Strange Love of the Vampires Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Strange Love of the Vampires" arrives with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer, presented in the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Sourced from a 2022 2K scan of the camera negative, the film benefits from a significant restoration effort, offering enthusiasts an uncut viewing experience for the first time. The Blu-ray’s video quality evokes a robust portrayal of the film's gritty 1974 Spanish aesthetic, although not without some noticeable drawbacks. The color timing occasionally skews towards yellows, impacting overall consistency and detracting from the otherwise commendable saturation. Moreover, the presentation suffers from mild crushing and variable detail, with some scenes appearing unnaturally bright and overshadowing the period's characteristic Gothic tone.

While Severin Films has aimed to make significant improvements with this release, minor issues persist due to original print damage and telecine wobble inherent in the source material. Despite these imperfections, the transfer remains a considerable enhancement over previous versions, with natural grain retention helping to maintain an authentic filmic texture. The feature runs for a complete 88 minutes on a BD-50 disc, yet certain parts feel less resolved for the 1080p resolution, possibly due to lower-quality elements being integrated into the restoration.

Overall, while the Blu-ray boasts moments of fine visual integrity, these are interspersed with segments that unfortunately offer only middling definition and clarity. The age-related wear is minimal and generally unobtrusive, but the uneven video quality yields a less than stellar viewing experience that might leave some aficionados yearning for a more consistently refined presentation.

The audio presentation of "Strange Love of the Vampires" on Blu-ray is delivered through DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono, available in both English and Spanish tracks. The tracks, consistent with the film's mid-70s European roots, exhibit typical characteristics such as muffled dialogue and occasional fidelity distortion, indicative of dubbing inherent in period productions. Despite these imperfections, the audio channels provide a clear rendering of dialogue and a robust reproduction of the soundtrack elements, with stand-out moments including the fuzz guitar cues.

In terms of audio authenticity, the Spanish track proves slightly more advantageous for viewers who seek a closer approximation to the original performances. Many cast members voice their characters in their native language on this track, making it preferable for those prioritizing linguistic authenticity unless subtitles significantly detract from the viewing experience. The English track, while adequate, does possess a somewhat less synchronized quality with visible dissonance in certain upper frequency regions.

Opt for the Spanish audio with English subtitles for a moderately enhanced auditory experience. All tracks come with optional English SDH (for English audio) and standard English subtitles (for Spanish audio) presented in a legible white font, ensuring viewer accessibility across audio preferences.

The extras for the Blu-Ray release of "Strange Love of the Vampires" provide a comprehensive exploration into the Spanish Gothic genre, marked by diverse, insightful content that enhances the viewing experience for enthusiasts and scholars alike. Kat Ellinger's audio commentary offers an expert analysis of the distinctions between Italian and Spanish Gothic cinema, while spotlighting Klimovsky's unique directorial approach. Ángel Sala’s segment provides an engaging critique from the Sitges Film Festival perspective. The disc includes insightful interviews, such as Juan José Porto's reflection on his writing influences and José Lifante's experiences, contributing valuable firsthand accounts. Xavier Aldana Reyes’ video essay delivers a thorough examination of Spain's cinematic vampire lore, weaving the fabric of the country's horror heritage. The alternate Spanish title sequence adds an intriguing visual variation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Kat Ellinger: Expert discussion on Gothic cinema and Klimovsky.
• A Deadly Invitation to Another Dimension: Appreciation by Ángel Sala.
• Leo's Signature: Interview with writer Juan José Porto.
• Dead Man Walking: Interview with actor José Lifante.
• Spain's Cinematic Vampires: Video essay by Xavier Aldana Reyes.
• Alternate Spanish Title Sequence: Visual variation from the original release.

The film Strange Love of the Vampires, also known under the alternate title Night of the Walking Dead, directed by León Klimovsky, stands as a Spanish Gothic cult gem presented in the visually compelling Danza Macabra: Volume Three - The Spanish Gothic Collection by Severin. This collection promises newfound clarity with fresh scans directly from the original negatives, bringing forth a distinct allure true to the Gothic essence. The settings resonate with the expected atmospheric dread inherent to the genre, enriched by its vivid cinematography and carefully crafted mise-en-scène. The film's transfer on Blu-ray significantly highlights its deep, shadowy aesthetics, ensuring a rich viewing experience integral to appreciating Klimovsky’s cinematic approach.

Narratively, Strange Love of the Vampires develops a compelling tale set against the backdrop of 1970s Spain, drawing audiences into a story steeped in forbidden romance and haunting Gothic undertones. The plot centers around the enchantingly portrayed Catherine (Emma Cohen) who encounters Count Rudolph (Carlos Ballesteros), invoking themes of seduction interwoven with fear, as she finds herself entrapped in his world. Klimovsky skillfully crafts his vampires not only as bloodthirsty antagonists but as characters embedded with surprising loneliness and depth—an evolution from conventional tropes. The Count emerges with an Old World charm that anticipates later iterations seen in films like Frank Langella's and Bram Stoker’s Draculas, offering viewers both romance and horror.

Despite its reliance on classic vampire motifs compounded with Gothic romance, the film punctuates these familiar elements through innovative narrative turns. It interjects layers of thematic exploration, particularly concerning identity and existential contemplation through Count Rudolph’s moral quandaries and Catherine’s bold realizations. The closing act uniquely defies standard genre conventions, facilitating a memorable impact. For both aficionados of cult horror and enthusiasts of compelling B-movie cinema, Strange Love of the Vampires offers an enthralling departure from traditional horror fare, pairing its atmospheric dread with an emotional resonance that lingers post-viewing.

The Blu-ray release of "Strange Love of the Vampires" presents a visually striking restoration that highlights director León Klimovsky's Gothic flair. Featuring the captivating Emma Cohen, this stately vampire film offers a nostalgic trip back to the classic themes of horror cinema. The cinematography embraces a rich, atmospheric texture, emphasizing the grandeur and mystery typical of Klimovsky's work. However, some viewers might feel the film treads deeply in familiar waters, rehashing traditional vampire tropes seen across the genre's history, from "Nosferatu" to "Dracula." Despite this, it also makes an earnest attempt to inject fresh elements into its narrative.

The Blu-ray's technical merits are commendable, providing a crisp picture quality that enhances the film's detailed set design and moody lighting. The audio quality complements the visuals, maintaining clarity throughout dialogue-heavy scenes and more intense moments. Severin's meticulous curation is evident in the selection of bonus features. These supplemental materials are both insightful and enriching, offering viewers additional context about the film's production and its place within the broader vampire genre.

In conclusion, "Strange Love of the Vampires" is a peculiar yet intriguing addition to any fan's collection. It successfully blends classic Gothic elements with attempts at innovation. While some may wish for a bolder narrative that steers away from well-worn clichés, the solid technical presentation and valuable bonus content on this Blu-ray make it a worthwhile acquisition for aficionados of vampire cinema.