Count Yorga, Vampire Blu-ray Review

"Count Yorga, Vampire" receives a commendable AVC encoded 1080p transfer, presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio that remains faithful to its original presentation. The transfer captures a heavy but well-integrated grain structure, providing a textured, natural film look. Particularly in brightly lit scenes, the color palette is vivid with an impressive array of rich primaries. Reds are notably vivid, delivering Hammer-esque blood tones that enhance the visual appeal. Despite the occasional softness inherent to the original material, the overall detail is strong, allowing for an appreciation of facial features and period costume details.

Black levels in this transfer are strong, with deep, inky blacks that maintain scene integrity. However, there are rare instances of minor crush in darker scenes, but these do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. The film's age shows little undue wear, as the elements used exhibit no significant damage. The result is an authentic and organic presentation retaining fine film grain for a satisfying level of detail and texture. While not meeting contemporary standards of sharpness, "Count Yorga, Vampire" leverages its robust color palette and grain management to provide an engaging and visually robust high-definition experience.

The audio presentation of “Count Yorga, Vampire” on Blu-ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono mix that robustly supports the film’s dialogue, sound effects, and Bill Marx's haunting score. The mono track, although narrow, impressively captures midrange and low-end vibrancy, particularly in more intense sequences. Fidelity is notably consistent throughout, with clear dialogue and an immersive midrange presence that enhances the viewing experience. The track exhibits no issues with age-related artifacts, hiss, or dropouts, ensuring a pristine auditory experience.

This DTS-HD MA 1.0 mix shows its strength in atmospheric scenes with discernible ambient background effects such as subtle wind that enrich the film's tension. The score by Bill Marx maintains a vibrant presence, smoothly driving the narrative forward during scenes devoid of synchronized sound recording. Despite its mono format leading to a somewhat flat audio depth, it remains well-suited for the film’s requirements, with dialogue that is crisp and clear. Additionally, English SDH subtitles are available for accessibility, rounding out a technically proficient and immersive audio presentation without detracting from the overall quality.

The Blu-ray release of "Count Yorga, Vampire" includes a compelling selection of supplemental material, crafted with both depth and variety to enhance viewer appreciation of the film. The audio commentary by notable film historians David Del Valle and Tim Sullivan is engaging and offers ample insights into the production and legacy of the movie. "My Dinner With Yorga: The Robert Quarry Rue Morgue Interview" is a unique audio supplement where Del Valle and Sullivan perform an interview reenactment, providing a wealth of information about Robert Quarry and the film's creation. The "Fangirl Radio Tribute to Robert Quarry" features a heartfelt discussion between Tim Sullivan and the show’s host, Jessica Dwyer, offering personal anecdotes and tributes. The disc also includes two rich still galleries, showcasing images from MGM Archives and Tim Sullivan's personal collection, alongside isolated score tracks and classic trailers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth discussion by film historians David Del Valle and Tim Sullivan.
• My Dinner With Yorga: The Robert Quarry Rue Morgue Interview: A reenacted interview with Quarry read by David Del Valle and Tim Sullivan.
• Fangirl Radio Tribute to Robert Quarry: An interview tribute featuring Tim Sullivan and Fangirl's Jessica Dwyer.
• Still Gallery: The MGM Archives: Production stills and poster images.
• Still Gallery: The Tim Sullivan Archives: Personal photos and articles written by Tim Sullivan.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Classic promotional trailer.
• MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: Celebratory studio trailer.
• Isolated Score Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.

"Count Yorga, Vampire," a cult classic from 1970, started as a low-budget softcore porn project before transforming into a horror flick that satirizes and modernizes the Dracula mythos. The film stars Robert Quarry as the suave yet menacing Count Yorga, who relocates to Los Angeles to act as a medium while preying on his clients. Yorga's charm masks his true nature, leading to unsettling scenes such as a disorienting séance and a spine-chilling vampiric attack after a car gets stuck in the Count’s mucky driveway.

While injecting some humor and erotica into the horror genre, the film taps into contemporaneous influences, including the gothic touch of Hammer Films and the psychological themes seen in Dark Shadows’ Barnabas Collins. Despite a modest budget, "Count Yorga, Vampire" manages to maintain an eerie atmosphere, complemented by Robert Quarry's performance, which oscillates between refined gentleman and ferocious vampire. The film never fully crosses into camp but maintains an undercurrent of tension and kitsch.

Visually, the movie juxtaposes 70s Southern California settings with traditional vampire lore. The cinematography and production design create a memorable contrast between the contemporary and the supernatural. While the narrative follows familiar vampire tropes—complete with puncture wounds and nocturnal transformations—it introduces clever plot twists that keep viewers engaged without relying on high-stakes thrills. Although some aspects may seem dated or unintentionally humorous to modern audiences, the film’s slow burn and climactic raid on Yorga's mansion provide a satisfying payoff. Quarry's nuanced portrayal elevates the film, ensuring its place as an enduring piece of horror cinema.

"Count Yorga, Vampire" deftly blends cheeky humor with traditional vampire lore, making for an entertaining modern-day reboot. Robert Quarry shines as the titular Count, delivering a performance that strikes a balance between menacing and playful. The supporting cast ranges from competent to highly commendable, contributing to the film's enjoyable atmosphere. While it may not redefine the genre, "Count Yorga, Vampire" offers plenty of goofy fun, making it a worthwhile watch for those seeking a mix of horror and humor.

From a technical standpoint, this Twilight Time Blu-ray release excels in delivering a pleasing high-definition audiovisual presentation. The movie's sense of dread and foreboding is well-preserved, enhanced by the HD quality that highlights its eerie cinematography and sound design. Supplementing the excellent A/V presentation are a variety of enjoyable extras that add substantial value to the package. These features cater to both longtime fans and newcomers alike, offering deeper insights into the film’s production and legacy.

In conclusion, "Count Yorga, Vampire's" humor may have missed the typical vampire target of the neck by being cheeky instead, but it's one of the elements that makes this modern-day reboot of vampire lore so enjoyable. Quarry is a lot of fun as the eternally thirsty Count, and the supporting cast is generally okay to very good. The film may not reinvent the wheel (and/or the fang), but it's good, goofy fun most of the time. Technical merits are generally very good to excellent, and some of the supplements are quite enjoyable. Recommended.