Captain Kronos - Vampire Hunter

Rating:
Summary: They sure don't Hammer 'em out like this anymore...
Review: The phrase "A Hammer Film" used to symbolize "low budget British horror quickie" at the time they were being cranked out, but of course the passage of time has proved how influential this studio's output really was. "Captain Kronos" embodies the Perfect Hammer Movie...great atmospherics,Caroline Munro,clever, well-written dialogue, ravenously beautiful actresses (Caroline Munro), and genuine suspense. Oh, and did I mention Caroline Munro? I have to single out the dialogue in this one...there are some particularly droll and cheeky exchanges,almost rivalling those in "Young Frankenstein" (although not as broad and Borscht-Beltish).And then there's that patented Hammer production design and overall "look"...there have been attempts over the years, but very few directors have been able to duplicate it (Neil Jordan's 1985 debut "The Company of Wolves" comes the closest). Don't miss this one if you love gothic horror!

Rating:
Summary: They sure don't Hammer 'em out like this anymore...
Review: The phrase "A Hammer Film" used to symbolize "low budget British horror quickie" at the time they were being cranked out, but of course the passage of time has proved how influential this studio's output really was. "Captain Kronos" embodies the Perfect Hammer Movie...great atmospherics,Caroline Munro,clever, well-written dialogue, ravenously beautiful actresses (Caroline Munro), and genuine suspense. Oh, and did I mention Caroline Munro? I have to single out the dialogue in this one...there are some particularly droll and cheeky exchanges,almost rivalling those in "Young Frankenstein" (although not as broad and Borscht-Beltish).And then there's that patented Hammer production design and overall "look"...there have been attempts over the years, but very few directors have been able to duplicate it (Neil Jordan's 1985 debut "The Company of Wolves" comes the closest). Don't miss this one if you love gothic horror!

Rating:
Summary: Begs for a sequel
Review: This is certainly one of the most unorthodox and best of the Hammer films. While the title screams "cheese," it is in fact a well-plotted, confidently-directed film that was well ahead of its time (in light of the subsequent appearance of such films as "Vampire Hunter D" and "Blade"). It is also refreshingly low-key, making the most of atmosphere and an unusual premise, rather than cheap shocks. It may not be gory, and some of the effects certainly expose its low budget origins, but the sheer inventiveness of the film makes it worth seeking out. It's the little touches that make the film great, from the inspired score to the novel twists on vampire lore. And of course the unmistakable colors and sights of Hammer films. "Kronos" also stands up nicely to repeat viewings, something that can't be said for a lot of horror films. I suspect that the solidness of the character-- part Sabatini hero, part Peckinpah anti-hero-- has something to do with that. It's a shame that a sequel never materialised, but then again that means that we're spared the agony of seeing a brilliant character reduced to a one-liner spouting fast food tie-in.

Rating:
Summary: Captain Kronos Rides Again!
Review: With so much hype now surrounding this as one of Hammer's best efforts from the 1970's I was expecting something special. And I got it! Although obviously done on an even smaller budget than most Hammer films, the limited production value didn't detract from a first rate story and script. Producers Brian Clemens and Albert Fennell have managed to establish their own style at a time when Hammer was more concerned with T&A than plot. CK neatly avoids this syndrome. The movie focuses firmly on the story and wonderful action sequences. After the film ended I felt a little sad, for two reasons: 1). That more Captain Kronos films or even a television series didn't materialise and 2). That Brian Clemens and Albert Fennell didn't produce more films for Hammer, because arguably their "Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde" and "Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter" were two of the finest productions to come out of England's House of Horror. Munro/Clemens/Sothcott provide an entertaining and informative commentary. Interesting fact: Clemens originally wanted Kronos to sleep in a Golden Coffin , but budget restraints curtailed this groovy idea. I've a nagging notion, that we may have eventually found out that Kronos was indeed a type of vampire himself. Paramount provides a solid anamorphic transfer, with few blemishes ot dirt. They really should be praised for putting so much effort into what is still an obscure film from England.