Curse of the Vampires

Rating:
Summary: Neat Philippino Flick; Not-so Neat DVD Presentation
Review: I grew up with the Philippino horror flicks (particularly the "blood trilogy") on cable TV in the 70's and was happy to see it available (at a budget price to boot) by Retromedia, but I have to agree with the previous reviewers with the headache-inducing "print" (probably from an old vhs tape, judging by the bleeding colors and lack of detail) that Retromedia used for the DVD. However, the same movie is available on DVD from Image Entertainment under the title of "Blood Of The Vampires" (from "the blood collection" series) that's vastly superior in terms of picture quality and special features (audio commentary track by Sam Sherman, video interview with Eddie Romero, still gallery, etc.) If you're a fan of Philippino horror (as I am), you won't be dissappointed.

I'm sure Fred Olen Ray had good intentions releasing this disc, but it's not worth your valuable time and money. Stick to the Image DVD.

Peace!

Rating:
Summary: Abyssmal DVD presentation
Review: I wish I'd read the review before plunking down money for this disc. From a technical standpoint, it is more nightmare-inducing than anything you are to see in the movie! On the back it says "presented in murky letterbox". Yeah, basically they know this transfer is bottom of the barrel so they will pawn it off as "murky"! Cheap selling tactic. I never imagined a movie could LOOK so bad on DVD! The color print used is typically faded, probably found in someone's attic. The picture is VERY, VERY blurry and soft and EXTREMELY difficult to view without getting a headache. (Not an exaggeration). Not to mention the transfer has some serious compression articfacts that could have been avoided (hmmmm perhaps use a higher bit rate for the film?). This DVD is inexcusable, even at the price. I had a difficult time enjoying this film. Its techincal flaws were so distracting, I had to pause and go back frequently to check out all the picture flaws. By the time I got through it, I was tired and almost ready to throw this disc out. I should also mention that this picture is barely in letterbox..and I suspect the image was cropped to achieve this effect (not REAL widescreen, mind you) Beyond this horrible presentation lies a fairly adept vampire flick. Would probably be even more delightful if the technical flaws didn't get so terribly in your way. Would be nice if someone saw to releasing this in a more acceptable edition.

Are you sure you want to buy this? I wish I hadn't. Stay away, this DVD has a "curse" of its own!

Rating:
Summary: Curse of the BAD Movie and Horrible DVD!
Review: This review will be short and to the point. I bought this movie because it is one of those rarely viewed vampire films. I didn't expect a good movie, but rather one, which I would most likely laugh at late at night. Laugh I did...Until the first few scenes had ended. After that it was just plain annoying.

I guess I would have received what I had expected if the movie was the only problem. However, this was not to be. This disc is made so badly it's not acceptable. At the current time I own over 500 DVDs. Most of my DVDs are very good quality, some are ok and a few are bad. This one is in a tie with "The Last Man On Earth" for the worst quality DVD I own. Even some Madacy titles look like Criterion Collection discs in comparison.

I would rate this disc in the negative if it were possible...