The Omen Review - Off The Shelf Reviews

This week Gary and Iain review and discuss, The Omen (1976) by Director, Richard Donner. Starring, Gregory Peck, Lee Remick and Harvey Stephens .
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[@adrianramirez8882]

It's all for you DAMIEN!!!!!

[@andrewlearmount2639]

That scene haunted me as a kid!

[@paulhirst7602]

This is one of the earliest horror flicks I can remember watching, that scene of David Warner's character's bouncing head on the sheet of glass freaked me out as a kid. Great review as always lads.

[@evoste]

Same here, the combo of the music and the nanny creeped me out.

[@NelsonStJames]

That scene got me too as a kid.

[@chrisnotyou]

It was cut and dragged out in such a way to catch people off guard.

[@MegaGordyboy]

gregory peck,lee remick and david warner,three amazing actors and jerry goldsmith,amazing.

[@BarryHart-xo1oy]

Very true.

[@CodGodess]

The first time I watched this was back in 1992, ITV showed all 3 films every Monday at 1040pm so I recorded them on my vhs and watched them when I got home from school the following day. They also did the same with Halloween, the Fog, the Thing. Such a great time in my life.

[@ManDuderGuy]

The boys are back. In town, assumably.

[@hookybrickshooky9529]

That‘s great! A few days ago I was searching your channel for a review of „The Omen“ and I hardly couldn‘t believe it that you guys haven‘t done one so far... and now we have it! Thank you so much! :)

[@anthonynigelkendrick5474]

the way the 3 giraffes bolt away when Damian runs over to the fence, is great scene in this movie and gives me the chills every time i see it. it's a cracking watch 5 stars

[@Emulous79]

I somehow mishear the Ave Satani lyrics as "So please... gimme booze... ahh booze... any booze"

[@djmexicanodetx2195]

Excellent score composed by Jerry Goldsmith!

[@lorenepperson2678]

Jerry Goldsmith Won His Only And Well Deserved Oscar For This 🎥 He Made Many Movie Sound Track Nominated Not Win This 🎥 🎵 By Jerry Goldsmith Made Movie Good Job Mr.Goldsmith No One Could've Done It Better

[@fonkysahb3352]

I like how the news article has a picture of Father Brennan impaled by a rod

[@LondonPredatorAngler]

finally I was waiting on a film review from you guys! when are u gonna do An American Werewolf In London review?

[@derekroberts6654]

Im watching all these Omen reviews in response to the recent death of Richard Donner… I consider this movie among my fav horror …

[@TheSlammurai]

"What was Exorcist 2: The Heretic, then?" An embarrassment.

[@TheSlammurai]

@Daniel Roberts For sure! Some people even consider it better than the first.

[@FerDeLance06]

LOL ... What shocks me is that John Boorman went on to direct some decent films after. I'd have thought a catastrophe like that would have earned him the 'never work in this town again' treatment. It's a good film for comedic entertainment though (Richard Burton chugging the natives' communion wine - we know he loved a drink, but THAT'S takin' the piss!

[@animaldays2]

“Throw him in” 😂😂😂😂

[@stephenkissane4268]

The final conflict is pretty good and bizarre

[@jamesaitchison9478]

Great to see the guys back together again 🙂 Superb review as always. I saw The Omen when i was a kid, the music scared the shit out of me and is still full of dread and hauntingly imposing to this day. The Omen has dated, as most films do, but that soundtrack..... 😱

[@witherness3788]

Wow I had no idea Greg peck went threw all that, it really brought a treat to my eye honestly

[@hypnocilicdreams]

Thanks guys, great review :) The only film which gives me goosebumps the second the opening theme starts. P.s, Iain has plasters on his fingers after defending himself from an evil Damian scratch attack!

[@martinsorenson1055]

If you get a chance, find a live performance online of Ave Satani, one with the complete choral. The full version, when it kicks in about a minute and a half in, is terrifying.

[@jamessiddle7389]

Great review, great movie, R.I.P. David Warner 🙏

[@lordfader8367]

The Omen is so good. Love Mr. Peck's acting. That kid certainly looks the part.

[@Jay-mu4xl]

Yes! It's Thursday! It's off the shelf reviews! And it's the omen! Hatrick! Thanks guys!

[@Galantski]

Fine interview, though I wish you'd gotten into the curse more. Lots of freaky things happened surrounding the film, but for me the creepiest might have what happened to John Richardson, the special effects consultant credited with such scenes as the decapitation, and his assistant, Liz Moore. From an article about the curses, Stanley Johnson writes: "A few months after the release of THE OMEN, Richardson was in Holland, working on A BRIDGE TOO FAR. Just after midnight, on Sunday the 13th of June 1976, Richardson and his assistant, Liz Moore, were involved in a deadly car accident. The head-on collision killed Moore, who was cut in half by the other vehicle’s wheel, mirroring the on-screen death of the photographer from THE OMEN. That’s weird and tragic, but it gets even weirder: Richardson, dazed from the collision, opened his eyes on the lonely road, and the first thing he saw was a kilometer marker reading “Ommen 6,66,” The closest town to the accident was Ommen, Netherlands, and the accident happened at kilometer 66,6. Ooh! Spooky! " www.the13thfloor.tv/2015/12/15/the-jinx-of-the-omen-did-satan-curse-this-horror-classic/

[@chrisnotyou]

I just learned of this. Ive looked and cant confirm it to be true. Most likely a sick case of never let a good tragedy go to waste. Moore actually did die. She was the person who created the starchild in 2001. The creepy space baby in a bubble.

[@davidconte128]

As the United States ambassador to the united kingdom, Gregory Peck character would have been able to get the knives through customs by having them in a diplomatic bag which cannot be searched

[@BarryHart-xo1oy]

Thank you for pointing this out.

[@martinsorenson1055]

Guys! David Warner had a terrific late 70's early 80's resume! He was Jack the Ripper in Time After Time (1979), then he did Time Bandits (as Evil Genius) and TRON (as Sark, a command program). And he was Bob Cratchit in the George C. Scott A Christmas Carol.

[@robertparker51]

And he was almost Freddy Krueger....

[@paulbrown6464]

Don’t forget the creepy mirror story in From Beyond The Grave!

[@edisonlima4647]

Yeah, that Hollywood habit of claiming a good horror movie "is not really horror, is X (usually psychological thriller)" is still so prevalent and SO annoying! Now accompanied by the "It's post-horror" bullcrap.

[@PhantomTales]

Thank you guys for the upload!!

[@lars-fenin]

great review !! goldsmiths music for this movie is iconic.

[@rexremedy1733]

lars fenin it’s cool early synth sounds. I love the tone these sounds create. Late 70‘s synth is awesome! Especially French synth of the time... check it out!

[@bosz2076]

This is going to be awesome! Edit: It was, great work as always!

[@jessemeriwether208]

Maaaaan.... I was having such a shit day... Isolated in this pandemic nightmare... on my own with two kids (EITHER of which could ABSOLUTELY be the Antichrist... but whatever... who cares)... And then I saw this review pop up. Holy shit boys... gotta say thank you. I almost DIDNT hit “like”... because y’all were at 69... and that’s a hilarious number to be at... But I did anyway. Because y’all saved my day. Forgive me. Lol.

[@eduardo_corrochio]

This is one of the best horror movies of the decade. And one of the greatest of all, I might add. It is so well made and it succeeds in every aspect, especially music and sound; that audio when the dog stares at the young nanny, that creeped me out no end when I first saw this film. My favorite thing in the movie (which was hard to narrow down) : the moments leading up to Katherine's demise. In the hospital room, she is so vulnerable when Mrs. Baylock enters. Katherine is literally trapped in her clothing. It's all so ominous. And it's even better than Mrs. Thorn's earlier "accident". I once heard that originally they were considering Charles Bronson for the role of Robert Thorn. Can't even imagine that, even though Chuck had been a huge box office sensation in the early 70's. Peck brings so much gravitas to the movie. Well, I'm off to IMDb to read the trivia page for The Omen. Thanks and take care.

[@scotscub76]

Yup that squelchy synth with the really low sound moving around underneath it. Totally screwed my head up when I saw it when I was 11. It still scares the beejessus outta me now at 44!

[@eduardo_corrochio]

@@scotscub76 "Squelchy" is a good way to describe it. :)

[@mondomacabromajor5731]

I agree it is a great Thriller - and after such a good review, it is a pity they don't recommend it ...!!

[@eduardo_corrochio]

@@mondomacabromajor5731 Yes. It's a bit baffling. Honestly, "dull and forgettable" is not an accurate description of this horror movie.

[@airfixx_8952]

Totally agree about Mrs. Baylock in the Hospital..... Surprised the lads glossed over it they way they did. When they cut to her face and that evil stare it's just epic!

[@wopjohn]

When Damian turns around to look at the camera the director said. " Harvey dont u dare laff" causing him to smile

[@darktower0603]

Damien: Omen II is pretty good and worth a watch. Not as impactful as the first one but it scared the crap out of me when I was young. Wish you'd review it.

[@pho3nixinflight]

darktower 0603 ive always sort of liked the 2nd one more.

[@The-Xclusiveeeee]

Omen II is my favorite in the trilogy! Omen 4 doesn't exist to me.

[@FerDeLance06]

@@pho3nixinflight Omen II was absolutely a worthy sequel for me and kept my interest going. Then they made Omen III, which was a big disappointment on the first two and completely disregarded the lore; the daggers have to pierce the anti-christ in a given sequence to destroy him ... so someone stabs him in the back! It was like "We're still holding the film rights to this and our time is running out - better do something with it quick!" (Hmm ... Vampire Chronicles, anyone?). Then Omen IV ... urrgh!!!

[@mondomacabromajor5731]

The Omen II and III are both excellent Thrillers ... i don't understand the hate....

[@markwall330]

@@The-Xclusiveeeee omen 4 is terrible the fact it was released as a TV movie says it all

[@chrisnotyou]

Oh man, This movie freaked me out as a kid. I was 5 when I first saw it, and given everything my parents had been saying to me.."youre a little devil, Spawn of satan etc" I got really freaked out at the part where he talked to the nun and she told him to check the kids head under his hair to see the mark of the beast. The three sixes ya know. So when I first saw that, scared I jumped up and RAN to the bathroom to look in the mirror, im pulling my hair out of the way to see..And man was I ever relieved, it just said 999

[@tbone35453]

Last year I visited the location of two scenes in The Omen: Guildford cathedral where the Damien car scene was shot, and Bishops Park in Putney, London, where Robert goes to meet father Brennan.

[@johnsmith-wx5fb]

Thanks

[@nzneo643]

Hey lads hope you guys are ok amongst this corona bollacks, as always great review I'd love to see you review damien omen 2, love and respect sent from NZ to you lads take care.

[@KingSidJames]

The Omen used to be on ITV all the time on Saturday nights.

[@TheUballe]

Another awesome review of a classic! Glad to see the two of you together on this one; excellent chemistry.

[@aleaanderson6600]

R.I.P. David Warner

[@derekroberts6654]

David Warner was to “The Omen” what Richard Dryfuss was to “Jaws”,,,.

[@J_Rossi]

Not a horror movie? Psychological horror is the "best" sort. It literally plays with your head. Your emotions and mind are completely drawn in. Horror has to get inside you to work effectively beyond the jump scares, and this film definitely works.

[@mondomacabromajor5731]

It is a Thriller ...

[@jayhinds7547]

I immediately had to listen to the soundtrack to this film after watching this, great review guys! 👊

[@BobfishAlmighty]

Wow. You guys, Gary especially, got super excited about this one. That was adorable

[@AOMVideoProductions]

Would love to see a Conan the Barbarian review, great review for the Omen.

[@filmforthought4793]

Great to see the both of you doing a review together again, and a really good movie for your channel to review too. The review and commentary was great, and being able to hear about the films production history (some stuff I knew and some things I didn't), and listening to Gary's very true rant on Hollywoods view on horror was just great to hear. Love these reviews with so much good commentary, with even the details like Iain being in his new set-up with his headphones on and getting really into the movie immediately, and getting scared. This was a joy to watch--definitely one I'm going to be watching again. Great job guys

[@jolynn9764]

Watching Lake Placid and thinking of you guys... if you haven’t reviewed yet maybe take a look 😆

[@Kaiyanwang82]

20:21 so well organized... I dare to say DIABOLICALLY?

[@joelopez5718]

Dope picture behind Gary there..👍

[@guyjperson]

NIce to see you fellas back together....er...togever. The fill in was fine, and gary alone, fine...but the banter of your pairin is what I subbed for.

[@rexremedy1733]

Guy Person the guys doesn’t disappointed me ever!

[@seedhillbruisermusic7939]

Billie Whitelaw is so good as Mrs Baylock. But the whole film is really good.

[@troillmainn]

I've loved this movie (and the second and third ones as well) since the first time I watched it as a 12-13 year old kid. Sure, the other two aren't as good as the first, but they still pull the right strings for me. Plus, number three was the my introduction to Sam Neill and I've loved every part I've seen him in since, especially In The Mouth Of Madness and Event Horizon. And the soundtrack in both one and two is amazing! Just the little part we get to hear in the start of this video was enough to send shivers down my spine🙂 Haven't seen the remake (and by your description I think it's safe to say I never will), but I came across that horrible "let's put Satan inside a little girl this time around" thing 15+ years ago and I wish I hadn't🙂

[@mattmidgley4275]

Top review lads. OTSR 🤙🤙

[@shaunrene1]

The first Omen got me back here

[@elfboy29]

The one film I still turn off if on my own at night. Billie (I will protenct thee) Whitelaw. Literally put the fear of god into me as a kid. What were my parents thinking letting me see this as a kid?

[@rexremedy1733]

elf boy this is not a Movie for children. Especilly because of the biblical inaccuracies and the scary tone of the movie. I would not allow my children to watch this movie if they are younger than 13. an age where you can discuss the topic with them properly. It is not a movie for children.

[@animaldays2]

Can you guys do Amityville Horror (1979) and Amityville 2 (1982)

[@TimedRevolver]

The bit starting at 12:20 is incredibly hilarious.

[@rosemaryfarell5264]

Lil fact the actress who hung herself from the roof was Jack Palances daighter.

[@CVernRock]

It was this movie that started the anti Rottweiler craze in America. The same craze that perpetuates the anti Pitt Bull craze today and the anti Doberman and German Shepherd craze of the past.

[@loudsilence6123]

I wish you 2 would review Aniki "brother" and also.... I was waiting for this one for a long time. awesomeness bruvs!

[@johnashley327]

Remember seeing this at the drive-in when I was 10.

[@JokermanUno]

One of the greats.

[@MrWhatdafuBOOM]

I've recently watched the Omen for the first time. I'll never forget the reveal of Damien's biological mother...

[@jasolan4442]

Hi, lads! I have a suggestion. Can you review A Time To Kill?

[@davedennison7386]

Come on boys, Gregory Peck travelling to hospital at 6am on the 6th of June??..l expect yooz to point these things out to me!!...great review of a great film

[@thetruthwillout3347]

The same date and time as DDay.

[@_DJMorrey_]

Yes lads, great pick! One of my earliest memories was seeing Damian and that dog 😂 brilliant movie!

[@phillipsutcliffe3219]

REALLY hope you're gonna do the 3 sequels too!!

[@aleaanderson6600]

You guys should check out "White Dog" from 1982. It's an overlooked film that deals with racism that was even added to the Criterion Collection. The way the title drop is done in this film caught me off guard; it sounds obvious but trust me it's not. This film needs more attention.

[@joshmartinez2999]

You guys should do reign of fire.

[@airfixx_8952]

I love the OG Omen trilogy..... Yes, the sequels decline in quality (pt 3 more so than part 2 ); but the overall story-arc delivers which is rare for most horror franchises.

[@shirleymental4189]

The Nanny was totaly inocent. But she had to be got rid of so 'their' Nanny could take her place.

[@nicky29031977]

They're thinking of making a prequel.

[@AdrianMendoza23]

Great film! thnx guys

[@matthewmatt5285]

The whole trilogy is great,.Must watch,,Omen II is my favorite,.The kid playing Damien is perfect

[@MrNumpsy23]

Can you guys review The Omen 2 this is a great film. Love your content keep up the good work.

[@RAWNERVZ]

What about the strange deaths during production

[@kylecurry577]

Old school classic...during “The Satanic Panic”era Solid acting, well directed intelligent /psychological/ supernatural horror. Excellent cinematography & music. Well done. For some it may be too much of a slow burn. Omen II: Damien is very watchable, Omen III is alright...however Omen IV: The Awakening is a mess. The remake doesn’t work either.

[@rexremedy1733]

Kyle Curry wasn’t the satanic panic later? I find it interesting how most of the topics accounted to Christian hysteria turn out to be true these days..

[@maxrav1831]

The omen 2 is a great film and if you like, the omen then you'll like 2. The boy who played Damian was perfect casting.

[@PreyOnFacts]

Can't wait till you do part 2 and 3. The Omen is one of my favourite trilogies and I plan to write a movie reviews on all three of them :)

[@jeffmartin9753]

Isn't there five of them?

[@PreyOnFacts]

@@jeffmartin9753 there's the Damien trilogy, part 4 is with girl. As for there being a 5th I'm not sure. The Damien trilogy is the best regardless.😊

[@rexremedy1733]

In reality, the devil is not afraid of churches...

[@YSEternal_]

How do you know this?

[@caroledickerson5616]

Wasn't Father Brennan Dr Who?

[@FerDeLance06]

"It's not a horror movie." It fuckin' is - a damn good one and a masterpiece! If you're one that likes your horror films giving you the action and the gory effects within the first few minutes and continuing throughout with jump scares galore, then this is not for you. To me, this is what I would call a thinking man's horror - one that works on your mind. This is one that - like The Exorcist - you need to watch it and listen to it; preferably alone, without a bunch of your mates present and all of you laughing and joking about it and making drinking games out of it. Never mind 'the good bits' - watch what's happening, follow the dialogue, immerse yourself into the story, see the characters develop and you'll come out of it entertained and likely wanting to watch it again to catch the important parts you may have missed the first time through. Or maybe I'm just too 'old school'.

[@white-dragon4424]

2:13 Donner only directed part of Superman 2, because he was fired before he could finish it. He made all of Superman the Movie though.

[@rosemaryfarell5264]

Billie Whitelaw another Born in Coventry. Great film. Terrifying as a kid.

[@andrewblanchard2398]

GARY & IAIN I WATCHED YOUR RESIDENT EVIL MOVIE REVIEWS NOW I'VE GOT THE SONG WHO THE FUCK IS ALICE ? STUCK IN MY HEAD THANKS GUYS 😂

[@nigeldonaldson1647]

i wonder what another supernatural film from Richard Donner would be like, considering he,s NEVER done another film like this one since

[@anthonyhudak9363]

Can you review Gojira (1954) or Jeepers Creepers?

[@torquetheprisoner]

if you get chance wach little evil its a funny take on the omen.

[@twistedleads6064]

Been watching for years by far best film critics with entertainment I've seen in awhile!!!

[@JOONBUGFILMS]

This is my favorite horror movie Gregory Peck branch that certain humanity to that part that is needed I would love the exorcist if they got their original actress that they want it Audrey Hepburn because she would bring that humanity

[@edisonlima4647]

About the daggers on a plane, wasn't he a diplomat? I think their luggage don't pass through security.

[@hadara69]

Pretending "The Omen" or "The Exorcist" isn't Horror has more to do with not offending Christians here in America than any perceived self-aggrandizement as "an Art film". People here REALLY think the devil is real, ffs.

[@rexremedy1733]

Golgotha_Mythos69 that’s an interesting point. The greatest feat of the devil is to convince people he doesn’t exist... I hate these pretentious made to offend artsy fartsy art films... But when a movie is really made by artists and artfully, it doesn’t matter the topic, I like it. Even if it may offend... This movie is a good movie. It respects the audience.

[@hadara69]

@@rexremedy1733 Offending Christians here in the U.S. isn’t hard. All we have to do is call your faith a religion rather than “a relationship with Jesus”, right? The devil is the Christian “bad god”, based on older mythic Pagan gods. I could explain this fairly easily if YOU don’t think an education on the origins of your faith will offend you. I’m a pro-Artist and former Christian, btw. Q: Is demon-possession real? Bonus: Do you know why people thought this, historically? (Does my entire reply “offend” you? LOL!)

[@thechosenones4375]

You guys make me wanna watch this movie. I should have seen it by now lol

[@Para2normal]

This film did so much damage to Rotweilers reputation.

[@ahutch4882]

That and the eating babies

[@snowglade]

Do Withnail and I next plz. Cherry on top with sprinkles

[@nigeldonaldson1647]

Richard Donner the Director said "i didnt want to make a horror film"" & he didnt, thats why the film is a classic. this was made by fox a studio that spent 8 million on Alien. friday 13th is a horror the burning etc all low budget films with over the top gore

[@blinderII]

For me, the two things i didn't like about this film were the slow pace, and Gregory Peck's performance.

[@sargonsblackgrandfather2072]

Whoop you guys are back together! It really lost its magic with just the one of you. Omen literally scared the shit out of me as a kid, just hearing that music would absolutely terrify me.

[@nickelliott629]

That intro Iain just brill lol. This is a treat in itself, Such a great film I don't even need to go into it as you both explained everything perfectly....But because I'm such a fan I had to chime in.. 😄👊🤘

[@jakepayne2985]

Was this considered “elevated horror” back when it came out, I wonder? Similar to what A24 stuff is considered now? I hate that term cuz it implies the others are subpar. The Omen still holds up today fantastically. I grew up with it, but hadn’t seen it in years. My son loved it too, and he’s a youngin in this TikTok generation

[@shaunrene1]

Can you guys do a review on a 1976 movie called Squrim