Rating: 
Summary: Good B movie!
Review: You don't know how much I just love these old so bad, it's good horror movies! Yes, "Blacula" is one of them. It's one of the best pieces of low-budget goodness I've ever seen too! Although the acting is bad, the special effects are incredibly cheesy, and the vampires are so damn funny [and SCARY!] at the same time, it's still a fun vampire flick to watch. I first saw this on the Bravo network a long time ago and the black vampire scared the HELL out of me! (especially at that one scene where he pops out of nowhere at the lady in the room and bites her!) Definately for those of you horror buffs such as myself, give this a look!!
Rating: 
Summary: MAMUWALDE, THAT "STRANGE DUDE", FINALLY ON DVD!
Review: "BLACULA" has always been one of my favorite horror films so I was glad to see it finally turn up on DVD.I am generally quite happy with this disc, although I think it would have been nice to have some extra's besides the trailer. Maybe some interviews or an audio commentary would have been nice. Or at the very least, some liner notes with background info on the film and/ or the great Shakespearean actor William Marshall who plays that "strange dude", Mamuwalde, aka Blacula. Marshall (who died last year) is simply great in the part. Investing his African Prince with dignity and class, making his vampire one of the most memorable in the history of horror. The anamorphic widescreen picture looks beautiful and the mono sound is very pleasing. I've always liked the music by Gene Page and the songs by The Hues Corporation (fans of this film should check out the cd soundtrack available from Amazon as well) and they sound great on this fine disc. Anyone who enjoys vampire films should pick up this disc and its inferior though still quite enjoyable sequel, "SCREAM, BLACULA, SCREAM" today. You will not be disappointed. - George Bauch.
Rating:
Summary: Afrocentrism meets vampirism
Review: "Blacula," directed by William Crain, tells a story that begins in Transylvania in 1780. Prince Momuwalde, a Black African, comes to the legendary Count Dracula to seek his aid in ending the slave trade. Instead of helping the prince, the evil count transforms him into a vampire: Blacula! "Blacula" is an interesting and entertaining blend of the vampire and "Blaxploitation" genres. After the atmospheric opening sequence (and cool opening credits!) the action shifts to urban America in the 20th century. A lot of elements make this film fun to watch: the fashions, hairstyles, music, and dance moves. William Marshall brings both an animalistic ferocity and an aristocratic elegance to the title role; I would definitely rate his work among the best of cinematic vampire portrayals. Marshall is superbly complemented by Thalmus Rasulala, who brings gravitas and intelligence to his portrayal of the scientific investigator who is on Blacula's case. Yes, some aspects of the film might strike some viewers as cheesy or dated. And the script fails to fully develop the fascinating concept of an African vampire; I felt that some of the political and cultural issues raised in the opening sequence could have been better explored. Still, "Blacula" is a real treat for fans of both Black cinema and horror films.
Rating:
Summary: Afrocentrism meets vampirism
Review: "Blacula," directed by William Crain, tells a story that begins in Transylvania in 1780. Prince Momuwalde, a Black African, comes to the legendary Count Dracula to seek his aid in ending the slave trade. Instead of helping the prince, the evil count transforms him into a vampire: Blacula! "Blacula" is an interesting and entertaining blend of the vampire and "Blaxploitation" genres. After the atmospheric opening sequence (and cool opening credits!) the action shifts to urban America in the 20th century. A lot of elements make this film fun to watch: the fashions, hairstyles, music, and dance moves. William Marshall brings both an animalistic ferocity and an aristocratic elegance to the title role; I would definitely rate his work among the best of cinematic vampire portrayals. Marshall is superbly complemented by Thalmus Rasulala, who brings gravitas and intelligence to his portrayal of the scientific investigator who is on Blacula's case. Yes, some aspects of the film might strike some viewers as cheesy or dated. And the script fails to fully develop the fascinating concept of an African vampire; I felt that some of the political and cultural issues raised in the opening sequence could have been better explored. Still, "Blacula" is a real treat for fans of both Black cinema and horror films.
Rating:
Summary: Blacula Bytes!
Review: A 1970's twist on the vampire cliché, BLACULA (1972) rises above its modest budget and "blaxploitation" genre to become a well-made cult-movie horror flick that has its share of the shocks, scares, and cheesy gore that endear movies of the era to contemporary horror fans. And fans of cult films and B-movies can now rejoice, as Dracula's "soul brother" has been resurrected once again--this time getting his "bytes" in digitally via DVD from MGM. 18th-century African prince Mamuwalde and his wife meet with the original Count Dracula to seek his aid in abolishing the burgeoning slave trade. But Dracula isn't the least bit interested in aiding the oppressed, and he instead puts the bite on Mamuwalde and turns HIM into a vamp--it is the Count himself who dubs Mamuwalde with the moniker BLACULA--then seals the prince in a coffin so that he will suffer through eternity with his new, and now unquenchable, thirst for blood. Fast forward nearly two centuries, where a couple of Los Angeles antique dealers are examining a batch of recent acquisitions, one of which is the "box" in which Mamuwalde is imprisoned. As expected, the two inadvertently free Mamuwalde and loose the bloodsucking brother to the ghettoes of L.A. (i.e., L.A. á la the 1970s). For the most part, Mamuwalde's "meals" are comprised of the city's low-lifes, but when he encounters a woman who resembles his long-dead wife and tries to win her affections, he crosses swords with mainstream society and starts down the path towards his inevitable defeat and destruction. The film is elevated above its meager budget and exploitative script by the excellent and believable title-role performance of the late William Marshall. The deep, rich voice and Shakespearean training of this dynamic African-American actor brings dignity and intelligence to any role he plays, even an off-beat character like the vampire Blacula. Horror and SF fans are likely to recognize Marshall in guest-star parts on TV shows like the original THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E., classic STAR TREK (Dr. Richard Daystrom in the episode "The Ultimate Computer"), and THE WILD WILD WEST; and in starring or supporting roles in other genre films such as SKULLDUGGERY (1970), ABBY (1974), AMAZON WOMEN ON THE MOON (1987), and SORCERESS (1995). Those who spend time in front of "the tube" on Saturday mornings might also remember seeing Marshall on PEE-WEE'S PLAYHOUSE, on which he portrayed The King of Cartoons from 1987 to 1991. Some of the actors filling supporting roles in BLACULA also add to the film's quality and charm. These include Thalmus Rasulala, a ubiquitous character actor of TV and film; the lovely Denise Nicholas, probably best known for being one of the stars of the 1970s TV comedy-drama ROOM 222; Gordon Pinsent, a Canadian actor who has appeared on numerous TV shows and films; Vonetta McGee, who has starred or guest-starred in numerous TV shows and several films, including the genre flick REPO MAN (1984); and Elisha Cook, Jr., a familiar character actor who is often recognized from his portrayal of hoodlum Wilmer Cook in the classic noir film THE MALTESE FALCON (1941). The DVD from MGM--released as part of the company's "Soul Cinema" line, though it could have just as easily fit in with their "Midnite Movie" series--offers an anamorphic widescreen copy of BLACULA in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, and it appears that the print used for the transfer was in great shape. No extras are offered other than the theatrical trailer, but the very reasonable price makes BLACULA painlessly accessible to any horror-film collector.
Rating:
Summary: Blacula Bytes!
Review: A 1970's twist on the vampire cliché, BLACULA (1972) rises above its modest budget and "blaxploitation" genre to become a well-made cult-movie horror flick that has its share of the shocks, scares, and cheesy gore that endear movies of the era to contemporary horror fans. And fans of cult films and B-movies can now rejoice, as Dracula's "soul brother" has been resurrected once again--this time getting his "bytes" in digitally via DVD from MGM. 18th-century African prince Mamuwalde and his wife meet with the original Count Dracula to seek his aid in abolishing the burgeoning slave trade. But Dracula isn't the least bit interested in aiding the oppressed, and he instead puts the bite on Mamuwalde and turns HIM into a vamp--it is the Count himself who dubs Mamuwalde with the moniker BLACULA--then seals the prince in a coffin so that he will suffer through eternity with his new, and now unquenchable, thirst for blood. Fast forward nearly two centuries, where a couple of Los Angeles antique dealers are examining a batch of recent acquisitions, one of which is the "box" in which Mamuwalde is imprisoned. As expected, the two inadvertently free Mamuwalde and loose the bloodsucking brother to the ghettoes of L.A. (i.e., L.A. á la the 1970s). For the most part, Mamuwalde's "meals" are comprised of the city's low-lifes, but when he encounters a woman who resembles his long-dead wife and tries to win her affections, he crosses swords with mainstream society and starts down the path towards his inevitable defeat and destruction. The film is elevated above its meager budget and exploitative script by the excellent and believable title-role performance of the late William Marshall. The deep, rich voice and Shakespearean training of this dynamic African-American actor brings dignity and intelligence to any role he plays, even an off-beat character like the vampire Blacula. Horror and SF fans are likely to recognize Marshall in guest-star parts on TV shows like the original THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E., classic STAR TREK (Dr. Richard Daystrom in the episode "The Ultimate Computer"), and THE WILD WILD WEST; and in starring or supporting roles in other genre films such as SKULLDUGGERY (1970), ABBY (1974), AMAZON WOMEN ON THE MOON (1987), and SORCERESS (1995). Those who spend time in front of "the tube" on Saturday mornings might also remember seeing Marshall on PEE-WEE'S PLAYHOUSE, on which he portrayed The King of Cartoons from 1987 to 1991. Some of the actors filling supporting roles in BLACULA also add to the film's quality and charm. These include Thalmus Rasulala, a ubiquitous character actor of TV and film; the lovely Denise Nicholas, probably best known for being one of the stars of the 1970s TV comedy-drama ROOM 222; Gordon Pinsent, a Canadian actor who has appeared on numerous TV shows and films; Vonetta McGee, who has starred or guest-starred in numerous TV shows and several films, including the genre flick REPO MAN (1984); and Elisha Cook, Jr., a familiar character actor who is often recognized from his portrayal of hoodlum Wilmer Cook in the classic noir film THE MALTESE FALCON (1941). The DVD from MGM--released as part of the company's "Soul Cinema" line, though it could have just as easily fit in with their "Midnite Movie" series--offers an anamorphic widescreen copy of BLACULA in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, and it appears that the print used for the transfer was in great shape. No extras are offered other than the theatrical trailer, but the very reasonable price makes BLACULA painlessly accessible to any horror-film collector.
Rating:
Summary: Blend of French, Georgian, Russian culture: exquisite
Review: A movie I saw on a lark and now cannot forget. Anyone interested in cuisine, Russianhistory or love will love this. It is a bliss to see END
Rating:
Summary: Long live MAMUWALDE!!!
Review: All I can say is that I expected a lot out of this film and it more than delivered! Mamuwalde is the greatest "villian" I have seen in a long time. This movie has so many funny lines, and I couldn't stop laughing! "Let us not forget.. it is you that comes from the jungle." Definite classic that has stood the test of time. Buy this movie no matter what kind of movie you like.
Rating: 
Summary: A major drag-ula...
Review: Being the curious movie buff cracker that I am, I recently decided to take my first trek into the weird wide world of black exploitation movies. But instead of choosing one of the more obvious flicks to commence my "soul cinema" experience, like "Shaft" or "Superfly", I wanted to start with something a bit more offbeat. "Blacula" became that choice. It would turn out to be an unfortunate decision, one that almost turned me away- screaming and running at a fast clip- from the genre, perhaps never to return. In the least, I was hoping that it would have a so-bad-it's-good quality to it... no such luck. It was just plain BAD bad. I was unable to endure more than the first 45 minutes before rewinding the tape and bringing it back to the local video store... a mere two hours after I checked it out! It still remains my personal record for the shortest amount of time I've held onto a video rental. This from someone who usually waits 'til the last possible minute to return his rentals before the late charges kick in. However, despite my less-than-stellar first impression with the genre, I'm happy to report that my curiosity for the blaxploitation market hasn't been fully extinguished. I've got "The Thing With Two Heads" cued up, and so far I'm enjoying the show. Who knew Ray Milland and Roosevelt Grier had such a great on-screen chemistry? Yeah, yeah... I know most of you consider it to be only quasi-B.E., but it's a start... 'Late!
Rating:
Summary: Blacksploitation Rocks!
Review: Blackula was refreshing, letting all of us "whities" what is "real" in the "world". I thought the movie could use some work, such as in the portrayal of Blackula's victims. Blackula himself was great, a modern version (f/ Denzel Washington) should be in the works, possibly directed by world famous director/producer Pete Steiner and with make up artist Morgan Price close at hand. There is a slim chance the movie will be called "Indian-acula", making Blackula into an Indian-Musical-Comedy. That would oust Denzel, bringing in a rising star in the indian entertainment sphere, Ajay Kishore. These are different possibilities in the future of Blackula, but as for the classic Blackula, time has made it a wine aged to perfection. I highly recommend it.
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