Blu-ray Review: VAMPYROS LESBOS (1971)

VAMPYROS LESBOS
Directed by Jess Franco
Distributed by:  CAV Distribution / Severin Films
  
  I have always been a fan of Jess Franco.  All of his films, weather good or bad, have a certain charm to them.   VAMPYROS LESBOS is no different.  Here is the basic plot of the film courtesy of Severin Films:

From Jess Franco, the filmmaker The Vatican called the most dangerous director in the world , comes the most celebrated movie of his legendary career: Stunning Soledad Miranda stars as a vixen vampire who lures women to a Mediterranean island to satisfy her insatiable lust for female flesh and blood. It s a mind-bending odyssey of surreal erotica and 70s EuroHorror, featuring the psycho-sexadelic soundtrack that remains a global phenomenon. Ewa Strömberg (SHE KILLED IN ECSTASY), Dennis Price (VENUS IN FURS), Paul Muller (NIGHTMARE CASTLE) and Franco himself co-star in this landmark cult classic, now remastered in HD and featuring all-new Extras filmed with the director shortly before his death. Experience Franco’ masterpiece like you’e never seen or heard it before!

  Fans of Exploitation and Sexploitation films are in a treat with this film.  The film has been around for years on DVD, but it has never looked as good as it does here on this new Blu-ray transfer.  Severin always does a remarkable job with it's re-releases, and this one is no different.

  The film itself is pretty tame by today's standards.  In fact, if it weren't for the rampant nudity throughout the film, it would easily be a PG or PG-13 movie at the most.    Maybe it was shocking for back when it first came out, but with no killings really, or even any real gore, the movie is pretty tame. This one is definitely more of a sexploitation film than a true horror film, but still worth checking out  for sure.  One thing this new release has going for it is the packaging.   If you are a sucker for cool packaging/artwork like I am, then you will love Severin's presentation.  The packaging here is very cool and makes this an instant collectors item.

VAMPYROS LESBOS is available now on 2-Disc Collectors Edition Blu-ray, which features a dye cut slip case with newly created cover art by Wes Benscoter.   Special Features include the following:

Disc 1 (Blu-Ray):
*  Newly remastered HD presentation of the feature in its original 1.66:1 aspect ratio
*  “Vampyros Jesus”: Interview featurette with Director Jess Franco
*  “Sublime Soledad”: Interview with Soledad Miranda Historian Amy Brown
*  “Stephen Thrower on Vampyros Lesbos”: Interview with Author of ‘Murderous Passions – The Delirious Cinema Of Jess Franco’
*  “Jess Is Yoda” Clip
*  Alternate German Opening Title Sequence – ‘Dracula’s Heiress’
*  German Trailer

Disc 2 (DVD):
*  "Las Vampiras" – Alternate Spanish Language VHS Version With Optional English Subtitles


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

Blu-ray Review: LIPS OF BLOOD (1975)

     
LIPS OF BLOOD
Directed by:  Jean Rollin
Distributed by:  Kino Lorber/Redemption Films

This week, Redemption Films and Kino Lorber Inc have released a collection of films called, The Cinema Of Jean Rollin.  Most of the films have been on DVD before, but I believe this is their first release on the Blu-ray format.  There are 5 films in this collection, and I will be reviewing them all, but up first is the 1975 film, LIPS OF BLOOD.   For those unfamiliar with this film, here is the basic plot of the film from imbd.com:

This erotic vampire film features a young man on a strange quest after recognizing a castle on a poster. He seems to remember the castle from his childhood and eventually finds it with the aid of a strange woman dressed in white. It turns out that his family has been keeping the secret of vampirism from him.

 For those unfamiliar with Jean Rollin, he is a French director that is most known for his female vampire flicks.  His films are the epitome of classic, Euro-horror sexploitation.  While tamer in that realm than some of his other films, he still does not disappoint with LIPS OF BLOOD. 

 I thoroughly enjoyed LIPS OF BLOOD, but I do have to admit that it can be slow in a few parts.  The film clocks in at 87 minutes, but it actually felt much longer to me.   Don't think that means I didn't like the film, that is just a warning to those expecting non-stop vampire action. Rollin's films are very artistic and visual.   The dialog is not the strong part of the film here, Rollins focuses on his visual style.  The film is shot beautifully with wonderful cinematography and some very moody images.   There are some great camera shots and angles which are very aesthetically pleasing. The acting is good overall, although made in 1975, expect some very outdated hairdos and clothing.  

 I have not seen many of Rollin's films, but will be watching all 5 films of the "Cinema of Jean Rollin" collection.  I look forward to seeing his other films, and will be reviewing them all here, so stay tuned!
Until then, check out LIPS OF BLOOD for yourself, available now on DVD and Blu-ray.   Blu-ray features include:

*  Mastered in HD from the 35mm negative
*  French with English Subtitles
*  Introduction by Jean Rollin
*  Interview with star Natalie Perry
*  20 page booklet with an essay by Tim Lucas, editor of Video    Watchdog
*  Original theatrical trailer
*  Original trailers of four other Rollin  films


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer (**WARNING** trailer contains nudity)
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD