Watch The Dungeonmaster

The Dungeonmaster is a 1984 American horror-fantasy anthology film helmed by Ted Nicolau and David Allen. The movie follows the story of a computer programmer named Paul Bradford (played by Jeffrey Byron) who is attacked by a demon sorcerer named Mestema (played by Richard Moll) after he tries to defeat him through a virtual reality computer game. This sets off a chain of events where Bradford faces off against Mestema in increasingly bizarre and dangerous challenges.

The movie presents a unique, innovative concept that combines elements of horror and fantasy with advanced computer technology. The plot starts off with Paul Bradford, a computer programmer who has developed sophisticated software for controlling a remote robot. He uses this technology to win a game of virtual reality against his girlfriend, but soon finds himself being transported into a sinister realm by the demon sorcerer Mestema.

Mestema is a powerful demon with a desire to torment humans with increasingly challenging trials. Mestema's ultimate goal is to prove that he is the true master of the flesh, by torturing and subjecting humans to feats of strength and intelligence. Bradford and Mestema enter into a wager, and Bradford is forced to go through seven increasingly difficult trials to save his girlfriend's life.

Each of the seven trials is directed by a different horror director, and that's where the anthology aspect comes in. These mini-stories are connected only by the overarching plot and the presence of Mestema, and offer wildly varying styles and themes. The directors involved include Charles Band, John Carl Buechler, Steven Ford, Peter Manoogian, Dave Allen, John Carl Buechler, and Rosemarie Turko.

Each of the seven challenges presents its share of challenges and is often utterly bizarre. In one trial, Bradford has to use his computer programming skills to defeat a man made out of electrical wires, while another trial puts him in a gladiatorial fight with a Muay Thai fighter. In yet another, he has to contend with a seductive femme fatale who might have some deadly secrets hidden beneath her surface.

Despite the horror-fantasy genre, the film is surprisingly light and campy, with a lot of ridiculous and quirky moments. It is clear that the film was made with an enjoyably cheesy aesthetic in mind, which adds to its appeal.

The acting is solid overall, with Jeffrey Byron giving a decent performance as the lead. Richard Moll shines in his role as the demon sorcerer Mestema, delivering a chilling but somehow humorous performance. The special effects are not groundbreaking, but they are certainly appropriate for the time period and the overall tone of the film.

Overall, The Dungeonmaster is an entertaining, unique horror-fantasy film that should appeal to fans of the genre. Its mix of horror, fantasy, and technology is engaging enough, but it is the quirky and often ridiculous moments that make this film a one-of-a-kind experience. The choices made by the various directors add variety to the film, and the overall aesthetic has an enjoyable vintage feel. While it may not be a must-see classic, The Dungeonmaster is undoubtedly a fun and entertaining watch.