Vampyres Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Vampyres" adheres faithfully to its original 1974 indie-shocker essence, adorned with an AVC MPEG-4 encode at 1.85:1. This film's transfer to 1080p underlines its historical fidelity without betraying its low-budget roots through unnecessary digital noise reduction (DNR) or other forms of digital enhancement. The result is a visual experience that's authentically grubby, reflecting the film's era with a palette that leans towards the drab and grainy. Despite its age and the minimal restoration efforts, this release surprisingly reveals more details than previous versions, especially in darker sequences which, though slightly denser than before, show a commendable depth and solidity in blacks. Daylight scenes and certain close-ups display a noticeable improvement in visibility, showcasing the film's limited yet effectively utilized color scheme wherein blood and warm tones of skin stand out against predominantly dull settings. The preservation of filmic texture and absence of digital artifacts speaks volumes of Blue Underground's dedication to maintaining the original visual intent of "Vampyres," thus offering a transfer that, while inherently flawed due to the source material's limitations, provides a satisfactorily authentic viewing experience.

Despite its best efforts, the transfer exhibits varying levels of detail and clarity, often impacted by the original film stock's quality. Outdoor scenes sometimes suffer in terms of sharpness, notably in vegetation which can appear clumpy and indistinct. Nevertheless, the film carries a fair amount of textural detail in interiors, notably in clothing and furnishings, that lends a certain richness to the image. Skin tones are rendered neutrally, extending a continuous visual theme across the movie's characters. Colors generally appear muted but accurate to the film's original aesthetic, with occasional vibrant exceptions that somewhat alleviate the overall flatness of the presentation. This Blu-ray release, while not perfect due to source-related limitations, strikes an impressive balance between preserving the natural film grain and achieving a level of fine detail that surpasses previous home video editions. In embracing the movie's inherent gritty charm, Blue Underground successfully appeals to both long-time fans and newcomers curious about this low-budget cult classic's visual restoration.

The Blu-ray release of "Vampyres" comes equipped with an ambitious audio upgrade, showcasing a multi-channel lossless surround alongside the original mono mix and a Dolby Digital 5.1 EX track. Despite these efforts by Blue Underground to modernize the 1974 movie's auditory experience, the end result yields mixed outcomes. The inclusion of a DTS HD Master Audio 7.1-channel mix and a 7.1-channel DTS lossless mix may suggest an immersive audio experience, yet, the film naturally limits the efficacy of this modern sound technology due to its originally monaural sound design. This results in a predominantly front-heavy soundscape, where even though certain atmospheric effects—like the low humming within castle interiors and brief outdoor ambient sounds, such as thunder or rainfall—suggest a broader spatial awareness, they do little to enhance the overall auditory immersion.

The updated audio tracks reveal improvements in dialogue clarity and provide some degree of depth to the film's soundscape during key sequences, notably the opening title sequence and certain interior scenes that benefit from a more pronounced ambient support. However, rear channel activity remains underutilized, with potential atmospheric enhancements like wind effects in tunnels, distant thunder, or rainfall failing to envelop the listener effectively. The occasional sound effects, such as gunshots or screams, are somewhat more distinct across these re-engineered tracks, but do not manage to escape the constraints of the film's original sound design.

Despite these advancements, "Vampyres" does not fully benefit from its audio overhaul. The effort to enhance the film’s audio presentation is evident and does provide the clearest version yet of its soundtrack. Still, inherent limitations due to dubbing issues and a fundamentally front-centered mix mean that the immersive potential of multi-channel audio isn't fully realized. Blue Underground's effort to satisfy audiophiles by including the original mono track alongside the enhanced versions is commendable, yet it's clear that fidelity to the source material imposes natural constraints on how dynamically the film’s audio can be experienced.

The extra features on the Blu-Ray edition of "Vampyres" offer an intriguing glimpse behind the curtain of this cult classic, blending technical insights with whimsical anecdotes. The standout is undoubtedly the audio commentary by director José Ramón Larraz and producer Brian Smedley-Aston; their camaraderie and contrasting styles provide an insightful and often humorous look into the movie's production. Larraz's unfiltered reminiscences, coupled with Aston's more measured tone, create a compelling listen that covers everything from casting choices to European vs. American filmmaking practices. Equally engaging are the interviews with stars Marianne Morris and Anulka in "Return of the Vampyres," where they share candid memories of the shoot, from the challenges of filming certain scenes to the impact the film had on their careers. Rounded off with both the International and U.S. trailers, these extras enrich the viewing experience, offering both enlightening and entertaining perspectives on the film's legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A lively discussion featuring director José Ramón Larraz and producer Brian Smedley-Aston.
• Return of the Vampyres: Interviews with stars Marianne Morris and Anulka, diving into their experiences during and after the film's production.
• Trailers: Both the International and U.S. trailers for "Vampyres".

"Vampyres," a cinematic oddity from the 1970s, finds itself caught between the reverence of niche movie champions and the disdain of critics unimpressed by its exploitative blend. The film diverges from traditional horror, venturing into the realms of sleaze-shocker with an erotic edge that may either entice or repel viewers. Languidly paced yet brimming with steamy encounters and bloodletting, it provides a veritable feast for those with an appetite for cinematic offerings that eschew mainstream appeal for something more lurid and visceral. Despite a plot that can seem threadbare to the point of nonexistence, the film's allure lies in its unabashed presentation of carnal pleasures intertwined with horror, all set against the backdrop of a drearily atmospheric English countryside.

Central to the film are Fran and Miriam, two bisexual vampires whose predatory escapades involve seducing men under the guise of hitchhikers, only to reveal their true nefarious intentions at their ominous, cobweb-laden abode. This blend of eroticism and horror is accentuated by a visual style that's both haunting and captivating, bolstered by Harry Waxman's cinematography. Yet, it's not without its flaws; critiques have been leveled at the film's disregard for conventional vampire lore and a score that grates more than it enhances. Furthermore, the movie's pace drags, a point of contention that has marred its reception among wider audiences.

However, it's precisely these unconventional choices that have earned "Vampyres" its cult status, distinguishing it within the exploitation genre as a piece both of its time and timeless in its engagement with themes of seduction and gore. Blue Underground's Blu-ray release treats fans to an uncut version, enriching the viewing experience with commentary and interviews that shed light on the "dirty old days" of its production. Though its appeal may be decidedly niche, "Vampyres" remains a testament to a period when filmmakers dared to indulge their wildest creative impulses, for better or worse, leaving a legacy that still captivates those drawn to cinema's darker, more decadent corners.

"Vampyres" garners mixed reactions as an example of low-budget, erotic, and exploitative filmmaking, showcasing aspects both commendable and lacking. Its narrative is often criticized for being unconvincing and meandering, with performances that might not hold up to critical scrutiny. Despite these pitfalls, it carves a niche for itself among cult cinema enthusiasts, primarily for its audacity and unique place within the lesbian vampire exploitation genre. The Blu-ray release by Blue Underground is met with a lukewarm reception; it delivers a satisfactory technical presentation considering the film’s age and budgetary constraints. However, fans of the movie might find the omission of certain supplements from previous DVD editions a point of contention.

The visuals and audio quality receive acknowledgement for their clarity and fidelity to the source material, enhancing the viewing experience for a film that capitalizes on its erotic and horror elements. This particular release though sparks a debate due to its trimmed down extras, potentially diminishing the overall value for collectors and aficionados of such niche film works. Nonetheless, for those with a penchant for cult and unusual cinema, particularly within the realms of sex and horror, this edition of "Vampyres" holds a certain allure. Its status as a cult classic in some circles speaks to its enduring appeal despite its shortcomings and the evolving tastes of contemporary audiences.

Conclusively, the Blu-ray presentation of "Vampyres" by Blue Underground serves as a competent but not exceptional addition to the collections of cult cinema enthusiasts. It excels in bringing the film’s unique aesthetic and thematic elements into sharper relief through improved audio and visual quality. While it may not win over newcomers due to its inherent flaws and somewhat dated shock value, it remains a noteworthy piece for those deeply invested in the exploration of cinematic curiosities. The release is thus recommended with reservations; it will likely satisfy fans of the genre looking to revisit or complete their collections, but it might not extend its appeal far beyond this niche audience.