THE BLOOD BEAST TERROR (uk dvd)
collector's edition

"When two young men are brutally murdered the wounds on their bodies suggest they were the victims of a bird of prey. Both men were students of Dr Mallinger (Robert Flemyng), but the distinguished entomologist seems unable to help the fastidious inspector Quennell (Peter Cushing) with his enquiries.

"Quennell soon finds a third victim, who gasps the words 'death's head' before he dies. Quennell pursues Mallinger and his beautiful daughter Clare (Wanda Ventham) to a remote village, where he discovers the truth about Mallinger's bizarre experiments and the nature of Clare's horrifying secret..."

dvd review
Whilst Hammer might have been the big players in the horror film industry in the UK in the 1960, Tigon films briefly looked like true successors, and nearly bought Hammer up when James Carreras left the company in the early 1970s. Tigon's films, like Hammer's, have varied widely in themes and style. Blood Beast Terror is one of those films that hovers around the middle-ground.

Vernon Sewell directs the film well enough, but cannot get past the problematic scripting. Peter Cushing claimed it was the worst film he had ever done, in his autobiography, and some have argued that the poor reputation that the film generally receives is simply due to this statement. Whilst its true that there is some clumsy construction (the prologue that never really fits in with the rest of the film, and is, very anti-climactic), and some dire special effects (the giant moth works best when it isn't attacking, or supposed to look menacing), the film does not deserve to be ignored.

As Tigon's first credited horror picture, this is very important. The company would become a major player in British horror, with at least one great picture to its credit (Witchfinder General was the next one to shoot). Cushing of course gives his usual performance. Incredibly naturalistic, and always believeable. The support is okay, although the kids are cringeworthly. Robert Flemyng is an interesting foil to Cushing's police inspector. Flemyng took the role on at the last minute, as the part was originally destined for Basil Rathbone, who died just two weeks before shooting commenced. Wanda Ventham is sexy, but perhaps a little too aloof for her co-stars.

Not much seems to happen for huge sections of the movie. When I first saw it, I thought it very stagey, and that is a view which hasn't changed. I found myself marvelling this time at how Cushing is allowed to just go through the motions, and utilise the props silently during one lull. The awkwardness shows up most of all during comedian Roy Hudd's guest appearances as the morgue attendant. Having worked a routine into the script with Cushing, he provides some welcome relief, but is permitted to monologue just a little too long.

Production design is okay, and let down only by the silly moth. Don't expect wonders from the film, but don't write it off either. Allow it to happen.

transfer
Already fans are complaining about the transfer on this dvd, on the net. I feel I must interject on DD's behalf. First of all, whilst the trailer is the British one, the print used on the dvd bears the US title "The Vampire Beast Seeks Blood". The rest of the film seems identical to the British print. The reason for the US print source, is simply for the best possible quality according to the distributors.
I have a British copy, from Channel 4 in the mid 1990s, so have been able to draw comparisons. The dvd has the same 1.85:1 widescreen that Channel 4 had for their screening. No image is lost. DD's print is anamorphically enhanced too.
The print itself is fairly clear, though as has been noted elsewhere, the colours are a little muted. The trailer shows more depth, but is very ropey. The main feature features some dirt and scratching (and for a few seconds a hair in the gate). But, seems in better shape than the last print I saw. The colours on both versions are bad - it seems that a good colour print does not exist for this picture. A little faded, some digital colour correction might have been welcome. However, it seems a small complaint. This is a little seen picture, which has been poorly represented for years. Some work has gone into the release and we should appreciate that.
The sound is a fine mono. Any problems are probably owing to the original source material (we would be foolish and ignorant to expect a pristine picture and sound of this film).

extras
DD always put together good packages on their releases. First up, the 24 page viewing notes by Jonathan Rigby and Marcus Hearn. Always a pleasure to read, and well presented with a selection of poster art and stills. Informative, if perhaps not objective enough (the notes would suggest this film for classic status, quicker than most would grant it).
The dvd itself contains a British theatrical trailer, which is quite dirty and jumpy in the frame. There is also a twenty-five minute interview between Marcus Hearn and the film's Wanda Ventham. Ms Ventham is delightful, and articulate, steered well by Hearn's research. The conversation covers not only this film, but her other cult work including Doctor Who and UFO.
There is also a fairly decent photo gallery with behind-the-scenes shots.

RJES

PURCHASE R2 DVD

DISC:
Release Date: 17th January 2005 (UK)

Feature length: 77 mins
Year of 1st release: 1967
Rating: 12
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 widescreen (anamorphic enhanced)
Audio: English 1.0 Dolby Digital Mono
No of Discs: 1
Region code: 2
Catalogue no: DD 07370
Distributor: DD Home Entertainment
Price: £15.99 (RRP)
Cast: Peter Cushing, Robert Flemyng, Wanda Ventham
Director: Vernon Sewell

SPECIAL FEATURES:
* scene selection
* Original UK theatrical trailer
* Exclusive Wanda Ventham interview
* Photo Gallery
* 24 page booklet

see left for full details