Attack" shows a skeleton.

Nec: 2 sec
HA: 1 sec


[00:18:59][00:17:50]

Lori and Frank are in the car. He tells her that she has a fantastic imagination. (All old scenes)

HA: 17 sec


[00:19:09][00:18:15]

Frank and Lori are a little early.

Nec: 2 sec


[00:19:49][00:18:51]

Nec:

Cut to Frank.

HA:

Here you can see the short scenes of Frank and Lori in the car.

Nec: 2 sec
HA: 2 sec


[00:20:05][00:19:08]

Nec:

Lori watches some houses passing by. At dinner with Mr. Cato, Lori asks what kind of toys his company makes and he means all kinds of emotionless toys for both children and adults. Cato hopes that they like Lilith and relies on Frank.

HA:

The car stops in front of Cato's house. The woman appears and warns Lori about him. Then Lori goes into the house.

Nec: 1:12 min
HA: 36 sec


[00:22:09][00:20:34]

Frank and Lori are a little early. (apparently a jump cut)

Nec: 1 sec


[00:22:14][00:20:36]

Cut the house. Then follows the scenes at dinner with Cato, who was already seen in the "Necromancy version" earlier.

HA: 58 sec


[00:24:41][00:23:55]

Lori adds that she thinks Priscilla is afraid of Cato too.

Nec: 4 sec


[00:25:25][00:24:33]

Nec:

Lori is lying in bed reading the book about a ritual. Cut to the house the next morning. Lori leaves the house.

HA:

Lori comes out of the house and walks around on the porch. She walks down looking around and finally leaves. (Alternative scene)

Nec: 33 sec
HA: 45 sec


[00:26:14][00:25:33]

Lori's looking at a package.

Nec: 8 sec


[00:29:00][00:28:04]

Nec:

Lori reiterates her concerns about the job, but Frank says the job means a lot to him and they have to stay.

HA:

Lori sits on the couch and reads in the book about various occult themes.

Nec: 48 sec
HA: 40 sec


[00:32:48][00:31:37]

Frank still thinks that he gets the salary for one month and Lori replies that Frank is already under Cato's influence.

Nec: 10 sec


[00:33:24][00:32:01]

Nec:

Frank and Lori are running to the party.

HA:

A house can be seen. Lori is warned by the woman that Cato is up to no good.

Nec: 8 sec
HA: 25 sec


[00:33:41][00:32:34]

Cato says to Lori that she should drink. She says it tastes bitter. She looks into the glass and has a vision of a monster approaching her.

HA: 28 sec


[00:34:13][00:33:33]

Nec:

Lori passes various party guests who advertise their village in short sentences.

HA:

Lori walks between the party guests and also sees a group of naked women.

Nec: 12 sec
HA: 40 sec


[00:35:06][00:34:53]

Cut on Cato. Lori walks between the guests and drinks from the glass. Cato also drinks. Lori looks into the glass and has a vision of her walking into a house, seeing a creepy picture and being attacked by a monster. Cato starts to laugh.



Parts of the scene were seen in the "HA version" before.

Nec: 59 sec


[00:36:15][00:34:58]

Cato wants Timothy from the grave to speak to them.

Nec: 7 sec


[00:37:16][00:35:51]

Nec:

Cato appears on the map, then a cut on Lori.

HA:

A shot of Cato can be seen.

Nec: 6 sec
HA: 1 sec


[00:37:24][00:35:54]

On the Lovers card, Lori sees Frank in bed with another woman.

Nec: 7 sec


[00:37:45][00:36:07]

Lori bitches to Frank that the job is probably more important to him than she is and that he has changed. Frank makes an authoritative intervention and says that the job is very important to him and the people are nice.

The image blurs and a naked woman can be seen on a bed. The ghost woman appears and warns Lori once again.

HA: 1:06 min


[00:39:01][00:38:26]

Frank's been seen before he took care of Lori's foot. Lori asks what Frank thinks of the party guests.

Nec: 9 sec


[00:40:24][00:39:37]

Nec:

Lori looks down and runs away.

HA:

Pricilla shows up, but then suddenly runs away. Lori follows her into the forest and asks her why she ran away and if she saw the boy. Pricilla says she didn't see the boy, but Lori is like Jenny, who didn't leave the village either. Lori thinks of the car accident.

Nec: 9 sec
HA: 1:23 min


[00:41:32][00:41:56]

The doctor is a bit longer to see. Lori walks along the fence again and sees the boy looking at her. Pricilla appears and suddenly runs away. The seesaw is suddenly empty. Lori follows her into the forest and asks her why she ran away and if she saw the boy. Pricilla says she didn't see the boy, but Lori is like Jenny, who hasn't left the village either.

ne-234.jpg]

Lori tells Cato that she doesn't want to be a witch and knows what a strong influence he has on her husband. She claims that Cato is a god, but he weighs it down. He has enough power in the city, but he still lacks one power, namely to bring the dead back to life. Cato wants to use Lori's powers to reawaken his dead son.

Lori reads in the book and learns that she will die if the revival ceremony is performed.

Lori goes back to the playground and forcibly opens the castle with a stone. She looks around and the boy appears. Then Georgette appears, who claims that the boy is about 8 years old. Lori doesn't believe her because Georgette is a witch.

Nec: 7:12 min


[00:50:00][00:43:09]

Nec:

The party guests are to be seen and afterwards Lori earlier.

HA:

Here you can see a different shot of the party guests.

Nec: 4 sec
HA: 2 sec


[00:50:06][00:43:14]

The "HA version" shows another scene from the party guests.

Nec:

HA:

Nec: 14 sec
HA: 13 sec


[00:50:47][00:43:53]

Lori says the residents were trying to scare her.

Nec: 6 sec


[00:51:31][00:44:30]

Frank walks forward and Lori calls for him, but Frank just waves him off.

HA: 8 sec


[00:51:34][00:44:40]

Nec:

Lori looks up. In the next scene she lies on the sofa and reads about the occult in the book. In the next shot, the camera pans over the doll.

HA:

In alternative scenes a group of less dressed ladies can be seen. In the fireplace a naked woman appears in the fire.

Nec: 46 sec
HA: 33 sec


[00:52:44][00:45:34]

Nec:

Lori still thinks she wants to introduce some people to the boy.

HA:

Instead, only a short cut is made on the boy.

Nec: 6 sec
HA: 2 sec


[00:57:10][00:49:45]

Another cut on the rats.

Nec: 1 sec


[00:58:06][00:50:38]

Lori goes back to the playground and forcibly opens the lock with a stone. She looks around and the boy appears. Then Georgette appears, who claims that the boy is about 8 years old. Lori doesn't believe her because Georgette is a witch.

Lori tells Cato that she doesn't want to be a witch and knows what a strong influence he has on her husband. She claims that Cato is a god, but he weighs it down. He has enough power in the village, but he still lacks one power, namely to bring the dead back to life. Cato wants to use Lori's powers to reawaken his dead son. In between a flashback how Lori could bring the girl back to life at the pool.

ne-300.jpg]

HA: 4:29 min


[00:58:33][00:55:25]

A brief flashback from Lori at the hospital asking about her baby.

HA: 5 sec


[00:58:36][00:55:32]

Lori reads in the book and learns that she will die if the revival ceremony is performed.

HA: 23 sec


[01:00:04][00:57:18]

Lori still says she doesn't believe one of the villagers has magic powers.

Nec: 6 sec


[01:00:17][00:57:24]

The doctor's been around longer. Lori looks down and he says a life for a life.

Nec: 10 sec


[01:00:44][00:57:40]

Lori still says to Priscilla about her story by the river.

Nec: 2 sec


[01:01:42][00:58:33]

Lori a little longer.

Nec: 1 sec

[01:02:10][00:58:59]

The phone rings and Priscilla reports that she wants to leave the city with Lori. Then she says that Frank is a warlock.

HA: 52 sec


[01:02:44][01:00:24]

A short cut on Lori, the Lovers card and again Lori.

HA: 4 sec


[01:04:23][01:02:03]

The doll in the fire can be seen. Then Lori sees in the fire how she gets a frock pulled over by the sect and Cato is accepted into the group. She swears loyalty and obedience to him.

The phone rings and Priscilla reports that she wants to leave the city with Lori. Then she says that Frank is a warlock.

Nec: 3:14 min


[01:08:04][01:03:04]

The image freezes and the female spirit appears. She tells Lori that she is alone against the evil forces.

HA: 18 sec


[01:08:56][01:03:37]

Nec:

The camera zooms in on the house. Lori lights a candle. Cato's voice with various incantations can be heard while Lori cuts a hair from her hairtuft and sticks it together with a picture of her face to the doll. Cato appears in the mirror.

ne-339.jpg]

HA:

Another house can be seen. Lori walks in. She gets a robe pulled over by the sect and is accepted into the group by Cato. She swears allegiance and obedience to him.

Nec: 2:02 min
HA: 2:45 min


[01:11:04][01:06:28]

Nec:

When Lori punctures the man, you can see again and again how she punctures the doll.

HA:

Cato says the victim is supposed to be okay, then Lori stabbs the man.

Nec: 4 sec
HA: 21 sec


[01:11:16][01:06:55]

Cut on Cato, then zoom on the house. Lori lights a candle. The voice of the ghost woman can be heard. She tells Lori that she is now in Cato's clutches. Lori prays for her soul. Then you see Lori making the doll out of her hair and a picture. A few flashbacks from the doll. The ghost woman tells her that she caused Cato's boy to be run over by a car and that Lori has now become Cato's witch. Cato appears in the mirror and orders Lori to reawaken his son. Then there are flashbacks (?) as Lori stabs the man and the doll.

HA: 2:24 min


[01:11:24][01:09:27]

Cut to Cato's son.

Nec: 3 sec


[01:11:29][01:09:29]

Nec:

The boy gives Lori the mushroom, from which she immediately bites a piece off. Lori is on a trip and reviews the events so far. The boy leaves the house and Lori accompanies him.

HA:

The "Horror Attack version" instead shows an approaching thunderstorm.

Nec: 1:50 min
HA: 14 sec


[01:13:47][01:10:10]

In the "Horror Attack version" a thunderstorm was artificially inserted and the background was changed.

6 sec each


[01:14:01][01:10:23]

Again, a thunderstorm was artificially inserted.

3 sec each


[01:14:09][01:10:31]

And again in the "Horror Attack version" the thunderstorm can be seen in the background.

3 sec each


[01:14:20][01:10:41]

Same here.

In the following few minutes, short flashes of light are faded in again and again. There is no single listing.

4 sec each


[01:16:06][01:12:23]

The awakening scene of Cato's son is strangely zoomed into the "Horror Attack version".

18 sec each


[01:16:51][01:13:06]

Missing shot of the villagers.

Nec: 2 sec


[01:17:09][01:13:21]

Lori is being pushed in the coffin.

Nec: 1 sec


[01:17:22][01:13:33]

Shot of Cato's son.

Nec: 2 sec


[01:17:35][01:13:43]

Ditto.

Nec: 2 sec


[01:17:45][01:13:51]

Ditto.

Nec: 2 sec


[01:17:53][01:13:58]

Ditto.

Nec: 1 sec


[01:17:59][01:14:02]

Nec:

Ditto.

HA:

Lori screams and various flashbacks follow about what has already happened. The ghost woman appears and tells Lori to be careful.

Nec: 1 sec
HA: 27 sec


[01:18:02][01:14:31]

Nec:

Lori screams a little longer. The alarm clock rings and Frank wakes Lori up from a nightmare. He calms her down and gives her something to drink. Lori realizes that she has been in the situation before and spills the glass. She asks how long the journey to Lilith will take.

As they walk down the stairs, Lori looks at the phone and waits for it to ring. Nothing happens and she thinks it was all just a dream. Suddenly the phone rings, Frank picks up the phone and Lori has a panic attack because her dream might become reality. The end credits follow.

HA:

Freeze frame, then the end credits.

Nec: 4:45 min
HA: 2:08 min