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This special limited edition spot gloss slipcover (designed by Vlad Rodriguez) is limited to 6,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.
Joel Delaney would seem to be an average burnout type, eschewing his high-class and wealthy upbringing for an affected hippie lifestyle. But when he moves into an apartment previously inhabited by a now-deceased serial killer in Spanish Harlem, Joel begins changing. Initially, his wealthy sister Norah attributes his behavior to moodiness and disillusionment, but as Joel becomes increasingly hostile and aggressive, she begins to fear something worse is afoot. When Joel’s temperament spills over into violence, after which a series of seemingly accidental deaths occur, Norah begins investigating her brother’s new lifestyle, which plunges her into the world of Espiritismo and the occult.
A tense and genuinely unnerving story of paranoia and the supernatural from acclaimed director Waris Hussein (A Touch of Love) and adapted from Ramona Stewart’s chilling novel of the same name, THE POSSESSION OF JOEL DELANEY was one of the earliest films to emerge in the cycle of 1970s possession thrillers. Helmed with an emphasis on documentary-like realism and taking great visual advantage of seedy, early 70s New York City, courtesy of cinematographer Arthur J. Ornitz (Serpico, Death Wish), the film stars Oscar® winner and five-time nominee Shirley MacLaine (The Apartment, Terms of Endearment) in what is one of the most unusual and unforgettable roles of her career, alongside cult film star Perry King (Mandingo, Class of 1984) in one of his earliest leading roles. Long subject to either heavily edited or low-quality home video presentations, Vinegar Syndrome, at last, presents the UHD debut of this uniquely terrifying film, presented in its original theatrical version, freshly restored in 4K from its 35mm camera negative.
directed by: Waris Hussein
starring: Shirley MacLaine, Perry King, David Elliott, Lisa Kohane, Lovelady Powell, Barbara Trentham, Miriam Colon
1972 / 106 min / 1.85:1 / English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono
Additional info:
Overall rating: 4.5326085 / 5 from 92 reviews.
The Possession of Joel Delaney, a chilling 1970s possession thriller, is presented in its original theatrical version with a newly restored 4K transfer. Starring Shirley MacLaine, this film offers a unique and unforgettable role, enhanced by the documentary-like realism and seedy New York City visuals. The UHD debut by Vinegar Syndrome includes a commentary track and original trailers.
Review topics: ["colors","shipping","looks","picture","packaging","work","buy","film","movie","transfer","restoration","performances","acting","flick","release","atmosphere","watch","burn","thriller","horror","extras","star","mood","women","features","elements","edition","scenes","supplements","gem"].
"Ok I only just saw this for the first time. Ok film it is good but has very strong actors in Maclaine and King. They is only so much one can do. Very graphic scenes at times. Pushing the boundaries of the time. Picture in 4k is good a little grainy at times but over all a good transfer. A different role for Maclaine a very versatile actor. A reversible cover case sleeve included. Thank you VS for this been put out on 4k and blu ray."
"It’s a possession movie, but very different than the ones you usually see which rip off The Exorcist in some way (I mean, how could it? It came out a year before that movie. ) It gets very strange at times, but I was always intrigued in where the plot would go next, which was hard to predict. On a side note, I’m so used to seeing old Shirley MacLaine that I was not at all prepared for how cute she would be in something when she was younger (and by young I mean she was in her 40s. Guess I need to watch some of her stuff from before this. )"
"Wow, what a suprise! I had never heard of this film before this came out and ended up loving it. Thick early 70s atmosphere with some nice shots of down and dirty NYC. The direction and acting are both top notch. Perry King in one his first roles (he gets a "introducing"-credit) and Shirley MacLaine is very intense and she looks amazing. The last act is quite hard to watch, which I didn't expect. The restoration is outstanding, and so is the sound. Didn't have a chance to check out the extras yet, but definitely will soon. This is a perfect example you can give to people who say the old "VS only releases bad movies", as this is a very well made classic, which just as well could have been released by Criterion or Kino. Highly recommended!"
"Wacky post-Rosemary's Baby/pre-Exorcist supernatural horror. Not a masterpiece, but a fascinating time capsule of 70s NYC and class/race dynamics. Might even be a little tasteless, but it was a different time. Definitely not like anything else Shirley MacLaine has done. I first saw this via the bluray from Imprint and this release blows that one out of the water when it comes to picture quality."
"I was completely unfamiliar with this title before picking it up. Naturally compared to The Exorcist, though it came out before. Excellent performance by Shirley MacLaine, and the supplemental features were solid. Nice to see something like this get attention so people like me become aware of it for the first time."
"A novel and interesting take-on the familiar subject of possession, Possession of Joel Delaney isn't entirely successful, but it remains a fascinating and occasionally disturbing film, perhaps one of the more brave from a major Hollywood studio. Shirley Maclaine lends class to proceedings, Perry King is memorable in his first major role, and the NYC setting enhances the gritty tone. I was hoping the US would finally deliver a restored, uncut version, and VS again delivers, with a release that blows the Imprint one out of the water. I'm still not a fan of the cover art, but it does kind of grow on you."
"Really unique take on the possession horror film. It really is a Willem Friedkin film that he didn't direct. It is admittedly a bit too slow at times but it mixes a simmering psychological drama building up with subtle supernatural elements very well. Very disturbing final act too. Great 4K restoration from VinSyn and I'd love to see more like this in the future!"
"Great movie, even greater edition! Nice atmospheric slowburn 70's Chiller, & Hey - Shirley MacLaine was a FOX!!!"
"The Possession of Joel Delaney is a slow-burning psychological horror piece that leans more on atmosphere and unease than on outright shocks. The story follows a wealthy New York woman who becomes increasingly disturbed by the behavior of her younger brother, Joel, whose personality begins to shift after a violent incident. What starts as concern gradually turns into dread, as his transformation suggests something far darker—possibly possession—lurking beneath the surface. The film stands out for its grounded performances, especially from Shirley MacLaine, and for the way it blends urban realism with supernatural ambiguity, making the horror feel uncomfortably plausible. The Vinegar Syndrome 4K release treats the film with the respect it deserves, presenting it in a beautifully restored transfer that highlights its gritty 1970s New York aesthetic. The upgrade in detail and color brings out textures and lighting that were previously muted, enhancing the film’s unsettling mood. As usual with Vinegar Syndrome, the package includes thoughtful extras that provide context about the film’s production and legacy, making it an essential edition for collectors and fans of vintage psychological horror."
"Released about a year before The Exorcist, Possession has many similarities though carves its own identity within the possession genre. There’s numerous contrasts — class, race, belief — throughout, and the actors are all excellent, particularly Perry King as the titular character. The sister, played by Shirley MacLaine, anchors it all as she navigates territory unfamiliar to her character — a single mother of two of stiff upper class surroundings and subconscious classism/racism. There are some genuinely disturbing moments and there’s an icky undercurrent in the relationship between the siblings. Here’s an underrated and little seen gem that was later overshadowed by the histrionics of The Exorcist, and is worth the watch. The ever insightful Samm Deighan provides an excellent analysis of the film in her commentary, as well."
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