‘Revenge of the Blood Beast’ Blu-ray Review

Stars: Barbara Steele, Ian Ogilvy, John Karlsen, Mel Welles, Joe ‘Flash’ Riley, Richard Watson, Lucretia Love, Peter Grippe | Written and Directed by Michael Reeves

Revenge of the Blood Beast, also known as The She-Beast, is a 1966 horror film directed by Michael Reeves. This movie is a unique blend of Gothic horror and campy humour, which offers a curious mix of eerie atmosphere and unintentional comedy.

The story revolves around a newlywed couple, Philip and Veronica, who are honeymooning in Transylvania. They encounter an eccentric innkeeper and a deranged scientist, Count von Helsing. An ancient witch, executed centuries ago, is resurrected and possesses Veronica, leading to a series of supernatural events. Barbara Steele, known for her roles in Gothic horror films, stars as Veronica. Her performance is captivating and adds a layer of authenticity to the supernatural elements of the film. Ian Ogilvy, as Philip, delivers a solid performance, balancing the horror and absurdity of the situation.

Michael Reeves’ direction showcases his potential, despite the film’s low budget. The cinematography by Giorgos Arvanitis is notable, particularly in the atmospheric scenes set in the eerie Transylvanian countryside. The use of shadows and lighting effectively creates a Gothic ambience, enhancing the horror elements. The script, co-written by Michael Reeves and F. Amos Powell, oscillates between horror and campy humour. While some lines are unintentionally funny, they add to the charm of the film. The dialogue is a mix of cliché horror tropes and quirky exchanges, which might not be to everyone’s taste but contributes to the film’s unique character.

Given the era and budget constraints, the special effects and makeup are rudimentary but serve their purpose. The transformation scenes, where the witch possesses Veronica, are particularly noteworthy, though they might appear dated to modern audiences. Unfortunately, the film’s pacing is uneven, with some scenes dragging while others move too quickly. The editing, however, manages to keep the narrative coherent, ensuring that the audience remains engaged.

Revenge of the Blood Beast is a product of its time and its charm lies in its blend of Gothic horror and campiness. It offers a nostalgic glimpse into 1960s horror cinema, with performances that stand out despite the film’s limitations. Fans of classic horror and Barbara Steele will appreciate this film for its atmospheric direction and unique take on the supernatural genre.

While it may not be a masterpiece, Revenge of the Blood Beast is an entertaining watch for those who enjoy vintage horror films. Its mix of eerie settings, quirky characters, and Gothic elements make it a cult classic worth exploring.

Special Features:

• Audio commentary with Paul Maslansky, Ian Ogilvy and Barbara Steele, moderated by filmmaker David Gregory (2007)
• Newly filmed interview with star Ian Ogilvy (2024)
• Newly filmed interview with author and critic Kim Newman (2024)
• Archival audio interview with Barbara Steele
• Original trailer
• Reversible sleeve featuring artwork based on original posters
• Limited edition booklet by Kevin Lyons, author of The Encyclopedia of Fantastic Film and Television

Revenge of the Blood Beast is out now on limited edition Blu-ray from Raro Video.