Last week we were invited to an event at L.A.’s infamous Linda Vista Hospital for a guided tour of the establishment that involved a few other surprises and guests to commemorate today’s Blu-ray/DVD release of Paramount’s The Devil Inside.

Originally opened in 1904 by the Santa Fe Railroad, the once heralded hospital fell into disrepair by the 1980s and became known for its high number of patient deaths. Now long-abandoned, and rife with tales of terrifying happenings throughout the decades, the hospital provided an ideal setting for a foray into the world beyond what we see…

Attending press learned about the hospital’s chilling manifestations from members of the “Boyle Heights Paranormal Project” and spoke with cast members from the film Suzan Crowley (“Maria Rossi”) and Bonnie Morgan (“Rosa”) as well as Maja D’Aoust, the White Witch of Los Angeles. Upon their departure, attendees were blessed by a priest.

Head inside for pictures and video from the event.

Prior to our tour of the facilities of the Linda Vista hospital in east Los Angeles we were told about some of the place’s history, much of which is pretty horrifying. It was conceived as a railroad hospital and the sh*t that went down there due to overcrowding and outdated treatment methods is fairly astounding. Needless to say if you believe in paranormal occurrences, this is the kind of place they would go down in. So many people dying in horrible ways – whether from their wounds or neglect – it’s only natural their spirits would want a little payback.

After the introduction we were lead on a tour through the lower levels of the facility. Many, many, many films have been shot there over the years – though I have to say it was especially nice to finally visit the boiler room where those key scenes from the original A Nightmare On Elm Street were lensed so many years ago. It’s also interesting that, despite an updated security system, break-ins are routine and occult sacrifices (of roosters and chickens mainly – not people) occur there on a nearly nightly basis.

After the boiler room we made our way through the morgue and into a “psych room” where we found a very unusual patient accompanied by some flummoxed doctors. She began convulsing and soon enough we were treated to a live performance by actress Bonnie Morgan (the contortionist from the film) as she flung sheets, medical instruments and people around the room. After a few more stops in the downstairs corridor where we encountered a possessed nun and a spectral surgeon we were led to the hospital’s chapel. It was there that we were greeted by the White Witch of Los Angeles, Maja D’Aoust.

D’Aoust discussed the fundamentals behind what she regards demonic possession to be, as well as several other fors of mental illness that she believes are separate diagnoses than possession. The Q&A session that followed featured both Morgan (who as you can see looks quite different when not possessed) and Suzan Crowley (who plays Maria Rossi in the film) and was moderated by D’Aoust. The session, which you can see below (along with a highlight reel from the event), concluded our visit.

“A gripping story about the secret world of exorcism and one woman’s struggle against pure evil, THE DEVIL INSIDE is unleashed on Blu-ray (for purchase exclusively at Best Buy), DVD, On Demand and for Digital Download May 15, 2012 from Paramount Home Media Distribution.”

‘The Devil Inside’ Blu-ray will be presented in 1080p high definition with English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description, as well as English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The DVD will be presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions with English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description, as well as English, French and Spanish subtitles.