Blu-ray Review: A DOG CALLED...VENGEANCE (1977)

 

A DOG CALLED...VENGEANCE

Directed by:  Antonio Isasi-Isasmendi

Distributed by:  Severin Films / MVD

 Severin Films has always been one of my favorite distribution companies.   They put out some amazing releases of classics that are well known, but then they release some very obscure, hidden gem type titles that you may have never heard of.   Such was the case for me with the recent release of the 1977 film, A DOG CALLED...VENGEANCE!   Here is the plot synopsis from the Severin Films website:

  Less than two years after the end of Spain’s oppressive Franco regime, Goya Award winning filmmaker Antonio Isasi (THEY CAME TO ROB LAS VEGAS, SUMMERTIME KILLER) co-wrote and directed the action blockbuster that shocked European audiences and became one of the most culturally-charged survival thrillers of the decade: Best Supporting Actor Oscar® nominee and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Jason Miller (THE EXORCIST, THAT CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON) “gives a fantastic performance” (This Is Quiet Cool) as a political prisoner who escapes custody, only to be relentlessly pursued by a military dictatorship dog driven to hate, hunt and kill. Donatello Award winner Lea Massari (L’AVVENTURA) and Goya Award winners Marisa Paredes (HIGH HEELS) and Juan Antonio Bardem (THE CORRUPTION OF CHRIS MILLER) co-star in “one of a master director’s most significant films” (Madriz), now scanned in 2K from the original camera negative.

  While not a horror film in the regular sense of the word, I feel this film is definitely a close cousin to the horror genre.  While is is definitely more of an Action/Thriller, there are some horror elements to it for sure, including a bit of gore.  You could classify this as a creature feature for sure, in the likes of JAWS, or any other film where animals attack and kill humans.  The dog in this film is trained to kill, and does not give up until he gets his man!   

  At the very beginning, when the star of the film, Aristides, is shown, I knew I had seen that actor somewhere.  After looking on IMDb, I kicked myself for not realizing this was the actor that played Father Karras in 1973's THE EXORCIST.   I don't recall ever seeing him in anything other than THE EXORCIST before, so that was fun to see him in completely different role.   He does some things in this film that Father Karras would definitely not be proud of!

 The action in this film is great, with the intensity of the dog chasing right behind Aristides throughout the film.  There were some very cool camera shots, making it look like we were seeing what was happening through the dog's eyes.  The intensity never lets up, until the film comes to the end with a bang!   Watch the movie and you'll see what I mean!  

 The film is unique in that it starts like a typical 1970's grindhouse type film, but then transitions to more of a political drama/action film in the 2nd half.   That being said, I did feel in 2nd half of the film dragged on a bit in some sections, and the 115 minute run time could have been trimmed down a bit in my opinion.   That is my only complaint with this film, though, as overall I found it very enjoyable and am happy to have discovered this one!  

 One thing I must note, is that this film does depict some violence against the dog, but that dog did his fair share of damage as well!   I know violence against animals bothers some people, so just wanted to throw that out there before you watch it.  Rest assured, through, that no animals were harmed in the filming of this movie.   There is even a disclaimer from the director before the movie starts letting you know this.  

 If you like creature feature type horror films, and action/ survivalist films, you'll want to check this one out for sure!

A DOG CALLED...VENGEANCE is available now from Severin Films and contains the following Special Features:

• A Film Ahead Of Its Time – Appreciation By Ángel Sala, Head Of Programming At The Sitges Film Festival
• Memories Of A Guerilla Woman – Interview With Actress Marisa Paredes
• Daughter Of Titans – Interview With María Isasi, Daughter Of Director Antonio Isasi And Actress Marisa Paredes
• Trailer

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray