Blu-ray Review: INQUISITION (1976)

INQUISITION
Directed by Paul Naschy (as Jacinto Molina)
Distributed by Mondo Macabro / CAV Distributing

  Mondo Macabro has long been one of my most favorite video labels.  They are constantly putting out great products and films that I usually have never heard of, but always enjoy.  INQUISITION is a film that once again I had never heard of, but thoroughly enjoyed.   The film stars and was directed by Paul Naschy and centers around a 16th century witch-hunt in France.  Here is the full plot synopsis from the CAV website:

  In 16th century France, Inquisitor and magistrate Bernard de Fossey (Paul Naschy) travels to the plague-ridden region of Peyriac in search of witches and devil worshippers. Local beauty Catherine (Daniela Giordano) quickly catches his eye, tormenting him with impure thoughts, although her affections lie with her handsome fiancé Jean. Meanwhile, embittered one-eyed manservant Rénover (Antonio Iranzo) presents Bernard with his first group of torture victims when he accuses several sexy young things who spurned his advances of being witches responsible for the plague.
One by one beautiful women are tortured on the rack then burned at the stake. No-one seems able to halt the Inquisition's reign of terror or the baseless accusations that cause so many innocent deaths. When Jean dies in mysterious circumstances, Catherine allies herself with Satan to get revenge on her enemies - foremost among them, De Fossey himself.
  This was horror star Paul Naschy's directorial debut and one of his very best films. He plays three roles - Inquisitor De Fossey, the Devil, and the Grim Reaper. The film is a brutal and unrelenting portrait of a past when superstition and terror ruled the minds of men.

  I have always been fascinated by witch trail films.   There is a real horror to the thought of women being tortured and killed based on hysteria and accusations rather than fact and proof.  The fact this actually happened in multiple parts of the world is even more horrifying.  

  This film reminded me a lot of the 1970 film, MARK OF THE DEVIL, except I think I enjoyed this film even more.    There are some great torture scenes in this film, including one involving a woman's nipple that made me cringe!   Yet as grotesque as it was, I had to rewind and watch it again to see if I could figure out how they did the effect!  I am a huge fan of special effects (especially gore effects in horror films), so I was very impressed by this scene.   If you have seen the film, you will know exactly what scene I am talking about.  If you haven't seen this film, I won't say any more to keep from spoiling it for you!

  If you enjoyed MARK OF THE DEVIL and the early Hammer Films, I think you will really enjoy this one. 

  INQUISITION is available now on Blu-ray from Mondo Macabro and CAV Distribution and contains the following special features:

*  Introduction by Paul Naschy
*  Interview with star Daniela Giordano
*  Audio commentary by Rod Barnett and Troy Guinn (the Naschycast)
*  Blood and Sand - documentary on Spanish horror films
*  English/Spanish audio choice .
*  Newly created English subtitles
*  Mondo Macabro previews


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

 

 

 

Blu-ray Review: COUNT DRACULA'S GREAT LOVE (1973)

COUNT DRACULA'S GREAT LOVE 
Directed by Javier Aguirre
Distributed by Vinegar Syndrome

  Here is another example of a great horror movie that I have never heard of.   Vinegar Syndrome continues to release some of the best horror, cult, exploitation films out there, and this one is no different.   COUNT DRACULA'S GREAT LOVE stars Spanish screen legend Paul Naschy  as Count Dracula in this romantic, yet tragic tale of the classic vampire.
   Here is the basic  plot from the Vinegar Syndrome website:

After their carriage breaks down and their driver is killed in a freak accident, a group of young women are forced to spend the night in a strange and isolated former sanatorium, which has just been purchased by the secretive Dr. Marlow (Paul Naschy). Unbeknownst to the visitors, Dr. Marlow is actually Count Dracula, and stalking the sanatorium are his recently turned vampire slaves. Soon the guests begin to be attacked by the ravenous bloodsuckers, while Dracula sets his sights on the beautiful virgin Karen, deciding to offer her his hand in marriage…

  This film is very reminiscent of the old Hammer Horror films.  In fact, I think it is safe to say that is the blueprint the filmmakers were following here, right down to the gorgeous and buxom women that the film features.  This film was much gorier than I expected, which is always a good thing in my opinion!   The special effects in this film are pretty amazing especially considering this film is over 40 years old!  One scene in particular that showcases this in particular was at the very beginning when a man gets an axe to the head, then falls down a flight of stairs.  I did not see it coming and it was quite startling.

  The film has a some great scenery, and no, I'm not talking about the buxom women this time!  Shot in Madrid, Spain, there is some very beautiful settings including the castle that Count Dracula lives in.  Many scenes throughout the film are very creepy and atmospheric.

  This film is a must watch for any Dracula fan in my opinion.  If you like the old Hammer Horror films that featured Dracula, you should love this one just as well!

  COUNT DRACULA'S GREAT LOVE is available now from Vinegar Syndrome and contains the following Special Features:

*  All extras on both formats
*  Region free Blu-ray and DVD combo pack
*  Scanned & restored in 2k from 35mm internegative
*  Commentary track with director Javier Aguirre and lead actor Paul Naschy, moderated by Angel Gomez Rivero
*  New video interview with actress Mirta Miller
*  Includes both the English dub and original Spanish language soundtrack
*  International theatrical trailer
*  Still gallery
*  8 page booklet by Mirek Lipinski
*  English and Spanish subtitles
*  Reversible cover artwork


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD/BD combo pack

DVD Review: COUNTESS DRACULA'S ORGY OF BLOOD (2004)

COUNTESS DRACULA'S ORGY OF BLOOD was written and directed by Donald F. Glut of Frontline Entertainment. Here is the basic plot synopsis from the allmovie website:

When lusty female vampires descend upon a 19th century village and begin sinking their teeth into the citizens, fearless Father Jacinto (Paul Naschy) attempts to put an end to the terror by driving a stake through the heart of head bloodsucker Lord Ruthven. When Dracula himself appears in modern-day Los Angeles to stake his claim on this city, the dark prince is enraged to discover that Father Jacinto's actions have prevented him from sucking the blood directly from his victims. Only through the resurrection of Lord Ruthven and his deadly assistant Diana will Dracula be able to drink the blood he needs to survive, and it isn't long before a mysterious figure from the past attempts to thwart his nefarious plans.

First off, it is important to note that this film marks Spanish Horror icon Paul Naschy's American film debut! I have always been a big fan of Mr. Naschy, so seeing him in this film was a pleasant treat, and he brings a sense of Horror credibility to this otherwise low budget soft core Vampire flick. Now, that is not a knock on this film at all, it just is what it is. And as most people know, films written and directed by Mr. Glut are full of beautiful females in various stages of undress. Usually the final stage, which is wearing nothing at all...but I digress.

If you are offended by female nudity, stay away from the film. If you don't mind it (i.e. every man in America) then check the this film out. I have watched some pretty good Vampire movies lately, and I can add this one to the list.

The film has a nice Gothic Vampire vibe to it. The acting (as in most of Mr. Glut's films) is surprisingly good. Not what you would expect from this type of film. Paul Naschy had a great performance, but I was really impressed with Arthur Roberts, who plays Lord Ruthven. He played a very believable and creepy Vampire. One fun thing about this film is when Lord Ruthven is awakened from his hundreds of years of slumber. He is amazed at such modern day things such as a light switch which provides some comedy in the film. Also, watching the Vampire Diana walk along a modern day inner city street, in her century years old clothing, and coming in contact with some modern day prostitutes was amusing as well.

I need to also mention the special effects and gore effects. John Carl Buechler and his effects team did a wonderful job with the Vampire death sequences, as they slowly withered away to leave nothing behind but skeletal remains.

The DVD itself is loaded with tons of great special features, including: Behind the Scenes Footage, an Alternate Ending, Actress Auditions and Interviews, Original trailers, Bloopers and Outtakes, and much more! I highly recommend you check out the Bloopers, as it is fun to watch a Vampire who's fang just won't stay in and is was a rare treat to see the great Paul Naschy as he fumbles with a prop weapon that just won't cooperate!

Overall this film is a lot of fun, which is what a movie should be. I recommend it for any fans of the Vampire genre.

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

CLICK HERE to visit the official website of Frontline Entertainment