review: SLAUGHTER OF THE VAMPIRES

Dark Sky Films  //  Buy from Amazon.com In this lush Gothic romp from the Golden Age of Italian horror, Walter Brandi (The Playgirls and the Vampire, The Bloody Pit of Horror) and Graziella Granata (A Taste for Women) star as a young well-to-do couple terrorized by a love-hungry vampire (peplum and krimi veteran Dieter Eppler, The Sinister Monk) who makes his nest in the lower rungs of their estate. As a fairly recent convert to the charms of Italian horror flicks, the chance to watch a 45-year old vampire flick was pretty intriguing. While I wasn't sure what to expect, and with more than a fair bit of trepadation (hey, I don't like many movies made before 1980), I sat down to behold "Slaughter of the Vampires..." And y'know what? I enjoyed it. It's by no means a great film - it's more than cliched at times, seems quite hammy in its stern-like approach to horror, and the special effects probably cost $20 - but given it's age, heritage and overall approach, I fell victim to its charms and enjoyed myself. There's a special quality to Italian horror flicks, and this flick has it in spades. Not great, but enjoyable, and gosh darnit, that's enough for me. Video Remasted in high definition, the 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer is top notch, restoring this 45 year old gem to all it's glory! Audio Dolby 2.0 mono mix (dubbed) is about what you'd expect - clear enough to hear, but not going to amaze you with it's surround sound. Extras "Interview with the Vampire" featurette still gallery trailer Closing Thoughts Fascinating romp through 1960s gothic Italian horror + some nice extras = fantastic release lovingly put out by the mighty Dark Sky