‘Vampire Zombies from Space’ Blu-ray Review
Stars: Lloyd Kaufman, Judith O’Dea, Simon Reynolds, Shane Nelson, David Liebe Hart, Nicholas Shields, Catherine Valle, Jessica Antovski | Written by Mike Stasko, Jakob Skrzypa, Alex Forman | Directed by Mike Stasko
Revisiting 1950s sci-fi through modern eyes is an absolute joy. These films were never intended to be campy, but with decades of advances in knowledge, technology, and filmmaking craft behind us, many now play as unintentionally hilarious snapshots of another era. That gap between earnest intent and dated execution is a huge part of their enduring charm.
That same affection for the genre runs through Vampire Zombies from Space, a new film co-written and directed by Mike Stasko. It’s a genuine love letter to 1950s sci-fi horror, embracing the spirit, tone, and excesses of the era rather than mocking them. And honestly, with a title like that, you already know you’re settling in for a knowingly camp, thoroughly enjoyable ride.
In 1957, a quiet town is turned upside down when Dracula returns with a new plan to take over the world-by raising an army of vampire zombies from outer space. As the undead spread through the streets, a group of unlikely heroes must band together to stop the invasion before it’s too late.
There’s a definite Plan 9 from Outer Space vibe running through this film – and that’s meant as a compliment, not a jab. Plan 9 may be infamous as one of the “worst films ever made,” but its earnestness and overwhelming camp have long since turned it into a hugely entertaining cult favourite. Vampire Zombies from Space taps into that same energy, delivering something that’s knowingly silly, wildly charming, and a whole lot of fun to watch.
Viewers will also spot a few familiar faces along the way. There’s a gloriously odd cameo from Lloyd Kaufman, best known as the driving force behind Troma Entertainment. Even more delightful, though, is the appearance of Vampira, played by Judith O’Dea – forever iconic as Barbara in Night of the Living Dead. Seeing her pop up here feels like a loving nod to genre history, and it’s easily one of the film’s most rewarding touches.
Cleopatra Entertainment have transferred Vampire Zombies from Space to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in widescreen format. There are two English audio tracks: a 5.1 surround sound and a 2.0 stereo track. Finally, there is the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Vampire Zombies from Space is presented in black and white, exactly as it should be. That said, it almost looks too clean on Blu-ray. The image is so crisp and sharp that it slightly undercuts the 1950s B-horror aesthetic the film is clearly aiming for. A touch of grit – some dirt, debris, or even a few scratches – might have gone a long way toward enhancing that vintage feel and making it look even more authentically of its era.
Special Features:
- Audio Commentary
- Deleted Scenes
- Promotional Clips
- Slide Show
- Trailers
For me, a strong audio commentary is always a welcome extra. It adds real value by digging deeper into the production, offering insight into not just how certain scenes were shot, but why specific creative choices were made. The inclusion of deleted scenes and promotional material rounds out the package nicely, making the bonus features feel thoughtfully curated rather than just tacked on.
Let’s be honest: Vampire Zombies from Space isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. This is a film made squarely for fans of 1950s schlock cinema, and it wears that love proudly on its sleeve. If that’s your thing, you’ll absolutely get a kick out of it – just don’t go in expecting anything more than that. Set your expectations accordingly, grab some popcorn and a soda, and enjoy the camp for what it is.
***½ 3.5/5
Vampire Zombies from Space is out now on Blu-ray and DVD in the US from Cleopatra Entertainment. Whilst Lightbulb Distribution have released the film on DVD only in the UK.
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