BEST SPANISH HORROR BLU-RAY RELEASES OF 2019
by Robert Monell
BLOOD HUNGER: The Films of Jose Larraz (Arrow Video)–Three key films by the Spanish maestro of the erotic horror-thriller. This limited edition includes his long-thought-lost debut film, WHIRLPOOL, a 1970 psycho-thriller introducing Karl Lanchbury as Larraz’s resident sociopath. A rattling score by Stelvio Cipriani and the erotic presence of iconic model Vivian Neves drive this twisted chronicle of voyeurism, sadism, photography, sexual violence and murder. Also included are his 1974 Gothic vampire classic, VAMPYRES, and the Spanish-shot, menage-a-trois driven study of sexual and class role playing which explodes into brutal murder. Audio commentaries by Tim Lucas, Kat Ellinger, Samm Deighan, an 80 page booklet and much, much more make this a must-have and my own #1 favorite Spanish horror Blu-ray of the year. All three films are gorgeously restored in 2K from original film elements.
ASSIGNMENT TERROR (Ronin Flix-Scorpion Releasing)–Eye popping colors, crystal clear video quality, precise 2.40:1 framing and an uncut print make viewing this sci-fi monster rally a pleasure to behold. Alternate credit sequences, Spanish and English language tracks, liner notes by Mirek Lipinski, a commentary, and more are included as Special Features. Throw away all those old DVD-Rs and video dupes, this is the definitive release of this Paul Naschy werewolf epic.
THE MUMMY’S REVENGE (Ronin Flix-Scorpion Releasing)– Paul Naschy’s rampaging Egyptian mummy flick has never looked so sharp and colorful as here. Both the extended, composite Spanish cut and English language versions are included, along with liner notes by Mirek Lipinski, a commentary track and trailers.
DEVIL’S KISS (Redemption). This HD release of Jordi Gigo’s 1975 occult edged zombie mash-up features upgraded video quality and an extended runtime, including additional erotic footage, which makes the previous Redemption DVD release obsolete. French and English language tracks included.
THE CORRUPTION OF CHRIS MILLER (Vinegar Syndrome): Juan Antonio Bardem’s 1972 bloody, erotic psychological drama involving serial murders in Spain, a suspicious drifter and a frustrated woman, brilliantly played by Jean Seberg. Written by Santiago Moncada (A BELL FROM HELL) this is top- 10 Spanish horror. An excellent 4K transfer from the 35mm camera negatives. This is the complete, uncut version of the film. Includes the English and Spanish language tracks, the alternate Spanish ending and an interview with the director among the Special Features.
SECTA SINIESTRA “BLOODY SECT” (Vinegar Syndrome): This dazzling 2K scan from original elements makes Iqnacio Iquino’s blood spattered Satanic thriller seem aglow with morbid atmosphere and menace. Includes an audio commentary by Kat Ellinger.
ATTACK OF THE ROBOTS (Redemption): Jess Franco’s1966 Eurospy adventure is actually a satiric, subversive sci-thriller thriller featuring Eddie Constantine as a secret agent on the trail of kidnap victims turned into robotic techno-zombie assassins created by a secret organization seeking world domination. The Gaumont elements shine in this glorious black and white scan. Includes the English and French language tracks and a Tim Lucas audio commentary.
THE KILLER OF DOLLS (Mondo Macabro): A detailed,disturbing psychoanalytic study of a young medical student turned serial killer features a brilliant performance by David Rocha (EL CAMINANTE) and surrealist drenched direction by Miquel Madrid (GRAVEYARD OF HORROR). The Blu-ray debut of a haunting, obscure 1974 thrille which bears comparison to Alfred Hitchcock’s PSYCHO. A 4K transfer from film elements. Special Features include 2 audio commentary tracks, one by myself and Rodney Barnett, a separate track by Kat Ellinger, along with an interview with David Rocha.
(C) Robert Monell, 2019
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Robert Monell is a filmmaker, writer, critic and blogger. He is the creator and editor of I’M IN A JESS FRANCO STATE OF MIND and CINEMADROME www.cinemadrome.yuku.com. His films include the screenplays for the web series RETURN OF THE BLOODSUCKING NAZI ZOMBIES, the short feature ZOMBIE 2024
